Abby Frey

What do you do for a living? I’m a school counselor, grief specialist, and teacher of Positive Psychology and Happiness Studies.

How did you first connect with Herren Project? Bringing Chris Herren to our school was a powerful experience.. His visit stayed with me. Two months later, I launched a Herren Project Club to keep that spark alive and give students a space to connect and support.

What is your interest in/connection to recovery? In my 30s, I lost my father, uncle, and cousin to suicide. The pattern of male suicide in my family was heartbreaking and frightening. I believe unresolved grief played a role—and the lack of access to support and prevention services made it even harder to bear. That loss lit a fire in me to become an advocate for change, for my family and for others.

Who is someone who inspires you? The helpers—the people who show up when others need it most. People who serve. I remind my children to always look for them.

What’s your favorite pastime or hobby? Running, reading, learning, and spending time playing in the sun and sand.

What are you most proud of? My family. My discipline. And the mindset I’ve developed through both struggle and strength.

What does serving as a Herren Project Ambassador mean to you? It’s an honor to be part of a mission that’s already made a deep impact on my life and many others’. It brings me so much joy to watch others persevere through challenges and identify and cultivate their strengths.