Losing a child to suicide is unimaginable for any parent. Yet, Kurt and Tricia Baker have dedicated their lives to helping children, teens and young adults avoid struggling with mental health disorders in silence and eliminating the stigma that leads to that silence and, in many cases, a feeling of hopelessness and suicide. The Princeton couple established Attitudes in Reverse® (AIR™) in 2010, shortly after their son Kenny took his own life after a long battle with severe depression and anxiety. The Bakers are the winners of the $35,000 award. Since 2011, AIR has delivered its interactive educational presentation to more than 50,000 students in middle and high schools and colleges, primarily throughout New Jersey and several other states. This program, Coming Up for AIR™ is effective by helping young people feel comfortable discussing these difficult topics. The Bakers often bring therapy dogs with them to their presentations, giving students a sense of belonging and comfort. Another impactful component of the program is the IN THEIR SHOES™ exhibit, consisting of 265 pairs of shoes that represent the number of 10- to 24-years-old New Jersey residents who took their own lives over the past several years. The shoes have tags with statements representing thoughts youth have when they experience emotional or mental difficulties.

AIR believes good mental health programming is the best anti-bullying and suicide prevention plan. Offers a comprehensive mental health plan to educate youth, from elementary level through college-age, with  programs for parents, teachers and all school staff. Key to their programs are certified AIR dogs, therapy dogs that participate in school programs and other events.