Dr. LaVonne Fox, PhD, MOTR/L, serves as a Research Assistant Professor and Youth Outreach Specialist in the Bureau of Evaluation & Research Service at the University of North Dakota’s Department of Education, Health, and Behavioral Studies. As a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribal Nation, Dr. Fox is deeply connected to her roots, and is significantly aware of the far-reaching impact that suicide can have on families and communities. Her personal experiences within her extended family, along with observations in rural and tribal areas, have fueled her commitment to suicide prevention and promoting mental health and wellness.

With over 27 years of experience, Dr. Fox has previously held the position of Associate Professor in UND’s Occupational Therapy program and worked extensively across mental health facilities. She is actively engaged with ND Thrives, a SAMHSA-funded initiative aimed at preventing suicide among rural, tribal, and frontier youth aged 10-24 in North Dakota.