Meet the Founder & Executive Director

Joshua Sisco, MS-CMHC, BSC, CFE

Josh is a Suicidologist and the Executive Director of The Mandy Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Behavioral Health. He is also the Advocacy Co-Chair for the Arkansas Chapter Board of Directors with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). In addition, Josh is a certified Compassion Fatigue Educator and is developing a specialized program focused on mental health and suicide prevention for first responders.

Josh founded The Mandy Foundation in 2025 it was originally launched as The Mandy Initiative for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Education in 2024 in memory of his best friend, Amanda “Mandy” Faye Fogg, who died by suicide in 2017. The Foundation is dedicated to providing access to trusted suicide prevention and mental health resources for the general public, first responders, and veterans while honoring Mandy’s legacy by creating hope and saving lives.

Josh holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Criminology. His professional experience includes work with the Forensic Outpatient Restoration Program (FORP), the Northwest Arkansas Regional Crisis Stabilization Unit, and serving as a volunteer crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line. While working with FORP and during his clinical internship, he provided restoration services and conducted mental health evaluations for incarcerated individuals across eight Arkansas counties.

Josh actively leads and participates in suicide prevention efforts statewide, including collaborating with lawmakers on initiatives like The Armory Project to reduce firearm suicides. He also supported the passage of Act 231 (HB1256), which facilitates provisional licensure for new Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates an important step toward expanding Arkansas’ mental health workforce and improving access to care.

Fueled by personal loss, professional experience, and a passion for advocacy, Josh is committed to building a future where mental health education, compassionate support, and suicide prevention are within reach for everyone.

Education

Master of Science

University of Phoenix

Major: Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Josh holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. This program provided a comprehensive foundation in mental health counseling, focusing on therapeutic techniques, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. It covered key areas such as human development, ethical practices, and multicultural competence, with an emphasis on developing skills to work with diverse populations and address various mental health concerns. The curriculum also incorporated practical clinical training, preparing students for licensure and professional practice in counseling.

Bachelors of Science

University of Central Arkansas

Major: Criminology

Minor: Addiction Studies (18 hours)

Joshua holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology with a minor in Addiction Studies from the University of Central Arkansas. His criminology education focused on the study of criminal justice systems, crime theory, and social responses to criminal behavior, with coursework in areas such as juvenile delinquency, victimology, and crime prevention. He gained practical insights through opportunities like internships and applied research projects.

His minor in Addiction Studies provided specialized training in understanding substance abuse, its societal impacts, and intervention strategies. This combination equips him with a comprehensive understanding of crime, justice, and the intersecting challenges of addiction, preparing him to address complex issues in both fields.

Certifications

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute

Josh Sisco completed the Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) Introductory Training with ARBEST and UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute.

Compassion Fatigue Educator

Green Cross Academy of Traumatology (GCAT)

Josh is a Compassion Fatigue Educator certified by the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology (GCAT). In this role, he provides education and training to individuals and professionals to help them recognize, address, and prevent the effects of compassion fatigue. His certification reflects a deep commitment to fostering resilience and promoting wellness for those who work in trauma-exposed fields. Compassion fatigue, often called the “cost of caring,” can significantly impact professionals such as caregivers, counselors, first responders, and others dedicated to helping those in need. Through evidence-based strategies, practical interventions, and tailored resources, Josh empowers individuals to navigate the emotional toll of their work while maintaining their well-being.

Crisis Intervention Team Training (CIT)

Rogers Police Department

Josh has completed Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training through the Rogers Police Department. CIT is an internationally recognized program designed to equip law enforcement and mental health professionals with the skills needed to effectively respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Through this training, Josh gained advanced knowledge in de-escalation techniques, crisis communication, and strategies for connecting individuals in crisis with appropriate resources and care. CIT emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement, mental health providers, and community stakeholders to ensure safer and more compassionate responses to mental health emergencies.

Specialized Law Enforcement Certification (Non-Active)

Arkansas Division of Community Corrections

Josh holds a Specialized Law Enforcement Certification (Non-Active) through the Arkansas Division of Community Correction, reflecting his experience as a Probation, Parole, and Crisis Intervention Officer. This certification highlights his comprehensive training and expertise in working with justice-involved individuals, promoting public safety, and addressing crises effectively.

In this role, Josh was responsible for supervising individuals on probation and parole, ensuring compliance with court-ordered requirements while providing guidance and support to encourage positive behavioral change. His training in crisis intervention equipped him to de-escalate high-stress situations, connect individuals to appropriate resources, and navigate complex scenarios with professionalism and care.

Josh’s background in community corrections demonstrates his ability to work collaboratively within the criminal justice system, advocate for rehabilitation, and balance accountability with compassion. Although no longer active in this role, his experience continues to inform his work in trauma

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