Maddie's Story: The Heart Behind The Mentor Well

 ⚠️ Content Warning: This article discusses suicide and loss. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate support.

Chris Coulter Author

September 9, 2025

Chris Coulter, Author & CEO and Co-Founder, The Mentor Well

Reviewed by Belinda Morey, Subject Matter Expert

Author Chris Coulter is an entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and proud father driven by a personal mission: to create a world where every young person feels seen, supported, and capable. After losing his 14-year-old daughter Maddie to suicide, Chris transformed unimaginable pain into purpose, dedicating his life to youth mental health and emotional well-being. He founded The Mentor Well, an online mentorship platform designed to help teens and young adults build confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Chris believes that meaningful mentorship—especially from emotionally intelligent adults—can change the trajectory of a young life.

According to Chris Coulter

Maddie was my daughter, my bright light. She was kind, funny, and full of potential. At just 14, she was someone people gravitated toward—friends, teachers, and even strangers noticed her spark. But like many teens, she carried more than she let on.

Looking back, I can trace her struggles, even if I didn't fully recognize them at the time. My business went bankrupt, which meant financial uncertainty and stress that rippled through the family. We moved homes and schools—twice—uprooting her just when she started finding her footing. Maddie also had to navigate the painful reality of her parents' divorce. Each of these challenges piled up, creating an emotional weight no 14-year-old should have to bear.

Maddie didn't always know how to express her feelings, and to be honest, neither did I. She was trying to figure out the instruction manual for her emotions, and as her parent, I struggled to decode it alongside her. She started to pull away, like many teens do. I pushed harder, thinking more rules and structure would help—but that only widened the gap between us.

The Day Everything Changed

It was a regular Friday night when Maddie went out with friends. She was supposed to be home studying for exams, but instead, she'd snuck out. I found her at a party, crying, overwhelmed, hiding in a closet. I brought her home, tucked her into bed, kissed her forehead, and said, "Tomorrow's a new day."

But that night, Maddie tried to end her life for the first time. I didn't know what to do. I wanted to protect her, fix things, and make it all better. But the truth is, I didn't have the tools. None of us did. Maddie needed support that went beyond what I, or even therapy, could provide. She needed a safe space to express herself without fear of judgment—a trusted guide to help her process the chaos of growing up.

Maddie's story ended in tragedy. We lost her to suicide when she was just 14. Losing her was the most painful experience of my life, but her memory has become my greatest motivation.

The Mentor Well

The Mentor Well exists because we can do better for teens like Maddie. It's a program designed to give young people the support they need when parenting alone isn't enough and therapy isn't always the right fit.

Teens often resist therapy. They feel it's too formal, too clinical, or simply unnecessary. They need a neutral ground where they can explore their emotions, share their fears, and ask questions. Mentors provide that space. They're not parents or therapists; they're relatable guides who listen without judgment, share their experiences, and help teens navigate the complexities of growing up. Through mentorship, teens can build confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence—the tools Maddie needed, and so many others still do.

The Thriving Zone

At the heart of The Mentor Well is what I call The Thriving Zone. It's where teens test their independence, push boundaries, and explore who they are. It's also where they need the most guidance. Without support, this zone can feel overwhelming—full of self-doubt, confusion, and isolation. But with the right mentor, it becomes a growth space, where teens learn to navigate life's challenges and discover their potential.

Maddie didn't have a mentor in her Thriving Zone. I wonder every day how her story might have been different if she'd had someone to turn to—a trusted role model who could have helped her carry the weight of everything she was feeling.

Why This Work Matters

The Mentor Well isn't just a program; it's Maddie's legacy. It's a way to honor her by ensuring that no teen has to feel like they're facing life alone.

I want parents to know it's OK if you don't have all the answers. It's OK if you need help. And I want teens to know you're not broken—you're just figuring things out, and that's what growing up is all about.

Through mentorship, we can bridge the gaps between parents and teens, giving both the tools they need to navigate this journey. Maddie's story reminds me every day that even in our most challenging moments, we have the power to create something meaningful—something that can change lives.

This is why I do what I do. This is why The Mentor Well exists: to ensure that no teen feels unseen and no parent feels powerless.

Learn more or get support at The Mentor Well.

Chris Coulter lives in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

If Maddie's story moved you, please share this article. Your voice might help another family feel less alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or reach out to a trusted adult, mentor, or mental health professional.