Conference Presentations
Wellness on the Front Line™
October 27-30, 2026
Additional speakers and presentations will be posted once finalized.
Presentations appear in alphabetic order by the presenter’s last name.
Matthew Barnes, Financial Fitness
PRESENTATION TITLE
“Why Aren’t We Talking Money?”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
This session explores why financial stress remains one of the most common yet least discussed challenges facing public safety professionals. We’ll discuss the impact financial stress can have on performance, relationships, mental wellness, and retirement readiness, while providing practical strategies attendees can immediately implement to improve their financial fitness and gain greater control over their future.
Bobby Burns, Retired SRPO– San Diego Probation Department
PRESENTATION TITLE
“Surviving the Aftermath”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Bobby Burns shares his personal journey through multiple critical incidents experienced during his career, combined with significant life trauma that ultimately led to struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Drawing from real-life experience, Bobby provides an honest and relatable perspective on the impact trauma can have on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
This class explores the challenges of recognizing PTSD, seeking help, and developing healthy coping strategies. Through hard work, professional support, and commitment to personal growth, Bobby learned practical tools that helped him manage PTSD and reclaim a fulfilling meaningful life.
Verion D. Coleman, Police Sergeant, Bakersfield Police Department
PRESENTATION TITLE
Bakersfield Police Department Wellness Program
SHORT DESCRIPTION
In November 2021, I was appointed as our department’s first-ever Wellness Coordinator. Over the past five years, I’ve learned a great deal—often through trial and error. Along the way, I’ve made mistakes, but those experiences have helped shape a program that I am proud to share with you today, with the hope of saving you time and energy as you build or strengthen your own wellness initiatives.
Since then, we have been fortunate to open two Wellness Centers and two Wellness Rooms. We have also built a dedicated Wellness Team consisting of 23 Peer Support members, 21 Physical Fitness members, and 16 Chaplains.
Beyond internal support, we have worked to strengthen connections across our department family. This year, we celebrated our 5th annual Retiree Event and our 4th annual All-Personnel Spouses Event—both of which have become meaningful opportunities to support and recognize those who stand behind the badge.
The level of community support we have received over the years has been tremendous, and it has played a vital role in our success. I am honored to share some of the key steps we took to develop our program into what it is today.
My goal is to provide you with practical tools you can apply immediately—tools that will help you build a successful wellness program and better serve the men and women of your department, as well as their families.
Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what badge or patch you wear—we are all in this together, working to protect and serve those who protect and serve.
Lieutenant James Colford (Panel Speaker)
PRESENTATION TITLE
“Addressing the epidemic of trauma, addiction and suicide among first responders through peer support and science backed meditation”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
The forum is being presented by the David Lynch Foundation (DLF), a 501(c)(3) organization who for over 20 years , has successfully delivered the evidence-based, trauma-healing Transcendental Meditation(TM) technique to first responders and veterans with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Program partnerships have included FDNY, NYPD, U.S. Capitol Police and the LA County Fire Department.
FDNY Lt. Drew Kane will be the keynote speaker.
TM is a simple, effortless technique practiced 15–20 minutes twice daily, requiring no concentration or prior experience. Over 400 peer-reviewed studies confirm TM’s impact on PTS, anxiety, depression, SUD and hypertension. The NIH and Department of Defense have awarded nearly $35 million in research funding on TM. The American Heart Association has recognized TM as an effective approach to reducing hypertension.
This session will cover what TM is, how it works, and how to deploy it within your department. Thanks to generous donor funded support of the David Lynch Foundation, pilot training programs are offered to most public safety departments at no cost.
Rochelle Costelloe – Dispatcher, Fountain Valley Police Department
PRESENTATION TITLE
“Notes from the Console and the Crib – A Dispatcher’s Journey Through Postpartum Depression”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
This presentation offers a candid and heartfelt account of navigating postpartum depression, drawing from Rochelle’s personal experience as a first-time mom and an emergency dispatcher. Attendees will gain insight into the emotional challenges faced during the postpartum period, including feelings of isolation, anxiety, and overwhelming sadness. Rochelle will discuss the impact on daily life, returning to the high stress communications center, relationships, and self-identity, as well as the steps taken toward seeking support and recovery.
By sharing this journey, Rochelle aims to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and provide encouragement to others who may be struggling. Attendees will learn about the importance of recognizing symptoms, asking for help, and finding hope through community and professional resources within the first responder industry. Backed by 14 years in dispatch, peer support and training; Rochelle’s mission is to inspire empathy, promote awareness of postpartum mental health, and empower individuals to support themselves and others through similar experiences.
Brandon Dreiman, JD, CPRC, CBT-I, Behavioral Health Specialist, ProTeam Wellness
PRESENTATION TITLE
“Optimizing Sleep: Why Sleep Should Be Your Second Job”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Sleep is one of the most overlooked performance and resilience tools in public safety. In this engaging session, participants will explore how the body’s sleep systems work, common mistakes that sabotage rest, and practical strategies to improve sleep quality despite the challenges of shift work and operational stress. Topics include circadian rhythms, anchor wake times, environmental factors such as light, sound, and temperature, and evidence-based principles drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Attendees will leave with realistic, actionable tools designed to improve recovery, performance, health, and long-term well-being.
Thomas Floersch, Special Agent In Charge, US DHHS OIG
PRESENTATION TITLE
“Leading While Grieving”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
As peer supporters, we respond to critical incidents that could be shocking and emotionally disturbing. But what happens when we are involved as peer supporters in an incident that strikes too close to home? An incident that involves our coworkers, partners, and friends. How do we handle it? How do we lead others during an incident response when we are part of the affected group?
During this presentation, we will discuss how the OI peer support team handled multiple employee deaths and coordinated the peer support response during the Fall and Winter of 2021. We will delve into the response from the leader’s point of view and tell the personal story of how we still need to lead while we grieve.
Oftentimes, we see the leaders of operations as calm and controlled when in reality, they may be swirling with emotions inside. How do we control these emotions and even use them to our benefit while providing the necessary support to our people? We will examine the vulnerability of leaders and team dynamics during a peer support response.
Some key elements that will be discussed are the challenges and successes of leading the response when you are very close to the incident itself, how cumulative stress from dealing with multiple incidents impacts us and how do inexperienced teams succeed when dealing with an incident response with nationwide exposure. Overall, this presentation will share lessons learned told through the personal story and viewpoint of the incident leader.
Joey Jones, U.S. Marine Corps EOD Staff Sergeant (Ret.)
PRESENTATION TITLE
“Overcoming Adversity”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Adversity is a constant. Seemingly as reliable as the morning sun. Look around; the weather, sickness, jobs, accidents… things break, things change, people in our lives disappoint us, we disappoint others. Most of the human experience is navigating adversity we didn’t intend to happen or plan. But each time we are met with difficulty something amazing happens, we survive. We don’t just survive, we get stronger, more equipped, better prepared, more resilient. We gain wisdom, experience, and sometimes even the ability to enjoy the struggle knowing we can get through it. For me adversity started early, I was raised poor, hard work and little reward was a constant in the single-wide trailer home of my hardworking brick mason father and house cleaner mother. No expense came easy, and no sick days were free. But through that adversity came love, appreciation void of entitlement and an intimate understanding of the value of hard work.
I lost my legs at 24 years old. I was in peak physical condition and given state of the art medical treatment. Yet, folks look at me in awe as I stand on prosthetics and travel the country independently, usually with a genuine smile, and say “I don’t know how you stay so positive after you lost your legs.” To which I sometimes respond, “Well don’t ever get negative, since you have yours.” The point here is that one aspect of adversity doesn’t get to define us. Yes, I lost my legs, but I haven’t had cancer, I haven’t filed bankruptcy, lost a child, gone through a divorce. But all those things are present in this room, and all of you are here today with the opportunity to celebrate, work, give, love. You have all gone through every type of adversity life has thrown at you, and here you are. Remember what you are capable of, remember how you got here.
Kelley McCoy – CAL FIRE Behavioral Health and Wellness
PRESENTATION TITLE
“How to Support Recovery Without Judgment”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Addiction Recovery, Peer Support & Behavioral Health
This presentation combines a powerful personal recovery story with evidence-based education to challenge common misconceptions about addiction and replace judgment with understanding. Participants will learn why addiction is a chronic, treatable medical condition, how to recognize the “Willingness Window” when individuals may be most receptive to help, and practical communication strategies that anyone can use.
The session also highlights the importance of treating the entire family system and explores how CAL FIRE is leveraging its expertise in treatment center vetting, insurance navigation, and workers compensation to help firefighters and their families access high-quality, first responder-focused care.
Attendees will leave with practical tools, greater confidence in supporting colleagues and loved ones, and a renewed commitment to reducing stigma within their agencies and within themselves.
Drew Robinson, Former Major League Baseball Player, Mental Health Advocate
PRESENTATION TITLE
“Strength Isn’t Always Physical”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Drew Robinson shares his lived experience as a survivor of a suicide attempt to challenge the idea that strength is only physical. Through his journey with depression and recovery, Drew highlights the power of vulnerability, honesty, and asking for support, especially in high-pressure roles. Now serving in a mental health advocacy role with the San Francisco Giants, he works to foster peer support and normalize conversations around mental wellness. His message encourages first responders to view mental wellness as a critical component of performance, resilience, and long-term health.
Jim Uhl, Chief Engagement Officer, Breaking the Chain Consulting (Whittier Police Department – Ret. Sgt)
PRESENTATION TITLE
“AUDACIOUS: Forgiveness In The Workplace”
SHORT DESCRIPTION
The workplace is filled with people guaranteed to disappoint, make mistakes, and hurt one another. This often leads to grudges that destroy the health and performance of our teams. This presentation explores the least studied, least trained on, and least talked about topic in leadership – forgiveness.
- Discover a leadership and workplace framework that is straightforward, practical, and most importantly – it works.
- Deeply Dive into what forgiveness is and what it’s not.
- Uncover not just why you need to forgive but also learn life-changing strategies that show you how to forgive.
- Deploy strategies that will bring you and your teams the healing, restoration, and hope you need.
- A thought-provoking and insightful conversation that provides a new pathway toward personal and organizational health and performance.
- Painstakingly researched and laced with evidence, Uhl convincingly declares:
Forgiveness is the healing light that penetrates the cracks caused by human selfishness and indifference. AUDACIOUS will show you how to find and be this light.
If you would like to review information covering previous conferences, visit our Training Calendar archive section.