Conference Speakers
Wellness on the Front Line™ 2025
October 28-31, 2025
The 9th annual conference of the Public Safety Peer Support Association for 2025, Wellness on the Front Line is three and a half days of intensive presentations. One ticket gives peer supporters access to presentations on all days, one lunch ticket and social event.
The 2025 Speaker list is listed in alphabetical order by last name. Additional speakers will be posted as they are finalized.
Daniel Amen, M.D., Author, CEO, Amen Clinics
The Washington Post called Dr. Daniel Amen the most popular psychiatrist in America. He is a former infantry medic and board certified child and adult psychiatrist, who trained at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.
He is the CEO and founder of Amen Clinics, with 11 locations nationwide and home to the world’s largest brain imaging database for psychiatry with nearly 300,000 SPECT scans on patients from 155 countries.
Dr. Amen is a 12 time New York Times bestselling author, including the books Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Memory Rescue, Raising Mentally Strong Kids, and The End of Mental Illness.
In addition, Dr. Amen has published over 90 scientific articles and has led groundbreaking brain imaging research on active and former NFL players, childhood trauma, negativity bias, reversing brain aging, obesity and the brain, and predicting treatment responses.
His PBS specials and top ranked podcast have inspired millions. With over 10 million social media followers, his mission is bold: to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health.
Dr. Amen is formally working with the White House Faith Office on creating a national brain health revolution.
Rich Creamer, Sergeant (Retired) Norfolk Police Department
Rich Creamer is a highly experienced public safety professional and military veteran with over two decades of service in law enforcement leadership, wellness program development, and critical incident response. His extensive work in peer support, trauma-informed care, and officer wellness positions him as a subject matter expert on the cultural and operational challenges facing first responders today. Creamer’s hands-on experience and strategic insight into building sustainable mental health and resiliency programs make him uniquely qualified to contribute to address systemic change in public safety wellness.
Jason Davis, Lieutenant, Placer County Sheriff
Lieutenant Jason Davis is a 27-year veteran of law enforcement, currently serving in a leadership role where he has become a driving force behind officer wellness and resilience. Over his distinguished career, Lt. Davis has served as a trainer in multiple disciplines including SWAT operations, critical incident response, and tactical leadership.
Recognizing the critical importance of mental and physical wellness in the profession, Lt. Davis rebuilt and revitalized his agency's employee wellness program. His work has led to enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, an increased focus on fitness and nutrition, and the development of a strong peer support network. As the Peer Support Coordinator, he has championed initiatives that provide meaningful support to officers both on and off duty.
Lt. Davis brings personal insight to his work through his own experiences with family tragedy, including the loss of law enforcement family members in the line of duty. This deeply personal perspective has shaped his mission to ensure officers have access to the resources, support, and care they need throughout their careers.
George S. Everly, Jr., Ph.D., MA, ABPP, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, MA, ABPP, FAPA, FACLP is a public health scholar, neuroscientist, and clinical psychologist who has held faculty appointments at Harvard University, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. In addition, he is co-founder of The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and has taught at the FBI National Academy in addition to serving on the clinical oversight committee for the ATF Peer Responder Program. He has been ranked the leading author in the field of psychological crisis intervention by PubMedReminer and is a national best-selling author.
Chad Farley, Founder, First Responder Daily Journal
Chad Farley is a 24-year law enforcement veteran currently serving as a Lieutenant. He spent over a decade leading his agency’s peer support team, developing innovative approaches to officer wellness and emotional resilience. Before becoming a sworn officer, he served for two years as a police chaplain, laying the foundation for a career rooted in service and support. He has worked closely with police psychologists across Southern California and has presented on peer support as a mutual aid concept to police chiefs at both state and national levels. His most rewarding work has been helping officers and professional staff through peer support—work that has fueled his passion for mental wellness in the first responder community. He is also the author of the First Responder Daily Journal series available on Amazon.
Thomas Floersch, Special Agent in Charge, HHS Office of Inspector General
Thomas Floersch is the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the National Training and Emergency Operations Branch at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Investigations (OI). He leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing and delivering training, supplying law enforcement equipment, and providing investigational support to approximately 600 Office of Investigations’ employees. The group also manages operations at the OI National Operations Center located in Maryland and is responsible for overseeing agency involvement in emergency operations.
Tom’s federal law enforcement career spans almost 30 years, beginning as a Correctional Officer in New Jersey then an Investigator in the New York Region. In 2014, he moved to the Washington, DC area as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge, ultimately becoming the SAC in 2021.
He served in the U.S. Navy as an Intelligence Specialist and deployed to Guantanamo Bay and Iraq in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Tom is the co-coordinator of the OI Peer Support Response Team. He was instrumental in creating the agency’s critical incident, peer support, and resiliency programs. Tom also participates as a member of the C.O.P.S. support services team during National Police Week.
Steve Froehlich, Ph.D., Director of Behavioral Health Services, Los Angeles County Fire Department
Dr. Steven Froehlich opened his private practice in West Los Angeles in 1976. The focus of his practice has been to assist individuals, couples and families. In addition, Dr. Steve has had the opportunity to serve many individuals from the Law Enforcement and Fire Service communities. He began with the Beverly Hills Police Department, serving as a member and clinical supervisor for their Peer Support Team. Later he was trained by the Los Angele Police Department in Crisis Negotiations and was added to the Beverly Hills Police Department’s Crisis Negotiations Team. Subsequently, Steve was recruited as a Mental Health Professional to assist the FBI in their Los Angeles Field Office. He provided training and ongoing consultation for the Peer Support Team as well as assisting post Critical Incidents and with individuals as needed. In 1995, Steve was brought onto the Critical Incident Stress Management Team with the Los Angeles County Fire Department where he served until 2017. This team is designed to mitigate the impact of critical incidents for fire service personnel. The team is utilized within the County of Los Angeles, as needed, but is also deployed in out of County incidents such as Hurricane Katrina, in Arizona after the tragic loss of the nineteen Hotshots who were fighting the wildfires outside of Prescott, Arizona and then to Douglas County Oregon after the mass shootings at Umpqua Community College. Then, in May 2017, Dr. Steve was asked to join the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City as their full time Director of Behavioral Health. Both Local 112 and LAFD committed to providing the very highest level of Behavioral Health Services for their Members. Finally, April 12, 2021, Dr. Steve was able to come back as Director of Behavioral Health and Lead Clinician for Local 1014 and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Collaboratively working with local 1014 and the LACoFD, the Peer Support Team and Dr Steve are laser focused to bring the very best Behavioral Health Services to all Fire Department employees.
Dawn Hernandez, Senior Police Dispatcher, Anaheim Police Departments
Dawn started her law enforcement journey back in April 1992 with the Riverside County as a Police Dispatcher. She quickly proved she wasn’t just good at talking and typing fast under pressure—she was also great at teaching others how to do it, becoming a Communications Training Officer during her time there.
In November 1996, Dawn brought her skills (and sense of humor) to the Anaheim Police Department, where she’s proudly served for the past 29 years wrangling chaos with a headset and a calm voice. She’s worked as a Dispatcher II, a Communications Training Officer, and now as a Senior Dispatcher. Oh, and because regular dispatching wasn’t intense enough, she also helped launch the department’s Tactical Dispatch Team back in 2001. That means when things get serious—SWAT teams, snipers, negotiators—Dawn’s right there, making sure the right words get to the right people at exactly the right time.
Her role as a Tactical Dispatcher involves on-call deployments with the SWAT, Sniper, and Negotiation teams. She handles Command Post communications during major operations, from high-risk warrants and barricaded suspects to big-time city events like the Angels baseball playoffs, the World Series, and those massive Convention Center events.
Since 2018, Dawn’s also been part of the Anaheim PD’s Peer Support Team, offering a listening ear and support (likely with a side of sass, if needed).
A proud SoCal native, Dawn still calls it home. When she’s off the clock, Dawn answers to “mom” to her 26-year-old daughter and son in law but her favorite title is “Glammy” to her 2-year-old granddaughter—because “Grandma” just wasn’t fabulous enough. She started a Girl Scout troop in 2009 and still enjoys mentoring the girls. She spends her summers boating at Lake Havasu with her boyfriend of 18 years. Add in her love of cooking, mentoring, and making chaos look easy, and you’ve got one powerhouse of a dispatcher—with a headset, a heart, and just the right amount of sass.
Elisa Hughes, MA, LMFT, Owner/Clinical Director, Public Safety Family Counseling Group, Inc
Elisa Hughes serves as Co-Owner and Clinical Director of the Public Safety Family Counseling Group, Inc., specializing in Critical Incident Stress Management. She works to develop, support, and supervise clinicians and ensure that clinical response is both eGective and immediately available. Elisa holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. She holds additional certifications and credentials in First Responder Wellness and Resiliency, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, EMDR, Brain Spotting, Peer Support, Psychopharmacology, Gottman Method, and Clinical Supervision.
Elisa is an experienced instructor who provides in-service training on CISM, Advanced OGicer Training in Resilience and Wellness, and Academy training on Stress and Peer Support. She is an Approved Instructor with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation on the topics of Assisting Individuals in Crisis, Group Crisis Intervention, Psychological Body Armor, Building Skills for Peer Teams, and Suicide Awareness. Elisa also develops and delivers specialized training to agencies on current issues and trends in First Responder populations.
Elisa believes in individuals’ inherent ability to manage stress and crisis. At the same time, their typical coping and resources may not be suGicient to overcome the level of demand. Seeking to support the whole individual, Elisa follows the perspective that until you have served where the badge lives, you have not served the badge. If someone is struggling with issues with children, teens or extended family, Elisa assists the individual in accessing resources and information to help them access the best care available to their loved ones.
Mitch Javidi, Ph.D.
Dr. Mitch Javidi is a renowned human behaviorist and peak performance expert with over 35 years of experience across academia, military, public safety, government, pharma, and tech. He is the creator of MAGNUS OVEA, a general theory of human behavior built on 11 Rings for enhancing interoperability and well-being. He also has introduced the Theory of Elasticity of Identity to address Rustic Identity. Dr. Javidi is the Chairman and Founder of the Readiness Network, Inc., / dba National Command & Staff College and co-founder of MAGNUS One Platform. His honors include appointments as Honorary Sheriff, Police Commander, and a member of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He has received national recognition for his life-saving leadership, including the 2019 “Spirit Award” from the National Tactical Officers Association
Jason Johnson, Undersecretary of Operations – CA Dept. of Corrections of Rehabilitation
Jason D. Johnson serves as the Undersecretary of Operations with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, a position he has held since December 2024. In this role, he oversees the Division of Adult Parole Operations, Division of Adult Institutions, Division of Rehabilitative Programs, Office of Correctional Safety, Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services, and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Mr. Johnson’s career in law enforcement began in 2001 as a Probation Officer with the San Bernardino Probation Department. He joined CDCR in 2006, where he advanced through various positions, including Parole Agent I, Parole Agent Supervisor, Parole Administrator, and Chief Deputy Regional Administrator. His extensive experience within DAPO culminated in his appointment as the Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations in 2023.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Redlands. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association and the Orange County Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs Association.
Under Secretary Johnson is recognized as a leader in pioneering the standardization of peer support within California’s law enforcement community. He played a vital role in rolling out peer support teams across the state following a line-of-duty death, ensuring agencies had trained and compassionate responders in place during the most critical times. His vision helped transform peer support into a professional standard, shaping policy, building best practices, and expanding training opportunities.
Through his leadership, CDCR has been recognized for its commitment to public safety, successful community reintegration programs, and the advancement of restorative justice. His dedication to strengthening a culture of wellness and resilience continues to inspire and shape the future of corrections in California.
Kristel Johnson, Assistant Director, National Technology & Development Program, Forest Service
Kristel currently works for the Forest Service National Tenology and Development Program, as the Assistan Director. In 2006, she served as a Family Liaison for Jess McLean, one of the five fire fighters killed in the line of duty on the Esperanza fire which was located on the San Bernardino National Forest. Her personal experience with this tragedy led her to develop the “You Will Not Stand Alone” training course, CA’s CISM Program, and other training curriculum related to critical incident management.
She is passionate about developing programs centered around employee safety and well-being. This has been demonstrated by her subject matter expertise and involvement eith the development of the Forest Service National Casualty Assistanc Program in 2019. In 2015, Kristel was awarded the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) Pioneering Spirit Award at the World Congress for efforts in the development of the Forest Service National Critical Stress Management (CISM) program.
Jeff Kingsfield, Author & CEO, Readiness Network and Magnus/One
Rich Jeff Kingsfield is a visionary CEO, author, and leadership coach redefining how individuals and organizations prepare for high-stakes environments. As the CEO of Readiness Network and MAGNUS|One, he leads a national movement dedicated to unlocking human potential through science-backed training, wellness technology, and leadership development.
A respected faculty member at the National Command and Staff College and a performance advisor to law enforcement agencies nationwide, Jeff brings three decades of executive experience to the mission of empowering those who protect and serve. His work bridges the gap between neuroscience, leadership, and real-world application—delivering scalable solutions for resilience, performance, and growth.
Jeff’s approach is rooted in experience. A twelve-time Ironman and Kona World Championship finisher, he draws from his endurance journey to coach leaders with authenticity, grit, and heart. Whether teaching in the classroom, keynoting at national conferences, or advising Sheriffs and Chiefs, Jeff is known for his clarity, humility, and passion for building people up.
He is the author of Love to Inspire, the first in a four-part series that brings to life the principles of the MAGNUS Ovéa theory—Inspire, Educate, Impact, and Transcend. Through story-driven insights and practical tools, Jeff challenges leaders of all types—cops, coaches, CEOs, and parents—to live and lead with courage and compassion.
More than a CEO, Jeff Kingsfield is a catalyst for transformational leadership—committed to serving those who serve, and inspiring others to go do good.
Ryan Kinney, Behavioral Health & Wellness Coordinator
Ryan Kinney is the Behavioral Health & Wellness Coordinator with Orange County Fire Authority where he oversees the Behavioral Health & Wellness Program. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s in Sports and Exercise Science and a Master’s in Exercise Physiology from the University of Northern Colorado. He is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, a Stanford-trained Chronic Disease and Diabetes Self-Management Educator, and a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist. Additionally, he earned a Health and Behavior Change Certificate from Yale University. With expertise spanning behavior change, exercise science, chronic disease management, and behavioral health, Ryan is dedicated to helping individuals improve well-being through education and evidence-based care.
Michael Martinez, Police Officer II, San Diego Police Department
Michael Martinez is a San Diego native and has been an Officer with the San Diego Police Department for 9 years. He was hired with the San Diego Police Department in 2016. Immediately after phase training, Officer Martinez was assigned to Southern Division where he had the opportunity to work with a proactive squad and a variety of assignments including Patrol, Acting Detective, Field Training Officer, and PERT Officer. Officer Martinez has been involved in multiple Officer Involved Shootings and off duty critical incidents. In November 2019, he took advantage of a career and life-changing opportunity that was offered to him by the San Diego Police Department’s Wellness Unit. Officer Martinez entered a first responder only treatment center where he was diagnosed with PTSD. By accepting the help that was offered to him, he was able to save his life, marriage, career, and spirituality. Officer Martinez now shares his story of struggle and resilience with fellow law enforcement officers. Officer Martinez is currently assigned to the San Diego Police Department Wellness Unit and truly believes his new assignment is his calling to help others who are struggling in silence.
Chuck Price, Chaplain, San Diego and El Cajon Police Departments
Originally from Arizona, Chuck Price has lived in California since 1983. He received his BS in Business Management from Arizona State University and his Masters from Bethel Seminary. He is blessed to be married to Helen for 36 years. He began his chaplaincy with the San Diego PD in 2001, joined the El Cajon PD in 2008, added Coronado PD and the FBI in 2017 and started working with CHP in May of 2025. His passion is to care for sworn and non-sworn LE professionals by logging thousands of hours with 700+ different officers on 1600+ ride-alongs.
He is a P.O.S.T. certified chaplain, an International Conference of Police Chaplains Senior Chaplain and coordinates daily operations and chaplain deployments for SDPD ECPD & CoPD. He actively serves patrol divisions, Gangs, Homicide, Sex Crimes, Child Abuse, Missing Persons, Lab, Cold Case, ICAC, Internal Affairs, Professional Standards Unit and is a member of the Negotiations Team for SDPD & ECPD.
Additionally, Chuck teaches Investigator Wellness for POST ICI Homicide, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse courses. He also helped these agencies start or restart their chaplain programs: El Cajon, Coronado, Hemet, Pasadena, Novato, Walnut Creek, CHP, San Diego State University and Queen Creek, AZ.
Scott Ross, Fire Captain (Retired), Los Angeles County Fire Department, IAFF Master Instructor for Peer Support Training, Ross Peer Consulting
Scott Ross is a retired Fire Captain with over 32 years in the fire service with Los Angeles County Fire Department. He finished his career as a highly respected Peer Support Coordinator for LACoFD with over 23 years of experience in the Peer Support field, specializing in the development, implementation, and advocacy of peer support programs within his department that serves over 3400 Firefighters,700 Lifeguards and over 1000 civilians. With a deep commitment to supporting individuals facing mental health and personal challenges, Scott Ross has become a leading figure in the field, serving as a trainer, consultant, presenter, and advocate for peer support initiatives nationwide.
Scott Ross is a Master Instructor for Peer support training programs with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), where he has had an integral part in training first responders and emergency personnel to provide vital support to their peers. Scott’s expertise in training and educating individuals in high-stress, high-risk environments has been instrumental in ensuring that first responders are equipped with the tools and skills to manage their own well-being as well as provide support to other first responders.
Scott Ross can be activated and deployed by the IAFF at any time as a Peer Support Lead and is dedicated to serving wherever needed to assist during a department’s time of need. In addition to managing and leading one of the largest first responder peer support teams in the nation, he has also responded directly to various critical incident responses including:
- Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) and Firefighter suicides throughout the western states, including: Arizona, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, Nevada, California and Hawaii.
Scott Ross also serves as the Vice President of the Public Safety Peer Support Association ( PSPSA) and is a past Vice President of the Behavioral Health Working Group of Firescope in California. Whether through providing consultation, delivering impactful presentations, or working directly with peer support teams, Scott Ross continues to champion the power of Peer-to-Peer support to foster connection, understanding and healing.
Captain Shanley – San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
Captain Shanley is a husband of thirty years, with two adult daughters, one a graduate of Howard University School of Nursing, and the other a second-semester Junior at Cal Berkeley. Currently, he is the Fire Information Officer (FIO). He has served with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department for more than 25 years, dedicating his career to protecting the community and supporting his fellow firefighters. He was part of the early version of the department’s Peer Support program and served as a backup chaplain, offering guidance and compassion to those in need for many years.
His professional journey has been shaped not only by his fireground experience but also by a commitment to mental health and resilience. For many years, he believed the challenges and traumas of the job were “water off a duck’s back.” That perspective changed when the cumulative weight of experiences reached a breaking point. With the help of a Socratic therapist and through patient work in countless conversations, he discovered where those struggles were rooted and how to begin the path toward true healing.
Today, Captain Shanley brings that same understanding to his role as a leader, chaplain, and peer supporter, walking alongside others as they navigate the personal and professional challenges that come with a life of service.
Debbie Silveria, Ph.D., The Counseling Team International
Dr. Silveria is both licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist. She obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in 1993. She has a private practice at the Amen Clinics in Costa Mesa, California. With a focus in trauma and grief counseling. She has trained professionals nationally and internationally (Uganda, African) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. She is a member of The Counseling Team International, (TCTI) an EAP that has over 100 contracts for counseling, employment testing, training, and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) with Public Safety at the federal, state and local levels. Dr. Silveria is an approved instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), a POST Certified instructor for Law Enforcement, and an adjunct professor at Rio Hondo College and California State University, Fullerton. She also teaches at Cerritos College in their Foster and Kinship Program. She is part of a team of instructors for Crisis Intervention Training for Law Enforcement, designed to help officers deal more effectively with mentally ill on the street. She teaches many courses including Psychology of Trauma, Relational Violence Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Identification and Treatment of PTSD, Identification and Treatment of Burnout, Compassion Fatigue and Secondary Trauma, Grief and Loss Recovery, Wellness and Mindfulness. She also provides trainings in Resilient Leadership. She has presented at conferences nationally and internationally in Canada and in Europe on EMDR and Trauma. She is an instructor on Resiliency and Leadership for The Amen Clinics and TCTI for first responders, Chane Your Brain, Change Your Department. She teaches Wellness and Resiliency for the Department of Corrections personnel through Humboldt State University in California.
She has worked hundreds of critical incidents nationally and internationally, providing CISM services after natural and man-made disasters, (Hurricane Katrina, Earthquake in Haiti, and San Bernardino Terrorist attacks). In the past she has been the Clinical Director of Family Solutions, a non-profit organization for foster and group home youth on probation, or removed from home due to abuse or neglect. She has been the Director of an in-patient adolescent psychiatric unit at CPC Santa Ana Hospital and Head of the Partial Hospitalization program at BHC Alhambra Hospital.
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