2026 CIPSRT Post Conference

Julia Armstrong supports knowledge mobilization initiatives at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families. With a background as a mental health service provider and personal lived experience, Julia is passionate about understanding and addressing the unique needs of specific communities and equity-deserving groups. She is honoured to work alongside Veterans and Families to champion authentic engagement and leverage real-world evidence to create a better mental health system.

Kim Assailly is a senior civilian leader with 13 years of experience at the Calgary Police Service (CPS), where she has led analytical and strategic teams to enhance organizational effectiveness. She has spearheaded initiatives that drive cultural transformation, strengthen accountability, and foster inclusive practices across the Service. Kim brings expertise in systems thinking, engagement methods, research, and leveraging data to guide strategic decisions. She has contributed to cross-sector collaborations focused on crime prevention, public safety, human resource modernization, and improving workplace culture. Kim Assailly is passionate about bridging research and practice and ensuring that CPS strategies reflect the values of equity and evidence-informed action.

Kathy has over 20 years of experience as a frontline paramedic and leader in various capacities and currently works within the Employee Wellness team of Emergency Health Services-Alberta, as the Supervisor of the Provincial Peer Support Team. Equipped with an undergraduate degree in psychology and enrolled in the Master of Counselling program at Athabasca University, Kathy utilizes her professional and academic experience to promote the overall wellbeing of public safety personnel throughout the province.

Amanda Berg is a psychiatrist whose clinical practice at the Carewest Operational Stress Injury Clinic focuses on treating trauma. This tertiary care clinic specializes in the comprehensive assessment and treatment of operational stress injuries for serving members and veterans of the RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces.

She is passionate about raising awareness of moral injury and sanctuary trauma among medical and public safety leadership, public safety personnel, and health care providers. With more than 15 years of experience treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Dr. Berg is trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Berg is a frequent continuing education presenter. She has developed and delivered workshops and keynote addresses on a variety of psychotherapy-related topics.

Raina Beugelink is a registered dietitian specializing in providing evidence-based nutrition education to first responders and shift workers. She is married to a member of the RCMP and understands the challenges that come with a shift-working lifestyle.

With more than 12 years of experience in nutrition education for chronic disease management, she brings practical, shift work-specific recommendations to empower her clients to regain control of their health.

Dr. Leigh Blaney is Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Human Services and a Researcher at the Centre for Trauma and Mental Health Research at Vancouver Island University (VIU). Leigh is a seasoned nurse, researcher, educator, and published author.

As an educator, Leigh has been a leader in innovative curriculum design and implementation, utilizing team-based methods and multimodal evaluation strategies in the classroom. Her research interests and expertise include resilience, first responder mental health and health promotion, stress and coping, and capacity-building. Leigh’s innovative research promotes health, resilience, and well-being.

Dr. Blaney has a firm grounding in frontline emergency work and a proven ability to translate research into action. Her research projects are actively co-led by people working in the field, ensuring the research is relevant, practical, and actionable.

Leigh has worked with fire rescue and other emergency services for more than 25 years and has researched, developed, and evaluated critical incident stress, resilience, and psychological health programs in healthcare, emergency service, and business organizations globally.

She volunteered for more than 20 years as the Clinical Coordinator of the Archipelago Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Society, an organization dedicated to supporting the psychological health of emergency services and healthcare personnel. Leigh is a sought-after content expert and speaker for healthcare and first responder organizations and at international conferences.

Marnie Bolin is the Clinical Director of the Psychological Therapies Section. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Calgary and is a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) with the Alberta College of Social Work. Marnie has worked in the field of mental health and trauma for more than 20 years and has a special interest in the psychological wellness and resilience of first responders and their families.

Marnie is trained in a number of generalist and specialized treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). She also has complementary training in mindfulness-based practices, traumatic grief and loss, and mind-body therapies.

In her current role, Marnie is committed to the development and facilitation of high-quality, evidence-based clinical programs and services for members of the Calgary Police Service.

Nicole Smith Bringsli is a Registered Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in forensic, clinical, and trauma-focused psychology. She holds a Master of Science in Forensic and Legal Psychology from the University of Leicester and an Honours Bachelor of Social Science in Criminology and Psychology from the University of Ottawa.

Nicole has held psychologist positions in youth justice, community mental health, the RCMP, education systems, and child trauma services across several Canadian jurisdictions. She is registered as a psychologist in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Nunavut, and Yukon. Her areas of expertise include trauma therapy, forensic assessment, violence risk assessment, occupational mental health, and critical incident response for first responders and communities.

Nicole is the President and a Registered Psychologist at Creative Works Psychological Services Inc., where she provides therapy, psychological assessments, and consultation services to individuals, organizations, and government departments. Her clinical practice includes trauma treatment, forensic and psychoeducational assessments, and consultation on complex mental health and risk-related issues. She has also provided trauma and critical incident support to first responders through her private practice.

Nicole previously worked with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Occupational Health Services, where she provided services to frontline police officers, including psychological screenings for specialized units, consultation regarding operational stress injuries, crisis response following critical incidents, and disability management services.

Rhys Clark has more than 20 years of experience in paramedicine, including roles as a frontline Primary Care Paramedic and Assistant Supervisor in the Calgary Zone. He currently serves as the Team Lead Wellness Facilitator for the Calgary Zone within Emergency Health Services-Alberta, where he works alongside the EHS Wellness Team to develop and promote mental health and wellness initiatives for staff across the province.

In his current role, Rhys is also responsible for leading a team of peer supporters in the Calgary Zone. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and is currently completing a Master of Health Services Research at the University of Calgary.

Outside of work, Rhys enjoys spending time with his wife and children, river surfing, and ice and rock climbing. He also contributes to his community by volunteering as a high school wrestling coach.

Andrée-Ann Deschênes holds a doctorate in Occupational Psychology and is a professor at the School of Management at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR). As the Director of Graduate Programs in Public Safety Organization Management, she educates current and future managers in the public safety sector.

She is the co-holder of the UQTR–ENPQ (Quebec National Police Academy) Research Chair in Occupational Psychological Health Prevention in Public Safety and co-director and researcher with the UQTR branch of the International Centre for Comparative Criminology (ICCC).

Her research, recognized nationally and internationally, focuses on management psychology in public safety organizations, with particular attention to the prevention of occupational psychological health issues in police environments.

Megan Edgelow became an occupational therapist more than two decades ago and has been passionate about mental health ever since. Seventeen years ago, she established a private practice to support individuals on their mental health journeys, and she continues to provide community-based occupational therapy services throughout the Kingston, Ontario region.

In addition to her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Megan holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science and a Doctorate of Education (EdD). She is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen’s University, where she teaches and supervises students in the Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Health Leadership, and Health Professions Education programs.

Her research focuses on mental health, workplace well-being, and participation in meaningful activities. She is the author of numerous academic publications and a co-author of the widely used occupational therapy intervention Action Over Inertia.

Dr. Shelley Fahlman, RPsych (she/her), is a registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of diverse experience within healthcare in Alberta. She has worked as a frontline Psychologist, Health Promotion Facilitator, Consultant, Team Lead, and Program Manager.

She has extensive expertise in trauma-informed practices and trauma recovery—not only at the individual level, but also in group, community, and organizational settings. Throughout her career, Dr. Fahlman has led large-scale provincial initiatives focused on mental health promotion and suicide prevention. She has also led complex clinical operations, including mental health crisis and tele-triage services.

Dr. Fahlman has partnered with a wide range of collaborators across Alberta, including Emergency Medical Services, the RCMP, police services, emergency and disaster management organizations, Indigenous Health, Population Health, Primary Care, Workplace Health & Safety, non-profit organizations, and provincial government agencies.

In addition to her clinical and leadership experience, she has expertise in social science research, program evaluation, psychometrics, grant management, and dashboard design. She is a certified Prosci Change Management practitioner, a seasoned project manager, and a self-described strategic planning nerd.

Dr. Fahlman is proud to have joined the Emergency Health Services-Alberta Employee Wellness team as a Senior Advisor, where she focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative wellness initiatives to support the mental health and wellbeing of EHS personnel.

Annie Gendron, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in Psychology. She is a researcher at the Centre de recherche et de développement stratégique of the École nationale de police du Québec (Centre for Research and Strategic Development, Quebec National Police Academy), an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychoeducation at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, co-holder of the Research Chair in Prevention of Psychological Health at Work in Public Safety, and a regular researcher with the International Centre for Comparative Criminology (ICCC).

Dr. Gendron has extensive experience in research and scientific publication. Her research interests focus on the prevention of psychological health problems in public safety, police candidate selection, police training, and police intervention practices in Quebec.

She is also interested in issues related to police intervention in Indigenous contexts and with Indigenous communities.

Sam has worked with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for 11 years. Through years of dedication to public service, he has developed extensive experience in policing and now serves in a role focused on training and mentoring new RCMP recruits.

Ali Harper is a Primary Care Paramedic with Yukon Emergency Medical Services (YEMS) in Whitehorse, Yukon, where she serves as a Wellness Coordinator and leads EMS wellness and peer support initiatives. Her work focuses on strengthening mental health supports for paramedics and other public safety personnel throughout the Yukon.

In addition to her operational leadership role, Ali provides oversight of the YEMS Public Relations (PR) team, supporting community engagement and outreach efforts that highlight the work of EMS and build stronger relationships with the public and allied agencies.

Ali works closely with the Peer Support Team and PR team, collaborating with allied partners including police, fire services, healthcare teams, and community responders to support the well-being of first responders and promote a culture of psychological safety. She is passionate about creating supportive workplaces where open conversations about mental health are encouraged and supported.

Her education and professional development include training in first responder wellness, peer support, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD), and psychological health and safety in the workplace. Ali continues to pursue opportunities to strengthen wellness programming and education within emergency services.

Ali is also the handler of PADS Thorin, an accredited facility dog who works alongside her to support first responders and healthcare teams by helping reduce stress, build connections, and create space for conversations about mental health in high-pressure environments.

Dr. Helena Hawryluk is the Co-Creator and Director of the Warrior Kids Program at Wounded Warriors Canada and an Associate Clinician committed to advancing mental health supports for trauma-exposed professionals and their families. With more than 15 years of experience working alongside Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, Public Safety Personnel, and their families, she brings deep clinical expertise and a passion for meaningful systems-level change.

Helena’s work focuses on developing high-quality, evidence-informed programs that address the unique needs of youth living in homes affected by operational stress injuries. She believes that strengthening families begins with supporting children early—positioning them not as an afterthought, but as central to long-term resilience.

Warrior Kids was created to fill a critical service gap for young people navigating the realities of parental trauma exposure. This national psychoeducational program equips youth with mental health literacy, practical coping skills, and opportunities for peer connection. It has had a significant impact on families across Canada and is recognized as a leading initiative supporting resilience within military and public safety communities.

Helena holds a BA in Psychology from Concordia University and a BSW, MCSW, and PhD from the University of Calgary. She was awarded the Wounded Warriors Doctoral Scholarship for her research, Through Our Eyes, which highlights the lived experiences of youth in military families affected by post-Afghanistan operational stress injuries.

Together with her co-director, Helena leads a national team dedicated to strengthening youth and families across Canada.

Belinda Johnson has worked with the Government of Alberta in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) since the early 1990s. She began her career within the area now known as Partnerships and has continued to work in a variety of OHS roles spanning both policy development and program delivery.

Currently, Belinda is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing annual grant cycles, including the Supporting Psychological Health in First Responders (SPHIFR) and Gender-Related Injury and Illness Prevention Program (GRIIPP) grant programs.

Belinda is committed to helping Albertans maintain safe and healthy workplaces and to supporting initiatives that promote worker health, safety, and well-being.

Constable David Klein began his policing career in 2007 after graduating from the University of Alberta with a double major in Psychology and Criminology. He started in the Downtown Division, where he worked in patrol for five years before transferring to the Inner City Police and Crisis Team (ICPACT).

For two years, Constable Klein partnered with a psychiatric nurse to serve Edmonton’s inner-city shelters and drop-in sites, conducting mental health assessments and assisting individuals in accessing mental health and social support resources.

He later transferred to the Jasper Avenue Neighbourhood Foot Patrol, where he served for several years before joining the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Training Section. There, he delivered recruit and in-service firearms training for four years. During his time at the range, Constable Klein was introduced to the EPS Reintegration Program and was immediately drawn to its mission, joining the team in 2018.

In 2021, he left the Training Section to become the full-time Constable within the Reintegration Unit, a position he continues to hold today. Over the past five years, Constable Klein has worked with more than 250 EPS members, helping them return to work with confidence and comfort, regardless of the circumstances that led to their absence.

In addition to supporting EPS members, Constable Klein has delivered training courses across Canada and internationally, helping organizations learn and implement the EPS Reintegration Model.

Shawna Meister is the Associate Director of Innovation and Evidence in Practice at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). She conducts evidence-based research on substance use in the workplace, as well as alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.

Shawna leads initiatives in emerging and diversified areas of work and is committed to transforming evidence into practice through training, knowledge mobilization, and implementation activities.

Her background includes research, projects, and publications focused on impairment in safety-sensitive industries, substance use and workplace policies and practices, road safety, alcohol and cannabis use, and education and training.

Greg Miller helped create the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) Peer Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team and has been actively involved since its inception in early 2009. He currently serves as Chair and Human Resources Advisor on the team’s Steering Committee.

Greg has volunteered with British Columbia’s North Shore Rescue (NSR) team for more than 45 years. He is a Search Manager and has held numerous executive leadership positions throughout his tenure with NSR, including Team Leader.

Greg holds a Master of Applied Behavioural Science (MA ABS) and is an Organizational Development specialist. He also completed a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching at Royal Roads University in 2014, earning the designation of Certified Executive Coach.

In addition, Greg has been a certified conflict mediator through the Justice Institute of British Columbia since 1998.

Sgt. Tim Moeller has worked in law enforcement for the past 25 years, spending his first six years with Alberta’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Branch before joining the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) in 2007.

During his first eight years with EPS, Sgt. Moeller served in both Patrol and Neighbourhood Foot Patrol roles. He then spent five years as a full-time firearms instructor with the Firearms Training Unit (FTU), where he provided firearms and officer safety training to new recruits and serving members. While in the FTU, Sgt. Moeller also became a Reintegration Facilitator, supporting members following officer-involved shootings.

After returning to frontline patrol for one year, Sgt. Moeller was promoted to Sergeant in Charge (i/c) of the Reintegration Unit. In this role, he supports members returning to work following critical incidents, physical or psychological injuries, and parental leaves.

Sgt. Moeller also helps deliver training on the Edmonton Police Service Reintegration Program to public safety personnel across Canada and has presented on the program nationally and in the United States.

Kiersten Mohr (she/her) is the Founder and Managing Director of Terra Firma Transition Consulting and a Registered Provisional Psychologist in Alberta. With more than 25 years of corporate and leadership experience, combined with a diverse academic background and lived experience, she is dedicated to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and equity within organizations across Canada.

At Terra Firma Transition Consulting, Kiersten collaborates with organizations nationwide across a range of industries. She draws on her academic credentials—including a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology—alongside her leadership experience and perspective as a transgender professional to support meaningful organizational transformation.

Her work focuses on helping organizations build inclusive, equitable, and accessible environments through evidence-based initiatives delivered in safe and supportive ways. Kiersten’s approach is immersive and collaborative: she engages with each organization’s unique culture, assesses challenges and barriers, and partners with leadership and staff to develop educational programs, inclusive policies, and effective change management strategies.

Kiersten is committed to creating lasting, sustainable improvements that foster positive workplace experiences and enable every employee to reach their full potential.

In addition to her consulting work, Kiersten is an active community leader. She serves as an Executive Board Member of the Airdrie Pride Society and as Board Chair of Distress Centre Calgary. Her volunteer contributions have been recognized through several honours, including being named one of Airdrie’s Amazing Women in Advocacy in 2020 and receiving a nomination for the Star of Alberta Award that same year.

Ashlee Mulligan is the Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, where she works to foster engagement, collaboration, and knowledge exchange across the Veteran and Veteran Family community.

Her work focuses on ensuring that the lived experiences and expertise of Veterans and Veteran Families are meaningfully embedded within the programs, priorities, and networks supported by the Atlas Institute.

Ashlee holds a Master of Science with a specialization in Neuroscience and has an academic background in women’s studies and psychology.

Chris Mushumanski joined the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team in 2013 and serves as an advanced peer supporter, occasionally assisting in the role of mental health professional.

Chris began volunteering with Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) in Vanderhoof, British Columbia, in 1997, primarily as a Search Manager and executive member. He is currently a member of Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) in Kelowna.

He served on the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) Board of Directors beginning in 2013 and recently retired from the Board after serving as President. Chris has also volunteered as a hospice peer supporter, providing grief and loss support to individuals and families.

Professionally, Chris works in academic advising, teaching, and counselling within an online public K–12 school. He earned a Master of Education in Counselling from the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in 2014.

Michelle O’Toole is a Teacher Practitioner, Researcher, and Lecturer in Paramedicine based in the Republic of Ireland. Funded by Movember’s Veterans and First Responders Mental Health Program and supported by a dedicated co-design team, she co-created the evidence-based HUGS@Home initiative, which trains family members and friends of first responders in psychological first aid and self-care.

As a former firefighter and Advanced Paramedic—and importantly, as a family member of service personnel—Michelle brings unique insights into family life within the emergency services. As a qualified crisis intervention practitioner and instructor, she provides psychosocial trauma support and education to both individuals and teams.

Michelle recently co-founded HUGS Community, an emerging social enterprise dedicated to supporting the well-being of emergency service personnel and their families. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychological Trauma and is currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Paramedicine at Monash University in Australia.

Her doctoral research focuses on the well-being of emergency personnel and the family members and supporters who stand alongside them.

Jerris Popik is the Co-Creator and Director of the Warrior Kids Program and an Associate Clinician with Wounded Warriors Canada. A seasoned clinical social worker with more than 15 years of experience, Jerris has dedicated her career to supporting Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, Public Safety Personnel, and their families as they navigate the complex impacts of operational stress injuries.

As both a clinician and program developer, Jerris has been instrumental in designing and implementing evidence-informed, youth-centred mental health programming that addresses the often-unseen needs of children living in trauma-exposed households. She is deeply committed to strengthening family systems by equipping young people with the knowledge, coping skills, and peer connections needed to foster resilience and long-term well-being.

Warrior Kids was developed to fill a critical gap in services for youth living with a loved one affected by operational stress injuries. Under Jerris’ leadership, the program has grown into a nationally recognized initiative that supports resilience among military and public safety families across Canada.

Jerris holds a degree in Applied Psychology from Concordia University and a Master of Clinical Social Work from the University of Calgary. Together with her co-director, she leads a national team of facilitators and clinicians dedicated to strengthening youth and families impacted by operational stress injuries.

Kimberley Porter is the Advisor, Clinical Education Standards with Yukon Emergency Medical Services (YEMS), based in Whitehorse. A paramedic since 2007, she began her career with the Queensland Ambulance Service in Australia, where she held roles in frontline operations, clinical education, and leadership.

Since relocating to Canada in 2022, Kimberley has continued her work in EMS leadership with Yukon EMS, focusing on strengthening clinical education standards, advancing evidence-informed practice, and supporting the professional development of paramedics working in complex and remote environments.

Her work centres on clinical governance, workforce sustainability, and the systems required to support the psychological health and resilience of public safety personnel.

At the CIPSRT conference, Kimberley will share perspectives from EMS education and leadership on emerging challenges in public safety personnel mental health and the importance of building resilient organizations that support those who serve their communities.

Dr. Luke Schneider is a Registered Clinical Psychologist who completed his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Regina.

The majority of Dr. Schneider’s clinical and research work focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating digital mental health programs across Canada.

Dr. Schneider currently serves as a Clinical Research Associate with the PSPNET program, where he provides therapeutic support to Public Safety Personnel and helps raise awareness of this innovative and free mental health resource.

Mo Fahad Shaukat is a criminal justice professional with more than 15 years of combined experience in frontline operations, crisis negotiation, and mental health leadership. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the Royal Military College of Canada, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University, and a Financial Accounting Certificate from Harvard Business School.

During his career with the Correctional Service of Canada, Mo served as a Correctional Officer, Hostage/Crisis Negotiator, and National Staff Training Officer. His work included developing and delivering national training programs focused on crisis communication, de-escalation, and use of force.

Mo currently serves as a Reserve Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and teaches Justice Studies at Bow Valley College. He is also the Provincial President of a national peer support organization that operates a 24-hour helpline for first responders and military members.

His work bridges lived experience and policy development, advancing trauma-informed leadership and resilience across public safety sectors. A recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for service and community impact, Mo continues to speak nationally on crisis communication, leadership under pressure, and system-wide wellness.

His approach combines field experience, academic insight, and practical strategies for navigating the human realities of high-stress professions.

Ms. Shields is a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Dr. R. Nicholas Carleton in the Psychological Trauma and Stress Systems (PTSS) Lab. She is currently completing her residency at the Edmonton Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic.

She has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and delivered dozens of conference presentations. Ms. Shields has received several academic and service awards and has served in national committee and board roles.

Ms. Shields has been actively involved in many aspects of the RCMP Study as both a research assistant and student clinician. Her research interests focus on psychological stress injuries among Public Safety Personnel (PSP), with a particular interest in paramedics, reflecting her previous experience as a paramedic in Alberta.

Shaylee Spencer is a clinical social worker, researcher, university lecturer, former Public Safety Personnel (PSP) member, and PSP spouse. She brings years of frontline experience and extensive professional and personal insight to her work.

Through both her career and lived experience, Shaylee has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges that PSP careers can place on individuals and their families.

Her passion is driven by a desire to create meaningful and effective change that supports the overall well-being of Public Safety Personnel as they navigate the demands of their careers.

Dr. Streukens has spent more than three decades providing treatment services to individuals, couples, and groups. His primary areas of expertise include substance use disorders and clinical psychodiagnostics, particularly in the area of psychological disability management.

Currently, Dr. Streukens operates a private clinical practice, teaches at two universities, and provides clinical oversight for the peer support program at Emergency Health Services-Alberta.

He was educated at the University of Calgary and the University of Regina, where his research interests focused on the study of alcoholism in relation to personality, spirituality, moral development, and emotional maturity.

Dr. Streukens introduced the designation SAE (Substance Abuse Expert) as a Canadian response to the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) model. He is also an active member of CAP, PAA, CRHSP, and the CACCF.

Dr. Karina Thomas is the Occupational Disease Science Lead within the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Prevention Services Branch of the Government of Alberta. Her role includes leading evidence reviews and knowledge translation activities to support OHS policy development, program delivery, evaluation, continuous improvement, and accountability across the provincial OHS system.

Her team administers the Supporting Psychological Health in First Responders (SPHIFR) Grant Program. Through this work, Dr. Thomas contributes to strengthening Alberta’s province-wide occupational health and safety system and advancing safer work environments for Albertans.

Dr. Thomas holds a PhD in Public Health and has more than 20 years of experience with the Government of Alberta. Her experience includes leading the Psychosocial Hazards pillar of the Occupational Health and Safety Prevention Initiative.

Jenelle Tizzard has worked as a Primary Care Paramedic for more than nine years. During this time, she has gained experience in a variety of roles within her organization, including Frontline Primary Care Paramedic (PCP), Public Relations Liaison, Peer Trainer, and Acting Qualified Supervisor.

Jenelle currently serves as the Team Lead – Wellness Facilitator for the Central Zone within Emergency Health Services-Alberta. In this role, she leads her zone’s peer support team and works collaboratively with Wellness Facilitators across the province to promote mental health and wellness initiatives for staff.

Drawing on her diverse operational and leadership experience, Jenelle is committed to supporting the well-being of public safety personnel and fostering a culture of psychological health within emergency services.

As Director of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, Jennifer Unger draws upon nearly 20 years of experience in the emergency management (EM) field, including regional operations, emergency management training, strategic planning and transformation, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.

Since joining Public Safety Canada in 2007, Jennifer has led several significant national initiatives, including Supporting Canada’s Public Safety Personnel: An Action Plan on Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries; the Government of Canada’s $170 million program, Supporting the Canadian Red Cross’s Urgent Relief Efforts Related to COVID-19, Floods and Wildfires; Canada Strong – Supporting the Families of the Victims of Flight PS752; and Supporting Air Rescue: National Investment to Support Shock Trauma Air Rescue Services in Western Canada.

Prior to joining Public Safety Canada, Jennifer worked with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in corporate reporting and performance management. She also spent nine years with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, where she developed and managed two national e-learning programs focused on building information and communications technology skills among Canadian youth.

Her professional experience also extends beyond the federal public service. Jennifer worked for six years with Colleges and Institutes Canada, supporting international bilateral and multilateral skills development initiatives.

Ms. Unger is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and four Deputy Minister Awards in recognition of her service to Canadians. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland (B.Comm., 1992).

Laurie VandeSchoot has spent more than 30 years in public safety, serving as a Deputy Fire Chief with The City of Calgary and currently as Assistant Chief with Okotoks Fire & Rescue. She consults nationally and internationally on responder mental health, emergency management, and organizational culture.

Laurie leads complex projects spanning operations, culture reviews, after-action reports, and leadership development programs, including the ResponderStrong suite of mental health programs for first responders. These programs were developed in partnership with leading researchers, including Dr. Sara Jahnke and Dr. Dan DeGryse.

A frequent collaborator with national and international associations, Laurie’s work integrates scientific evidence with lived operational experience to create practical, evidence-based approaches to resilience, inclusion, and leadership.

Her research interests include moral injury, peer support, and the intersection of technology and human performance in high-stress professions. Laurie holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Development from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and teaches Community Studies at local post-secondary institutions.

She is known for her humour, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to making mental health support accessible, credible, and culturally aligned within the responder community.

Jenny Van Nistelrooy is the Program Manager for Employee Wellness with Emergency Health Services-Alberta. With more than 25 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), she has served in a wide range of operational, leadership, and strategic roles throughout her career.

Her background includes frontline service as an Advanced Care Paramedic, as well as leadership positions such as Senior Strategist, Quality and Patient Safety; Contract Manager; and Senior Project Manager. In these roles, she led the development of the Provincial Peer Support Program and contributed to numerous initiatives focused on supporting the health and well-being of EMS personnel.

In her current role, Jenny leads the Employee Wellness Program—a comprehensive strategy that she helped design and implement. She oversees a team of 15 dedicated staff members who deliver mental health and wellness programming across Emergency Health Services, with a focus on peer-driven support, psychological safety, and trauma-informed practices.

Kara Vincent is a Knowledge Translation Specialist with the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), where she leads the development of innovative, accessible, and evidence-based mental health resources for Canadian public safety personnel, their families, and organizational leaders.

She brings more than 15 years of communications experience across academic and research-based environments, along with a background in academic and managerial editing.

With academic training in cross-cultural research methods and decolonizing approaches to knowledge production, Kara’s work focuses on making research meaningful, relevant, and accessible in real-world contexts.

She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that support the mental health and well-being of Canada’s public safety personnel.

Superintendent Nadine Wagner currently leads the Learning and Recruitment Division of the Calgary Police Service, overseeing service-wide training and sworn recruitment. She is dedicated to equipping members with the tools, tactics, knowledge, and support needed to serve Calgarians with excellence—and to retire happy, healthy, and whole.

Since joining the Calgary Police Service in 2002, Supt. Wagner has held a variety of investigative and operational roles, including frontline patrol, drug enforcement, undercover operations, and specialized assignments within the Child Abuse, Homicide, and Domestic Conflict Units.

She has also served in leadership positions in District 5, the Criminal Investigations Division, and most recently as leader of the Technical Investigations Sections. Her leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships to strengthen investigative capabilities and enhance public safety.

Supt. Wagner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Calgary and is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Values-Based Executive Leadership at Royal Roads University.

She serves as Chair of the Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women with Addictions and is currently serving her second term as a member of the Alberta Family Violence Death Review Committee.

Lana Wells is a nationally recognized leader in the prevention of domestic and gender-based violence, known for advancing upstream prevention strategies across systems, including policing. She is the Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary.

Lana leads Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence, a prevention research hub focused on systems, practice, and policy change, and co-founded Shift to Learn, an online learning platform dedicated to building a prevention-focused workforce.

She has advised police services, justice officials, and all orders of government across Canada on evidence-informed prevention practices. Lana also co-developed the Changing Contexts approach, which is currently being tested and evaluated within the Calgary Police Service.

Her work has earned both provincial and national recognition, and she is deeply committed to working alongside police and community partners to prevent violence before it occurs.

This session will be co-delivered and will include interactive elements such as live polling, audience discussion, and a question-and-answer period. Participants will be encouraged to share their organization’s experiences and lessons learned in this area.

The presenters will discuss both successes and challenges, including strategies that did not achieve the intended outcomes, to provide practical insights for attendees. Table discussions and interactive activities will be used throughout the session to support engagement and knowledge sharing.

Professor Emma Williams is the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Uniformed Public Services (CEEUPS), which promotes equity, inclusion, and well-being in uniformed public services through transformational change, effective leadership, and trauma-informed practices.

Emma’s career spans operational research, policy development, and higher education. She began her professional journey as a Principal Researcher with the Metropolitan Police Service, where she led applied and strategic research on issues including rape and serious sexual offending, neighbourhood policing, and public trust and confidence in policing. Her work informed both frontline practice and senior decision-making.

Following a two-year secondment with the Ministry of Justice, Emma joined Canterbury Christ Church University as a Senior Lecturer and later became Principal Lecturer in 2016. She played a key role in designing and delivering a highly successful MSc program for serving police officers and, in 2017, founded the Canterbury Centre of Police Research, which she directed until becoming Research Director at CPRL in 2021.

Beginning in 2021, Emma led a major research pillar within Operation Soteria, a Home Office-funded initiative focused on transforming rape and serious sexual offence investigations. Her team’s work on officer well-being, learning, and professional development directly contributed to the redesign and pilot implementation of a specialist national training program in partnership with the College of Policing.

Guided by policing scholarship, justice theory, and organizational research, Emma’s work is driven by a commitment to evidence-based practice and meaningful reform.

Samantha Zahra is a Registered Psychotherapist and Chief Clinical Officer at Nellie Health, where she leads clinical strategy and service innovation grounded in trauma-focused, evidence-based care.

With more than a decade of experience as a Primary Care Paramedic before transitioning into psychotherapy, Samantha brings a unique dual perspective as both a former first responder and a mental health clinician. Her clinical focus includes trauma- and stressor-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns.

Samantha’s approach is deeply informed by her lived experience with an occupational post-traumatic stress injury and her role as the spouse of a first responder. These experiences provide her with a profound understanding of the personal and professional challenges faced by public safety personnel and their families.

She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a minor in Psychology from Brock University, and a Paramedic diploma from Niagara College. Samantha is a CPT Quality-Rated Provider and has received specialized training in gold-standard trauma treatments, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (CBCT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy.

Through her leadership at Nellie Health, Samantha champions clinical excellence, regulatory integrity, and innovation in trauma care. She continues to advocate for systemic improvements that support the mental wellness of frontline professionals, fostering resilience and recovery through compassionate, evidence-based practice.

The Child Trauma Research Centre works to actively shape the world in which we wish to live. The CTRC conducts innovative, strength-based, and trauma-integrated research to develop policies that enhance well-being for children and youth, and the adults in their lives. The CTRC focuses on supporting children, families, and communities to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. Through multi-disciplinary, cross-sectoral research, the CTRC provides research capabilities to support efforts to address the social determinants and impacts of childhood trauma in Saskatchewan, the Prairies, Canada, and globally. Through research and knowledge sharing best practices, the CTRC aims to reduce the negative long-term health, social, emotional, and economic effects of childhood trauma. It is our motivation to transform the field of child trauma research through strength-based approaches, fostering hope, compassion, and meaningful change.

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Wayfound Mental Health Group (formerly WGM Psychology) is a national centre of excellence for timely and effective client-centered mental health care. Wayfound’s focus on caring for members of the community in addition to public safety personnel, military (active and veteran), and other trauma-exposed professionals make us a trusted name in operational stress injury and mental health support.

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Nutrition recommendations for those working shift work. Their dietitian specialize in meal prep for shift workers, helping them transition from feeling worn out to refreshed, replenished, and resilient.

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Dalton Associates provides clients with therapists who are both competent in their field, and caring in nature. They strive to support clients towards achieving their unique goals. All psychological and mental health services are delivered in confidential environments, and privacy is strictly adhered to in all aspects of support.

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Diversified Rehabilitation Group is a Canadian Rehabilitation Company dedicated to supporting their clients in their journey to healing and recovery. Diversified operates through two specialized divisions: Return-to-Work Services and the Residential Mental Health Programs

Since 2000 Diversified Rehabilitation Group has been dedicated to helping individuals and organizations overcome the psychological and physical challenges and return to a sustainable life balance.

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The health and well-being of Canadian military personnel, Veterans and their families is maximized through world-class research resulting in evidence-informed practices, policies and programs. To enhance the lives of Canadian military personnel, Veterans and their families by harnessing the national capacity for research.

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Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans serve selflessly in the face of adversity and danger. They give their country everything, fulfilling missions with grit, loyalty and determination.

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Orbit Insurance (often operating as Orbit Insurance Services) is an insurance broker. As a nationally licensed brokerage, they work with multiple insurance companies to find customized policies—such as home, auto, marine, and business insurance.

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Encore Canada is the largest employer of audiovisual professionals and the leading provider of event technology and production services in Canada.

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The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a pan-Canadian health organization dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for everyone living in Canada.   

As an independent, not-for-profit with charitable status, the Commission collaborates with leading experts and organizations nationally and internationally, including with people with lived and living experience, to develop national guidelines, standards and strategies, promote innovation and best practices, reduce stigma, increase mental health literacy, develop and deliver training through our Opening Minds division and support all levels of government to improve mental health outcomes for everyone living in Canada.   

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Sunshine Coast is an advanced health facility that gives working men an opportunity to explore their problem drinking or drug use while also building camaraderie with other men and professionals experiencing similar issues. This shared experience has been shown to provide the most therapeutic value.

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EHN Canada is the nation’s leading provider of evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment.

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Brick House Recovery Centre is a private outpatient addiction, mental health, and trauma treatment organization based in Alberta, with locations in Edmonton and Calgary, plus virtual services across the province. They provide treatment for substance use disorders, process addictions (such as gambling), mental health conditions, trauma, and relapse prevention. Their services include outpatient detox, intensive therapy programs, psychiatric care, aftercare, and return-to-work support.

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ZOLL, an Asahi Kasei company, develops and markets medical devices and software solutions that help advance care and save lives, while increasing clinical and operational efficiencies. With products for defibrillation and cardiac monitoring, circulation enhancement and CPR feedback, supersaturated oxygen therapy, data management, ventilation, therapeutic temperature management, and sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, ZOLL provides a comprehensive set of technologies that help clinicians, EMS and fire professionals, as well as lay rescuers, improve patient outcomes in critical cardiopulmonary conditions.

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NuVista Mental Health is a Canadian private mental health clinic network that provides therapy, psychological assessments, neurofeedback, psychiatry-related services, and specialized mental health programs for adults, youth, couples, families, veterans, first responders, RCMP members, and other populations. The organization offers both in-person and virtual care across multiple provinces.

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Legacy Place Society exists to build family resiliency and legacies to withstand the unique challenges faced by Law Enforcement, Peace Officers, Emergency Medical and Fire Fighter Services, 911 Dispatchers, Veterans and Military Personnel. The very nature of daily work within these professions can create emotional and physical havoc and the vicarious trauma, PTSD, operational or occupational stress injuries and the psychological and physiological demands of the profession can become major stressors on the individual and their family.

Often what is faced as a family as they try to understand and be supportive during recovery while maintaining family stability is a wide variety of challenges.  Legacy Place Society does not replace employee assistance programs or professional medical counsel.

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Sentinel is a tool specifically designed to facilitate union management. Our entirely web-based software requires no server installation.

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Centre Dimensions is a private multidisciplinary mental health and wellness clinic located in the Kanata area of Ottawa. The organization focuses heavily on neurodiversity, offering services for children, youth, adults, and families, particularly those affected by autism, ADHD, learning differences, and mental health challenges.

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