THURSDAY MARCH 7 + FRIDAY MARCH 8, 2024
CITY OF CHANDLER PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING FACILITY
PRESENTED BY
LUNCHEONS PROVIDED BY
SPEAKERS SPONSORED IN PART BY
Presenting Sponsor Banner
Luncheon Sponsor
Venue Sponsor City
Crisis Preparation + Recovery, Inc. (CPR) was founded in 1995 by T McSherry, MC. services Title XIX certified. Serve.” CPR the sole provider to serving Public Safety the importance of making it culturally competent responder and/or process their agencies our multiple around services to our clients. outpatient setting, hospital emergency onsite at organization, has a dedicated Public Safety
Visit the various sponsor and resource tables while you grab some coffee and snacks to start the day.
8:00 AM
MAIN HALL
Miss Arizona USA and Tempe Police Officer CANDACE KANAVEL
Chandler Fire Dept. Pipes and Drums
Chandler Police Dept. Honor Guard
Welcome from Chandler Fire Assistant Chief Val Gale
Awards Presentations
Innovative Program
Barbell Saves
Public Safety Partnership
Peoria PD and HeartFit for Duty
Law enforcement careers are often fraught with traumatic experiences, and while officers are trained to physically survive these events, they are rarely prepared for the ensuing mental battles. “Life After the Pulse Night Club” is a candid account of Agent Rivas’ law enforcement career, detailing his struggles with trauma, the agency’s varied responses to mental health, and the personal toll it took on him. Agent Rivas’ story progresses from despair to healing, culminating in his collaboration with Trauma Behind the Badge to educate and support other officers facing similar challenges.
Followed by remarks from Jason Law, Co-Founder of Mental Health Center of America
Miss Arizona USA
A Tempe Police Officer by day & beauty queen by night, Officer
Candace Kanavel, crowned Miss Arizona USA in May, wears many hats — including a crown!
Candace works on patrol, specializes as a Crisis Intervention Trained Officer and plays a pivotal role as a Hostage Negotiator for the SWAT Team. Beyond her law enforcement duties, Candace is the driving force behind the initiative, “Yes She CAN,” dedicated to instilling confidence and capability in women through essential skills like self-defense and situational awareness. Candace recently made history as the first police officer to compete at the 2023 Miss USA competition. Her message is clear: you can be anything AND everything you want to be!
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
MAIN HALL
“My brain has been hijacked!” Understanding the Impact of Trauma with Amanda Stamps* *Earn 1.25 CE Credit from NBCC
ROOM FD1
“The S Word” - Connecting the dots between lifestyle, stress, and suicide with Jon Scaife
ROOM PD1
Integrating Cultural Awareness of First Responders Into Mental Health Treatment with Shoshana Elkins*
*Earn 1.25 CE Credit from NBCC
ROOM FD2
Designing Programs that Exceed Expectations with Charlotte Confer
This session has a potential followup on Day 2, with a maximum of 5 attendees.
11:00 AM - Noon
LUNCH
PROVIDED by
Noon - 1:15 PM
MAIN HALL
“Murder will likely not be your cause of death. Worry will be.” with Steve Peterson
ROOM FD1
De-Escalating the Effects of Crisis Intervention with Lorenzo Ortiz
ROOM PD1
NAMI “In Our Own Voice” - Living with Mental Illness with Terry McDermott and Arthur Jackson
ROOM FD2
Providing Trauma-Informed Care for Survivors of Interpersonal Violence with Samantha MendezDominguez
REFRESHMENTS
PROVIDED by AM Healthcare
Crisis Preparation and Recovery
Cornerstone Healing Center
Lakeview Health Mercy Care
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MAIN HALL
From Dispatch to Recovery with Cassie Sexton
Navigating Trauma, Embracing Self-Care, and Transforming into a Wellness Warrior
Drawing on her extensive experience as a former 9-1-1 dispatcher, Cassie openly shares her personal struggle with trauma and the journey towards healing. Her story is not just a narrative of recovery but also a source of empowerment for others, particularly first responders, helping them recognize PTSD symptoms in their own lives. Cassie’s compelling account is an inspiration, motivating her audience to develop effective coping strategies and prioritize self-care, essential for sustaining healthy careers and personal relationships.
2:40 PM - 3:45 PM
Big Stretch with Dave Kleinman
Dispatcher Panel Discussion
Cassie Sexton, Mindbase
Elaina Alvina, Cottonwood Police Department
Jess Howard, Solari
Emily Stiner, PSCD Operations Supervisor, CTO
3:45 PM
MAIN HALL Awards Presentations
Women in Leadership
Sharon McDonough, Tucson Public Safety Communications Department
Crisis Interventionist
Brian Wilcox, Arizona DPS (Retired)
Advocacy
David Campbell, U.S. Army (Veteran)
Closing with host, Miss Arizona USA, Tempe PD Officer Candace Kanavel
Vinnie Montez, a seasoned stand-up comedian and veteran police officer from Colorado, combines over two decades of law enforcement experience with his unique cultural background to craft comedy that resonates deeply with first responders.
Growing up in Boulder—a city as diverse as it is quirky—Vinnie pursued his childhood dream and embarked on a career in policing, only to find comedy as a powerful outlet for coping with the profession’s inherent stresses and traumas.
Since his comedic breakthrough, Montez has performed at prestigious venues nationwide, including Denver’s Comedy Works, and released his special “Armed & Hilarious” on Dry Bar Comedy in 2019. His work, emphasizing the lighter side of police life and advocating for mental health within the law enforcement community, has not only garnered millions of views online but also established him as a cherished entertainer and advocate at first responder events across the country.
7:00
Visit the various sponsor and resource tables while you grab some coffee and snacks to start the day.
7:15 AM - 7:45 AM
ROOM FD2
Yoga and Wellness Session with Dave Kleinman of Barefoot Studio
8:00 AM
MAIN HALL Comedian
Welcome from Chandler Police Dept. Commander Travis Feyen Awards Presentation Innovative Leader
Jimmy Stout, U.S. Border Patrol
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
MAIN HALL
“Shift Happens” - Navigating Traumatic Growth with Dan Goldstein
ROOM FD1
PTSD and Suicide: A Candid View from the Other Side with Christopher Moore
ROOM PD1
Potential Follow-up Session Designing Programs that Exceed Expectations with Charlotte Confer (Max 5 Attendees)
ROOM FD2
Mindfulness to Meditation with Dave Kleinman
10:10 AM - 11:25 AM
MAIN HALL
Is CIT Falling Apart? The Importance of Paying Attention to Infrastructure with Sabrina Taylor
ROOM FD1
Serving Child Survivors of Intimate Partner Homicide with Bianca Harper and Samantha Greer*
*Earn 1.25 CE Credit from NBCC
ROOM PD1
Dementia & Mental Illnesses with Tracey Wilkinson and Heather Mulder
11:25 AM - 12:15 PM
LUNCH
PROVIDED by
Summit BHC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7161. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Summit BHC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
MAIN HALL
Ketamine Therapy: Medication, Coaching, and Counseling with Matt Cotini and Jennifer Cooper*
*Earn 1.25 CE Credit from NBCC
ROOM FD1
Unmasking the Hero: Cultivating Self Awareness and Resilience with Water Shepard*
*Earn 1.25 CE Credit from NBCC
ROOM PD1
Stepping into whole body wellness through foot focused health with Jennifer D. Comer
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
MAIN HALL
Does this SH*T really work? Wellness Hacks That Leave Us Optimistic but Skeptical with Denise Beagley, Kelley Meshirer, Kelli Prince, Libby Timmons, Felicia Dadamio and Kevin Bushaw
2:45 PM Awards Presentation
First Responder of the Year Mike Gamez, Tucson P.D.
Closing remarks with host Vinnie Montez
Canyon Vista offers an individualized approach that includes evidence-based modalities such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, 12-Step recovery groups, trauma-informed therapy, and relapse prevention.
We also offer equine therapy, mindfulness training, yoga, fitness coaching, horticultural therapy, medical education groups, spirituality, stress management, and life skills.
Insurance accepted: In network with most commercial insurance and select AHCCCS policies.
Our Tactical Recovery program helps our Military, Veterans, and First Responders recover from the pain, struggle, and damage that comes from fighting substance use and mental health disorders.
Barbell Saves
Peoria PD and HeartFit for Duty
Sharon McDonough, Tucson Public Safety
Communications Dept.
Crisis Interventionist
Brian Wilcox, Arizona DPS (retired)
Dave Campbell, U.S. Army (Veteran)
Innovative Leader
Jimmy Stout, U.S. Border Patrol
Mike Gamez, Tucson Police Dept.
Thrive with Chaos is dedicated to supporting Public Safety/First Responders who have faced life and career-altering events.
Our mission is to provide a culturally qualified environment, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to help these brave individuals rebuild their lives and careers.
At Thrive with Chaos, we prioritize the dignity, respect, and self-care of our staff. Our commitment extends to ensuring the confidentiality of our participants, striving to earn their trust, and upholding the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with utmost dignity.
Locally owned by Libby Timmons, M.Ed., LISAC, CEAP, SAP and Felicia Dadamio. Lead therapist: Kelley Meshirer, MA, LASAC, CCTP. Lead Peer Support: Jim Mc Shea, CEAP, SAP
The First Life Intervention Program (FLIP) is a cornerstone of Thrive with Chaos, specifically designed for Public Safety/First Responders. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these professionals, FLIP offers a structured system of services to help them navigate and overcome substance or mental health challenges. Developed by culturally competent staff, FLIP aims to provide a second chance to those who've experienced events that jeopardized their careers.
Dive deeper to understand how FLIP can be the turning point for many.
