Speaker list | FRSPhiladelphia.org

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Dr. John Violanti

An internationally known expert on police stress, he is a researcher and a police veteran who served as a New York State Police trooper for 23 years. In 2012, Violanti co-authored a landmark study that found police stress creates significant health risks, with officers more likely to experience chronic disease and suicide than the general population. He has written articles on police stress and PTSD, police mortality, suicide and cardiovascular health. Violanti has also written and edited 17 books on police stress, psychological trauma and suicide. His research interests include psychological and biological indicators of chronic police stress; subclinical cardiovascular and metabolic disease in police; shift work and health; epidemiology of police suicide; and PTSD.

Dennis Carradin

A Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health, Nationally Certified Counselor, Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress, and Diplomate for the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Currently, he is the Executive Director of New Perspectives, Inc., a private counseling agency in Delaware, and served on the faculty of Penn State University, Brandywine Campus, for 15 years. Dennis is also Vice President and Principal Consultant for SSC Consulting and is a trainer for Crisis Care Network. He is the President and CEO of the Trauma Survivors Foundation, serves on three international trauma firms, and is a published author with titles such as “Beyond the Call: A First Responder’s Guide to Unbreakable Well-Being”, “The First Responder's Guide to Self-Care and Resilience”, and “Own Your Bullshit!”

Sheena Bice

Chief Clinical Officer of VFR, Sheena Bice, LCMHC, MLADC, CCTP holds a Doctorate of Medical Science from the Bouvé College of Health Sciences from Northeastern University as well as a master’s degree in mental health counseling from New England College. She has worked in community mental health, private practice and within the corrections system providing mental health and addiction treatment to female offenders. She currently works as the Chief Clinical Officer for Forge Health VFR. Her focus is on providing trauma-informed care to our First Responders, Veterans, Service Members, and their families. She served in the United States Marine Corps.

Dr. Jenna Mehnert Baker, MSW

Has built a career at the intersection of the mental health and justice systems. Having previously held politically appointed public safety-focused positions for the Mayors in NYC and DC as well as the chief executive for NASW-PA and NAMI Maine, Jenna was appointed by the IACP to their blue ribbon committee on mental illness and law enforcement. While in Maine, Jenna led a coalition that secured passage of presumptive eligibility for first responders diagnosed with PTSD within workers comp standards and created legal confidentiality for peer support delivered within the CISM framework. In 2020, the CIT program she led earned platinum certification from CIT International and she joined the board of CITI where she serves as the public policy chair. Jenna holds a doctorate in public administration from West Chester University and an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jennifer Boileau

As the founder of Jennifer Boileau Mindfulness Coaching, Jennifer is a strong proponent of resilience practices for the first responder, veteran and military communities as well as their families. With a background as a classroom educator, and a law enforcement spouse for over 24 years, Jenn knows the stress, culture and residual effects that a career of service can have on a person and their family. She works with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies across the United States in fostering practices of resilience for their operators on the job. She has instructed for many national conferences for first responders, including the National FOP, and currently serves as the subject matter expert on iRest© meditation for law enforcement officers for the University of California San Diego (720 Health).

She writes curriculum and instructs first responders for the Department of Criminal Justice Services for the state of Virginia, is a contractor for the Institute of Intergovernmental Research (SAFLEO + Valor), and for the Holistic Officer Wellness Program of the New Castle County Police Department in Delaware. Fully certified as an iRest© Meditation Teacher, Warriors at Ease Yoga Instructor, Hand and Foot MELT Method Instructor, Sound Bath facilitator & Reiki Master, Jenn helps people dealing with intrusive thoughts, sleep disruption, MST and anxiety find ways to move through discomfort and thrive. She also has extensive training in Pranayama and the Psychophysiology of Respiration, and employs these techniques with her clients to regulate the nervous system and find ease from within.

Regan Falk

Regan Falk is the wife of fallen Philadelphia police officer Kevin Regan, an amazing husband, father, son, brother and friend. Kevin’s sudden and unexpected passing left his family with many unanswered questions. After researching and talking with his doctors she learned that Kevin struggled with PTSD, a mental health battle which can affect a person’s ability to recover from experiencing or witnessing terrifying events. Kevin witnessed more trauma in one day than the average person witnesses in an entire lifetime.Her first-hand experience and the alarming data she discovered while learning more about PTSD in police officers led Regan to create The Kevin Regan Family Foundation (KRFF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to helping families of fallen first responders in the tri-state area, specifically those who have taken their own lives or who struggle with mental illness. KRFF provides not only financial relief, but also the mental health resources needed to support struggling frontline fighters and their loved ones.

The foundation is dedicated to treatment and suicide prevention by improving mental health awareness and education throughout the first responder community. An estimated 400,000 first responders in America have at least some symptoms of PTSD. And sadly, the CDC revealed that suicide is the second leading cause of death for law enforcement personnel. The Kevin Regan Family Foundation wants to change these statistics and make a greater impact on the lives of our first responders.

Carlos Ramirez

An esteemed Fire Service Paramedic with a diverse background in emergency response and military service. With 8 years of experience as an Army Veteran, Carlos brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his current role with the Philadelphia Fire Department. As a Fire Service Paramedic, Carlos is dedicated to providing high-quality medical care and saving lives in times of crisis. In addition to his frontline duties, Carlos also serves as the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator within the Philadelphia Fire Department. In this role, he plays a crucial part in ensuring that individuals experiencing mental health crises receive the appropriate care and support they need. Carlos's commitment to mental health advocacy and crisis intervention has been instrumental in the development of the fire department's Behavioral Health Unit ARU3.

Furthermore, Carlos is recognized as a skilled trainer and educator within the fire service community. As a "train the trainer," he has played a key role in shaping the next generation of first responders and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles. His dedication to training and mentorship has had a lasting impact on the Philadelphia Fire Department and beyond. Overall, Carlos Ramirez is a highly respected and dedicated professional who continues to make significant contributions to the field of emergency response and mental health support. His unwavering commitment to serving his community and improving the well-being of others truly sets him apart as a leader in the fire service industry.

Casey Lancaster

A former United States Marine Corps Corporal who served as an 0331 Machine Gunner. His experience in the military, coupled with personal challenges including PTSD following his service, has fueled a deep commitment to mental health advocacy. Casey is currently dedicated to enhancing mental health services and support for veterans and first responders. In his role at Forge Health, he leverages strategic advocacy and leadership to improve access and effectiveness of mental health initiatives, aiming to make a significant impact in the lives of those who serve and protect.

Roslyn Talley

Roslyn (Roz) Talley is a 17-year-veteran with the Philadelphia Police Department. She achieved her dream career as a Police Officer, but she didn’t stop there, she has been blessed to be involved in so much more. She has worked as a Community Relations Officer in the 35th police district, Police Academy Instructor, Project Development Specialist under the leadership of Kevin Bethel, when he served as Deputy Commissioner. She worked in EAP as a peer counselor, before returning to work as the Community Engagement Liaison for Commissioner Bethel. In 2017, she faced a challenging period marked by depression and suicidal ideation, and she attributes her survival to her faith in God and the support of loved ones. This faith not only sustained her but also highlighted her gifts, allowing her to flourish in her endeavors. Roz’s personal experience has shaped her resilience.

In addition to her police work, Roz is a Minister at Kingdom Restoration Ministries. Through her sufferings she learned so much and vowed to God that if he kept her, she would go back to help those in need. She has dedicated herself to providing help so that others will win their fight too. Roz is also a motivational speaker, a proud owner of a gospel radio station called, "Real Change Radio," and a published author. Roz has co-authored three books sharing her testimony. Roz holds a B.S in Criminal Justice from Chestnut Hill College. She also holds a M.A. in Communications from West Chester University. Lastly, Roz is a mother to three children; which includes her one and only daughter who has multiple disabilities (autism, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy), and a grandmother to three amazing little ones. She has been blessed to help others and she does not take this for granted. She has been transparent about the hurdles she has faced so that she can help many understand they are not alone. She knows she cannot change the world, but she will never give up trying.

Jo Sue Kauffman

With a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University and an M.A. in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, she has built a distinguished career in law enforcement and emergency services. Her journey began as an EMT, where she dedicated approximately eight years to a volunteer ambulance squad in North Jersey. In 1977, she was hired as one of the first women in the nation to serve as an ATF Special Agent, a role she held for over 25 years. During her tenure, she was promoted to ATF Group Supervisor, becoming one of the first women to achieve this position nationally. She served as Group Supervisor for the New York City Organized Crime Drug Task Force and later for the Philadelphia Achilles Violent Crime Task Force, one of only twelve in the nation.

Stephanie Velazquez

Officer Stephanie Velazquez #3884 a 34 year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department assigned to the Community Relations Unit. For the past 26 years, she has been instructing and teaching the 10 week Elementary (D.A.R.E.) Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program, the 6 week Elementary and 13 week Middle School for the (G.R.E.A.T.) Gang Resistance Education And Training Program in the Philadelphia Public, Parochial, Private and Charter Schools. Stephanie is also a part of the GREAT-International Training Team for Institute of Intergovernmental Research, traveling all over the United States and abroad, training law enforcement officers to become instructors in their respective cities. She is also a mother to a 27 year old daughter who is a Fashion Designer with her own storefront/clothing brand here in the City of Philadelphia. She enjoys spending quality time with friends, family and her 2 fur babies!

Dr. Jonathan Harold

Dr. Jonathan Harold is a licensed psychologist with an outpatient office located in Radnor, Pa. He sees patients throughout the state of Pennsylvania in person and through telehealth. Dr. Harold specializes in collaborating with individuals that have experienced complex trauma which includes first responders, victims of crime, war experiences, and individuals that experienced chronic abuse. Dr. Harold can connect to his patients due to his unique life experiences of growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia and his seven years of experience serving for the United States Navy.Beyond his subjective experiences, he has over twelve years of providing therapy services in multiple settings to include work with military veterans, community mental health, forensic population, and work with teenagers. Often first responders discuss a desire to protect family and friends from the tragic events that can be a regular occurrence of the job. Dr. Harold provides a space that inspires a chance to appropriately process these experiences, and he utilizes well-researched therapeutic interventions that include talk therapy, problem-solving skills, and mindfulness.

In addition, Dr. Harold is a speaker that has presented for the Wilmington Veterans Administration Police Officer Force on Diversity and Utilizing Practical Tools to Manage Emotions during elevated moments. Dr. Harold has a personal mission through his company Reincarnated Therapy Services to connect therapy services and practical interventions while breaking down the significant barriers to receiving mental health treatment.

SSgt. Kaila Williams

Staff Sergeant Kaila Williams is a dedicated Mental Health Case Manager within the Mental Health Clinic, 87th Operational Medicine Readiness Squadron, Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst, New Jersey. In this position, she expertly oversees the 87th MDG internal behavioral health referral system, managing and executing referrals for a 50,000 strong active-duty population and meticulously tracks duty limitations from external agencies and facilitates critical care services for acute patients. SSgt Williams was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She enlisted in the Air Force in August 2015 as an Airlift Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice. She then attended C-130H certification training at Sheppard Air Force Base in October 2015 where she earned the title Crew Chief. SSgt Williams earned an additional certificate to operate the AC-130U Gunship. During her career in maintenance, she was assigned as a Dedicated Crew Chief and Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief to numerous aircrafts. In 2018 she cross-trained to become a Mental Health Technician and was assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Prior to her current position, SSgt Williams was the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Non-commissioned Officer in Charge at Dyess AFB.

Blair Saba

Blair currently works in the virtual event space, planning and executing virtual trade shows, events and webinars. She volunteers with the Kevin Regan Family Foundation helping bridge the gap between the community and first responders; as well as spreading awareness of the mental health struggles and her families first hand experiences. Blair has been married to her husband for almost 14 years. He currently works as a Philadelphia Police Officer and is assigned to the SWAT Unit. Together they have one son, Brayden who is 11 years old.