Biography

Jessica Flores is a retired police officer with a distinguished career spanning service in both the Kansas City Police Department and the Gladstone Missouri Police Department. After dedicating years to law enforcement, she transitioned into a new role as a Mindset Mentor and Transition Coach. Jessica is deeply committed to supporting fellow officers facing the challenges of life after law enforcement. Her mission is to guide individuals through this significant life change, whether they are currently navigating the transition or considering their future beyond the badge.

Driven by a passion for helping others, Jessica specializes in providing tailored support that empowers officers to confidently navigate their "Next Shift." She believes in transforming uncertainty into opportunity and is dedicated to creating a fulfilling post-law enforcement life for her clients. Through her work as a mentor and coach, Jessica Flores continues to serve those who have dedicated their lives to service, ensuring they find purpose and success in their new endeavors.

Biography

Sheila Russell, LISW, CADC, EMDR Certified Mental Health Therapist, is an experienced therapist and speaker who has dedicated her entire practice to working with first responders, military, veterans, and their loved ones.  Sheila has worked in residential treatment for children's mental health, child welfare services, supervision in residential substance abuse for women and their children, as well as an Adjunct Instructor at Grand View University.  Sheila provides individual therapy, couples counseling, departmental trainings, department consultation, Peer Support and CISM/CISD collaboartion.  Sheila is a member of the Peer Support and/or CISM/CISD teams for West Des Moines PD, West Des Moines EMS, Jasper County Sheriff's Office, Newton Fire Department, Des Moines PD's Peer Support Resources Committee, and the First Responders Peer Support Foundation Board. 

Biography

Sought-after keynote speakers bringing awareness and transparency to the mental health epidemic. Having devoted over 24 years to his law enforcement career, Dave never saw his career ending the way it did. After an unexpected detour caused him to retire early, Dave & his wife, Christi, began sharing their story — the reality of what often lies Beneath the Badge. Together, they walk you through their experiences on how PTSD ended David's career, led to suicidal thoughts and the planning of the same, the near demise of their marriage. They intimately understand the mental health struggle that many are facing, often in silence.

Their story is emotional, uncensored, and raw. Mixed with humor, and at times a few tears, their vulnerability breaks the stigma with a powerful message resonating to all in attendance instilling a feeling of hope and resilience all the while emphasizing finding balance in one's own life and the importance of self-care.

Jeremy and other PSF instructors will instruct a PSF certification course of Basic Peer Support Training.  This training is designed for those new to peer support and who want to learn basic helping skills to help their coworkers and others during times of personal and professional crisis.  Attendees will learn proactive concepts that can help agencies improve their employee's health and wellness. 

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Biography

Jeremy is a police Lieutenant for the Des Moines Iowa Police Department.  He has served as a patrol officer, detective, hostage/crisis negotiator, communications supervisor, and a sergeant leading patrol officers, traffic crash fatality investigations, sex abuse detectives, and a patrol commander.   He also retired after 20 years in the fire service as a part-time fire lieutenant supervising an engine company, medic-squad, and directing the fire training academy.  

Jeremy designed, created, and managed the first-in-the-state public safety Peer Support Program which is used as a model for other agencies around the country.  He specializes in providing training and critical incident response around the state.  In 2015 he drafted a peer support privilege communication bill that was signed into law.   In 2016, Jeremy managed a comprehensive strategic plan for the loss of three Des Moines Police Officers in 2016 including crisis management, logistics, and department wellness.

Jeremy expanded his innovative peer support model and created the Peer Support Foundation which trains first responders throughout the Midwest. He currently serves as the executive director and president of the foundation.

Jeremy has presented nationally to numerous organizations and conferences about peer support, employee wellness, PTSD, suicide awareness, and other topics.  Some of these presentations include at the National Fraternal Order of Police Wellness Summit, National COPS Conference, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Law Enforcement League, Iowa Association of Chiefs of Police, Iowa Teamsters Law Enforcement, Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association, Impact Iowa, Iowa Association of Women Police, Iowa Corrections Association, Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Des Moines Area Community College, and numerous public safety agencies throughout the midwest.  

Jeremy holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management Administration.  He is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.   Jeremy is a certified FBI Law Enforcement Instructor and serves as an adjunct instructor in Criminal Justice at the Des Moines Area Community College.  He is also an instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and holds a certificate in Critical Incident Stress Management from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

Dr. Paul Ascheman, a licensed psychologist specializing in first responder psychology, will present a wellness program aimed at empowering first responders to take proactive steps towards their health and well-being. Proactive Annual Check-ins (PACs) offer confidential sessions with a competent mental health provider, focusing on enhancing resilience, addressing issues early, and improving overall quality of life. Topics covered include sleep, nutrition, physical activity, socialization, and recreation. The presentation will highlight how PACs contribute to reducing stigma, boosting job satisfaction and retention, and safeguarding responder health, benefiting both individuals and their departments.

​Scott will cover various topics related to retirement:  Budgeting, Income and Expenses, Net Worth, How Much You Need to Retire, Social Security, Medicare, Long Term Care Insurance, and Medical Costs During Retirement.

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Biography

Scott and his wife, Danielle, live in Ankeny with their two children, Madelyn and Will. Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, hunting, fishing, and traveling.

Professionally, Scott’s number one goal is to help people make informed decisions about their money. He has been a Financial Advisor since 2010, with a career in the financial services industry that began in 1999. With the heart of a teacher, he enjoys helping clients set realistic goals for their financial future and coaching them through all phases of their lives. Scott is also passionate about helping those in need and is actively involved with Shriners Children's Hospitals.

Scott is a member of the Financial Services Institute and the Society of Financial Service Professionals. He graduated from William Penn University and holds various licenses, including Securities Series 7 & 66 through LPL Financial, as well as Life, Accident and Health, and Variable Life insurance. Additionally, he earned the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA®) designation from the College For Financial Planning in 2020.

This course will present advanced understandings of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, focusing on rapid emotional healing by addressing root emotions at the unconscious level. We will explore techniques that facilitate this healing without requiring clients to discuss their traumatic experiences, resulting in minimal emotional pain throughout the process. The course aims to demonstrate these methods through a live session, showcasing their effectiveness.

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Biography

Dan Jarvis, a Combat infantry Veteran with accolades including a Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart, has dedicated his life to helping others overcome trauma and negative emotions. After battling suicidal thoughts, Dan found solace through developing innovative protocols for PTSD and acute stress, impacting over 10,000 lives. The nonprofits he founded, 22Zero and Healing the Hero, stand as pillars of hope for those in need. 

Dan's  law enforcement experience in Central Florida showcases his dedication and diverse skill set. Over the course of nearly 7 years, he excelled in various roles such as uniform patrol, community-oriented policing, narcotics investigations, and serving on the crime suppression team. Kudos to Dan for his commitment to ensuring safety and security in the community. 

Dan holds a Masters of Public Administration from Central Michigan University. 

This course delves into the profound effects of being a spouse to a first responder, particularly in the context of mental health, marriage, and relationships. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, the course will explore the unique challenges faced by first responder families, the importance of mental health support, and strategies for overcoming adversity. Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of traumatic incidents, such as injury or life-threatening situations, and the subsequent journey of healing and resilience. Participants will gain insights into the dynamics of relationships under stress and learn practical tools for fostering strong, supportive connections.

Biography

Breanna Mink is a dedicated mental health social worker with a rich background in supporting first responders and their families. As the wife of a Deputy who was shot in the line of duty while serving an arrest warrant, Breanna has a deeply personal understanding of the challenges faced by first responder families. In her professional role, she serves as a Jail Alternatives Coordinator for Heart of Iowa Community Services, working within the Guthrie and Audubon County jails. Breanna is passionate about mental health advocacy and is committed to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of trauma, stress, and recovery. Her work is rooted in a profound empathy for those impacted by high-stress professions, and she is dedicated to promoting resilience and well-being in both her personal and professional life. As a mother and a spouse of a retired first responder, Breanna brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her courses.

Join Sheriff John Halferty for an insightful one-hour presentation focused on enhancing mental health and wellness in public safety. Sheriff Halferty will share his personal journey, discussing the long-term effects of trauma, recognizing signs and symptoms, and strategies for self-care and family support.

He will also empower leaders and peer support teams to develop and improve mental health programs in their communities. Sheriff Halferty will share the Jasper County Sheriff's Office's experience, from establishing a local CISM team in 2015 to implementing follow-up sessions, annual wellness checkups, and effective team-building strategies. This session provides practical steps for enhancing mental health and wellness in public safety organizations.

Biography

Sheriff John R. Halferty is currently serving his third term as Jasper County Sheriff. John previously served as Jasper County Chief Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, and Drug Task Force Detective. Prior to working at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, John served nearly 11 years as a Newton Police Officer. He started his career in 1986 as a Newton Police Department Intern.
John has served as a Jasper County Medical Examiner Investigator since 2005. Finally, he has served as a volunteer firefighter/AEMT for Colfax and Mingo Fire Departments since 2000.
John and his wife Kendra have been married for 36 years. Kendra works in Newton for Heartland Area Education Agency. Their daughter Kalyn and her husband Jorden have 4 children. Dr. Kalyn is a chiropractor and Jorden is a Master Electrician and part owner of B/L Electric. Their son Jacob and wife
Sara have one child. Jacob works for the Newton Fire Department as Fire Marshal and serves as a paramedic part-time for the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Sara recently completed her master’s degree and teaches elementary students in Newton. John and Kendra have both been involved with Jasper County Fair, Church Group, Mission trips and coaching in their spare time.

John will discuss how Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) works in conjunction with peer support programs for first responders. This course will delve into the framework for developing and implementing effective CISM initiatives, highlighting best practices for fostering a supportive environment within agencies. Participants will learn how to integrate peer support into their strategic planning, ensuring a proactive approach to mental health and resilience. Equip yourself with the tools and strategies necessary to enhance your agency’s response to critical incidents and support the well-being of your first responders.

Biography

John Coulter was born in Corning, Iowa, in 1953. At 13, he began responding to ambulance calls with his father. After graduating from high school in 1971, he served in the US Navy until 1977, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class and working as a Navy Postal Clerk.

In 1977, John joined the EMS Department at Greater Regional Hospital in Creston, becoming an EMT-Intermediate and a Level II nationally certified EMS instructor. He also served on the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support Affiliate Faculty, holding leadership roles.

John attended Southwestern Community College, earning an AS degree in Criminal Justice in 1980. He was elected to the Creston City Council in 1981 and served as Union County Disaster Services Coordinator. In 1984, he was elected Sheriff of Union County, a role he held until 2000. He played a key role in organizing the South-Central Iowa E-911 Service Board and received several awards for his service, including the Life Saving Award and the Kirk Strong Award.

After leaving the Sheriff's Office, John co-founded Silver Linings Family Centered Services Agency, providing in-home counseling and skills development services. He later served as Police Chief for Afton until his retirement in 2018. John has been actively involved with the Central Iowa CISM Team, advocating for public safety employees and retirees through peer support programs and education.

Jennifer Colby has worked for the 911 industry for over 20 years. She is the Public Safety Manager for the Rice & Steele 911 Center in Minnesota and dispatches part-time for the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office. As a fellow Iowan and a wife of an Iowa police officer, the wellness and wholeness of Iowa’s First Responders is of upmost importance and concern for Jennifer. Jennifer prioritizes wellness efforts by providing coaching as a certified Christian Life Coach and by serving as a past board member and current Honoring Committee member for Impact Iowa’s Heroes, an organization which exists to honor and strengthen first responder marriages. Jennifer will be sharing about Moral Injury: a topic that has recently gained new attention in the public safety world as something impacting and affecting first responders. Jennifer is married to Mike. Together they have three kids.