First Responder Wellness Summit

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Caring for Ourselves During the Overdose Crisis

September 23, 2026 | 8:00am-3:45pm PT | Register here

The Hub Ballroom at the University of Washington | 4001 E. Stevens Way NE, Seattle, WA

About the First Responder Summit [back to top]

Questions or accommodation requests:
Nicole Branche – nbranche@uw.edu

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Agenda [back to top]

 

8:00-9:00am – Breakfast, Check-In, & Networking / Sign-in

 

9:00-9:20am – Introduction to the First Responder Wellness Summit

• Facilitator: Toryono “Tory” Green – First Responder Wellness Program Manager, Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
• WA State Representative Lauren Davis, 32nd Legislative District 

 

9:20-10:15am – Keynote: Understanding Moral Injury among First Responders

This presentation aims to bring awareness to the widespread prevalence of moral injury among first responders and provides detailed information on what it is, how it develops, how it manifests, and how it differs from other common mental health concerns (e.g., compassion fatigue, burnout, PTSD). Attendees will gain a better understanding of moral injury and will be equipped with knowledge to better identify and mitigate it.

• Dr. Brooke Bartlett – Clinical Psychologist, Researcher, CEO/Owner, Center for Trauma, Anxiety, and Stress Inc. 

 

10:15-10:30am – Break

 

10:30-11:30am – Panel: First Responders on Burnout and Staying in the Job

Hear from first responders from different offices, positions, and parts of WA on their experiences dealing with burnout.

• Amy Bundy – Chief Criminal Deputy, Clallam County Sheriff’s Office
• Shawn Davis – Chief of Corrections, Stevens County Sheriff’s Office 
• Jon Jainga – Community Services Branch Manager, Seattle Parks & Recreation 
• Jason Shepherd, PA-C – Lieutenant, EMS Coordinator, Paramedic, Riverside Fire Authority 
• Julie Wright, LICSW – Mental Health Professional, Crisis Response Team, Skagit County Sheriff’s Office 

 

11:30am-12:00pm – Cross Agency Conversations – Interactive Session

 

12:00-1:00pm – Lunch

Provided by Bay Laurel Catering. Browse a first responder focused exhibition hall with resources on self-care, other community resources and partners.

 

1:00-2:00pm – Breakout Session: Leading Under Pressure: The Hidden Cost of Supporting Everyone Else

Leadership roles bring unique pressures and responsibilities that can affect personal well-being and organizational culture. This session will explore strategies for leaders and executives to manage stress, prioritize their own wellness, and foster a supportive, healthy environment for their teams.

• Andy McCurdy – Vice President, Board of Directors, Code 4 Northwest; Chief of Police, City of Sumner 

 

1:00-2:00pm – Breakout Session: First Responder Personal Burnout and Wellness

Explore practical strategies first responders can use today to reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall well-being. This session will also highlight available treatment options, including outpatient services and specialized residential programs designed for first responders.

• Stephen Odom, PhD, LMFT, DAAETS – Chief Clinical Officer, First Responder Health 

 

1:00-2:00pm – Breakout Session: Strengthening First Responder Peer Support Teams

Learn how peer support teams are structured across Washington state, the services they provide, and the impact they can have within agencies. Participants will gain insights into starting a new team, strengthening an existing program, and building sustainable peer support networks.

• Nick Bauer – Operations Director, Code 4 Northwest; Retired Sergeant, Seattle Police Department 

 

1:00-2:00pm – Breakout Session: Working with Community Peers (People in Recovery) in First Responder Settings

There is growing value in partnering with peers, individuals with lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), to engage and support people who use drugs. Hear from three programs across Washington state that successfully employ and collaborate with peers on first responder teams. Participants will learn about the benefits of peer integration, implementation challenges, and actionable steps their agency can take to incorporate peers into their own response efforts.

• Jacob Grillo, PA-C – Founder & CEO, Conquer Clinics, Working in Jails across WA State
• Aleesia Morales, MA, MHP, LMFTA, CCIS-II – Holistic Outreach Promoting Engagement (HOPE) Program Manager, City of Tacoma / Fire Department 
• Jeremy Rodriguez – EMS Operations and Training Coordinator, Yakima County Department of Emergency Medical Services 

 

2:00-2:15pm – Break

 

2:15-3:00pm – Panel: People in Recovery on the Impacts of Positive Interactions with First Responders

Hear firsthand stories from individuals in recovery from substance use disorder across the state whose lives have been transformed through the compassion, dedication, and support of first responders.

• Victor Estrada – Recovery Coach Coordinator, Wenatchee Cafe
• Kelly Hall – Director of Programs, Olympic Peninsula Community Clinic (OPCC) & Project REdisCOVERY
• Kelly Landon – FCS Coordinator, Conquer Clinics 
• Melody McKee – Director of Behavioral Health Strategy, The Healthcare Training Fund 

 

3:00-3:30pm – Closing of the Day: Continuing the Work & Our Wellness

• Penelope Sapp – Acting Sheriff, Chief of Corrections, Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office 

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The hotels below are near the University, but Seattle also has numerous hotels throughout the city. Downtown Seattle is a short light-rail ride away.

Parking

Padelford Parking Garage (N20 & N21) is the nearest parking lot to the HUB.
Parking on the University of Washington campus is available for $21 per day. More information about parking on UW campus can be found here.

We have limited parking assistance funds available. If parking on campus would present a barrier to your attendance please indicate this during registration. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

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