2026 Co-Response Conference Presenters

Zee Andrignis

Zee (they/them) is the Mental Health Professional Supervisor with the Seattle Police Department’s Crisis Response Team. They have worked with CRT since 2016. They have a master’s in social work from the University of Washington. They are currently the Peer Support Coordinator for CROA’s Peer Support Team, and they have a passion for supporting others doing co-response work.

Brook Buettner

Brook Buettner is the inaugural executive director of the groundbreaking Regional Crisis Response Agency, which is transforming the first response system in North King County by deploying crisis clinicians to people experiencing behavioral health emergencies. Ms. Buettner is an experienced human services leader with a focus on policy and program implementation for high-needs populations.

Throughout her career, Ms. Buettner has consistently served populations experiencing chronic homelessness, substance use disorder, and severe and persistent mental illness. She is passionate about diversion and transforming systems to better meet the needs of individuals in crisis. She holds master’s degrees in public administration and social work from the University of Washington, and she is a licensed independent clinical social worker.

Stephanie Butler

Stephanie is a licensed clinical social worker who serves as a clinician for first responders through both private practice and embedded roles within peer support teams across the state. With prior experience as a co-responder alongside police and fire departments, she brings a strong foundation in compassion, advocacy, and real-world crisis response. Stephanie has developed extensive expertise in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care, grounded in an understanding of the unique challenges faced by first responders.

She recognizes the critical importance of collaboration among mental health professionals, fire services, law enforcement, and other emergency responders during crisis situations. Stephanie firmly believes that connection is the most valuable tool on scene, emphasizing that compassionate listening is essential to identifying the least restrictive and most supportive environment for individuals in distress.

In addition to her clinical work, Stephanie has substantial experience in curriculum development and instruction. As the lead architect of the BHCore Co-Response Training Academy at the University of Washington, she has played a pivotal role in designing and delivering training programs that strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance the effectiveness of crisis response teams.

Cassie Christopher

Cassie Christopher empowers leaders to create greater wellbeing during the workday through supportive management strategies and worker self-care practices. As a trauma-informed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, first responder wellness advocate, and humor-wielding energetic changemaker, Cassie injects action into building resilient, adaptable teams that thrive amidst change. Cassie learned the power of self-compassion to transform a person’s health while working with eating disorder clients with a significant trauma-history. She brings the knowledge of how to apply self-compassion in one’s own journey and combines it in her post-graduate training designing and delivering workplace wellness programs for organizational transformation.

A University of Washington business grad with an MSc in Nutrition, Cassie blends evidence-based practices with real-world experience in public service and high-growth companies. A recognized professional speaker, Cassie is a 2024 National Speaker Association Northwest Chapter Storytelling Champion. When not on stages advising executives or creating innovative wellness programming for law enforcement, Cassie can be found telling bad jokes at local open-mics or hanging out with her seven-year-old daughter and husband completing home renovation projects.

Kristin Cox

Kristin L. Cox, MA is the Behavioral Health Coordinator for Seattle Fire Department, providing oversight to the Peer Support team and developing systemic pre/inter/postvention programs to help leaders and firefighters be resilient in the face of stress, mental health and crisis situations.

Kristin joined SFD after over 30 years with the U.S. Coast Guard as Work-Life Supervisor/EAP Coordinator. Her focus is coaching individuals, teams and leaders in high-reliability organizations to boost resilience and thrive in challenging circumstances such as Hurricane Katrina, the Alaska Airline Flight 261 crash, line-of-duty deaths, the Oso Landslide, and the Okanogan Complex Fire.

Kristin is honored to currently serve as a member of the IAFF Wellness-Fitness Initiative Task Force, the WA State First Responder Wellness Task Force, and the King County Fire Chiefs Association Mental Wellness Subcommittee.

She has a BA in Theology from Valparaiso University and an MA in Organizational Psychology from Antioch University Seattle. She’s an instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and Livingworks, Inc Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. Kristin is certified as an Advanced Victim Advocate and by UC-SD’s Center for Mindfulness as a Mindful Performance Coach.

Oriana Cozzolino

Oriana is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker specializing in effective communication, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed support. She serves as the Resilience and Wellness Coordinator for the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, providing on-scene and post-scene support to Deputies, and also partners with multiple police departments to offer training, counseling, and critical incident response for First Responders. She is also a contracted clinician with The Counseling Team International.

A state-certified mediator since 2000, Oriana helps individuals and groups reach meaningful agreements and navigate complex dynamics. She is experienced in adult-learning curriculum design and teaches subjects including mediation, conflict-resolution, forgiveness, resilience, post-traumatic growth, and leadership. A skilled and engaging public speaker, Oriana works with audiences ranging from large conferences to small teams across government, nonprofits, military communities, and more. For fun, she hikes with her husband and Rottweiler and engages in 5 Rhythms Dance.

Jacob Grillo

Jacob Grillo PA-C, MBA, is the CEO of Conquer Clinics, where he leads the development of integrated outpatient care for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. His work emphasizes low-barrier access, continuity of care, and the strategic use of telehealth to reach patients who might otherwise remain disconnected from treatment. Through partnerships with mobile teams, peers, and first responders, Jacob has expanded models of care that bridge clinic-based services with care delivered in the field.

Christine Halverson

Christine Halverson, CPSS, spent a third of her life on the streets of Everett, and has been affected by addiction from an early age. Now in recovery, she has chosen to stand for and with still-suffering people in the same community in which she struggled.

Cody Hamm

Cody Hamm is a licensed paramedic and physician assistant student who served as the Senior Medical Specialist for the Round Rock Fire Department’s Crisis Response Unit until December 2025. Before joining CRU, he worked as a Field Paramedic with Williamson County EMS. He began his career as a Safety Coordinator at a residential facility for adolescents in the care of Child Protective Services. Cody has extensive experience in behavioral health and substance use emergencies and is deeply committed to advocating for at-risk and underserved populations. He was instrumental in developing CRU’s protocol for the field administration of antipsychotic medication, a model now used to improve safety, reduce hospitalizations, and enhance early intervention during psychiatric emergencies. He holds a degree in Anthropology from the University of Arizona and is currently attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. His professional interests include harm reduction, global health, first aid, and fostering collaboration between first responders and other healthcare professionals. In previous chapters of his life, Cody was a touring musician, a welder’s helper, and even a pizza delivery driver. He currently lives in Temple, Texas.

Kimberly Hendrickson

Kim Hendrickson is the Director of the City of Poulsbo’s Housing, Health and Human Services Department where she works on projects increasing access to healthcare, housing and social services. She oversees the City’s Recovery Resource Center, a friendly, low barrier hub for health and recovery services in North Kitsap County and a City-run Recovery Cafe that supports people in long term recovery. Kim helped to develop the City of Poulsbo’s police navigator program, the Poulsbo Fire Department’s CARES program and Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue’s CARES program. She encouraged the growth of co-response programs throughout the state through the Co-Responder Outreach Alliance (CROA) from 2018-2023. She is the co-founder of the University of Washington’s BHCore Center and promotes fire department-based behavioral health initiatives.

Mike Jackson

Mike Jackson is the Assistant Chief of Community Risk Reduction for Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue in Southwest Washington. The Community Risk Reduction team includes an innovative and multi-faceted mobile integrated health and co- response program along with traditional fire marshal services, investigations, technical plans review, public education, and public information and outreach. Mike holds a BS in Fire and Safety Engineering from Eastern Kentucky University and an MPA Degree from the University of Washington along with several industry certifications. With 27 years of experience in fire and emergency services, Mike has worked in 5 states for municipal, township, special district, and private emergency service organizations in addition to work in the health and safety field with a major airline. Mike has served as a Chief Officer for over 19 years with leadership experience in all areas of fire service organizations, including operations, community risk reduction, logistics, and administration.

Tracey Jennings

Tracey Jennings is the Clark County Director for the Recovery Café of Clark County/RCCC and brings 25 years of experience serving the Clark County recovery community. Her work focuses on recovery support services and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on building meaningful partnerships across healthcare, behavioral health, and social service systems. She is passionate about supporting individuals in all pathways of recovery, particularly those navigating substance use and mental health challenges. Tracey takes great pride in the role her organization plays in the community and in the strong relationships built with community partners to improve outcomes for those they serve.

Michelle Kim

Michelle is currently employed as a Mental Health Professional (MHP) with the Seattle Police Department’s Crisis Response Team (CRT). She’s proud of her job and would like to contribute to the social work field. She completed her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus in their Evening Degree Program. Her practicum placements included ROOTS Young Adult Shelter and Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC). Prior to her position at CRT, Michelle was employed at DESC primarily in their permanent supportive housing programs and in homeless outreach. She misses the grit and grim of DESC; however, she finds responding to high acuity calls with law enforcement to be a great adventure.

Sam Lewis

Sam Lewis has worked in behavioral health and social services field for over 20 years. Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Western Kentucky University and a Masters of Social Work from Eastern Washington University. He has worked with several behavioral health agencies in a direct service role capacity and on the program development and on the supervision/management side. Sam has helped to develop several programs as well as worked with state agencies, community outreach, and community/interagency partnerships. Sam has an interest in co-responder models as he recognizes the link between first responders and community members requiring behavioral health and other social, medical, and environmental supports and interventions. Sam is currently the Program Manager with Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue’s Community Assistance Referral and Education Services (CARES) and Behavioral Health Crisis Response Programs serving community members who need assistance with accessing and navigating through appropriate resources to reduce the risk of emergencies and dependence on 9-1-1.

Christopher Littrell

Christopher Littrell is a retired law enforcement officer, author, and leadership consultant with extensive experience in crisis response and trauma-informed engagement. He began his civilian law enforcement career in Lynnwood, Washington, where early exposure to behavioral health crises shaped his approach to compassionate, people-centered policing. Throughout his career, Chris served in patrol, investigations, and specialized roles involving victims of violence and individuals in acute distress. Today, he teaches nationally on leadership, emotional intelligence, wellness, and effective crisis response. He is the author of Echoes from the Street and lives in Washington State with his family.

Dave Pickhardt

Dave Pickhardt enjoyed a 34-year career in the fire service and retired from Redmond Fire & Rescue as the Deputy Fire Chief. He graduated from Western Oregon University with a Bachelor’s of Science and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.

Currently, Dave is the board chairman of the Central Oregon Public Safety Chaplaincy and is the past president of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association Health and Safety Section. He has served both groups for over 10 years.

Dave is currently employed by WHA Insurance as a Risk Manager and Fire District Consultant focusing on fire districts and other public entities. Most of the focus is on health, wellness, and safety for the respective organizations. Dave also currently serves as the Managing Director of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association.

Throughout his career, Dave has supported and advocated for health and wellness programs supported by a culture that values health and wellness and been a champion for organizational change to support the best opportunity for a work environment that values individuals health and wellness.

Nicole Picknell

MSO Nicole Picknell has 36 years of fire-ground experience, including wildland and structural firefighting, 30 years as a paramedic, and 30 years in the exercise, fitness and nutrition industry. She has spent the last five years overseeing the Community Resource Paramedic team at South Snohomish Fire and Rescue Regional Fire Authority (South County Fire). In the last five years, she has expanded the CPR program staff from two people to more than 15, including 24/7 CRPs, care coordinators (CHWs), adult family home/senior advocates, and a buprenorphine response program. The South County Fire team is also involved in the new UW COAST behavioral health training program.

Nicole is dedicated to supporting firefighters, police officers and first responders in health and wellness. She supports people in health and nutrition as a personal trainer, exercise instructor, nutrition coach, yoga instructor, Yoga for First Responder instructor and Buti yoga instructor.

Matt Porter

Sergeant Matt Porter is a decorated law enforcement professional, trainer, and consultant specializing in co-responder readiness, crisis response, and decision-making under stress. He is the founder of 1IC Training Group, where he develops training for law enforcement, fire/EMS, behavioral health professionals, and civilian partners focused on situational awareness, emotional intelligence, and practical risk assessment. Matt brings a field-tested, multidisciplinary perspective to co-responder work, emphasizing shared language, safety priorities, and adaptive decision-making in complex environments. He has delivered training across Washington State and is committed to strengthening collaboration and trust between public safety and behavioral health partners.

Tom Robey

Tom Robey, MD, PhD, is an emergency physician and medical director for EMOTE, Everett’s Health Engagement Hub and the Snohomish County Diversion Center. His work focuses on building practical care models for people who are often excluded from traditional systems, including unhoused individuals, people who use drugs, and others facing layered medical and social vulnerability. He brings principles of emergency care and street medicine to reduce barriers to treatment.

Charlie Scoma

Charlie has served as the lead Chaplain with the Seattle Police Department since 2013. He is an ordained minister in the PCUSA church and has served in various ministry capacities. He is certified in Critical Incident Stress Management and has been part of the Seattle Police Department peer support team for over 10 years. He has served as a subject matter expert for International Association Chiefs of Police Mass Violence response initiative. Charlie is a founding member of West Coast Post Trauma retreats in Washington State and serves as the lead chaplain for the retreats. Most recently Charlie was appointed as the Regional Director for Region 2 representing the International Conference of Police Chaplains. Charlie also brings 13 years of experience as a volunteer and career firefighter achieving the rank of captain. He enjoys traveling with his wife Leah and spending time with their four adult children.

Duncan Shields

Dr. Duncan Shields is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, and a psychologist and researcher focused on human performance and recovery in extreme settings. In 2015, he co-founded the R&D hub, Blueprint, where he explores the interdependence of group cohesion, shared purpose, high performance, resiliency and well-being. This exploration has taken Duncan from Westpoint Military Academy working with officer cadets on team leadership, to work with first responder agencies managing recovery environments after critical events, and research on elite Canadian and Australian military units. In 2017 he co-developed the BC First Responder Resiliency Program with the BC Professional Firefighters Association and BC Police Association. The resiliency program has now expanded to a sister program in Australia and is currently being piloted in the US. Duncan has published and presented his work in six countries and at NATO and is the recipient of a number of awards for his research and service. Prior to his clinical work, Duncan was proud to serve with the Governor General’s Foot Guard, a Canadian infantry regiment, where he gained a life-long appreciation for the contributions of our men and women in uniformed services.

Jennifer Stuber

Dr. Jennifer Stuber is a professor at the UW School of Social Work, who transformed her professional trajectory due to her lived experience as a suicide-loss survivor. Dr. Stuber co-founded and directed Forefront Suicide Prevention and for a decade championed several state laws in suicide prevention. Today, she is on the CORE faculty at the UW SMART Center, supporting workforce development for school-based behavioral health professionals and suicide prevention in schools. She recently launched BHCore or Behavioral Health Crisis Outreach Response and Education, a new initiative to support front-line responders and the people they serve. She dreams of a day when people in crisis in Washington state can experience a well-organized and compassionate crisis response system that sets them up for long-term recovery.

Ganelle Swindler

Ganelle Swindler, SUDP, has 16 years of experience providing addiction treatment and harm reduction services. As part of the EMOTE team, she focuses on problem-solving and innovative care approaches that combine street-based outreach and telehealth to reduce barriers to treatment for underhoused individuals and support continuity of care. She designed an intake process that meets ASAM criteria while accounting for the realities of telehealth visits with unhoused patients, helping reduce delays between assessment and access to care.

Rebecca Zahler

Rebecca Zahler is a Behavioral Health Specialist with the Round Rock Fire Department’s Crisis Response Unit. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in the state of Texas. Prior to joining CRU, Rebecca served as an emergency mental health responder in an active EMS setting. Her background includes extensive experience working with adolescents with severe behavioral health needs in a residential treatment center, as well as providing care to children, adolescents, and adults in an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital. Her inpatient work included specialized units such as a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, a veterans unit, and a chemical dependency unit. Rebecca also previously worked at a drop-in center for unhoused youth, where she focused on identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking. Born and raised in Round Rock, she is proud to serve her community. She is married to her best friend, and together they have a wonderful daughter.