Speakers
Click on a speaker’s photo to view their BIO.
Speakers
Click on a speaker’s photo to view their BIO.
John Creamer started his law-enforcement career in 1992 with the Tallahassee Police Department after graduating from Florida State University. John held positions in patrol, training, traffic, investigations, SWAT, public information officer, staff inspector, and accreditation before moving to Daytona Beach and joining the Daytona Beach Police Department. John had similar positions with DBPD, including positions in leadership as a sergeant and lieutenant commanding patrol squads and specialized units like Robbery/Homicide to Internal Affairs. John moved on to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, where he served as chief deputy. While at VSO, John oversaw the day-to-day operations of one of Florida’s largest sheriff’s offices. In addition, John is a graduate of the 273 Session of the FBI National Academy, the 73rd Session of the SPI Command Officers Development Course, and the 53rd Session of the FDLE Chief’s Executive Seminar. John has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with some of Florida’s finest officers and deputies.
Dr. Chatlos is a Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers-RWJ Medical School, specializing in adult, child & adolescent, and addiction psychiatry. His work initially focused on addiction and 12-step programs, which sparked an exploration into spiritual experiences. Despite personal and familial challenges with psychosis, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, he kept these experiences private professionally to avoid stigma.
His personal journey led him to develop a Framework of Spirituality, explaining mystical, spiritual experiences like states of bliss and discovering personal purpose. Recently, he conducted a groundbreaking study demonstrating the intentional promotion of spiritual experiences through an 8-week group intervention for men dealing with addiction, mental disorders, and incarceration.
Dr. Chatlos is recognized as a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He presents regularly at national and international conferences, advocating for his Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model to transform traditional medical and psychiatric practices.
Dr. Olivia Johnson holds a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership Management from the University of Phoenix, School of Advanced Studies. She founded the Blue Wall Institute, which focuses on consulting, needs assessment, and training. Dr. Johnson is the Founder and President of Shepherds and Sheepdogs, LTD, which focuses on revolutionizing how we train, treat, and lead America’s first responders. Dr. Johnson’s professional journey has been profoundly influenced by her background as a United States Air Force veteran and former police officer. These experiences have driven her contributions through the Blue Wall Institute, Shepherds and Sheepdogs, and her published works, focusing on enhancing understanding and support for law enforcement professionals. Dr. Johnson is widely respected for her expertise in police officer health and wellness and suicide inoculation among first responders. She was an Advisory Board member for the VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Program, influencing de-escalation training. Additionally, she was a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Intergovernmental Research, as a lead instructor for the VALOR Officer Safety Program and overseeing the SAFLEO (National Suicide Awareness for LE Officers) Program.
Lt. Jeff Orrange is a Paramedic with the City of Orlando Fire Department and has nearly 30 years of experience in the fire service; he is renowned for his advocacy wellness. Jeff co-founded the Orlando Firefighters peer support team, which provides crucial support and guidance for firefighters’ mental health. Jeff promotes mental wellness practices as a statewide peer team coordinator for the Florida firefighter, safety, and health collaborative. His contributions include the Second Alarm Project and the Behavioral Health Access program, significantly impacting mental health approaches in the fire service and emergency response community. Jeff’s work with the International Association of Fire Fighters and nationwide efforts further highlights his dedication. His over two-decade marriage to his beautiful wife and their journey as proud parents of two remarkable children is a source of strength and inspiration for him. This personal experience underpins his advocacy for a complete and wholesome approach to personal well-being, a perspective he brings to his professional endeavors. Jeff is a transformative figure in mental health advocacy for first responders, fostering resilience and community support.
Travis Yates has over 30 years of law enforcement experience, spending the last decade as a commander with a large metropolitan agency. His assignments included patrol, gang investigations, training, technology, policy, media relations, jail operations, and special operations, including SWAT, Helicopter, K-9, Dive Team, Bomb Squad, Disaster Response, Special Events, and the Reserve Program. A past recipient of the ILEETA International Law Enforcement Trainer of the Year and the co-founder of the Below 100 Initiative, Travis has spent the last two decades training and consulting with law enforcement organizations across the globe, including 46 states. The author of “The Courageous Police Leader,” Travis has pioneered a practical leadership model for all ranks. Travis has a doctorate degree in Strategic Leadership, is a graduate of the 227th session of the FBI National Academy, the Police Executive Development & Leadership Program, and is a certified trainer for the IACP Leadership in Police Organizations. Over the last twenty-five years, Travis has taught university-level courses to thousands and is a sought-after court expert in various areas, including patrol, policy, pursuits, and tactics.
Sajel Bellon Ed.D, RP is the Founder of Mind Armour® & SOS Psychotherapy, specializing in moving people from Pain to Possibilities™. As a Behavioral Science Professor and Psychotherapist, she has developed programs and delivered talks around the globe for a variety of institutions, organizations, and federal and local agencies like Harvard, Berkeley, TEDx, Purolator, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, promoting psychological safety and human connection.
Ms. Tammy Featherstone is a national and international speaker specializing in the transformative curriculum “Live a New Life Story” by Dr. David Krueger. With a passion for personal development, she inspires audiences to rewrite their narratives and achieve their fullest potential.
Scott Medlin, a national speaker, five-time author, and founder of L.E.O. Motivation LLC, is dedicated to empowering first responders. He leverages his experience from a distinguished law enforcement career (2007-2022) and as a Marine Corps Sergeant to provide essential tools for thriving amidst career stresses. Scott’s transformative work is showcased on his YouTube channel and podcast, “The 10 Code Mindset”, and in his books like “Mental Health Fight of The Heroes in Blue”. He speaks at various conferences and agencies, such as the National C.O.P.S. conference and the Atlanta Police Department Quarterly Command Staff Meeting.
Glen Williams is the author of Bridging the Gap: An Inside Look at Communications and Relationships After Traumatic Events and a part of the award-winning documentary “Is There Something Going On At Home?” He spent twenty-six years in law enforcement as a patrol officer, detective, and trainer at Sandy City Police and Utah Transit Authority Police. Glen received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah. He developed PTSD and suffered the effects of negative behaviors, which led to divorce, bankruptcy, and frequent nightmares. He could work through those things after a deep, self-accountable look inside. These changes have led to a great new relationship and life. Glen retired in 2016 and currently travels to police departments throughout the US, presenting his program, Bridging the Gap: Survival Tactics for Law Enforcement Relationships, to assist in reducing PTSD, divorce, and suicide. Glen now lives in Springville, Utah, with his wife Deborah. His greatest joy is making a difference in today’s world through speaking, teaching, and writing. He also enjoys traveling, scuba diving, martial arts, long-range shooting, and his service dog, Shiloh, who goes to most places with him.
Janet Werner, President, U Have My Word LLC, has served corporate America since 1988 as a change management consultant, trainer & executive coach. She is also an Executive Producer of a docuseries & feature movie in development that focuses on the spiritual side of mental health. Janet leads NJ AWARE: A Coalition of Religious, Spiritual & Mental Health Leaders on a mission to improve the mental health system in NJ by including religious & spiritual leaders in the standard of care for mental health.
Dr. Jorey L. Krawczyn has an extensive career extending over 50 years in law enforcement, forensic psychology, and teaching. He began his career in 1971 as an undercover narcotics investigator and retired as a Chief of Police. Dr Krawczyn served three years as a Senior Police Psychologist for the US Department of Justice: International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) assigned to Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, and Tanzania. He served an additional five years as the Academic Director for the U.S. Department of State’s International Law Enforcement Academy, advising and mentoring foreign judges, prosecutors, and senior law enforcement officials from thirty-two countries. Dr. Krawczyn is an adjunct faculty member at Saint Leo University, Department of Criminal Justice Graduate Studies. He teaches Forensic Interviews, Methodologies of Violence, and Quantitative Research and Analytics and Chairs dissertation committees in the Doctor of Criminal Justice program. He holds a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, one master’s in human development, a second Master’s in Instructional Design, and a bachelor’s in criminal justice administration. Dr. Krawczyn’s expertise extends beyond the academic realm. He has provided testimony as a Subject Matter Expert in twenty-two State and Federal Court cases on police behaviors, police testing methodologies, and violent offenders. His ability to communicate complex psychological concepts to a broader audience is further demonstrated by his role as a psychological commentator on the Nancy Grace Crime Stories, where he has appeared on sixty-five shows.
Retired Sgt. John Kelly, National keynote presenter and law enforcement life coach, faced several attempts on his life from suspects over his 30-year career in law enforcement. None of these attempts came as close to killing him as he did to killing himself. The author of “Surviving Self-Inflicted Wounds, A Deputy’s Life of Redemption” chronicles his life journey. An alcoholic, addict, and adulterer confronting PTS and suicidal ideation, John tears open his life to provide a roadmap to personal accountability and growth. His “Sometimes Heroes Need Help, Tactical Approach to Personal Development and Team Building” program addresses the first responder’s personal, professional, financial, physical, and mental health. By having real, raw, and unfiltered conversations about the things we never talk about, the individual is empowered to be their own wellness advocate. John’s vulnerability in discussing his failures gives the audience permission to forgive themselves and, more importantly, the courage and strength to keep getting up, striving to be better today than yesterday.
Chad Bruckner is a retired police detective from Pennsylvania, having served 13 years in law enforcement. He previously served for 8 years in the U.S. Army and experienced combat in Iraq. Chad is now a small business owner, professional speaker, coach, and humanitarian. He holds a master’s degree in digital forensics and is a Certified Recovery Specialist. Chad believes in living a balanced, holistic, and healthy lifestyle, and as a coach, he aims to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential in performance and morale.
Allen Hendrickson has served in the first responder and law enforcement community for over 20 years. Allen’s unique stress and stress management perspective is the cumulative experience of working patrol, narcotics, investigations, state task force, federal task force, violent crimes, and various administrative and leadership positions. From an officer- involved shooting to divorce and substance abuse, Allen’s unique personal experiences have been a motivation to help others. Allen continues to serve at the Dothan Police Department in the patrol division.