Code 4 Northwest Wellness Conference
Agenda
This agenda outlines the sessions, speakers, and activities for the conference. Please note this is subject to change.
November 4 – Pre-Conference Training
WATCH - WATCH: Suicide Prevention & Intervention for First Responder Peer Support Facilitators: Stephanie Butler, LICSW Frontline Counseling & Consulting & Chief Andy McCurdy, Sumner Police Department
Main Conference Registration /
Welcome Reception Light Bites
November 5 – Main Conference Day 1
Exhibit Hall / Vendor Set-up
Registration
Welcome & Introduction
Moderator - Eric Tung, Commander Kent Police Department
- Welcome Address: Nick Bauer, Director of Operations Code 4 Northwest
Keynote Address
Moderator (Intro) – Eric Tung, Commander, Kent Police Department
Speaker: Stacy Cecchet, PhD, ABPP, Forensic & Operational Psychologist
Topic: Mission-Critical Wellness: Sustaining Strength, Performance and Purpose
- Baker A
Kira Mauseth, PhD, Consultant & Principal, Astrum Health
Effective Communication & Core Values in Challenging Times
- Baker C
Brooke Lundquist, PhD, LMHC First Responder Counseling & Consulting
After the Uniform: Wellness Beyond the Career
- Glacier
Rachel Herron, DPT, Cedar Physical Therapy
Talk with a Doc: Life after injury
- Cascade
Eric Tung, Commander Kent Police Department and Dr. Carolyn van der Meulen, OTD, OTR/L, Cert VRS, CFVRS
Building a Life to Live, Serve, Perform, and Retire Well: Creating Sustainable Performance Across a First Responder Career.
- Pacific
Chief Kelly Park Shoreline Police Department (KCSO) & Chief Andy McCurdy, Sumner Police Department
The Importance of Top-Down Support for Wellness
- Baker A
Nicole Picknell, South County Firefighter
Functional Nutrition for First Responders
- Baker C
Tim Diver Seattle, FBI, SWAT Senior Team Leader
Effective After-Action Review & Debriefing
- Glacier
Rachel Herron, DPT & Stacy Cecchet Phd, ABPP
How to Let That Shit Go: Physical Therapy Strategies for Back Pain and Stress-Related Body Tension
- Cascade
Karina Putman, Peer Support Team Member, Valley Communications
Collaborative Resilience and Recovery: Staying on the job while healing
- Pacific
Chief Deputy Coroner Reilly Hall, MSCJ, F-ABMDI and Chief Coroner Deputy Faye Fetters
Coroner Experience: Burnout, Wellness & Resilience
- Baker A
David Busz, Fire Chief, City of Montesano
Doing Better: When the Firehouse Becomes the Sanctuary From Chaos
- Baker C
Stacy Cecchet, PhD, ABPP
Sleep on It: Tactical Recovery and Resilience for the Chronically Under-Rested
- Glacier
Crystal Erickson, Wellness Coordinator Pierce County Sheriff
Move with Purpose
- Cascade
Panel of Female First Responders Speaking on Wellness on Their Journey, Lessons Learned- Firefighter Theresa Tozier
- Sgt. Laura Abell
- Corner and former EMS Annie Pillers
Moderated by Stephanie Butler, LICSW, MHP
- Firefighter Theresa Tozier
- Pacific
Heidi Houselog, Community Corrections DOC
Supporting Wellness for Corrections Staff in Custody and Community Settings
Mix & Mingle
- Dinner Buffet and Evening Entertainment
November 6 – Main Conference Day 2
Registration
- Baker A
Shaun Nestor, Sergeant Puyallup Police Department
Finding Joy Outside of Work
- Baker C
Shawn Boyer, CRP, ABFP Retired Special Forces U.S. Army
Financial Wellness
- Baker A
Stephanie Butler, LICSW, Frontline Counseling & ConsultingSustaining People Not Performance: What Resilient Teams Do Differently
- Baker C
Zach Gerdes, Phd, Washington State Patrol
Transcending the Relationship between Trauma and Substance Use: Meaning, Purpose, and Happiness in spite of Trauma
First Responder Panel (Facilitator: Stephanie Butler, LICSW)
Panelists may include:
- Medical Examiner – Reilly Hall
- Dispatcher – Karina Putnam
- Co-Responder – Zee Andriginis
- Pierce County Sgt – David Sutherland
Closing Keynote
Moderator (Introduction) Eric Tung
Presenter: Jon Macaskill Former Navy SEAL Commander
Preparedness, Resilience, Grit, and Compassion with Mindfulness Foundation
Closing Remarks
- Nick Bauer
- Conference Survey
Dr. Cecchet is a forensic and operational psychologist with over a decade of experience supporting law enforcement, tactical teams, and investigative units at the local, federal, and international levels. She specializes in behavioral analysis, investigative strategy, and the application of psychological science to high-risk decision-making, performance, and functional wellness. Dr. Cecchet has worked alongside SWAT teams, K9 handlers, undercover units, peer support teams, and investigators to integrate psychological insight into both operational effectiveness and personnel sustainability. In addition to case consultation, she designs and delivers training that addresses the cognitive, physiological, and emotional demands of the profession, equipping first responders with practical tools to improve performance, manage stress, and sustain long-term readiness.
Jon is a retired Navy SEAL Commander turned leadership and mindfulness coach. During his 24-year Navy career, he served in multiple highly dynamic leadership positions from the battlefield to operations centers and the boardroom. From those experiences and his later introduction to mindfulness he has gained a wealth of knowledge about what it takes to be a great leader. He is passionate about passing that knowledge along, helping organizations and people become the best versions of themselves.
Andy McCurdy is the Chief of Police for the city of Sumner, Vice President of the Code 4 Northwest Board of Directors, and Team Lead of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Executive Peer Support Team. Andy has been working in Law Enforcement since 1991, as an executive since 2015, and for most of his career he has worked with survivors of violent crimes to advocate for systemic reform. Andy has taught and consulted locally, nationally, and internationally on crisis intervention and trauma-informed investigations and is a subject matter expert and trainer in first responder peer support and wellness.
Kelly is the mother of two amazing children. Her son attends Inglemoor High School, her daughter attends the University of Washington, and Kelly is a graduate of the University of Washington. She began her career in Shoreline on patrol and became the Woodinville School Resource Officer after the birth of her daughter. She was a detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit of North Precinct before becoming Woodinville’s full-time detective.
Once promoted to Sergeant, Kelly supervised the KCCH Court Protection Unit, the Advanced Training Unit, and Shoreline patrol before becoming an Internal Investigations Unit Detective Sergeant. Once she promoted to Captain, she served in SW precinct, Sound Transit patrol operations, returned to IIU as Commander, and eventually returned to Shoreline as both the Administrative and Operations captain. Throughout her career she has been an FTO, and an EVOC and DT ancillary instructor. She continues to manage both the ABLE and Justice Based Policing programs for KCSO, and she was the first sergeant for KCSO’s co-responder program.
Kelly has a passion for wellness and spearheaded prioritizing fitness by building precinct gyms. She is part of the WASPC Executive Peer Support Team and previously was division chief over the KCSOPeer Support Team in Patrol Operations. She is now division chief over KCSO’s Therapeutic Response Team (TRU) for the criminal investigations unit.
Reilly Hall is currently the Chief Deputy Coroner for Douglas County, WA. She possesses a Doctor of Forensic Sciences from Oklahoma SState University, a Master’s in Criminal Justice from the University of North Alabama and a Bachelor’s in Crime Scene Investigation for Florida State University. She is also-a Board-Certified Fellow of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and a Certified Washington State Medicolegal Forensic Investigator.
Eric is an active police commander for the Kent Police Department. He currently oversees patrol operations, wellness, and peer support programs. He has been a police officer for 19 years and integrates the extreme highs and lows that are synonymous with the career to help guide others to live better through grounded mindset and positive impacts through leadership and organizational culture.
Eric shares lessons and insights in his podcast: Blue Grit Radio, free newsletter (available at bluegritwellness.com) and can be found on LinkedIn, at bluegritwellness@gmail.com and @bluegritwellness on Instagram. He is proud to serve as a board member for Code 4 Northwest and is a regular contributing author to Police1.
Dr. Herron is Physical Therapist who specializes in Orthopedic/Sports Injuries, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Dry Needling, Visceral Manipulation, Neurotraining and chronic pain management. Herron competed as a Division I soccer player, culminating her career representing Team USA at the World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea.
Dr. Herron is proud to come from a Law Enforcement and military service family. Some of her inspiration to teach First Responders helpful strategies to manage chronic medical conditions, recover from injuries, and optimize their overall wellness stems from being married to a former Police Officer whose Law Enforcement career was cut short due to an on-duty injury. Dr. Herron has significant clinical experience treating military personnel and First Responders in outpatient Private Practice settings, as well as within the hospital based acute care, sub-acute and ICU settings.
Dr. Herron doesn’t believe in “one size fits all” medicine. Her mission as a health care provider is to offer mind-body wellness and educational services to empower people to be their own greatest healer. She is looking forward to the opportunity to present evidence-based wellness
strategies at Code 4 NW’s first conference, alongside her Physical Therapy Clinic’s trained Therapy Dog, a black German Shepard named Ali.
Heidi has been working in Law Enforcement/Corrections since 1993 and is currently working for the Washington State Department of Correction as a Community Corrections Supervisor. Heidi has built her career through leadership, training, peer support, and mentorship. She serves as an Academy Instructor, Field Training Officer and member of the statewide Peer Support team. Her connection to this work is both personal and professional. As the wife of a police chief and as a former police officer herself, she understands firsthand the unique challenges, pressures, and sacrifices, including loses, that come with the profession. These experiences have shaped her perspective and strengthened her dedication to supporting the well-being of those who serve.
Dr. Carolyn is an occupational therapist, consultant, and educator specializing in tactical rehabilitation, first responder wellness, and high-performance injury recovery. As the founder of Ironclad Human Performance, she works at the intersection of healthcare, operational readiness, and human performance, helping first responders and tactical professionals optimize performance, recover from injury, and build sustainable habits that promote long-term wellness. Her work bridges evidence-based rehabilitation with the unique demands of operational environments, with expertise in brain injury, vestibular rehabilitation, chronic pain, return-to-work, and human performance. In this presentation, Dr. van der Meulen partners with Commander Eric Tung to combine clinical expertise with real-world application, equipping the audience with tools they can immediately implement in the field to enhance wellness, build resilience, and support long-term health.
Stephanie is the owner of Frontline Counseling & Consulting, where she specializes in supporting first responders and the organizations that serve them. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Stephanie provides consultation, develops evidence-informed training, and partners with agencies to strengthen peer support programs, leadership, and organizational wellness. Drawing on years of experience working alongside public safety professionals, she is passionate about building resilient teams and sustainable systems that support those who dedicate their lives to serving their communities.
Nicole is a Medical Services Officer, firefighter-paramedic, functional nutrition educator, and wellness leader with more than 30 years of experience in emergency services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education with an emphasis in exercise science and firefighter wellness and is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.
Throughout her career, Nicole has developed and delivered nutrition, fitness, injury-prevention, and health-education programs for firefighters, first responders, recruits, athletes, and community members. Her work focuses on translating complex nutrition concepts into realistic strategies that support energy, recovery, metabolic health, inflammation reduction, body composition, hormonal health, and long-term career performance.
Nicole has also served in department leadership roles involving community paramedicine, behavioral health, quality improvement, peer fitness, and responder wellness. She brings a practical understanding of the physical demands, disrupted sleep, occupational stress, and nutritional challenges experienced by first responders. Her approach combines functional nutrition, behavior change, movement, recovery, and sustainable lifestyle practices to help individuals improve measurable health markers and perform at their best.
Having had a successful career in the military, I understand the importance of developing and maintaining a comprehensive strategy as well as honest and direct communication. The key to financial success is understanding; my understanding of what’s important to you and your family, and your understanding of your overall strategy and how your investments may – or may not – be working in tandem. Many hard-working families could benefit from someone they trust advising them on the most efficient and personally appropriate ways to achieve and maintain
their goals. No two people are the same, and no two financial strategies should be either. You should have a personalized strategy that supports your unique situation and goals.
My military career began after high school on my 18th birthday. I had the pleasure of serving for over 25 years around the globe. Throughout that period, I deployed to combat five times. My greatest satisfaction came during the times I was the senior intelligence advisor to my commander. This is where I truly learned the value of advising decision makers during critical times and when it matters most. Some much needed stability for my family led to my transition in 2016 from serving the country to serving my community where my wife, Michelle, and I share three great kids! My passion for advising led me to this new career in Edgewood, Washington.
My calling is to guide people with their financial journey through evolving changes and needs as your life unfolds.
Shaun is a Sergeant with the Puyallup (WA) Police Department with over two decades of law enforcement experience. Throughout his career, he has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, supervisor, instructor, and mentor, while leading initiatives in training, leadership development, and organizational wellness.
Shaun is the founder of Beyond the Badge, where he helps first responders build fulfilling lives and meaningful opportunities beyond their careers in public safety. His presentation challenges attendees to think differently about identity, purpose, and creating a life they don’t need a vacation from.
Dr. Brooke Lundquist is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with first responder individuals and couples. She has been a part of the fire family for the past 25 years as her husband has served in a variety of roles during his career in the fire service. Brooke is the owner of a group counseling practice, First Responder Counseling and Consulting, located in Lake Stevens and via telehealth, where she and her team provide therapy to first responders and their families.
In addition, Brooke is also the on-site Mental Health Professional for Redmond Fire Department, Bellevue Fire Department and Paramedic Training at Harborview Medical Center. She is trained in EMDR, Gottman Couples Therapy, and is a Certified First Responder Counselor. Brooke is often accompanied by her 5-year-old facility dog, Raider, who was trained for the first 2 ½ years of his life to provide support to individuals and groups.
Crystal is the Wellness Coordinator for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and a passionate advocate for first responder wellness. She develops programs that promote physical fitness, mental resilience, injury prevention, and long-term health for law enforcement professionals. In her interactive session, Move with Purpose, Crystal shares practical strategies to incorporate purposeful movement into everyday life. Attendees will participate in simple stretches and strength exercises while learning how movement improves readiness, supports recovery, enhances mental health, and helps first responders remain capable on the job and present at home. Free fitness giveaways are included.
Dr. Kira Mauseth is a Teaching Professor at Seattle University, a practicing clinical psychologist, and affiliate faculty at the SMART center at University of Washington. She served as a co-lead for the Behavioral Health Strike Team for the WA State Department of Health throughout the COVID response, and owns Astrum Health, LLC, through which she consults with organizations, educational groups and state agencies about disaster preparedness and resilience building within local communities. She is part of the mental health work group for the Pediatric Pandemic Network- a HRSA funded project alighted with the pediatric centers for excellence.
Dr. Mauseth has provided training to community groups and professionals both regionally and abroad as the co-developer of the Health Support Team© program. Her work and research focus on disaster behavioral health, resilience, and recovery from trauma as well as small and large-scale critical incident response and preparation for organizations. She has worked abroad extensively with disaster survivors and refugees and has trained first responders and health care workers throughout Puget Sound the United States, and currently serves in the adult mental health clinical seat on Washington State’s Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (IMAC). She is the author of the text “Why Therapy Works: The Psychology of Change”.
Tim is a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In his 17 years with the organization, Tim has worked complex terrorism, counterintelligence, and violent crime cases; served as a breacher, sniper, and medic on the Los Angeles FBI SWAT Team; and is currently the Senior Team Leader of the Seattle FBI SWAT Team, a position he has held for 8 years. Tim maintains a strong focus on his Team Dynamics Program, which is designed to evaluate and optimize teams through the human performance lens of team-based behavioral and cultural growth rather than solely focusing on individual improvement. Tim has been fortunate to spend time working Team Dynamics with numerous domestic and international tactical teams, special mission units, trauma medicine and pre-hospital care teams, professional sports teams, and Olympic programs. Prior to joining the FBI, Tim served with the US Army 2d Ranger BN, 75th Ranger Regiment.
Faye has a background in data and crime analysis and a Bachelor’s Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, they recently completed their Core Medicolegal Forensic Investigative Training through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
They are currently completing their Masters in Arson and Explosive Investigation at Oklahoma State University and are working on completing requirements to become certified through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.
When not at work, they can be found birdwatching, knitting, or powerlifting.
David brings over 30 years of extensive experience to the fire service, from his roots as a volunteer resident firefighter to a 30-year tenure with the Seattle Fire Department. He currently serves as Fire Chief for a combination career/volunteer department in Washington State.
Throughout his career, David has served all levels; as Firefighter, Driver, Lieutenant and Chief, while actively pursuing roles in Human Resources, Training, andOperations. A perpetual student of the industry, he excels at collaborative problem-solving and navigating complex organizational dynamics.
David has spearheaded critical regional initiatives, including the creation of a county-wide Special Operations Rescue Team and ongoing work on the Grays Harbor E911 radio upgrade project. He also contributes his expertise to an Incident Management Team and several E911 boards.
Committed to challenging the status quo with professionalism and humor, David is currently focused on developing Co-Responder curriculum. He is driven by a mission to improve support systems for emergency personnel, emphasizing the importance of "taking care of the caregivers
Beyond his professional work, David manages a small farm with his family and is an active community coach and outdoorsman.
Zee Andrignis (they/them) is the Mental Health Professional Supervisor for the Seattle Police Department’s Crisis Response Team. They have worked as a co-responder with CRT since 2016, and have a MSW from the University of Washington. They are also the Vice President as well as the Peer Support Coordinator for the Co-responder Outreach Alliance.
Karina is a dispatcher, trainer, and Peer Support co-lead at Valleycom 911 in south King county. She is no stranger to the impact of the weight of emergency work and focuses on trauma injury prevention. She is in the final stages of graduate studies for trauma counseling. In her free time she travels with her family and has an average Wordle solve rate of 3.
Dr. Zachary Gerdes is the Department Psychologist for the Washington State Patrol. He was previously a military psychologist and Captain in the United States Air Force. He is widely published and presents nationally on resilience and posttraumatic growth in the first responder community.
Annie is the Whitman County Coroner. She is a volunteer EMT, hospice volunteer, and grief group facilitator. Her training includes Assisting Individuals in Crisis, Group Crisis Intervention, MHFA, and QPR. She is a founding member of the Whitman County Co-Response Team, providing post-acute crisis follow up.
Since beginning her fire service career in 2014, Theresa Tozier has viewed her role as both a privilege and a profound responsibility. Through her own experience navigating the complexities of the job, she has become a passionate advocate for wellness and Peer Support. Theresa is committed to walking alongside fellow first responders, offering guidance, solidarity, and the lessons she has learned to support those facing the challenges of a career in public safety.
Comfort, Convenience, Connection
Located near the Code 4 Northwest event venue, Delta Hotels Seattle Everett provides a comfortable and convenient stay for attendees, volunteers, and partner organizations.
- Complimentary Parking
- Modern Guest Rooms
- Fitness Center
- On-Site Dining
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Conference-Friendly Environment
Delta Hotels Seattle Everett
3105 Pine Street Everett, Washington
- Near conference venue
- Accessible parking
- Major highway access
- Nearby airport transportation