about us
Serving Those Who Serve
Our organization supports the lives of all who serve and aims to support the mental health, well-being, and resilience of front-line workers so that they can live their best lives both on and off duty. NPSN is innovative in our approach and a nationally recognized leader in supporting the well-being of front-line workers. Since our inception, we have reduced the stigma of front-line workers seeking mental health services, reduced symptoms of trauma and suicide ideation through incident response, counseling services, and peer support, and helped first responders establish new health habits that impact their overall health.
The organization first began as an online directory to connect front-line workers with culturally competent resources, and since then, we have grown extensively in order to meet the growing needs of the community we serve. In two short years, we have hosted resiliency rounds, a state-wide mental health and wellness conference with 400 front-line workers, we opened the first Resiliency Center in the state, and we purchased an ambulance that has been renovated into an incident support vehicle for the first responders who are responding to major incidents. Just the other day, we had one of our members report that the time spent at the Resiliency Center over the last year saved his life.
Our core values include inclusivity, strength, unity, action, and advocacy. We embody these values in the following ways. We partner with agencies across the state and region. Some of our core partners include the Nevada Military Support Alliance, Washoe County Sherriff’s Office, the National Guard, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Renown, REMSA, and a multitude of others.
The reason we believe in collaboration is because we know that we are stronger together when we support our fellow brothers and sisters. For example, if a department experiences a suicide or major incident where several people are affected, it can be very difficult for their own peer support team to be able to effectively support one another. We have a network of peers and trained clinicians who can step in as needed. In addition, the Resiliency Center that we opened in January 2021 has become a safe place for all first responders to come. The people who come to the center report that it’s important for them to have a place to go that is not connected to their organization.
we find strength
GET AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW WE HELP
Our Vision is to help build a stronger, more united public safety and health care community. We strive to be an effective joint collaborative effort to serve those in need regarding the improvement of mental readiness and resiliency. We envision normalizing the subject of mental health by placing importance on the care and maintenance of our minds and emotional health just as we do our physical ailments.
In 2019, Nevada Peer Support Network (NPSN,1) was founded as a 501 (c)(3) for IMPACT, not-for-profit organization. Since its inception, the goal (our B.H.A.G – Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is to build the mental resources and support needed for First Responders and Health Care professionals.
Board of Directors
Derek Reid
Founder / President NPSN
Derek Reid is the President and Founder of the NNPSN. He is a Battalion Chief with the Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue and has served in the fire and EMS industry for 25 years. Derek spent his first six years in EMS as a paramedic on an ALS ambulance with REMSA. Derek began his fire career in 1999 at Central Lyon County Fire Protection District and took advantage of further career opportunities with the Nevada Division of Forestry, Sierra Fire Protection District, and Reno Fire Department. He has been an educator with Truckee Meadows Community College and serves as an Instructor/Facilitator for the Phi Theta Kappa International Public Safety Leadership & Ethics Institute.
Natasha Lukasiewich
Vice President
Dr. Natasha Lukasiewich, DNP, MSN, RN is currently Emergency Department Director in Central Coast California, Past Trauma Program Coordinator, Nurse Edutainer, Legal Nurse Consultant, Patient and Colleague Mental Health Advocate. Natasha has been board certified/licensed in Emergency Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Flight Nursing, Trauma Nursing and EMS Nursing.
Cameron Wagner
Executive Board of Director
Cameron Wagner started his career as a Deputy with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in 2002. He has served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) for the Sheriff’s Office, a member of the WCSDA Contract Negotiation Committee, Political Action Committee, a member of the Nevada Law Enforcement Coalition and various other charity and WCSDA committees. He also currently serves as the Treasurer of the Peace Officers Research Association of Nevada (PORAN).
Kim Simpson
Executive Board of Director
Kim has been a registered nurse since 2012 in critical care, she is currently a nurse director for an acute care hospital. She is the co-founder of two different hospital peer support teams, and completed her Doctoral studies in support for healthcare workers who suffer from second-victim syndrome.
Colonel Amy K. Klima
Executive Board of Director
Serving as the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff and the Warrior Wellness and Support Services Directorate J9, Nevada National Guard.
Colonel Klima is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing all programs, policies, and plans to ensure the wellness and health of the Nevada National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and Civilians.
Michael Brown
Executive Board of Director
Involved in Fire and Emergency Medical Services for over 43 years in Northern California and Northern Nevada.
He retired as Fire Chief of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) in March of 2016. Chief Brown spent three years with the Nevada Division of Forestry as a Battalion Chief as well. For several years he has participated on local and National Incident Management Teams on several large fire incidents and natural catastrophes throughout the United States.
Lisa Mays
NVPSN Treasurer
Retired from Reno Fire Department after 20 years of service as a firefighter/EMT-I.
Prior to her public service, Lisa had earned an Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in financial management and owned a book-keeping / management corporation and where she served private businesses. During her tenure at RFD and beyond, Lisa also offered her KSAs (knowledge, skills, & abilities) to multiple non-profits (CASA, NQHA, SNHSA, NPSN) as a board member/treasurer.
Her passion to serve led her to become a member of RFD’s inaugural Peer Support Team as one of the few retirees on the team, continue as a L731 Honor Guard member, & chaplaincy where she felt called to minister primarily to first responders, intimately knowing the challenges that many face. Providing emotional, mental and spiritual support to all people is Lisa’s final call to duty.
our 2023 year in review
01. Incident Support Program
In 2023, the NPSN Incident Support Team swiftly responded to 5 Fire/EMS incidents and 20 other events, offering vital aid to first responders in our region. Services ranged from care flight crash site support to multiple alarm fires. The team also played a crucial role in supporting memorial services for fallen heroes and provided sustenance and gifts to ambulance crews during National EMS Week. Approximately 800 first responders were served, receiving support at emergencies, memorials, debriefings, training exercises, and related events.
02. Wellness Offerings
Throughout the year, NPSN provided diverse wellness offerings, including 2nd Saturday Hikes, meditation, yoga, Alcoholics Anonymous, and one-on-one wellness coaching. Partnerships with organizations like Horsemanship 4 Heroes allowed for debriefs after equine therapy sessions. This initiative delivered 122 hours of direct service to 621 distinct individuals.
03. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
In response to critical incidents, the NPSN CISM team provided assistance in 6 incidents, dedicating 36 hours of service and supporting 190 individuals. Additionally, 15 clinicians received CISM Response training, accumulating 16 training hours. Basic Peer Support Training/CISM Response training saw 69 hours invested, with 56 individuals trained.
04. BLM Mental Health Tour
As part of network outreach, the NPSN engaged in pre-incident stress management training during the BLM Mental Health Tour, investing 76 hours to train 300 people.
05. Incident Debrief and Mental Wellness Education
NPSN conducted 19 hours of incident debrief sessions involving 27 individuals. The organization offered 42 hours of Mental Wellness Education & Training, covering topics such as Pre-Incident Stress Management and Suicide Awareness. In total, 1,019 distinct individuals received education and training.
nevada peer support network
2023 Accomplishments Summary
Total Lives Served:
In 2023, the NPSN directly impacted the lives of 3,028 distinct individuals through its various programs and services.
Organizations Served:
NPSN extended its support to a wide array of organizations, including law enforcement agencies (Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department), fire departments (Truckee Meadows Fire Protection, Reno Fire Department, Sparks Fire Department, Carson City Fire Department), emergency services (REMSA, Dispatch), military branches (Army, Nevada Guard, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Guard, Army Guard, Veterans), healthcare institutions (Renown), and more.
Thank you for being a part of our journey in making a positive impact on the mental well-being of those who serve our community.