About Nevada Peer Support Network
Serving Those Who Serve.
Nevada Peer Support Network was founded on a simple belief: the people who dedicate their lives to protecting, healing, and serving others deserve support too.
We provide confidential peer support, trusted resources, wellness programs, and community connection for Nevada's first responders, veterans, military personnel, healthcare professionals, and their families.
Through collaboration, lived experience, and a commitment to breaking down barriers surrounding mental health, we help those who serve build resilience, find connection, and thrive both on and off duty.
"As a profession, we are overrepresented for suicide and other mental health conditions. The reality is that we can do better to protect our people from the adverse effects of the career. It is possible to thrive, not just survive."
— Kate Elkins, MPH, EMS Specialist and Paramedic
The demands placed on first responders, military personnel, veterans, and healthcare professionals are unlike those found in most professions. Exposure to trauma, long hours, high stress environments, and the responsibility of caring for others can take a significant toll on mental health and well-being.
Yet too many people suffer in silence.
Nevada Peer Support Network exists to ensure that those who serve our communities have access to support, resources, and people who understand the realities of the job.
Our Mission
To provide quality mental health resources and support to first responders, healthcare professionals, military personnel, veterans, and their families so they may live their best lives both on and off duty.
We accomplish this through collaboration, resilience-building, peer support, and by breaking down barriers surrounding mental wellness.
Our Vision
We envision a stronger, more connected public safety, military, and healthcare community where mental wellness is valued just as highly as physical health.
Our goal is to normalize conversations around mental health, encourage people to seek support early, and build a culture where resilience, readiness, and well-being are part of everyday life.
Our Values
Inclusivity
We welcome and support the entire public safety, military, veteran, and healthcare community.
Strength
We believe resilience grows when people support one another.
Unity
Together, we are stronger than any challenge we face alone.
Action
We take meaningful steps to improve lives and strengthen communities.
Advocacy
We champion best practices in peer support, mental wellness, and responder care.
Our Story
What began as a simple online resource directory has grown into a statewide network supporting those who serve Nevada.
As the need for responder wellness resources continued to grow, Nevada Peer Support Network expanded its efforts to provide peer support, resiliency programs, training opportunities, incident response resources, and community connection.
Today, NPSN is recognized as a leader in responder wellness and peer support, helping reduce stigma, connect individuals with trusted resources, and create pathways to healing and resilience.
One of our proudest accomplishments is the creation of Nevada's first Resiliency Center, a dedicated space where first responders and service professionals can connect, access support, attend trainings, and focus on their well-being in an environment separate from their workplace.
Most importantly, we continue to hear stories from members whose lives have been positively impacted by the support, connection, and resources they found through our network.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Derek Reid
Founder / President
Battalion Chief Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue
ABOUT DEREK
Derek spearheaded the first comprehensive mental health wellness program for Truckee Meadows Fire. As founder and lead for their Peer Support Team, he was instrumental in starting the Chaplain program and on-boarding of Truckee Meadows Fire’s first licensed psychologist.
In addition, he is the former Water Entry Special Team leader, and Instructor for the Officer Development School at Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. Derek is also published / co-contributor of Fire Standards through the Nevada Department of Education.
Natasha Lukasiewich
Vice President
DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, LNC, HHP, CCRN-K, CFRN
ABOUT NATASHA
Dr. Natasha Lukasiewich, DNP, MSN, MBA, LNC, RN is an internationally recognized healthcare executive, award-winning author, educator, and speaker, as well as the founder of Peak Resilience Partners, LLC. She currently serves as the Director of Operations at a rural Critcal Access Hospital in the Lake Tahoe region, where she leads operaonal excellence while advancing workforce well-being, pa:ent safety, and high reliability. She also serves as Vice President of the Nevada Peer Support Network, helping guide the organization's mission and strategic growth since its establishment as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. With more than two decades of leadership in emergency medicine, trauma, critical care, search and rescue, and rural healthcare operations, Dr. Lukasiewich is recognized for helping healthcare professionals and first responders thrive in high-stakes environments through practical leadership, resilience, and peer support strategies. She is the creator of the Gritsilience framework and author of the internationally award-winning book, Survive, Thrive, and Lead: Building Gritsilience in High-Stakes Professions, recognized for its impact on healthcare leadership, resilience, and professional well-being. Her work integrates neuroscience, trauma-informed care, human performance, and peer support into practical strategies that strengthen individuals, teams, and organizational culture. A passionate advocate for psychological safety, crisis response, and caregiver well-being, Dr. Lukasiewich has developed and instructed resilience, peer support, leadership, and crisis interven:on programs for hospitals, EMS agencies, healthcare systems, public safety organizations, and academic institutions throughout the western United States. Her doctoral scholarly work, Promoting Staff Resilience Through Distress Defusing via Code Lavender, explored the implementation of a Code Lavender program to strengthen caregiver resilience and peer support following critical incidents—laying the foundation for much of her ongoing work in workforce well-being, psychological safety, and resilient healthcare cultures. Mission To equip healthcare professionals and first responders with the skills to survive adversity, thrive through challenge, and lead with courage, compassion, and purpose.
Lisa Mays
Treasurer
Retired, Reno Fire Department
ABOUT LISA
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.
Michael Brown
Executive Board Member
Retired, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
ABOUT MICHAEL
Involved in fire and emergency medical services for over 43 years in Northern California and Northern Nevada. 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.
Forest and Community Fuels Reduction and creation of Fire Adaptive Communities have been one of Mike’s major roles in protecting life/property and healthy forests/deserts.
He is currently working with the team of R&R Partners as State Government Affairs Director.
Kim Simpson
Executive Board Member
DNP, RN, CCRN, SCRN
ABOUT KIM
Kim has been a registered nurse since 2012 in critical care, she is currently a nurse educator 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.
Her previous career was with the Department of Corrections as an officer, and this is where she first received trainings a peer supporter. Kim's goal is to educate and expand the knowledge of peer supporters, allowing them to better care for their co-workers. Ensuring that each first responder, officer, and healthcare worker knows that there is support and help.
Eathan O'Bryant
Executive Board Member
Founder and Executive Director, Youth in Pursuit
ABOUT EATHAN
Former Executive Director of Nevada Basketball Academy. After an outstanding college and professional career which has taken him all over the world. He played at Dixie Junior College in St. George Utah as well as earning an Associate of Science Degree followed by playing at the University of Nevada. He is still considered one of the most popular Wolfpack players of all time.
As a college player, Eathan was a two-time All Big-West performer and was 3rd in the country in assists his senior year. His professional career has taken him to Bratislava, Slovakia where he was voted MVP of his league and Austria. When he returned to the US, he had a very successful career with the Harlem Globetrotters. In 2002, Eathan was instrumental in the development of the curriculum for a character education program designed with assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. The "C.H.E.E.R. for Character" program was presented to hundreds of elementary schools across the country annually. In 2006 he retired after a 10 year career with the Harlem Globetrotters. He was recognized as 2007 Celebrity of the Year by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
In the 20+ years since Eathan O’Bryant played his last game for the University of Nevada, he has become an excellent teacher of the game.
His experience as a player and an ambassador of basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters and his playing experience in Europe have allowed him to develop his own coaching style. Well over 200 of Eathan’s program students have earned basketball scholarships. In working with both boys and girls throughout the world he is currently using the game of basketball to run a mentoring program at the Kids Kottage.
In December of 2011 Eathan was appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval to serve on the Nevada State Board of Athletic Trainers. He was re-appointed to serve a second 3 year term in 2014.
In 2014 he joined the Board of Directors for the Nevada Military Support Alliance.
In 2018 Eathan was appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval to serve on the State of Nevada Physical Therapy Board. He was re-appointed to serve a second term by Governor Steve Sisolak.
He is served on the Renown Health Board and Renown Finance and Investment Committee.
He is a member of the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
Class of 2021 University of Nevada Athletics Hall of Fame
2023 Huntsville ISD Hall of Champions Inductee
2025 Athletics Distinguished Alumnus, University of Nevada
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 was declared "Eathan O'Bryant Day" for his long-time numerous contributions to and positive impact on the Reno and Northern Nevada communities.
Current Board President of Wolf Pack Athletic Association at the University of Nevada.
Member of the Children’s Cabinet Board.
Member of Nevada Peer Support Network
Coupled with an outstanding personality and patience, he is also recognized as an inspirational speaker. Eathan O’Bryant lives in Sparks, Nevada with wife and three kids.
Suzanne Groneman, MA
Executive Board Member
GPRO M+O, GPRO CM
Certified Professional, Energy Innovation & Emerging Technologies
ABOUT SUZANNE
Suzanne joined the Board in 2026 after previously volunteering for NPSN. She is a manager at the City of Reno in the Community Engagement & Services department. Suzanne holds a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy & Leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Greenspun School of Public Affairs, and dual Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in Business Management and Political Science. She also holds a graduate certificate from Stanford University. Her master's project focused on fundraising and program development for NPSN. Suzanne is married to a retired first responder, and enjoys spending time golfing, snowboarding/skiing, and traveling with her family.
Peggy Ewald
Executive Board Member
Retired Nurse
ABOUT PEGGY
Peggy Ewald is a retired dedicated and accomplished Registered Nurse (RN) with extensive experience in case management, transitions of care, clinical operations, and quality management.
She founded and managed a successful case management business specializing in providing comprehensive care coordination and patient centered services across the healthcare continuum using best practices to ensure delivery of high-quality of care. She had a loyal client base and expanded services to meet the evolving needs of the community and health plans. In her clinical administrative role, she cultivated strong relationships with healthcare providers, insurers, and community organizations to facilitate seamless care transitions and improve patient outcomes.
She served on Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Centers bio-ethics committee for over 25 years and was also the chair for Nevada Provider of Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST).
She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Peer Support Network, with the passion and goal to offer support and guidance to meet the organizations mission to serve first responders, hospital personal and military with access to quality mental health resources ensuring we are taking care of those who take care of us.
Your Support Saves Lives
Every donation helps provide confidential peer support, vetted mental health resources, and connection for Nevada's first responders, veterans, healthcare professionals, and their families.
Need Support?
You are not alone. Confidential peer support is available now, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Connecting first responders, veterans, military personnel, healthcare professionals, ski patrol, and their families with peer support and trusted resources across Nevada.
Nevada Peer Support Network
Resiliency Center
6490 S McCarran Blvd, C-24
Reno, NV 89509
Call or Text Us 24/7
(775)464-1797
General Inquiries [email protected]