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.
Derek serves as the Behavioral Health Committee Chair for the Lake Tahoe Regional Fire Chief's Association to discuss matters of firefighter health and wellness regionally with both Nevada and California cooperators.
" It is through community, partnerships and alliances, our mission is for no public safety or military service member go without support or guidance in difficult times. The boots-on-the-ground are empowered through affiliation and relationships determining what resources will serve them and their families. We believe those that preserve our freedoms and keep us safe at home and abroad are our community’s greatest assets. Nevada Peer Support Network serve those that serve, by serving each other without direct ties to the employer.
"We are committed to working together to provide resources and support to our Law Enforcement, Firefighters, EMS, Military, and Hospital Professionals, Veterans, First Responders and/or Military Personnel so they may live the very best lives possible on, and off duty.”
Within Unity We Find Strength.
Derek Reid
Founder / President NPSN
Battalion Chief Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue
About
"Every day I am amazed at the caliber and dedication of the people I get to work beside...”"
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.
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. Derek’s vision is to build unity within the first responder community and collaborate with others public safety service branches to improve their members mental health and wellness. This can most effectively be accomplished through sharing resources, knowledge, and education.
Derek serves as the Behavioral Health Committee Chair for the Lake Tahoe Regional Fire Chief's Association to discuss matters of firefighter health and wellness regionally with both Nevada and California cooperators. When our Brothers and Sisters experience internal or external trauma exposure, Derek will deploy with the International Association of Fire fighters Peer Support Team and provide peer support to those in need of emotional repair and recovery.
Dr. Natasha Lukasiewich, DNP, MSN, RN currently Emergency Department Manager, Past Trauma Program Coordinator, Nurse Edutainer, Legal Nurse Consultant, Patient and Colleague Mental Health Advocate. Natasha is board certified/licensed in Emergency Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Flight Nursing, Trauma Nursing and EMS Nursing.
With over two decades in healthcare/EMS/integrative wellness, Dr. Natasha Lukasiewich is a seasoned Emergency/Trauma Department Leader, EMS-RN, Nurse Edu-tainer/speaker, Legal Nurse Consultant, Professional Peer Supporter/Critical Response and Resilience Advocate. Her extensive certifications and experiences make her an unmatched subject matter expert in her field.
• Expert Leadership: With leadership roles in EMS, emergency departments, search and rescue, volunteer auxiliary deputy sheriff, and as a past Trauma Program Coordinator, Natasha is a proven expert in healthcare management.
• Comprehensive Experience: Dr. Lukasiewich has hands-on experience as a Flight Nurse in central coast California and rural Nevada, combined with past board certifications in Emergency Nursing, Critical Care, Flight Nursing, Trauma Nursing, and EMS Nursing.
• Proven Track Record: Awarded Critical Care Nurse of the Year and recognized for pioneering Advanced Medical Care in Austere Environments through Washoe County Sheriff’s SAR Hasty Team.
• Dedicated to Organizational Mental Health: A passionate advocate for healthcare providers’ mental health, Natasha has created initiatives addressing PTSD/PTSI, depression, and suicide awareness, while also serving as a voice for colleagues who have experienced these challenges. Built effective peer program implementation to improve organizational staff psychological safety and proven strategies in creating resilient teams.
• Building Resilience in Healthcare: Her doctoral manuscript focused on building resilience through distress defusings (Code Lavender) earned her a Top 50 Under 50 Award in 2019 in Nevada. Speaker for industry experts in regards to building teams through transformative servant leadership practices.
• Mission-Driven: Natasha has been instrumental in advancing mental health awareness as the co-chair for the IPSA (International Public Safety Association) mental health committee and Serves as the Vice President of the Nevada Peer Support Network since its inception. She has also been professionally trained in peer support and critical incident stress management through multiple ICISF, and best practices programs.
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).
Cameron was elected to the Washoe County Sheriff Deputies Association (WCSDA) Board as a Detention Representative in January 2013. Deputy Wagner then served as the WCSDA Treasurer for 3 years. Cameron is currently the President of the WCSDA, and he is looking forward to his additional role serving on the Board of Directors for NNPSN.
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.
Colonel Amy K. Klima serves as the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff and the Warrior Wellness and Support Services Directorate, J9, Nevada National Guard. COL 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.
COL Amy Klima was born and raised in Butte, Montana. She enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard in 1993 and left for basic training right after high school graduation. COL Klima attended the Montana Officer Candidate School program and was commissioned in July 1998. She attended the University of Montana, Missoula and earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. Upon graduation, COL Klima attended Officer
Basic Course in Aberdeen, MD and relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada. In Las Vegas, she began her career as a Microbiologist with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she also earned her Master of Public Health degree in 2007.
After eight years at UNLV, COL Klima accepted a federal service position with the Nevada Army Guard as the NVARNG Intelligence Specialist for Southern Nevada. She served seven years in this position, and was offered the Intelligence Analyst position with the Department of Justice, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada. After four very rewarding and exciting years with the U. S. Attorney’s office, COL Klima was offered the Surface Maintenance Manager Position in the Director of Logistics, G4, and returned to working full-time for the Nevada Army National Guard.
During this period of service, COL Klima concurrently served as a traditional Guard Soldier holding positions as the Sustainment Brigade S4, completing a deployment to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, the 757th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Battalion Commander and 17th Sustainment Brigade Executive Officer. COL Klima served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics (G4) from 2019-2021. She was recently selected as the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff and the Warrior Wellness and Support Services Directorate, J9.
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.
Michael Brown has been 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.
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.
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.
How To Donate, Questions as to a Specific Amount(s), and/or What it Goes Towards . . .
Send Our Own Retired Reno Firefighter, Lisa Mays An Inquiry @ nvpsn@icloud
