Minnesota Law Enforcement wellness Summit

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Description 

This presenter’s personal battle with alcohol and PTSD, combined with vast knowledge and experience in the wellness community makes this interactive presentation dive into the deep end of looking at substance use / abuse in the first responder community. This presentation will offer both a unique wellness, physiological & experiential perspective as to why our community’s alcohol use is at an alarming rate. The presenter will discuss national data comparisons alongside clinical patterns of behavior that can assist in understanding the “why” of substance abuse. The presenter will discuss how and why the self-destructive behaviors of numbing, masking, isolating & other sabotaging thoughts, and behaviors become a part of the substance abuse pattern. The presenter also offers up self-improvement solutions & additional external resources that the attendee can use personally use to engage in productive and healthy growth for they, their family members or their coworkers.

Learning Objectives

- Identify concerns in mental health and substance abuse patterns of behavior that can be addressed. - Discuss the dichotomy of acceptance of use and the stigma associated with seeking help of alcohol - Discuss the relationship between stress related mental health injuries and self-medication.- Discuss potential resources and self-improvement activities that first responders can use immediately to reduce threats to personal and professional goals.

Biography 

Captain Brad Shepherd (Ret.) is the Director of Public Safety for Chateau Health & Wellness, a national First Responder residential treatment facility that treats Trauma, Suicide, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Depression & Anxiety. Brad retired after 25 years from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol as a Commander and served in a variety of assignments including SWAT, Emergency Services Unit & Peer Support Unit. Brad is the founder and former CEO / Executive Director of 2 separate nonprofit organizations that served in the first responder wellness community. Brad is an experienced national presenter and instructor in a variety of disciplines including ICISF Critical Incident Stress Management. Brad has a strong background in peer support having rebuilt and commanded his home agency peer support program as well as teaching, forming and advising agency peer teams across the US. Brad has faced his own challenges of stress, trauma, mental health, and alcoholism as well as levels of betrayal which gives him the passion to help others find the peace and joy they desire in their personal lives, their relationships, and their careers.

  Description:

A police officer’s brain is their most critical tactical tool. The hypervigilance required for street survival—the constant scanning for threats and rapid mobilization of the fight-or-flight response—is an occupational necessity. However, the inability to turn this biological response off when off-duty is a primary driver of officer burnout, sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, and suicide. For many officers, "talk therapy" is insufficient because the issue isn't just psychological; it is physiological dysregulation. This 2-hour workshop introduces neuromodulation—a rapidly evolving field using non-invasive technologies to retrain nervous system activity. We will move beyond basic stress management advice to explore practical, evidence-based tools that directly target the autonomic nervous system. Attendees will learn how neuromodulation techniques (such as advanced HRV biofeedback, audio visual entrainment and neurofeedback) can serve as a "tactical reset," allowing officers to maintain high operational readiness while protecting their long-term biological health. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this 2-hour workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Deconstruct the "Hypervigilance Rollercoaster": Explain the neurobiological mechanisms that cause officers to get stuck in sympathetic (fight-or-flight) dominance, even when safe. 2. Define Neuromodulation in Plain Language: Demystify the concept of neuromodulation, framing it not as "medical treatment" but as "nervous system training." 3. Evaluate Specific Modalities: Identify the differences between key neuromodulation tools applicable to LE, specifically Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback and EEG Neurofeedback. 4. Develop Implementation Strategies: Discuss practical ways to integrate these technologies into existing departmental wellness programs, peer support initiatives, or individual officer routines. 

Biography 

Fran is a Licensed Psychologist, Psychophysiologist, Board Certified in Neurofeedback as an Associate Fellow. She is Co-Founder of Bhakti Brain Health Clinic and has a private psychotherapy practice where she specializes in treating first responders. She is also a retired tenured track Professor of Psychology in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Fran has over 30 years of experience in the field including neuroimaging and neurotherapy services, clinical psychotherapy services, mediation services and teaching at the college level. In addition to teaching, Fran has been presenting on a variety of mental health and well-being conferences for the past 30 years in a variety of settings, including professional conferences and community forums.

TBD 

Title: Integrating Emotional and Cultural Intelligence

Course Description 

Our communities struggle with healthy dialogue due to polarization. Integrating emotional. (EI) and cultural intelligence (CI) enhances relationships, and fosters understanding and positive discussion. An array of information exists on the importance of EI and CI yet there is a gap in the literature on specifically the integration of the two concepts. There is a growing demand for EI and CI in our communities and workplaces. This presentation explores the integration of EI and CI in an effort to bridge divides and improve societal interactions.

Learning Objectives

Our communities struggle with healthy dialogue due to polarization. Integrating emotional. (EI) and cultural intelligence (CI) enhances relationships, and fosters understanding and positive discussion. An array of information exists on the importance of EI and CI yet there is a gap in the literature on specifically the integration of the two concepts. There is a growing demand for EI and CI in our communities and workplaces. This presentation explores the integration of EI and CI in an effort to bridge divides and improve societal interactions.

Biography

Jeanine Parolini, Ph.D., MA, MBA Dr. Jeanine Parolini is the MBA Program Director and an Associate Professor for Bethel University, St Paul, MN. Her experiences include 12 years in corporate strategic sales and consulting, 9 years in key staff positions at 2 large non-profits, and 23 years in consulting, coaching, and teaching. Her passion is to invest in principled leaders and learning organizations. Through her work, she has developed thousands of leaders in hundreds of organizations throughout the world. Jeanine coaches leaders, teams, and organizations to be continuous learners, self-aware, trustworthy, responsible, collaborative, empowering, and innovative. She speaks and writes on a variety of topics involving effective leadership, teams, and organizations. More information is available here: https://www.bethel.edu/academics/faculty/parolini-jeanine

Title: EMDR Decoded: Facts, Function, and Field-Tested Outcomes in First Responders

Course Description 

In this seminar we will provide an overview of EMDR including how it was developed and current understandings of how it works at a biological level to treat trauma and other symptoms in First Responders. We will discuss common beliefs and misconceptions about EMDR and provide case examples to underscore the effectiveness of EMDR in first responder populations. Participants will be provided with an overview of resources for locating a clinician and understand the difference between a trained vs. certified EMDR clinician. To close, all participants will be welcomed to participate in a Group Resource Enhancement Protocol (GREP) exercise intended to demonstrate process, mechanics, and intended positive-state outcomes from EMDR.

Learning Objectives 

-Develop basic understanding of how EMDR works -Understand the purpose of EMDR, include what it is and is not. -Increase comfort in engaging in psychotherapy, specifically with an EMDR provider -How to find and vet an EMDR therapist -Install a positive state or resource through group demo/practice 

Biography :

Kalee is a licensed therapist specializing in trauma and acute crisis. She has experience working with adults, children, couples, and families in outpatient therapy, crisis services including mobile crisis and residential crisis, and intensive residential treatment. Kalee’s approach to therapy is based in EMDR and utilizes a mix of cognitive and body-based interventions to process and relieve distress in the mind and body. She works with individuals experiencing trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, depression, substance use, disordered eating, self-injury, and suicidality. Outside of therapy, Kalee is an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer and is actively involved in the Headwaters Alliance for Suicide Prevention, a community coalition focusing on preventing suicide and building resilience. Shannon is a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of adults struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, suicidality, professional stressors, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Shannon has a unique perspective and understanding of vicarious trauma and works with professionals in high-risk professions to improve daily functioning and overall lifestyle. Her therapeutic practice involves EMDR, EX/RP, and person-centered approaches. Shannon is currently a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision doctoral student, holds an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a BS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, and an AAS in law enforcement.

TBD