- Friday, August 7, 2026
- Indianapolis
The 2026 Indiana Mental Health Roundtable (IMHR) Summit spotlighted a critical theme: Supporting Those Who Serve. The event brought attention to the mental health needs of active‑duty service members, veterans, and first responders—individuals whose well‑being strengthens Indiana’s safety and resilience. By uniting leaders across sectors, IMHR is driving statewide collaboration to build a stronger, more responsive mental health ecosystem for all Hoosiers.
OPENING PLENARY SESSION
Supporting the mental health and well-being of servicemembers, veterans, and first responders requires more than effective clinical care—it requires leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment from communities, policymakers, and institutions across society.
To open the 2026 Indiana Mental Health Roundtable Summit, Anne Hazlett, Co-Chair of the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable, will moderate a conversation with leaders whose work intersects with and influences the lives of those who serve. Drawing from experiences in public service, policymaking, community leadership, and systems change, panelists will explore why mental health has become an increasingly important priority within their respective fields and what role leaders can play in advancing meaningful solutions. This session will establish the themes that carry throughout the day: the importance of leadership, the value of innovation, the power of community partnerships, and the collective responsibility we share in supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
Anne Hazlett serves as the Senior Director for Government Relations and Public Affairs at Purdue University. In this role, she leads Purdue’s state relations activity and supports execution of the University’s land grant mission in spurring economic development, prosperity, and quality of life in Indiana. Anne is currently serving as Co-Chair of the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable and Board President for the Indiana Rural Health Association. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Indiana Youth Institute, A Better Life-Brianna’s Hope, and Healthy Communities of Clinton County Coalition.
Before joining the Purdue team, Anne was a Senior Advisor for Rural Affairs in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy where she worked across the federal government to equip rural leaders with tools to address drug addiction in rural America. Anne also served as the Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. There she managed a broad portfolio of programs in housing, business development and infrastructure to support rural communities. In addition, she developed and led the Department’s response to the opioid crisis, including creating greater access to behavioral health care in rural areas.
Anne has worked on Capitol Hill as legal counsel for the Agriculture Committees in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate where she helped draft several pieces of legislation that are important to agriculture and rural America, including the 2002, 2008, and 2014 Farm Bills, and 2010 and 2016 child nutrition reauthorization bills. She has also served in several state leadership roles including Director of Agriculture and Chief of Staff to the Indiana Lt. Governor.
Anne is an Indiana native and a graduate of Kansas State University and the Indiana University School of Law Indianapolis. She also holds a Master of Law in Agricultural Law from the University of Arkansas.
State Senator Michael Crider has represented Hoosiers of east central Indiana since 2012. Crider represents Senate District 28, which includes Hancock County and portions of Marion and Shelby counties.
Crider serves as Majority Whip of the Senate Republican leadership team, chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and The Military and a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations; Health and Provider Services; Joint Rules; and Rules and Legislative Procedure. Crider also serves on the Council of State Governments Transportation and Infrastructure Public Policy Committee, the Midwestern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and the National Conference of State Legislatures Committee on Natural Resources and Infrastructure.
Before his election to the Senate, Crider spent 30 years working as a conservation officer at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). During that time, he served as director of the DNR Division of Law Enforcement and reached the rank of colonel.
Crider graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1981 and the FBI National Academy in 2003. Outside the Senate, Crider served as a member of Neighborhoods Against Substance Abuse for 20 years, seven of which he served as president. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, golfing and riding his motorcycle.
He and his wife, Sherri, live in Greenfield and have two sons and six grandchildren.
Representative Garcia Wilburn serves House District 32, which includes Nora, Fishers, and Carmel. She holds a doctorate in health science and is both a healthcare professional and researcher.
Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor at Indiana University Indianapolis and as the Program Director of the IU School of Health & Human Sciences Postprofessional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. As an educator, mom, and legislator, she continues to advocate for mental health initiatives for first responders, to promote funding for problem solving courts statewide, as well as serving as the Ranking Minority Member of the House Judiciary Committee.
As a proud Noblesville Miller, Mayor Chris Jensen is honored to serve the community he has called home his entire life.
Professionally, he has worked in business development for a civil engineering firm, assisting cities and counties across Indiana with infrastructure development. Before his current role, Jensen served on the Noblesville Common Council from 2016 to 2019 and was executive director of the 2016 Indiana Bicentennial Commission. He worked in the administration of former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, serving as special assistant to Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman and director of Intergovernmental Affairs, where he served as the key link between the Lt. Governor’s office and local government units. Mayor Jensen was elected to office in 2020, and he’s currently serving in his second term.
Jensen serves as the Vice Chair of the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, Legislative Chair for Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (AIM), and serves on the U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board. Governor Mike Braun selected Jensen to serve on his Local Government Transition Council in November 2024. He also co-leads the Hazel Dell Elementary All Pro Dad chapter.
Mayor Jensen and his wife, Julie, are active members in the community, both Butler University graduates and the proud parents to CJ, Vivian, Hank, and Emmy Kate.
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION
Talk Saves Lives: Supporting Our Veterans
This session will explore the impact of suicide within the veteran population and provide practical strategies for supporting veterans who may be experiencing emotional distress. Participants will learn to recognize warning signs for suicide, understand contributing and protective factors, and build confidence in starting supportive conversations with veterans while respecting their autonomy. The session will also highlight ways to connect veterans and their families to appropriate resources and support services, equipping educators, community leaders, and helping professionals with tools to foster awareness, connection, and prevention.
Brandon Puszkiewicz is the Programs Manager for the Indiana Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). He joined the organization as staff in July of 2022 but served as a volunteer with the organization for 10 years prior. Brandon joined the organization initially to help support loss survivors in his own life, but throughout his journey with AFSP, his connection has grown much deeper and personal. Brandon has lived experience with suicide and is passionate about bringing access to resources to anyone who has been touched by suicide. You can learn more about AFSP by visiting afsp.org, or afsp.org/chapters to find your local chapter.
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION
This panel will explore the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic medicine, including the cutting-edge science behind emerging treatments and the real-world stories of veterans and first responders whose lives are already being changed. The discussion will also take a sober-minded look at the challenges ahead, including implementation, clinical quality, access, cost, and safety. With bipartisan legislative leadership and growing momentum across the state, Indiana has an opportunity to lead thoughtfully — expanding access to promising treatments while building the safeguards needed to do it well.
Jay Chaudhary is a recognized leader in behavioral health policy and system transformation. As Director of the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction and Chair of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission, Jay led a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s behavioral health system. His five-year tenure resulted in substantial improvements in Indiana’s mental health rankings and laid the groundwork for long-term system sustainability. Earlier, at Indiana Legal Services, he helped pioneer innovative approaches to addressing the social determinants of health.
Now a Visiting Fellow at the Capita, Jay focuses on advancing equitable access to behavioral health care and exploring strategies that improve community well-being at scale. He’s an Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow and has been recognized with multiple honors, including being named a “20 Under 40” State Government Leader by the Council of State Governments and a “Champion of Justice” by the Indiana Judges Association.
Elected in 2020, State Sen. Scott Baldwin serves Senate District 20, which includes portions of Hamilton County.
Baldwin brings more than 25 years of military and law enforcement experience to the Senate. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during Operation Desert Storm, he returned to Indiana to work with the Department of Correction and later the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, where he earned two Medals of Bravery and a Medal of Valor.
In addition to his legislative work, Baldwin is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder/owner of MTN Savage Outfitters, an outfitting business specializing in mountain and wilderness hunting. He is also a passionate advocate for veterans and PTSD/ Suicide Awareness & Prevention. To help combat these issues, Baldwin founded Darkhorse Expeditions, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans through outdoor activities that promote healing and camaraderie.
Baldwin serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions and as a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy. He is also a member of the Senate Committee on Environmental Affairs.
A successful entrepreneur and business owner, Baldwin has owned or helped grow several companies in the IT, real estate, construction, and security sectors. He is currently the chief executive officer of Envoy, Inc., a construction, and real estate development firm.
Dr. Helen Fox joined the Indiana University Department of Psychiatry as an Associate Professor in September 2024. For more than 20 years, her research has focused on understanding the role of chronic stress in the development and maintenance of alcohol and substance use disorders. She has particular expertise in examining how sex and gonadal hormones influence these biobehavioral processes. More recently, her work has expanded to the development of novel pharmacological interventions targeting stress- and immune-related mechanisms to prevent relapse and improve treatment outcomes in individuals with substance use disorders. Dr. Fox has been the recipient of multiple NIH-funded grants and has established a nationally recognized program of translational addiction research. In collaboration with Dr. Susan Conroy, an expert in treatment-resistant depression, she has also secured funding to investigate whether psilocybin-assisted therapy can reduce both substance use and depressive symptoms among individuals, including veterans and first responders, with co-occurring treatment-resistant depression and substance use disorders.
Jesse Gould is Founder and President of the Heroic Hearts Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pioneering psychedelic therapies for military veterans. After being deployed as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan three times, he founded the Heroic Hearts Project in 2017 to spearhead the acceptance and use of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a means of addressing the mental health crisis among veterans. What began as a focus on ayahuasca has since expanded into a broader mission encompassing psilocybin and ketamine therapies, reflecting the organization’s evolution into a leading force in veteran mental health innovation.
To date, the Heroic Hearts Project has helped over 1,500 veterans and their spouses access life-changing psychedelic treatment programs, raised over $20 million, and built partnerships with the world’s leading treatment centers. The organization has also sponsored and supported clinical research with institutions including the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Georgia, helping to advance the scientific legitimacy of psychedelic medicine and push for wider clinical acceptance and policy reform.
Considered one of the most influential people in psychedelics for mental health, Jesse has testified before U.S. lawmakers on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for veterans and has spoken at major global conferences including Breaking Convention and the San Francisco Psychedelic Liberty Summit. He has shaped treatment protocols, built international partnerships, and helped move psychedelic therapy from the fringes to mainstream medical and policy conversations. Jesse is also a contributing author of The Veteran’s Field Manual for Psychedelics: Healing PTSD and Trauma Through Psychedelic and MDMA Therapy and The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics: A Preparation and Integration Workbook — two essential resources equipping veterans with the knowledge and tools to navigate psychedelic healing. Driven by a mission to help military veterans struggling with mental trauma, Jesse is best known for his own inspiring battle with PTSD and his recovery through ayahuasca therapy. His work has been featured in the NY Times, The Economist, Men’s Health, and on 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper, as well as on the Psychedelics Today Podcast, the Kyle Kingsbury Podcast, and numerous other global platforms.
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION
Chaplains are often one of the most valuable—and underutilized—resources available to support the mental health and well-being of public safety professionals. Operating outside the chain of command, chaplains offer confidential support, trusted relationships, and a unique ability to walk alongside personnel through both personal and professional challenges.
This session will explore how agencies can build, strengthen, and fully integrate chaplaincy into a comprehensive wellness strategy. Participants will learn how to overcome common misconceptions, avoid pitfalls that limit a chaplain program’s effectiveness, and equip chaplains with the policies, training, and organizational support needed to maximize their impact. Whether your agency is launching a new chaplain program or looking to enhance an existing one, this session will provide practical guidance for making chaplaincy an essential component of responder wellness.
Reverend Mel Keaton brings nearly four decades of ministry experience and more than 30 years of public safety chaplaincy to his work supporting first responders and their families. Ordained with a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and currently pursuing a master’s degree, Rev. Keaton has developed urban outreach ministries in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Indianapolis, while also serving in cross-cultural missions overseas. A retired 24-year police officer, he served as a Patrol Sergeant, crisis negotiator, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer, and community outreach leader, with extensive experience in mental health response and homelessness intervention. Today, he serves as a Staff Chaplain, leading volunteer chaplain teams and initiatives focused on officer and firefighter wellness. Rev. Keaton is also an accomplished martial artist, cross-trained in Shuri Ryu, Judo, Jujitsu, and Aikido, and holds certifications in executive protection and multiple martial arts disciplines.
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION
Across Indiana, law enforcement leaders increasingly recognize that public safety and community wellbeing are deeply interconnected. As agencies navigate growing demands, complex community needs, and the realities of serving in high-stress environments, a renewed focus on mental health and wellness is shaping how leaders support both their personnel and the communities they serve.
This conversation will bring together leaders from across Indiana’s law enforcement community to explore the evolving role of mental health in public safety. Panelists will share perspectives on leadership, officer wellness, organizational culture, community partnerships, and the opportunities and challenges facing the profession as agencies work to build healthier, more resilient teams.
State Senator Michael Crider has represented Hoosiers of east central Indiana since 2012. Crider represents Senate District 28, which includes Hancock County and portions of Marion and Shelby counties.
Crider serves as Majority Whip of the Senate Republican leadership team, chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and The Military and a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations; Health and Provider Services; Joint Rules; and Rules and Legislative Procedure. Crider also serves on the Council of State Governments Transportation and Infrastructure Public Policy Committee, the Midwestern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and the National Conference of State Legislatures Committee on Natural Resources and Infrastructure.
Before his election to the Senate, Crider spent 30 years working as a conservation officer at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). During that time, he served as director of the DNR Division of Law Enforcement and reached the rank of colonel.
Crider graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1981 and the FBI National Academy in 2003. Outside the Senate, Crider served as a member of Neighborhoods Against Substance Abuse for 20 years, seven of which he served as president. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, golfing and riding his motorcycle.
He and his wife, Sherri, live in Greenfield and have two sons and six grandchildren.
Since February 2009, Stephen Luce has served as the Executive Director for the Indiana Sheriffs Association. As the Executive Director he administers all affairs of the Association including the following: statewide training for all Sheriffs and their employees, legislation, fundraising, annual membership drive, acts as a liaison for the Sheriffs in communicating to State Offices, and organize and supervise research and educational programs for the Association.
In 1985, Luce began his career in the Knox County Work Release Program as a supervisor of the work release program. In 1990 he was hired on to the Vincennes Police Department as a Patrolman working much of his time as a School Liaison Officer. In 1997, he was appointed deputy with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and was elected as the Knox County Sheriff in 2002 and 2006. During his term as the Knox County Sheriff, Luce served on the board of directors for the Indiana Sheriff s Association and in 2007 he was appointed president of the association. In 2007, he was also appointed by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels to the Indiana Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. Luce graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, in June of 1990 after studying at Indiana University, Hanover College and Murray State University.
In December 2024, Governor Mike Braun appointed Anthony M. Scott as the 21st Superintendent of the Indiana State Police (ISP). In addition to serving as Superintendent of the ISP, Scott was appointed Secretary of the Indiana Office of Public Safety by Governor Braun in September 2025.
Joining ISP in 1996, Scott brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience to the job. He has served in key roles including trooper, detective, district investigative commander, district commander and area commander, responsible for both enforcement and investigative functions across multiple ISP districts.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy in 2019, Scott has held command assignments for large-scale security operations such as the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400, Indianapolis Grand Prix, and multiple presidential and dignitary visits. He also served as a command team member for the 2016 and 2024 Republican National Conventions and has acted as a promotional board assessor for several state and municipal law enforcement agencies.
Scott’s investigative background includes leading complex felony investigations ranging from financial crimes to homicide and child exploitation. As a first sergeant and later lieutenant, he supervised investigative squads, managed case review systems, and directed district-level investigative strategy and personnel management. His field experience is complemented by extensive command-level leadership in major event security and interagency coordination.
Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Cumberland College, graduating with honors. He remains committed to building investigative excellence, fostering internal leadership, and advancing a mission-driven approach to public safety built on courage, commitment, and character.
Scott resides in Greensburg with his wife of 29 years, Heather, who is a forensic interviewer at the Southeastern Indiana Child Advocacy Center. He has two adult children, Kirk and Kelsey.
Scott Shoemaker has been the Chief of Police in Frankfort, Indiana since July 2020. Scott also serves as the President of the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police. He is a former Clinton County Commissioner, Clinton County Councilor and Frankfort City Councilor. Responding to people in crisis has been one of the top priorities of his police administration. In addition to securing $375,000 in federal grants to increase the amount of police officers in the city, he has secured over $35,000 in grants to train members of the department in critical incident stress management, peer support and crisis negotiations.
Prior to becoming Chief, he was the only crisis negotiator for the city. He has increased that number to six officers and still responds as an active crisis team member. The crisis team no longer just responds with the SWAT team but is available 24/7 to respond to crisis situations in the City of Frankfort. The additional staffing of police officers allows officers to spend more time with those in crisis considering alternatives to jail and hospitalization. Working with a community partner, Healthy Communities of Clinton County, officers team up as a part of their mobile response team. He has also advocated for and implemented an as-needed department psychologist for employees. From community safety to employee wellness, Chief Shoemaker is committed to providing all stakeholders with the tools to combat, or prevent, a mental health crisis.
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION
This breakout session will explore the unique experiences, stressors, and strengths of children in military, veteran, and first responder families. Presenters will discuss the psychological and developmental impacts associated with service-related stress, transitions, trauma exposure, and family system demands, while also highlighting the resilience, adaptability, and strong sense of purpose often demonstrated within these families.
The session will provide civilian clinicians with practical guidance for recognizing and responding to the unique mental health needs of these youth and families. Recommendations for culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches to assessment, intervention, and family support will also be discussed.
Dr. Sally Fleming is a Clinical Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP) at IU Health, where she provides evidence-based assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, and families. She serves in multiple specialty roles, including the Be Happy Clinic, the CAMS suicide prevention clinic, and as Clinical Lead for the IU Health Concierge Treatment Resistant Depression Clinic for adolescents and adults. Dr. Fleming has expertise in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, suicidality, trauma-related concerns, and behavioral health needs in pediatric populations. She is actively involved in clinical leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional training initiatives across IU Health.
Dr. Allison Meyer is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine since 2022. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Duke University and completed her psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan. She has 10 years of experience conducting research on and providing evidence-based treatments for pediatric populations. She has clinical expertise in treating anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She is deeply involved in training and quality improvement initiatives at the Indiana University School of Medicine and conducts research on the use of teletherapy for children and adolescents.
LUNCH PLENARY SESSION
The mental health and well-being of servicemembers, veterans, and first responders are increasingly recognized as mission-critical priorities, but meaningful progress depends on leaders who are willing to champion change, foster cultures of support, and ensure that seeking help is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness.
Moderated by Dr. Allison Barber, this candid conversation will feature distinguished leaders from Indiana’s military, veteran, and first responder communities as they share how mental health has become an essential component of effective leadership. Drawing on their experiences leading organizations whose personnel routinely face high-stress and high-risk environments, panelists will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities associated with supporting those who serve.
The discussion will explore promising practices and programs that are improving well-being, reducing stigma, and strengthening resilience among servicemembers, veterans, and first responders. Panelists will also examine the role of organizational policies, leadership expectations, peer support, and system-level investments in creating sustainable cultures of wellness. Attendees will gain insight into what is working today, where gaps remain, and what actions leaders across sectors can take to better support the people who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others.
Allison Barber, PhD is a seasoned leader with a diverse career spanning education, government, and sports. She has served in the White House and the Department of Defense, where she was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. As President of the Indiana Fever, Dr. Barber was dedicated to building and inspiring fans throughout the state. Dr. Barber has received numerous awards, including the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honor – presented by Governor Eric Holcomb. Committed to making a positive impact on her community she serves on several boards: Sagamore Institute, the American Red Cross, the Indiana Destination Development Corp (IDDC), the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and is an advisor for Elizabeth Dole Hidden Heroes Foundation.
A native of Carroll County, Jacob “Jake” Adams is a proud Indiana University graduate and a dedicated public servant. With over nine years of active-duty service in the United States Marine Corps, Jake served as an Avionics Manager and Recruiter, completing assignments around the world, including combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Following his military service, Jake returned to Indiana to work in the family business and, in 2014, founded Indiana Marketing Group. His passion for economic and workforce development led him to serve as the Director of Business Services for the Region 4 Workforce Board, Executive Director of Carroll County Economic Development, and a Workforce Development Consultant for Ivy Tech Community College.
Jake has dedicated his career to community service, believing that a strong community starts with its people. As the Director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, he is committed to building trust, enhancing transparency, and ensuring Hoosier veterans receive the benefits and support they have earned.
Jake and his wife, Lora, reside in Carroll County with their four children.
Scott Shoemaker has been the Chief of Police in Frankfort, Indiana since July 2020. Scott also serves as the President of the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police. He is a former Clinton County Commissioner, Clinton County Councilor and Frankfort City Councilor. Responding to people in crisis has been one of the top priorities of his police administration. In addition to securing $375,000 in federal grants to increase the amount of police officers in the city, he has secured over $35,000 in grants to train members of the department in critical incident stress management, peer support and crisis negotiations.
Prior to becoming Chief, he was the only crisis negotiator for the city. He has increased that number to six officers and still responds as an active crisis team member. The crisis team no longer just responds with the SWAT team but is available 24/7 to respond to crisis situations in the City of Frankfort. The additional staffing of police officers allows officers to spend more time with those in crisis considering alternatives to jail and hospitalization. Working with a community partner, Healthy Communities of Clinton County, officers team up as a part of their mobile response team. He has also advocated for and implemented an as-needed department psychologist for employees. From community safety to employee wellness, Chief Shoemaker is committed to providing all stakeholders with the tools to combat, or prevent, a mental health crisis.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION
The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Community Challenge brings communities, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations together to align and elevate their suicide prevention strategies. Stakeholders are deepening their understanding of the unique issues facing service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF) and are learning from one another by sharing policies, practices, and real-world successes across communities. Evidence‑based approaches in prevention, intervention, and postvention are being introduced and expanded to ensure that awareness leads to meaningful action at the local level.
Together, these collective actions are creating a stronger, more connected network of support for those who have served and their families and are advancing a coordinated statewide strategy to prevent suicide and promote well‑being.
Brad Harper has been serving others his whole life. Brad’s servant’s heart comes from an upbringing that saw his adopted family and community rally around him in his youth. He started his service with the USMC where he was a member of FAST Company. His service to others is highlighted by being an investigator at Stop Child Trafficking Now and his long commitment as a board member at Tijuana Christian Mission. Additionally, he loves his time as a coach of Little League baseball. His current position as the Veteran Suicide Prevention Community Engagement Coordinator for the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs allows him to continue his life of service by helping service members, veterans, their family & care givers (SMVF-CG). His primary duties are outreach to SMVF-CG and connecting them to the many outstanding resources that are available to them.
Laura McKee serves as the Outreach Director for the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), where she leads statewide strategies to connect veterans, families, and caregivers with essential benefits, resources, and support. She oversees IDVA’s Veteran Suicide Prevention Program as the team lead and represents the agency in the VA/SAMHSA Governor’s Challenge, guiding statewide suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention initiatives.
In addition to her outreach leadership, Laura serves as Indiana’s Women Veterans Coordinator, advocating for equitable access to care, benefits, and gender‑specific services while representing the state at the national level.
Laura retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve after 31 years as an Inflight Refueler with the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom Air Reserve Base. She earned her MBA from the University of Southern Indiana and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. A lifelong Hoosier, she resides in Speedway, Indiana.
Randy Moulder is the Veteran Suicide Prevention Care Response Coordinator for the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, leading statewide crisis support, prevention initiatives, and coordinated care efforts for veterans and their families. He serves on the Richard L. Roudebush VA Mental Health Advisory Council and previously contributed to the Wisconsin Governor’s Board on Mental Health and Wellness. A lifetime VFW member and active in the American Legion, Randy has dedicated decades to veteran-focused service and community leadership, earning the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel. His career spans vocational rehabilitation, mental health support, and direct service, centered on empowering individuals facing challenges related to military service, transition, disabilities, and recovery. He holds a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Kentucky and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Argosy University.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION
Most organizations genuinely want to support the mental health of their servicemembers, veterans, and first responders. The challenge usually isn’t recognizing the need. The challenge is building something that lasts.
This session explores how organizations can move beyond isolated wellness initiatives and begin developing behavioral health systems that become part of their culture. Drawing from years of building and leading Indiana’s largest firefighter behavioral health program, Brandon will discuss the practical decisions that determine whether programs gain trust, become integrated into daily operations, and continue serving personnel long after the initial excitement about the program has faded.
Together, we’ll examine the organizational decisions that determine whether behavioral health programs thrive or quietly fade away. Rather than focusing on theory, this session emphasizes practical ideas that leaders can adapt to strengthen behavioral health within their own organizations and communities.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION
Servicemembers, veterans, and first responders face unique mental health challenges that demand specialized approaches, culturally informed care, and organizational commitment. In this panel discussion, Zoe Frantz, President and CEO of the Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers, will moderate a conversation with leaders from community mental health centers (CMHCs) across the state whose organizations have developed dedicated programming and services for these populations. Panelists will share what’s working at their centers and reflect on the lessons learned along the way. Attendees will leave with practical insights and inspiration for strengthening their own organizations’ capacity to serve those who serve.
Zoe Frantz, MBA, is the CEO and President of Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers. In this role she represents all 24 Community Mental Health Centers that provide mental health and substance use disorder services to over 350,000 lives in Indiana. As a mental health and substance use disorder professional and advocate for over 25 years, Zoe has extensive experience in this field. She serves as Vice Chair of the National Council Public Policy Committee. She serves on the following: Indiana’s Medicaid Advisory Committee, YJDOC Behavioral Health Workgroup, State JRAC, and Covering Kids and Families Board. Zoe has been nationally recognized for her efforts; she was named the 2024 National Advocate of the Year by the National Council of Mental Wellbeing.
In addition to her leadership roles in the mental health field, Zoe is an engaged parent of two high schoolers, and she is the wife of a middle school science teacher.
Leigha serves as the Central Division Director of Health Services at LifeSpring Health Systems, where she has been a dedicated member of the organization since 2018. In her leadership role, she oversees clinical operations with a strong commitment to quality improvement, patient‑centered care, and innovative approaches to community health. Her work reflects a deep passion for expanding access to comprehensive, evidence‑based medical services across the region.
In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Leigha practices part‑time as a nurse practitioner in the Norton Clark Emergency Department with the Emergency Medicine Physicians’ Associates, where she provides acute care in a fast‑paced, high‑acuity environment. She also proudly serves as a Captain in the Kentucky Air National Guard Medical Group Detachment 1, functioning as a nurse practitioner within a CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) unit.
Leigha began her nursing career with an Associate Degree in Nursing from ITT Tech in 2013, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University Southeast in 2015. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Spalding University in 2017 and completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice there in 2024. She is a board‑certified Family Nurse Practitioner and holds the Certified Addiction Registered Nurse – Advanced Practice credential.
With clinical expertise spanning family practice, emergency medicine, addiction medicine, and infectious disease management, Leigha is committed to delivering high‑quality, compassionate care. Her leadership continues to strengthen LifeSpring’s mission of improving community health and ensuring accessible, comprehensive services for all.
Steven Neice is a dedicated advocate for mental health within military and first responder communities. With over 5 years of experience in the behavioral health field, he specializes in coordinating trauma-informed, person-centered care, and resilience-building strategies for the military and first responder communities. His work focuses on coordinating and collaborating mental health and resources for the unique psychological challenges faced by those who serve on the front lines, including PTSD, anxiety, and the stigma surrounding mental health.
As a Military Veteran Program Coordinator, he has collaborated with various military organizations to promote mental well-being and foster open conversations about mental health. Steven is passionate about creating supportive environments for veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders, and their families, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need.
In addition to his professional expertise, he brings a personal perspective to the table, having witnessed the profound impact of mental health challenges on individuals and families, as a disabled Army combat veteran of the Persian Gulf war himself and as a child of a retired Air Force veteran. Steven is committed to driving change through this summit, aiming to enhance understanding, share best practices, and cultivate a culture of support.
Join him at the Roundtable Summit as he works to bridge gaps in mental health support, destigmatize mental health issues in the military and first responder communities, and empower those who dedicate their lives to serving our communities.
Lisa Willis-Gidley is the Chief Revenue Officer at 4C Health, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, that serves 7 counties in North Central Indiana. She provides operational oversight of the agency’s Patient Access, Marketing and Non-service revenue and grant management. Lisa has worked for 4C Health for nearly 19 years and has extensive knowledge in comprehensive community mental health. She has developed several layers within 4C Health programs and provided oversight for these programs, creating positive outcomes for consumers and associates within 4C Health. She serves as the agency trainer for Trauma Informed Care, QPR, Resiliency and Neuroscience Development. Lisa has a passion for serving those individuals who experience extensive barriers, such as access to mental health services and works to reduce health disparities. Lisa has an associate degree in Medical Assisting, a bachelor’s degree with concentration of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Master of Social Work degree and is a Licensed Social Worker.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION
Although families can be messy, they can be a powerful tool for fostering resilience and mental wellness, even in the context of the risks faced by service families (including emergency and military professionals). Individuals each have unique combination of experiences, strengths, and challenges; and families bring all these characteristics together across multiple members to form a complex constellation that can multiply each person’s potential. Unravelling the intricacies of service families and harnessing their capacity for resilience can support the mental health of service members, their family members, and wellness of families as units. This session will use a case study approach to demonstrate how scientific theories can be used to understand and support entire families, and explore how families themselves, service providers, and community leaders can each take a hand in this process.
Davina Quichocho grew up in a military family until she went to college, at which point her father retired from US Army Special Forces after 20 years of service. She attended the University of South Florida, obtaining degrees in Psychology (BA), Relational Communication (BA), and Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (MA), and Marriage and Family Therapy (Cert.). She obtained her final degree (PhD) from Auburn University in Human Development and Family Science, with a dissertation titled, “Translating and Applying Recent Research on Military Family Life: A Preliminary Examination of the Efficacy of Mobile-Application-Based Professional Development for Military Human and Family Service Professionals.” She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Fl) and has worked in a behavioral health capacity across a variety of community mental health settings with clients of diverse ages and backgrounds. Davina is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the of Human Development and Family Science Department at Purdue University, where she trains undergraduate students who aim to become helping professionals.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION
CLOSING PLENARY SESSION
As the 2026 Indiana Mental Health Roundtable Summit concludes, Brian Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), will bring together the key themes, insights, and opportunities that emerge throughout the day. Drawing from discussions on evidence-informed clinical and nonclinical interventions, innovative approaches to care, leadership responsibility, and the unique mental health needs of servicemembers, veterans, and first responders, Brian will offer a compelling reflection on what it means to truly support those who serve our communities and our nation.
Through the lens of research, lived experience, and the transformative power of the arts, this closing session will explore how connection, purpose, creativity, and community can strengthen mental health and resilience. Attendees will leave with a renewed understanding of the challenges facing these populations, greater appreciation for both traditional and alternative pathways to well-being, and inspiration to advance meaningful action within their own organizations and communities. Part synthesis, part storytelling, and part call to action, this dynamic closing plenary will challenge participants to carry the day’s lessons forward and help build systems of support worthy of those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
Michael T. “Mike” Nielsen has served the people of Boone County and central Indiana for more than four decades. Beginning his law enforcement career in 1983, he went on to hold nearly every major leadership role within the Boone County Sheriff’s Office before being elected Sheriff in 2014 and serving two full terms. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session 242) and holds undergraduate degrees in Engineering and Business Management, as well as a Master of Science in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
After retiring from a distinguished 40 year law enforcement career, Nielsen became Executive Project Manager for Boone County, where his primary responsibility was advancing the long planned Boone County Justice Center. His philosophy centers on rehabilitation over incarceration, emphasizing education, mental health services, addiction treatment, and programming designed to reduce recidivism and support long term success for inmates.
Nielsen currently serves as the Police Chief for the Town of Sheridan, Indiana, overseeing a department of 14 personnel and a jurisdiction spanning 58 square miles of both urban and rural communities. His leadership continues to reflect his commitment to modern policing, community engagement, and officer wellness.
During his tenure as Sheriff, Nielsen implemented numerous technological and operational advancements, including computer aided dispatch, records management systems, jail administration software, photo imaging systems, in car mobile computer terminals, and integrated IDACS/NCIC access. He also served as project manager for the countywide 800 MHz radio system. These initiatives significantly improved efficiency, communication, and officer safety.
Nielsen has long been recognized for his dedication to community service. He championed youth programs, inmate support initiatives, and assistance efforts for disadvantaged families. In 2017, he established a comprehensive officer wellness program and hired a full time mental health counselor—doubling the program’s funding the following year. By the time he retired, nearly 40 of the agency’s 150 employees were actively participating.
The line of duty death of Deputy Jacob Pickett in March 2018 profoundly shaped Nielsen’s mission. Determined to better support families of fallen officers, he became a founding member of the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation alongside Retired ISP Superintendent Doug Carter, Judge Steve Nation, and others. The foundation provides financial assistance to families of officers killed in the line of duty by establishing donation accounts free of tax complications and covering funeral expenses. Nielsen also co founded the Jake Pickett Response Foundation to support law enforcement families facing hardship.
Today, Chief Nielsen continues to serve with the same passion, innovation, and compassion that have defined his career—remaining deeply committed to the well being of officers, the advancement of modern policing, and the communities he has sworn to protect.
The 2026 IMHR Summit: Supporting Those Who Serve takes place on Friday, August 7 at the JW Marriott, located at 10 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Registration and breakfast open at 8:00a with programming beginning at 9:00a. The event will wrap up by 3:30p.
Tickets are on sale for $55.20, including service charge.
While we will not offer refunds, tickets may be transferred. We can guarantee nametag updates on transfers made by Monday, July 27. Please email info@mentalhealthroundtable.org to initiate your transfer.
We are grateful to partner with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana to offer training hours for law enforcement and first responders.
LEO: This event is eligible for 8 hours LETB credit
Yes, breakfast and lunch are included.
Please select your dietary need when you complete registration. Upon checking in at the Summit, be sure to grab a dietary card that you can display at your place setting during lunch to alert your server.
No, breakout sessions will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Please email your question to info@mentalhealthroundtable.org.
