Speakers

Amber Cass started at Denver 9-1-1 in 2016 as an Emergency Communications Technician (call-taker), and very quickly joined their Peer Support Team. She has since been promoted to Workforce Management Analyst (scheduler), but has maintained the admiration for those still “in the trenches.” As co-coordinators, she and Jessica have made it their mission to create a passionate, robust, and proactive Peer Support Team. The team should not just show up when crisis hits. They need to be advocates for a positive culture that fosters resilience and ensures that the PSAP’s most valuable asset (the people) are mentally and physically healthy, happy and understand how important and appreciated they are.

Dr. Conn is a former police officer, as well as the daughter and wife of police officers, and currently works as a Licensed Psychologist, specializing in police stress, trauma, work-life balance, coping, and resilience. Stephanie is Board Certified as a Police & Public Safety psychologist. She has 28 years of combined experience working in the first responder field. She began as a dispatcher/call-taker before becoming an officer with the Fort Worth Police Department and then earning her doctorate in Counseling Psychology. She supports first responder agencies with CISM, peer support, and mental health training. She is the author of Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel.

Charles Hedgespeth is a fourth-generation police officer with over 14 years of experience in public service. Additionally, he has been an adjunct instructor at local colleges for 12 years. Charles received his Bachelor of Arts from Lindsey Wilson College and his Master of Science from the University of Central Missouri. Over Charles' law enforcement career, he has served as a state fitness coordinator, post-level fitness coordinator, field training officer, and accident reconstructionist. His career has been decorated with awards and recognition, including Trooper of the Year, Commissioner's Accommodation Award, Outstanding Instructor Award, multiple commendations, and multiple Governor Occupant Protection awards. Charles is currently assigned to the training academy at the rank of Lieutenant serving as the primary wellness instructor. At his current assignment, he has trained 100s of cadets in basic training, 100s of telecommunicators, and nearing 3,000 sworn law enforcement officers through in-service training.

Jessica Tresch has been part of the Denver 9-1-1 team since 2015, with experience as both a call taker and an operations supervisor. Over the past few years, she has developed a deep passion for supporting her colleagues behind the headsets, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to better serve the community. Jessica is dedicated to advancing mental health, peer support, and resilience initiatives within the 9-1-1 field—believing they are essential not only for personal well-being but also for improving retention in the profession. She views this as a pivotal moment for the industry, where collaboration and a focus on training, connection, and teamwork can strengthen the entire 9-1-1 system.