Our peer support team members are specially trained colleagues who provide confidential, one-on-one support, distinct from the roles of counselors or therapists. They are equipped to recognize and refer cases needing professional intervention to licensed mental health professionals. Peer support programs complement, but do not replace, other outreach initiatives such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and psychological services.
Our Members
Mike has dedicated 15 years to public safety, currently serving as a School Resource Officer with the City of Brunswick Police. His educational journey includes a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University, an M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration from Tiffin University, and he is on track to complete an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University by the fall of 2025.
To support his mental health, Mike prioritizes quality time with his family, ensures he stays active, gets quality sleep, and utilizes professional counseling. Born and raised in Medina County, Mike is happy to be raising his three children in the same community. His commitment to both his professional role and personal well-being highlights his dedication to serving and supporting those around him.
Tal has dedicated his life to public safety, beginning his journey as a Junior Firefighter in 1983. Currently, he serves as a Firefighter and EMT with Erhart/York Township FD. Tal's educational background includes graduating from LaBrae High School in 1984, earning a degree from Malone College in 1990, and completing his studies at Ashland Seminary in 1997.
To support his mental health, Tal enjoys spending time outdoors, engaging in activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and cycling. His spiritual life also plays a significant role in maintaining his well-being.
In addition to his professional commitments, Tal is a devoted husband, father of four, grandfather, and a full-time pastor, balancing his responsibilities with his passion for helping others.
Ruth is a Sergeant with the Westfield OFIC Police Department and has dedicated 25 years to public safety.
Ruth's educational journey includes high school and the Police Academy, and she continually enhances her skills through numerous classes, including Crisis Incident Stress, First Responders Support Team, and Advanced Group Crisis Intervention.
To support her own mental health, Ruth enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as taking walks in the park and dog park.
As the 10th of 12 children, Ruth has a deep appreciation for family and community. She loves her career in law enforcement and finds great satisfaction in helping people whenever she can.
Brad is a Lieutenant with the Sharon Township Fire Department and has been in public safety for 14 years.
Brad started his journey in 2010, graduating from the Medina County Career Center Public Safety program with his Firefighter II and EMT-Basic certifications. He then completed his paramedic training at Akron General in 2012 and became a registered nurse in 2016.
When it comes to mental health, Brad believes it's a continuous process, especially in high-stress jobs like his. He finds balance by spending time with his kids and maintaining close friendships that allow for open and honest conversations about life's ups and downs.
Adam has dedicated 20 years to public safety, currently serving as a Patrol Officer with the Wadsworth Police Department. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice/Emergency Management from the University of Akron, where he also obtained his OPOTA certification.
To support his mental health, Adam relies on a strong support system at home, enjoys walks with his Labrador named Maverick, and plays golf with friends. Adam has been a Police Officer with the City of Wadsworth for 16 years, following six years as a Corrections Officer at the Medina County Sheriff's Office.
He has been married to his wife Alicia for 22 years, and they have two daughters, Sarah and Kristin.
Monica has dedicated 29 years to public safety, currently serving as a Firefighter, Paramedic, and Support K9 Handler with Erhart/York Twp Fire and Rescue. Initially pursuing a career in nursing, Monica discovered her true calling in paramedicine and firefighting. She earned her Firefighter 1 certification from the Medina County Career Center in 1996 and completed her Paramedic training at St. Thomas Hospital Paramedic Program in 1999.
To support her mental health, Monica enjoys listening to music, watching documentaries, relaxing with coworkers, and spending time with her kids and dogs. She has been married for nine years and is a proud mother of three wonderful children: a six-year-old daughter and five-year-old twin boys. The family also includes four dogs: Nala, Rhea, Gunner, and Hank.
Hank, a five-month-old Bernese/Lab mix, is Medina County's first K9 Trauma/Crisis Support K9 for First Responders and is currently in training. He loves his job and brings joy and comfort to those around him.
Seth has dedicated 12.5 years to public safety, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Montville Police Department. He attended the University of Akron from 2007 to 2011, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology/Criminology/Law Enforcement with a minor in Criminal Justice. Seth furthered his education at the University of Toledo, where he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from 2017 to 2018.
To support his mental health, Seth prioritizes his interests and hobbies outside of work. Video games have been a lifelong hobby, and he even uses them to bond with his daughter. Recently, he has taken up learning to play the guitar, which helps relieve stress, provides a creative outlet, and allows him to focus intensely for short periods, offering an escape from life's stresses. Spending time with family and friends is also very important to Seth, and he makes a concerted effort to prioritize these relationships.
Kelly has dedicated 13 years to public safety, currently serving as a Firefighter and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) with the Litchfield Township Fire Department. Kelly holds a bachelor's degree from Baldwin Wallace University and has completed numerous classes and certifications, including Fire & EMS Instructor, Mental Health First Aid Responder, and Rope Rescue.
To support her mental health, Kelly enjoys watching the classic TV show "Emergency!", baking, checking in with family, and staying active with her rescue dog. As a fourth-generation member of Fire & EMS, Kelly has a deep-rooted passion for teaching and values the time spent with her family and close friends.
Lori has been dedicated to public safety since 2007, currently serving as a Corrections Officer with the Medina County Sheriff's Office. She has also worked at the Juvenile Detention Center for a year in the same capacity. Lori has a strong commitment to community service, having volunteered for MCPAL (formerly known as PAL), where she worked with court-ordered youth.
In addition to her professional duties, Lori has taught Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid for eight years at the Sheriff's Office and with the Corrections Academy in Ashland, Lorain, and Stark counties.
To support her mental health, Lori enjoys exercising, walking, and engaging in various outdoor activities. She values spending quality time with her kids and grandchildren. A self-described homebody, Lori enjoys doing things around the house, reflecting her love for a balanced and fulfilling life both at work and at home.
Richard has dedicated 29 years to public safety, currently serving as the Assistant Fire Chief with the Wadsworth Fire Department. His extensive education and certifications include Firefighter II, Paramedic, Fire Safety Inspector, Fire & EMS Instructor (including Live Fire), and EVOC Driving Instructor. Richard is also a graduate of the Ohio Fire Executive Program, ICISF Certified, a QPR Gatekeeper, and IAFF Peer Support Trained.
To support his mental health, Richard engages in conversations with peers, plays soccer, takes drives in his Jeep, and enjoys fixing or building things. He is married to his wife Angela and has two adult children, Aiden and Alivia. The family also includes two Lab mix rescue dogs.
Richard enjoys vacationing with his family, often taking a cruise each year, and has a passion for playing soccer.
Matt has dedicated 10 years to public safety, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Medina County Sheriff's Office. He holds an undergraduate degree in Clinical Counseling from Grace College in Winona Lake, IN, and a Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling from Ashland University. Before his current role, Matt practiced Clinical Counseling for approximately seven years and held a Case Management position for two years.
To support his mental health, Matt enjoys taking hikes with his family. When feeling stressed, he makes an effort to speak with close friends who are supportive and challenge his thinking. One of the most helpful ideas for him has been to "accept the things I cannot change and grant me the courage to change the things I can."
Nate has dedicated 21 years to public safety, currently serving as a Patrol Sergeant with the Medina Police Department. His extensive experience in the field highlights his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of his community. Nate's dedication to his role and his years of service reflect his deep-rooted passion for public safety and his unwavering support for his colleagues and the residents of Medina.
Wadsworth Police Department
Sergeant Mike Patterson has proudly served with the Wadsworth Police Department for over 20 years. An alumnus of Cloverleaf High School and Ohio University, he earned a B.S. in Political Science and graduated from the basic police academy at the Medina County Career Center in 2003.
Mike values mental health and well-being, finding relaxation in outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, boating, and golfing. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends to unwind after tough days.
Mike is a devoted husband and father of two, rooted in Medina County, where he grew up and maintains family ties.