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Conference Session
C2: Panel - Unseen Wounds: Understanding and Addressing First Responders' Mental Health Challenges
Speakers | Jason Trenholm, Maverick Hann, Caroline Cheng, Jackson Heraid
This powerful panel session focuses on the mental health challenges encountered by first responders. With candid narratives from the frontline, our panelists share their experiences, coping mechanisms, and insights into navigating the unique stressors of their profession. Join them as they explore strategies for supporting and safeguarding the mental well-being of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Panelist Biographies
Host: Jason Trenholm
Jason Trenholm is a retired 20-year Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. He served the majority of his career with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in Edmonton, Alberta, participating in 3 operational tours. Since being medically released due to both physical and mental health injuries sustained overseas, he has transitioned back into civilian life, not without struggles, but also with a multitude of learning experiences. Jason has been the co-creator and is the Provincial Service Coordinator of OSI-CAN Alberta, a community-based peer support initiative, empowering veterans, first responders and frontline safety personnel. Now living by the mantra “Be well, have faith and be grateful”, he continues to work to help peers be self-determined in finding better mental health through programs that support recovery, resiliency and growth.
Panelist: Maverick Hann
Maverick Hann is a Lloydminster firefighter with 15 years of experience. He was fortunate to have had a relatively sheltered upbringing, devoid of significant family trauma. However, during his 13th year in the field, a tragic incident unfolded before his eyes when a friend took their own life during one of his firefighting shifts.
Panelist: Caroline Cheng
Caroline Cheng is the Mental Health Educator from the Alberta RCMP Divisional Wellness Unit. Trained as a scientist with a passion for teaching, she has a unique 15 year background in research, education, and program design. Caroline began to learn more about mental wellness at work and developing resources during her time as a Forensic Analyst. She believes that with a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other, the world can be a happier, healthier place.
Panelist: Pattie Atwell
Pattie Atwell is a former Correctional Officer with nine years of experience at the Women’s Correctional Centre in Manitoba. A graduate of the Justice and Safety Program (Honours) at Red River College and Valedictorian of her Corrections class, she initially expected a long career in the field. However, her exposure to ongoing trauma, including a major event in November 2015, challenged her belief that personal experiences with trauma would help her better guide inmates.
Since leaving Corrections, Atwell has learned that the desire to serve persists even after the job ends, though it requires a new direction. For many first responders diagnosed with C-PTSD, the transition is difficult, as there are no dedicated programs to support this change, often leaving individuals feeling abandoned. Despite this, Atwell believes that with peer support, those facing similar struggles can move forward together.
Panelist: Jackson Heraid
Jackson juggles roles as a Paramedic, Registered Nurse, Mental Health Therapist, Educator, and Program Developer. He’s the Community Initiatives Manager at Maskwacis Ambulance Authority, a Mental Health Therapist for Alberta Health Services, and an Instructor at NAIT. Additionally, he’s a Mental Health First Aid Facilitator.