In this special episode, Officer Pete Elste (Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator), Firefighter Pete Nichio, Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW-EMT, and Scott Alvord, LCSW (Crisis Intervention Clinician), come together for Real Talk: Stress vs Serenity. Under the theme of "This too shall pass," they explore strength in vulnerability and recovery from job-related trauma.
In this special episode, Officer Pete Elste (Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator), Firefighter Pete Nichio, Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW-EMT, and Scott Alvord, LCSW (Crisis Intervention Clinician), come together for Real Talk: Stress vs Serenity. Under the theme of "This too shall pass," they explore strength in vulnerability and recovery from job-related trauma. They discuss the benefits of Embedded Clinicians at emergency services agencies, maintaining sobriety, challenges of formal and informal leadership, and finding peace amidst chaos in their high-stress professions.
The panel shares insights on how they navigate the daily stresses of their roles, highlighting the significance of mental health support within emergency services. Join us as these professionals provide a candid and enlightening dialogue on managing stress, leadership, sobriety, and the emotional toll of their critical roles in serving the community.
Bonnie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the treatment of Adults, Adolescents, Children and First Responders. Bonnie worked in Newtown treating Trauma directly after the Sandy Hook School Shootings and is an EMDR therapist. A Board Member of the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team, Inc., which treats First Responders for PTSD and Trauma, Bonnie is also a 21 year Emergency Medical Technician.
Law Enforcement Officer | Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator | FTO
Peter Elste has been a Police Officer for 21 years. He started his career working four years with the NYPD 73rd Precinct in Brownsville, Brooklyn. During his short time with NYPD, he was part of the Street Narcotics Unit and Community Conditions Unit.
Pete is currently serving with the Danbury Police Department where he is a Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator, and a member of the Emergency Services Unit and Peer Support Team.
Pete also serves on the Executive Board of Responder Wellness Inc., a non-profit organization that works to support First Responders in the State of Connecticut.
LCSW / Clinical Supervisor / Mental Health Clinician
Scott Alvord is an experienced therapist and clinical supervisor. Scott works with the Crisis Intervention Teams for two local Police Departments as their Crisis Intervention Clinician.
Scott has over a decade of experience in IOP (Intensive Outpatient Programs) PHP (Partial hospitalization programs), and persistent mental health diagnosis support and care. Scott also currently runs a private practice.
Firefighter | Marine | Army National Guardsman
Pete Nichio has worked 20 yrs in fire service, and served in the Marines and Army National Guard. Pete was diagnosed with PTSI in 2015 from multiple combat deployments and from everyday operations on emergency calls. Pete recently served as Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer for the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team’s first-ever benefit last October.