You Are Not Going to Talk to a Stranger.
Every person on our peer support team has worn a badge. They have answered the same calls, carried the same weight, and felt the same things you are feeling right now. When you reach out, you connect with someone who actually gets it. Not because they studied it. Because they lived it.
We match you by role. A firefighter connects with a firefighter. A dispatcher connects with a dispatcher. A corrections officer connects with someone who has worked that same environment. The culture inside every branch of public safety is different and the person you connect with knows yours.
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There is no script. No checklist. No pressure to say the right thing or have it all figured out. You just show up and talk to someone who understands. Zero judgment. Zero pressure. On your timeline.
What Peer Support at AWF Actually Looks Like
How to Reach Us
Contact Form
Fill out the form on our contact page and someone from our peer support team will get back to you directly.
Send us a message at info@afterwatchfoundation.com and we will connect you with the right person on our team.
Social Media
Wednesday Watchtower
Every Wednesday we host a peer support group open to first responders and their families. You can join in person in Phoenix or virtually from anywhere. It is a space to show up, be real, and be around people who do not need things explained to them. No agenda. Just community.
The People Who Show Up for You
Our peer support team is made up of trained volunteers from across the first responder community. Every one of them has been on the job. Every one of them has been through something. And every one of them is here because they know what it meant when someone showed up for them.
Kate Klasen is a veteran first responder and the founder of H.E.L.P. and Bishop’s Mission. With experience as a police officer, EMT, and 9-1-1 dispatcher, she now focuses on trauma peer support and crisis intervention for those who serve.
Certified in CISM, Psychological First Aid, and Peer Support Counseling, Kate also incorporates K9-assisted wellness through Bishop’s Mission, providing first responders with compassionate support during their most challenging moments.
Kate Klasen
Police and Dispatch Liaison
Jorge Castro
EMS Liaison
Jorge Castro is a seasoned paramedic, educator, veteran, and minister whose life’s work reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and community care. His journey in emergency medical services began in Tacoma, Washington, where he completed his EMTI training at Pierce College. Determined to advance his clinical expertise, he went on to attend Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California, graduating from Paramedic School in 1994. Jorge currently serves as an Ambulance Operator Paramedic with the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, where he also holds the role of Field Training Officer. In this capacity, he mentors and develops new EMTs and paramedics, shaping the next generation of prehospital professionals. Prior to joining the fire service, Jorge spent the majority of his EMS career in the private ambulance sector, serving as both a field training officer and a supervisor. His leadership has consistently emphasized professionalism, compassion, and operational excellence. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Jorge served his country during Desert Storm, an experience that strengthened his discipline, resilience, and lifelong dedication to public service. Beyond his clinical and operational roles, Jorge has long been committed to supporting the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of others. He has served as an EMS peer support counselor and spent many years in ministerial leadership, pastoring congregations in both Florida and California. His ministerial education includes studies at Charity Baptist Bible Institute, Dayton, Ohio, Gulf Coast Bible Institute, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, and Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, Louisiana. Jorge also holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration, further expanding his leadership and organizational expertise. When he’s not serving his community or advancing his education, Jorge keeps busy on the baseball field as a member of the Crestline Highlanders, a club in the Southern California Vintage Baseball League. Playing the game in its historic style gives him a unique outlet for camaraderie, athleticism, and fun. Across every chapter of his career—whether in the back of an ambulance, mentoring new clinicians, serving in ministry, supporting colleagues, or stepping onto the baseball diamond—Jorge Castro has remained steadfast in his commitment to service, integrity, and the betterment of his community. Jorge and his lovely wife, Denise, reside in the mountain community of Crestline, California.
Michelle brings over 27 years of experience in law enforcement, including 19 years as a 911 operator and police dispatcher with multiple agencies, and the past 8 years in her current role as a Senior Crime Scene Specialist. Throughout her career, she has balanced the high demands of emergency services with the responsibilities of raising five children - demonstrating resilience, dedication, and compassion both personally and professionally.
Having faced several life-changing and career-defining incidents on the job, Michelle has taken an active role in her mental health journey. With the support of culturally competent and trauma-informed mental health providers, she has navigated the challenges of PTSD and depression, using her experiences as a catalyst for growth and healing. A passionate advocate for mental wellness in law enforcement, Michelle has served on
Peer Support teams since 2003 across multiple agencies. She is committed to de-stigmatizing mental health challenges within public safety, promoting access to care, and creating a culture of support and accountability. Michelle’s mission is to support law enforcement professionals and their families by encouraging resilience, fostering open communication, and embracing innovative, appropriate care. She firmly believes that trauma does not discriminate by title—whether civilian, sworn, command staff, or frontline personnel, we are all impacted. But it is through intentional healing and connection that we become stronger.
Michelle Moore
Civilian Law Enforcement Liaison
Lisa Smiles
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Lisa Smiles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience supporting individuals healing from trauma-related challenges, including PTSD, chronic pain and illness, emotional and physical injuries, and the effects of sexual abuse.
Her approach is person-centered, rooted in the belief that every client deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey. Lisa draws from evidence-based practices such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These tools allow her to help clients process trauma, reframe negative beliefs, and reconnect with a sense of safety within themselves.
Known for her authenticity and down-to-earth style, Lisa creates a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, heal deeply, and begin building lives filled with meaning and fulfillment.
Throughout my life, service has been a guiding principle. It was instilled in me as a child, with my mom being a nurse & father being a pastor. While my initial plans to join the military & later become a police officer were rerouted by life's unpredictability, this has not hindered my commitment to volunteering & supporting outstanding organizations. Even within my service trade business I love being out in the community. My wife & I deepened our Faith by earning our Associates of Biblical Studies. Although we didn't know where that would take us, I found myself working alongside Crisis 22, focusing on combating military suicide & raising awareness, given my personal loss. I was privileged to provide counseling, prayer, & support to remarkable individuals. Upon discovering the After Watch Foundation's mission, I felt an overwhelming desire to contribute. I am proud to stand alongside these extraordinary individuals, offering peer support & counsel. A long-held conviction of mine is that light will always triumph over darkness. Let us unite to illuminate the path for our brothers & sisters, actively supporting their healing & learning from their experiences
Chris Schaubert
Civilian Peer Support
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Chrystal Helman
Civilian Peer Support
Hi, I'm Crystal Helman.
I am a behavioral health professional with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field and the last 6 years dedicated to supporting first responders and their families. My background includes care coordination, peer support, wellness advocacy, behavioral health operations, and helping individuals navigate life's challenges through connection, resilience, and personal growth.
As both a professional and someone with personal experience navigating the unique challenges that can accompany first responder culture, I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered. I believe healing begins with connection, and sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer one another is the reminder that we do not have to navigate life's difficulties alone.
My approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and meeting people where they are. Whether you're facing stress, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, or simply looking for additional support, my goal is to help you build resilience, strengthen your support system, and move forward with confidence and purpose.
I look forward to connecting with you and being part of your journey.
Need Something More?
Sometimes peer support is the first step and professional care is the next one. We maintain a network of vetted mental health professionals who understand first responder culture, the demands of the job, and what culturally competent care actually looks like for this community. If you need a referral or just want to know what is available, reach out and we will point you in the right direction.
