Room: Wilderness 1 & 4

Dr. Matt Stiehm

This training examines the complex relationship between anxiety, stress physiology, decision-making, and use-of-force encounters within law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole, and other high-risk public safety professions. The course explores how acute stress, chronic anxiety exposure, hypervigilance, cumulative trauma, and organizational pressures influence perception, reaction time, communication, tactical decision-making, and post-incident functioning.

Participants will review the neurobiological and psychological realities of force encounters, including sympathetic nervous system activation, perceptual distortions, survival-based decision-making, and the impact of fear and uncertainty under rapidly evolving conditions. The training addresses how anxiety may present before, during, and after critical incidents, while also examining the emotional, professional, legal, relational, and physiological aftermath that frequently follows force events.

Room: Glacier A & B

Kelly Bubolz, Speaker/Author

We’ve been taught to adapt by doing more, pushing harder, and becoming “better” versions of ourselves. But in a world that keeps accelerating, that strategy no longer fits. The problem isn't people, it's the patterns we’ve been operating in. Invisible patterns are what drive exhaustion or energy. When those patterns no longer match the world we're in, burnout isn't failure, it's a mismatch. Awareness of these patterns is untapped power. This program introduces a practical framework to identify and shift the patterns draining your energy and replace them with ones that create a natural flow of sustainable performance.

Room: Tundra A & B

Dena Carreyn, J.D., Leadership Development Specialist, WI DOC

Corrections professionals communicate under pressure every shift — giving directives, responding to refusals, correcting behavior, coaching staff, and managing conflict between coworkers. This session examines how stress reshapes communication in those moments: how it narrows attention, sharpens tone, speeds up assumptions, and makes people hear disrespect or threat where none was meant — escalating conflict before either party intended it. Attendees will leave with concrete techniques for recognizing their own stress responses, slowing a conversation before it breaks down, resetting expectations, and coaching staff through high-pressure interactions. The session is grounded in the realities of correctional work and designed for immediate use by supervisors, trainers, and frontline staff.

Room: Tundra C & D

Brian Townsend, MOCIC Law Enforcement Training Coordinator

Join former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Supervisory Special Agent Brian Townsend for an in-depth and comprehensive training program addressing the opioid epidemic and the illicit fentanyl crisis. Delivered nationwide, this highly acclaimed class provides a thorough exploration of the crisis — from its historical roots to current challenges - offering participants actionable insights and practical tools to make a difference.

Room: Tundra E & F

Andrew J. Schreier, Clinical Senior Implementation Strategist, Community Medical Services

Humor and laughter are powerful tools for healing, connection, and resilience, yet they are often overlooked or discouraged in mental health and substance use treatment settings. This engaging presentation explores the research behind therapeutic humor and its impact on physical health, emotional well-being, recovery engagement, and therapeutic relationships. Participants will examine common misconceptions that equate seriousness with recovery and learn how humor can be used ethically and effectively in clinical and recovery-focused environments. Through practical examples and live demonstrations, attendees will discover ways to incorporate humor to build rapport, reduce stigma, enhance communication, and strengthen recovery connections. Join us for an interactive session that highlights how laughter can create hope, foster belonging, and support meaningful change.