Meet Your Conference Hosts
Dr. Gina Dunckel, Psy.D.
Dr. Dunckel is a member of the FSPA Board of Advisors and serves as the Conference Chair. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas and is vetted through PSYPAC to practice telehealth psychology in over 38 states.
She attended the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago where she received a Master’s degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology after completing her internship at the Valley Coastal Bend VA.
She has extensive experience treating post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, sleep disorder, pain management, critical incidents, and adjustment to life’s changes (e.g. divorce, job change). In her private practice, she exclusively works with first responders and veterans.
Currently, Dr. Dunckel is working with multiple fire departments to build strong preventative mental health programming and provide consultation to their peer support teams. Dr. Dunckel utilizes an integrative approach of cognitive behavioral and client-centered therapy to promote change.
Matt Laas
Matt’s career in the Oregon fire service has included serving with both the Eugene Fire & EMS Department and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Department. He worked his way through the operational ranks, serving with engine, truck, heavy/technical rescue companies, as an engineer (driver/operator of fire apparatus), and as a lieutenant/paramedic. He’s also been training officer and field training officer.
Throughout his 28-year line career, health, wellness, fitness, operational readiness, and safety were his professional passions. In 2023, Matt took on the role Fire Service Safety Specialist with the Oregon State Fire Marshal, where he helped create the Oregon Fire Service Health and Safety Collaborative program within the OSFM.
As Program Coordinator for the collaborative, he helps to coordinate and support statewide health and safety initiatives on a regional basis. By building relationships among the collaborative’s stakeholders, regional, and local leaders, they are working build a more resilient, healthy, and safe Oregon fire service.
Meet Your Presenters
Dr. John Ambery
Human Factors on the Fireground: Practical Guidelines and Ethical Considerations.
Dr. John Ambery is a psychologist (PsyD) with more than 25 years of experience in the national security arena, including service with the Central Intelligence Agency and the broader U.S. Intelligence Community.
Dr. Ambery designs and delivers programs focused on leadership development, resilience, and team dynamics, and also provides organizational consulting services.
Earlier in his career, he served as a psychologist with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), where he primarily conducted psychological assessments.
Several years ago, Dr. Ambery and his wife relocated to a rural area of North Carolina and became involved with their local volunteer fire department.
Most recently, Dr. Ambery served as the the Task Group Leader for TG CHARLIE that’s developed Guidelines for Fireground Human Factors Analysis.
Dr. Ben Bernstein
Maintaining Inner Stability Under Pressure: Practical Tools for Firefighters and Therapists Who Work with Them
FSPA welcomes Dr. Ben back as he was a presenter at FSPA’s Conference last year in Pearland, Texas!
Ben Bernstein is a performance psychologist, educator, and author with more than 50 years of experience helping people perform at their best under pressure. His work has supported emergency medical personnel, military veterans, professional athletes, healthcare providers, students, and other high performers in high-stress environments where stress can compromise judgment, decision-making, and well-being.
Known for his practical, evidence-informed approach, Dr. Bernstein teaches a performance model grounded in three essential capacities: calm, confidence, and focus. By integrating body, mind, and spirit, his methods offer immediate tools to reduce stress while building the long-term resilience needed to thrive in demanding, unpredictable situations.
He also trains coaches, educators, and healthcare professionals nationwide through his Performance Specialist Certification Program.
