- Dr. Kristen Wheldon (Psychologist-Board Chair and Founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association)
- Dr. Carla Moore (Psychologist)
- Dr. Burton Clark (Fire Service Leader)
- Shaun M. Wheldon (2nd Lieutenant United States Air Force)
- Dr. Gordon Wolf (Psychologist- Specialist in Pre-Employment/Fitness for Duty Evaluations)
- Dr. Thomas Joiner (Psychologist)
- Dr. Anne Bisek (Psychologist)
- Dr. Gina Dunckel (Psychologist)
- John K. Murphy, Esq.
DR. KRISTEN WHELDON
Board Chair/Founder
Dr. Wheldon is a licensed clinical psychologist (CA License#27027) who has a passion for the behavioral health of firefighters and their families.
She currently serves as the President and Founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA), a nonprofit which was created to bridge the gap between professional psychology and the fire service through providing continuing education courses to mental health providers, behavioral health trainings to departments, and collaborating on research to better understand the specific needs of firefighters and their families.
She sat on the Health and Safety Curriculum Review Committee for the National Fire Academy (NFA) and proposed the inclusion of behavioral health courses. Furthermore, she provided guest lectures to students in the NFA on the topic of, “Demystifying Psychology for the Fire Service.”
She currently serves as a NFA contract instructor for Health and Safety Program Operations courses. Dr. Wheldon previously worked for the Los Angeles Fire Department as their Director of Behavioral Health. In that role, she provided direct psychological services to firefighters and their families, managed and supervised the peer support and CISM teams, provided trainings on behavioral health topics, and supervised two doctoral psychology students.
As one of a few fire psychologists in the country, she recognized that firefighters do not have access to behavioral health care tailored to their specific needs and founded FSPA.
DR. BURTON CLARK
Executive Fire Officer
Dr. Burton A. Clark, Ed.D, EFO has been in the fire service for 48 years and counting! He started his career a firefighter in Washington, DC, and his career path took to Prince George’s County (Mary.), and Carroll County (Mary.),
His other fire service roles have included Assistant Fire Chief in Laurel, Maryland, the Management Science Program Chair and Executive Fire Officer Research Advisor at the National Fire Academy, an Operations Chief during national disasters and emergencies for the DHS/FEMA, an Instructor Trainer for the University of Maryland Fire Rescue Institute, an Expert Technical Reviewer for the CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, and a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins University Center for Injury Research and Policy. He serves on the doctoral research faculty at Oklahoma State, Benedictine, Northern Illinois, Grand Canyon, and Fielding Universities. In addition, he conducts lectures, workshops, and strategic planning for various educational and governmental organizations.
Burt has a BS is in Business Administration from Strayer University, MA in Curriculum & Instruction from Catholic University, and Ed.D. in Adult Education from Nova Southeastern University. He has served on 17 doctoral dissertation committees. He studied fire science at Montgomery College with Professor Frank Brannigan, Emergency Management at the Emergency Management Institute, National Security at the National Defense University, and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.
He is a nationally certified Fire Officer Four, Chief Fire Officer Designee for nine years, and Eagle Scout Mentor. Burt writes, lectures, and teaches fire service research, safety, culture, and professional development worldwide.
He was married to the late Carolyn Smith-Clark, herself a well-respected National Fire Academy instructor. Together they had six children, 14 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. His first book is titled, “I Can’t Save You, And I Don’t Want to Die Trying: The American Fire Culture.” Premium Press America, Nashville, TN
Dr. Anne Bisek, Psy.D.
Board Member – Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA)
Dr. Anne Bisek, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist in Fremont, California. She graduated from the Wright Institute in 2004. Her dissertation was about three Urban Search and Rescue teams from California who were deployed to New York following the terrorist attack in 2001.
Dr. Bisek now has a private practice where she offers individual counseling (including EMDR) to firefighters, police officers, dispatchers/communications, pre-hospital personnel (EMTs, etc.) and military veterans.
When Dr. Bisek joined FSPA in 2018 she immediately recognized a unique group was forming. “The synergy between fire service personnel (chiefs, arson investigators, prevention and suppression) and psychologists is amazing to see. I witness both disciplines help each other solve problems, teach each other, and learn the other disciplines language.”
SHAUN M. WHELDON 2ND LIEUTENANT UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
2nd Lieutenant Shaun M. Wheldon is a United States Air Force officer serving in the Contracting career field at Edwards Air Force Base, California, under the Air Force Test Center. His military career began in December 2009 when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a Health Services Administrator, serving with the 509th Medical Group at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.
During his enlisted service, Lt. Wheldon deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, where he provided mission-critical security and support services in a deployed environment. For his contributions, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border. Upon returning from deployment, he worked in Flight Medicine, supporting physicians, nurses, and first responders through medical administration, records management, and operational support during real-world aircraft mishap responses.
In 2015, Lt. Wheldon transitioned to the U.S. Air Force Reserve, where he served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Medical Records for the 442nd Medical Squadron. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, graduating Magna Cum Laude, before attending Air Force Officer Training School and receiving his commission as an officer in 2018.
As one of the original founding members of the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA), Lt. Wheldon has played an active role in supporting the organization’s mission and growth since its inception. His experience working within military healthcare, alongside first responders, and in deployed operational environments has given him a deep appreciation for the importance of psychological services and behavioral health support for those who serve in high-stress professions. His unique blend of military leadership, healthcare administration, and organizational experience contributes valuable perspective to the FSPA Board of Advisors.
Education and Professional Development
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude
- Associate of Science in Health Administration, Community College of the Air Force
- U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training Graduate
- Health Services Technical School Graduate
- Airman Leadership School Graduate
- Air Force Officer Training School Graduate
- Contracting Officer Course Graduate
Selected Awards and Recognitions
- Air Force Achievement Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster
- Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Unit Award with Two Oak Leaf Clusters
- Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
- Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
- Air Force Longevity Service Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster
- Air Force Training Ribbon with One Oak Leaf Cluster
- Air Force Test Center Company Grade Officer of the Quarter
- Rising Star Award
DR. SAM J. BUSER
Dr. Sam J. Buser is the senior staff psychologist for the Houston Fire Department where he is responsible for crisis situations affecting first responders in the nation’s third largest fire service. An Army veteran and former VA psychologist Dr. Buser is the co-author of “The Guys-Only Guide to Getting Over Divorce”. His most recent publications have concerned suicide prevention in the fire service. He has been featured on the nationally syndicated Montell Williams Show and has been an advisor to Newsweek magazine and the Oprah Winfrey Show. He is a former president of the Texas and Houston Psychological Associations. Dr. Buser has received numerous awards for his work and was recognized for Outstanding Public Service by the Texas Psychological Association in 2017.
DR GORDON D WOLF, PH.D
Dr. Gordon D. Wolf is a recognized subject matter expert in public safety psychology with extensive experience serving law enforcement, fire service, and other public safety organizations. Throughout his career, he has provided psychological services to more than 100 public safety agencies, specializing in pre-employment psychological evaluations, fitness-for-duty assessments, critical incident debriefings, and organizational development consultation.
A pioneer in the field of public safety personnel assessment, Dr. Wolf developed a criterion-based methodology for the selection of public safety officers that was published in Police Chief Magazine. His work later contributed to the development of the POST 10 Critical Traits framework used in public safety candidate evaluation. He also established concrete criteria for fitness-for-duty determinations in California and served as an expert witness in the landmark case Sager v. County of Yuba, helping to define standards related to employee fitness for duty.
Dr. Wolf has been actively involved in firefighter behavioral health and personnel assessment since the 1980s. He developed suitability and fitness-for-duty criteria specifically for firefighters, which have since been utilized by fire departments and fire protection districts in both selection and fitness evaluation processes. His work has helped departments strengthen hiring practices, support employee wellness, and maintain operational readiness.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Wolf has worked with numerous fire departments and fire protection districts throughout California, including Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, Marin County Fire Protection District, Oakland Fire Department, Fairfield Fire Department, Vacaville Fire Department, Napa Fire Department, Tracy Fire Department, Redding Fire Department, Eureka Fire Department, and several regional fire protection districts.
Dr. Wolf’s decades of experience in public safety psychology, organizational consultation, personnel selection, and fitness-for-duty evaluation have made him a respected leader in advancing the psychological health, effectiveness, and professionalism of first responders.
CARLA SUTTON MOORE, PHD, LPC
Licensed Psychologist
Moore to Life Counseling and Consulting, LLC
Clinical Director
Dr. Carla Sutton Moore is a licensed psychologist in Georgia (GA #004427) with more than 22 years of experience in the mental health field, including over 15 years dedicated to serving firefighters and other first responders. Throughout her career, she has worked across a variety of settings, including juvenile court mental health services, residential treatment, managed care, private practice, and municipal government.
Dr. Moore is the Founder and Clinical Director of Moore to Life Counseling and Consulting, LLC, and currently serves as a Senior Behavioral Health Specialist with the City of Atlanta Psychological Services and Employee Assistance Program (EAP). In this role, she provides counseling, crisis support, and behavioral health services to City employees, including Atlanta firefighters and law enforcement personnel. She also consults with fire departments and public safety agencies throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area on prevention, resilience, and mental wellness initiatives for firefighters.
A dedicated advocate for firefighter and first responder mental health, Dr. Moore is actively involved in advancing research, evidence-based practices, and effective treatment programs within the profession. She serves on the Board of the Georgia Psychological Foundation and is Co-Chair of the First Responder Mental Health Initiative Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Southeastern Psychological Association’s Committee for Equality of Professional Opportunity (CEPO) and the American Psychological Association’s Division 18.
Dr. Moore has presented research and professional findings at conferences including Fire-Rescue International (FRI) and the Society for Criminal and Police Psychology. Her research has focused on help-seeking behaviors and treatment outcomes among firefighters who voluntarily accessed internal employee assistance programs. These findings have informed the development of prevention programming, resiliency initiatives, and wellness training now utilized by the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and other metro Atlanta fire agencies.
Committed to strengthening the connection between mental health professionals, first responders, and the communities they serve, Dr. Moore continues to champion education, collaboration, and innovative approaches to behavioral health. Her leadership included organizing and moderating the symposium Charleston’s Response to the Emanuel AME Nine Shooting: A Concerted Effort to Improve Mental Health, which brought together civic leaders, public safety professionals, and mental health experts to discuss trauma recovery, community healing, and resilience following a significant tragedy.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Moore enjoys traveling, fitness, music, dancing, community service, and exploring new cuisines. She is married and the mother of two children. Her strong faith and deep connections to family and community continue to inspire her personal and professional commitment to helping others build resilience and thrive.
Gina Dunckel, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Mental Health Consultant
For a Board of Advisors page, the biography should be professional, concise, and focused on expertise relevant to the fire service and first responder community.
Dr. Dunckel
Board of Advisors
Dr. Dunckel is a licensed psychologist in the State of Texas and is authorized through PSYPACT to provide telehealth psychology services in more than 38 states. She earned her master’s degree and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago and completed her internship at the Valley Coastal Bend VA.
Dr. Dunckel has extensive experience treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, sleep disorders, pain management concerns, critical incident stress, and adjustment to major life transitions. In her private practice, she works exclusively with first responders and veterans, providing specialized psychological services tailored to the unique demands of these populations.
She currently collaborates with multiple fire departments to develop proactive mental health programs, strengthen organizational wellness initiatives, and provide consultation and support to peer support teams. Her work emphasizes prevention, resilience, and early intervention to promote long-term psychological well-being among firefighters and other first responders.
Dr. Dunckel utilizes an integrative treatment approach that combines cognitive behavioral and client-centered therapies to foster meaningful change. She has advanced training in numerous cognitive behavioral interventions, including mindfulness-based techniques, and is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She also holds a certification in First Responder Counseling, reflecting her commitment to serving those who dedicate their lives to public safety.
John K. Murphy, Esq.
John K. Murphy, JD, PA-C, MS, EFO is an attorney licensed in Washington with experience in general legal practice, employment practice liability, organizational policies development and implementation, public safety, risk, and Human Resource management.
Mr. Murphy provides legal services and consulting with fire service leadership on Fire and EMS service delivery and private industry strategic planning, creating innovative ways of delivering services efficiently and cost-effectively.
His work includes Leadership Mediation and Unraveling Organizational Chaos and Discord. He lectures on those subjects to a national audience at various conferences and seminars.
Mr. Murphy retired after 32 years as a career firefighter at the rank of Deputy Fire Chief for Eastside Fire & Rescue (Issaquah, WA) and Fire Chief of the City of Sammamish (WA).
He rose in the ranks from a firefighter/paramedic to Chief Officer with extensive experience in emergency operations, recruitment and retention of employees, curriculum development and implementation of training programs, organization development, management and training of executive-level managers, and health and safety programs.
He is currently an elected Fire Commissioner (FD 38) in King County, WA.
He obtained his Juris Doctorate (JD) from the Seattle University School of Law. He is a licensed and practicing physician assistant and a former US Navy Corpsman.
He is a Professor at the University of Florida Fire and Emergency Services program and the author of Legal, Political & Regulatory Environment in EMS (Pearson Publication). ISBN-10: 0135036038 • ISBN-13: 9780135036037.
Dr. Patrick Palmieri, Ph.D.
For a professional Board of Advisors webpage, the content should be concise, polished, and focused on credentials, expertise, and service. Here’s a web-ready version:
Patrick Palmieri, Ph.D.
Board of Advisors
Patrick Palmieri, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Lead of Trauma Based Services in the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Prior to this role, he spent 21 years at Summa Health in Akron, Ohio, where he served as the James and Vanita Oelschlager Chair in Traumatic Stress, Director of the Traumatic Stress Center, and Chief Psychologist and Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry.
Dr. Palmieri holds academic appointments as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Professor of Psychiatry at Northeast Ohio Medical University, and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Kent State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He completed a clinical internship at the Danville VA Medical Center and a postdoctoral fellowship in quantitative psychology at the University of Illinois.
His clinical, training, and research activities focus on trauma-informed care. Dr. Palmieri specializes in the evidence-based assessment and cognitive behavioral treatment of mood, anxiety, stress-related disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among veterans and first responders. He also provides training and consultation to healthcare systems, first responder agencies, and other organizations on trauma-informed best practices.
An active researcher, Dr. Palmieri has authored or co-authored approximately 100 peer-reviewed publications, including several focused on first responder mental health and wellness. His research has examined PTSD risk and resilience factors, post-trauma recovery trajectories, assessment and risk-screening tools, treatment effectiveness, and the relationship between trauma and physical health.
Dr. Palmieri has held numerous leadership and advisory roles, including co-chair of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Trauma-Informed Care Advisory Committee, chair and co-chair of the Summit County Trauma-Informed Care Coalition, and member of the State of Ohio First Responder Committee. He also serves as Health Care and Education Advisor for Modern Warrior Live, a theatrical initiative dedicated to fostering dialogue among veterans, first responders, and civilians while promoting PTSD awareness, recovery, and post-traumatic growth.