Peers Directory

I have been working with the National Park Service across the country since two thousand seven as both a seasonal and permanent Park Ranger. I am passionate about the backcountry and I enjoy assisting others through my work in Teton Interagency Peer Support, Emergency Medical Services, Search and Rescue, Structure Fire, and Law Enforcement. My favorite things about being a Park Ranger are giving back to the community through local events, Make A Wish, and school outreach opportunities. When I am not at work I enjoy skiing, reading, hiking with my dog, and spending time with friends and family. Mental health and personal wellness are priorities for me both at work and outside of work, and I am passionate about meditating and breathwork practice. Please feel free to reach out.

I have been a first responder with the National Park Service since 2019, serving in roles as a climbing ranger with Devils Tower National Monumnet and Rocky Mountain National Park before arriving at Grand Teton in 2023 as a law enforcement climbing ranger in the Jenny Lake District. Prior to this I spent four winters as a professional ski patroller in Utah, where I brought my experience with the Responder Alliance to help build a resiliency program for her ski patrol. Outside of work I can be found in the mountains, trail running, climbing, or skiing, or chilling at home with her dog and quilting.

I have worked in emergency services for nearly two decades. I began my career as a firefighter and paramedic in the state of Georgia and served on the state Urban Search and Rescue Team, an experience that sparked my interest in complex search and rescue operations. This work led to domestic and international deployments as a paramedic and search and rescue technician, experiences that ultimately brought me to the National Park Service. I serve as the Emergency Services Coordinator for Grand Teton National Park where I oversee Emergency Medical Services and structral fire operations for the Park. I believe peer support is essential to maintaining healthy and effective response teams, and I strongly support the work that Teton Interagency Peer Support provides for responders across Teton County.

I am an EMS professional with 26 years of experience. I value balance and resilience, nurtured through time outdoors and quiet reflection. The mountains have given me perspective and restoration, grounding me in the work I am privileged to do. I have seen how this career shapes us—the good, the hard, and the cumulative weight it carries. We all process stress differently, and sometimes the strongest carry it the quietest. An almost career‑ending call led me to advocate for the wellbeing of those who serve. Peer support matters deeply to me because no one should navigate the dark alone. Sometimes support is simply sitting beside someone until they can see the light again. My goal is to foster resilience, connection, and a culture where caring for ourselves and each other is part of the job, not an afterthought.

Hi, I’m Jody. I’m a Supervisory Park Ranger with about a decade of experience in emergency services, working in a variety of park settings across the country. My roles have given me the opportunity to support others through everything from routine days to high-stress, all-hazard incidents. Outside of work, I enjoy trail running, fly fishing, and spending time outdoors with my husband and dog—simple things that help me reset and stay grounded. I care deeply about peer support because I’ve seen how demanding this work can be. I’ve experienced the weight of difficult calls, high expectations, and the challenge of balancing responsibility with personal well-being. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and the value of having someone who understands this work. My approach is to listen without judgment and meet people where they are. If you’re having a tough day or just need to talk, I’m here—you don’t have to go it alone.

I am Brad Griest. A very proud husband, father, and dog dad. I relax with a fly rod in my hand, chasing antelope and elk, and camping with my family. Most mornings you can find me in the gym, “paying the man.” I’ve worked at four parks over 23 years and can’t seem to break the alure of the Tetons. I am currently the river operations supervisor at Grand Teton, an ATL for YELL/GRTE Special Response Team, and a Peer Support Specialist. Over 20+ years of emergency services I’ve seen my share of stuff. We all deal with the stress of work, life, and the compounding effects one has on the other in different ways. I believe taking one small step in the right direction each day can yield tremendous results over time. My goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically, for longevity during and beyond our short yet intense careers.

Hi, my name is Olivia Burke, and I am currently the Lead Fire Effects Monitor for Teton Interagency Fire. Through this position I am heavily involved in wildfire, prescribed fire, and occasional EMS operations, and I have been in the field since 2018. I love to crotchet, play with my dog, and fret over my ten-year-old goldfish. Peer support is something I believe in because it is critical to creating a true culture of safety by looking out for one another. Please feel free to email me at Olivia.anastasia42@gmail.com.

Hello, my name is Lisa Attendorn, and I am a Law Enforcement Ranger at Grand Teton National Park. I got my start as a seasonal EMS/backcountry Ranger at Yellowstone, followed up with seasonal Law Enforcement at Acadia, Cape Cod, Golden Gate, and Grand Teton, with details at Haleakala and Little Big Horn and eventually Redwood National and State Parks. Before my NPS career I worked in crisis intervention and have continued that journey within the National Park Service as a CIT member. I am an out and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a safe space for anyone in need. I’ve had my fair share of highs and lows and believe no one should have to go through those lows alone.

Hi! My name is Andrew. I am a dispatcher/structure firefighter at Grand Teton and have been with the park service since 2022. I have a varied background and before the NPS I have lived abroad, worked in academia, security, and even have worked at Disneyland. I believe in peer support because sometimes all someone needs is to talk with someone they can relate to. I have been that person for a lot of people at previous jobs and am always open for a chat.

Hi, my name is Adam Johnson, and I am an Engine Captain with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. I am based out of Moose, and I have been lucky to call the Tetons home since 2020. I am always out in the mountains biking, hiking, trail running, and skiing. Over the years, I have worked as a ski patroller, structural firefighter, and fire line EMT. I have responded to incidents of all types and in many different environments and conditions. Receiving and providing peer support is something I believe to be critical for staying present and engaged both at work and while at home.

I have been a member of the Teton Interagency Peer Support team since 2021. With a professional background in finance, my commitment to public safety began in 1997 through involvement in emergency management and Search and Rescue operations. I have also volunteered year round with Jenny Lake Visitor Resource Protection operations since 2006, and I hold a Master of Science degree in Dive Medicine. I have been a member of the Teton Interagency Peer Support team since 2021. With a professional background in finance, my commitment to public safety began in 1997 through involvement in emergency management and Search and Rescue operations. I have also volunteered year round with Jenny Lake Visitor Resource Protection operations since 2006, and I hold a Master of Science degree in Dive Medicine.

I believe peer support is essential to strengthening organizational resilience and overall wellbeing. Teton Interagency Peer Support provides timely non clinical emotional support and helps normalize the demanding challenges first responders regularly face. I am married and have three adult daughters and several grandchildren.

My name is Chase Tedder, I am a Law Enforcement Ranger working in Grand Teton National Park. I have worked for the NPS since 2012, serving across the country at various locations, including the Everglades, Hawaii, Alaska, Yellowstone, and the Great Smoky Mountains. I grew up in East Tennessee and spent time working in EMS and law enforcement before transitioning to NPS. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, riding our motorcycles, and being on the river. I am a part of TIPS because I believe in the program, having personally used many of the TIPS resources when I was struggling with my own mental health. The benefit of TIPS cannot be understated.

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and worked in Yellowstone during high school, sparking my interest in living in the Yellowstone ecosystem. After earning a BS in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University in 1990, I moved to Jackson Hole and lived in a Yurt in Kelly for ten years. My career began with the National Park Service in wildland and structural fire, and included a summer wrangling horses in Alaska. My 32 years with the National Park Service have exposed me to emergency services including Law Enforcement, EMS, SAR, and Fire. In 1999, I built a house in Buffalo Valley, Moran. Since 2000, I've served on incident management teams, currently as Incident Commander for Great Basin Team 6. Summer fire assignments and transitions have made me value time off and outdoor activities like horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and backcountry skiing. The Buffalo Valley community remains my home where I live with my wife Kathy.

Hi, my name is Alex - I have been working as a dispatcher since 2010, supporting first responders and the public through some of the most difficult moments people experience. Working behind the radio has given me a deep understanding of the pressures, stress, and emotional weight that come with this line of work. I believe strongly that no one in this profession should feel like they have to carry the hard calls or difficult days alone. I value honest conversations, listening without judgment, and reminding others that it’s okay to not always be okay. It brings me joy to encourage others to prioritize their well-being.Outside of dispatch, I enjoy traveling, outdoor concerts, and spending time in the mountains where I find peace and balance away from the headset.

My name is Blake Morley. I am a Lead Dispatcher for the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, where I coordinate emergency communications and dispatch for the Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson Police Department, Jackson Hole Fire/EMS, and Search and Rescue. I have been with the organization since 2022 and have been involved with the TIPs program since 2023. My role allows me to support first responders and the community during critical moments, and I value being part of a team that helps people when they need it most.I was born and raised in Jackson Hole and take pride in serving the community that shaped me. Outside of work, I enjoy being a father and spending time with my family. In my free time, I also love cooking, which is one of my favorite ways to relax and bring people together.

Hi! I am Tia Stanton, a Deputy and School Resource Officer with the Teton County Sheriff’s Office. When I am not at work, supporting our community, you will likely find me with my husband Joey and my pup, Koda. We are an active bunch and love to be outside – hiking, running (Joey runs, I pit crew!) exploring, rafting, or skiing. Teton County has been our home since 2019, and we are so blessed to be here in this community! It is an incredible honor to be a part of TIPS and to provide support to my peers and their loved ones. The jobs we do are HARD – but we don't have to do them alone!

I am a combat veteran with sixteen years of active duty service in the Army and the Air Force and currently serve as a first responder with the Teton County Sheriffs Office. After graduating from college in 2020, I began my career with the Teton County Sheriffs Office as a Deputy Sheriff. I served the majority of my military career as a combat medic, where I came to understand that while the Army prepares individuals well for combat, it does not adequately prepare them for navigating life afterward. I have supported my teammates with their mental health from the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan to fellow first responders within Teton County. Outside of work I enjoy drinking coffee hiking biking and running.

I have been a member of Teton County Search and Rescue since 2010. I believe Teton Interagency Peer Support plays a critical role in the first responder community because of the significant impact our work has on rescuers and on the community we serve. Prioritizing mental health and team support is one of the core foundations of a strong culture and a successful team. When I am not supporting Teton County Search and Rescue or Teton Interagency Peer Support I serve as the Executive Director of the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum.

I have been a volunteer with Teton County Search and Rescue for the past five years and work professionally as an environmental consultant. I find both adventure and grounding through time spent outdoors, which is an important part of my life. I deeply value my dogs, friends, family, teammates, and the broader Teton County community. Through my role as a peer support member with TIPS, I’m grateful for the opportunity to support others and give back to the community that has given so much to me.

I have volunteered with Teton County Search and Rescue since 2021 and I have been a member of Teton Interagency Peer Support since 2025. I founded Mountain Physio and Wellness, a mobile concierge physical therapy practice based in Jackson Wyoming, which provides a personalized wellness experience for mountain athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. I am also associate faculty with the Tufts Doctor of Physical Therapy Phoenix and Seattle cohorts, and I am a certified yoga instructor and alpine ski racing coach. My mission is to help people continue moving and pursuing adventure in the mountains. I value showing up for others and I believe strongly in the strength that comes from shared experience and peer support.

I have volunteered with Teton County Search and Rescue since 2010 and I have been involved with Teton Interagency Peer Support since 2020. Increased awareness over the years of how rescues impact both the physical and mental wellbeing of teammates led to my interest in supporting Teton Interagency Peer Support. I believe peer support and access to professional mental health resources are important tools that benefit all first responders in the community. Outside of Search and Rescue activities I enjoy spending time in the mountains with my family, fly fishing, biking, and pursuing a career in finance.

I have worked as a Jackson Hole Ski Patroller since 2017 and I have been a member of the Teton Interagency Peer Support team within the patrol since 2020. I work dual seasonal for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and I spend my shoulder seasons and additional time guiding on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon and on the Snake River. In addition to skiing I enjoy kayaking mountain biking and spending time in the mountains with my wife Emma and our two dogs Dolly and Gracie. I believe deeply in peer support and I have seen firsthand the powerful impact that meaningful connection can have when someone truly shows up for a fellow first responder in need.

I was raised in the state of Wyoming. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wyoming and a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership. I have served with the Jackson Police Department since 2011 and I currently hold the role of Support Operations Sergeant. I am a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Class of 2018 in Quantico Virginia, and I served for twenty two years in the United States Army Reserve. I am an active member of the Jackson Breakfast Rotary Club and the American Legion. I currently serve on the Community Juvenile Services Board, Drug Court, the Community Prevention Coalition of Teton County, and Crimestoppers. I am a member of the Sex Offender Containment Team and the Criminal Justice Advisory Board for Central Wyoming College, and I serve as the Regional Chair for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Outside of work I enjoy spending time outdoors and can often be found on Jackson Lake, trail running, or riding horses.

I have served as a member of the Jackson Police Department since 1998. Throughout my career I have worked a variety of assignments including the Division of Criminal Investigation Task Force, the Special Problems Unit, School Resource Officer, and Patrol. One of my favorite responsibilities has been polygraph examination. The most important work I am able to participate in, however, is supporting the mental and physical health of my peers and coworkers in emergency services. I believe everyone deserves a healthy path forward, and I would welcome the opportunity to connect if you think I can be of help.

I have worked in emergency services since the mid 1990s, with experience spanning wildland fire, structure fire, mountain rescue, ski patrol, emergency medicine, and law enforcement. I began my career with the United States Forest Service as a wildland firefighter and later served as a ski patroller and avalanche educator in the state of Montana. I worked as a seasonal climbing ranger in Grand Teton National Park from 2009 through 2016 and have served as a law enforcement ranger since 2017. I currently work as a supervisor in the Jenny Lake Ranger District. I have been exploring mental health and wellness for first responders throughout much of my professional life. I became directly involved in Critical Incident Stress Management and peer support in 2012 and remain committed to supporting first responders through connection, shared experience, and practical coping strategies. Outside of work I enjoy spending time adventuring with my two kids.

My name is Kellie and I have over 20 years of experience as a police officer. Peer support is a passion of mine. It took almost a decade as an officer before I fully understood how various aspects of the job affected my family, personal relationships, and overall physical and mental health. Towards the end of my time with my former agency, peer support was important piece in helping officers survive a line of duty death thorough connecting those who needed it with mental health professionals, supporting them through honoring their brother, and encouraging them as they moved on while working through their trauma. Peer support isn’t just about getting through a rough patch or connecting with a counselor, it is about helping you find growth through and after a traumatic experience.

I am a Licensed Architect who has been serving as a volunteer Ski Patroller at Snow King since 2007. I hold great respect toward the power of place and the need to connect people’s lives and livelihoods to the incredible landscape that we call home. I serve on several Boards, including the Town of Jackson Planning Commission, Friends of Pathways, & the Wyoming Board of Architects & Landscape Architects. I have also taken on multiple local volunteer roles in Jackson, holding the belief that the connection to community helps me better understand the physical, human, political, historical, economic and cultural factors that affect people, natural environments and design. I believe that it is the people in this community that help make this place so special. I love any excuse to connect with nature and friends – you can find me playing in the mountains by foot, bicycle, or skis.

I serve as the National Representative for the Snow King Volunteer Ski Patrol, bringing over five years of experience as both a professional and volunteer patroller. I am deeply committed to the well-being of my fellow patrollers and am a dedicated member of TIPS (Teton Interagency Peer Support), where I support peers through the unique challenges of emergency response and mountain operations. I strongly believe in fostering a culture of trust, resilience, and care within the patrol community. In addition to my work on the mountain, I am the Development and Community Partnerships Manager at Teton Youth & Family Services in Jackson, Wyoming. In this role, I focus on strengthening resources and partnerships that support youth and families across the state, advancing access to prevention, intervention, and mental health services. I am passionate about the power of community-based support systems and am committed to ensuring individuals have the care and connection they need to navigate life’s challenges. Across both my professional and volunteer roles, I am driven by a shared mission to show up for others in meaningful ways and to help build stronger, healthier communities—especially within the local mountain communities I call home.

I have worked on Jackson Hole Ski Patrol since 2006. Early in my career, JHSP suffered the untimely deaths of two patrollers while at work, less than ten months apart. At the time, the prevailing attitude was to just carry on. It wasn’t until ten years later, after multiple bad calls, personal tragedy, fractured relationships, and season‑ending injuries, the cumulative effects of stress added up. Something had to change. In 2018, I attended a presentation about the impacts of stress and the symptoms of trauma. It was a lightbulb moment. I don’t just believe in peer support, I know the real‑life benefits that strong support networks can have on people’s lives. I have been involved with TIPS since 2018. Learning new skills, recognizing symptoms, and having streamlined access to mental health support has had a profound impact on both my personal life and the work culture of JHSP. I love ice cream, my pets, and all things outside. You can usually find me watering my garden.

Hi there, I am Nash! With more than three decades of experience with the National Park Service and a deep understanding of interagency culture within Teton County I am the Director of TIPS. I retired with a diagnosis of PTSD, which shaped my passion for proactive peer support as a critical part of the future. I believe early identification and response to stress injuries can help prevent responders from living with PTSD, depression, or anxiety. I launched the first peer support program within the Department of the Interior, training more than 125 Peer Support Specialists who supported nearly 2,000 law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and family members nationwide. Today, I am committed to advancing the TIPS mission so every responder and family has access to confidential support and high‑quality mental health resources. Outside of work you will usually find me skiing, biking, practicing yoga, or trail running with my wife!

I was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Spanish and International Studies. After college, I served as a Sustainable Agriculture Volunteer with the Peace Corps in Panama. That experience sparked my desire to build a career that allowed me to travel, work outdoors, and serve others. I began my fire career in 2015 with the Bridger‑Teton National Forest as a wildland firefighter. Over the years, I advanced to assistant on the engine module in Jackson and gained experience on helitack and hand crews. I stepped away from primary fire duties after welcoming my daughter at the end of 2023, but I continue to stay connected by mentoring peers and supporting the wildland fire community in new ways. I bring an observant, calm, and empathetic presence to peer support, and I value providing steady, nonjudgmental support to those around me.

I was born and raised in southern Colorado. Over the course of my career, I worked 23 years with the Forest Service responding to wildland fire, prescribed fire, and all‑risk incidents. During that time, I also worked concurrently for six years in EMS and eight years with a volunteer fire department. My work has taken me across three Forest Service regions R1, R2, and R4, where I served on five different forests and at one Job Corps center. Since 2023, I have served as the Training Specialist for the Bridger‑Teton National Forest and am based out of Big Piney, Wyoming.

I currently serve as a North Zone prevention technician after a career rooted in wildland fire and aviation. Most of my fire experience has been in aviation with Teton Helitack, and I recently transitioned into prevention work. That path has given me a grounded, real‑world perspective and an approachable presence within peer support. I place a strong value on balance through staying active, getting consistent rest, and maintaining a healthy diet, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and the occasional indulgence. I understand both the challenges and the wins that come with trying to make lasting changes. I focus on connection, practical support, and meeting people where they are, offering encouragement without judgment and emphasizing realistic, achievable steps forward.

I was born and raised in Alaska and spent 21 years serving in the U.S. Army. After retiring from the military, I joined the National Park Service as a Law Enforcement Ranger, working in Katmai National Park and Preserve and Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida. In 2023, I transitioned to the Forest Service, where I currently serve as the Safety Manager for the Bridger‑Teton National Forest. I also work as a Logistics Section Chief on wildland fire incidents. My background across military, law enforcement, and fire operations shapes my approach to safety and support in complex operational environments.

I am the medical coordinator with the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol and have been working at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort since 2015. I also volunteer as a firefighter with the Teton Village Fire Department. When I’m not ski patrolling, I love spending my time on the river. After working as a first responder in so many different capacities, peer support is a meaningful way for me to give back to the community that has given me so much.

I have called Jackson Hole home since 2001 and have dedicated much of my life to serving and supporting others—both professionally and within my community. Since joining the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol in 2008, I have built a career grounded in trust, leadership, and helping people navigate challenging situations. As Head Avalanche Forecaster at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, I am known for my calm presence, sound judgment, and deep commitment to safety. I have been a member of the TIPS team since its inception, reflecting my long-standing passion for teamwork, connection, and looking out for others. At home, I’m a devoted husband to my wife, Merril, and a proud father to George and Gigi, who bring immense joy to my life. Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, tennis, mountain biking, and fly fishing. At my core, I genuinely love helping people. I value listening, showing up for others, and helping people find balance and joy in their lives. My commitment to service is rooted in both my professional experience and my belief in the power of community and human connection.

My name is Johnny Verdon. I’ve been working in the ski industry since Breckenridge in 1992. That was my first stop after college and the start of my journey in the world of skiing. From there, the road traveled north and I spent the next five-plus years skiing out of Whitefish, Montana—a place where I began to find my balance (big mountain) in the ski world and in life. For the past 28 years, I’ve lived and worked in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, as a cook, bartender, house painter, musician, landscaper, small business owner, and Jackson Hole Ski Patroller. I got involved with the TIPS program at its conception in 2018, working together with other agencies to create a safe place to help build resiliency within the first responder community. TIPS is something I feel strongly about and feel very fortunate to be part of. The idea of helping others tend to their metaphorical gardens by listening and helping them get to the resources they seek really resonates with me. Over the past eight years, I’ve seen workers use the TIPS program, including myself, to help open a doorway to an amazing team of therapists, ready at a moment’s notice to give support and another form of first aid to our first responders. While working within the program, I’m always reminded of the classic Beatles song: “we all get by with a little help from our friends.” Be well and keep on turnin’, Johnny V!

I have been a year‑round ski patroller at Grand Targhee since 2014 and a first responder for more than 15. Throughout my career, I’ve experienced a wide range of critical and high‑stress incidents—both on the job and in my personal life—that have shaped how I show up for others. In addition to mountain work, I’ve spent time working in an emergency room, which deepened my understanding of trauma care and the importance of calm, compassionate support in moments of crisis. When I’m not working, I love being outdoors and taking advantage of everything the Tetons have to offer, from skiing and biking to hiking and time in the backcountry. Most importantly, I value time with my family and the grounding it brings. I feel truly grateful and privileged to be part of the TIPS support team and to serve this community.

I’ve worked as a ski patroller at Grand Targhee for the past three winters and spend my summers guiding on Mount Rainier with Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. Before becoming a mountain guide, I worked in wildland fire for Teton County Fire & Rescue and the U.S. Forest Service. I’m passionate about stress injuries and resiliency in the first responder community and serve as a member of the Ski Patrol Resilience Team at Grand Targhee. When I’m not working, you can usually find me climbing, trail running, skiing, or hanging out with my cats, Pablo and Goblin.

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My love of snow and mountains brought me to the Tetons as an outdoor educator and led me to ski patrol at Grand Targhee. As I grew attached to the area and community, I found my way to a career position with Teton County Fire & Rescue. Showing up to peoples’ worst moments showed me that we have an incredible, brief opportunity as First Responders to connect with people and help link them to supportive resources - and a parallel responsibility to take care of ourselves and our team as we move through all the highs and lows that come with this work. I love the interagency aspect of TIPS and hope to help grow the network on the Idaho side!

I’ve been with the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol since 2005 and have been a member of the TIPS team since 2022. I also work in the Emergency Department at St. John’s Health. As an EMT, WEMT, CNA, OEC technician, and Public Health specialist, I’m deeply committed to providing peer support in Jackson. I believe in the calming power of the outdoors and in the healing that comes from listening with empathy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with and serve members of my community.

Hi there, I’m Caleigh, a firefighter/paramedic with JHFEMS. Outside of work, I stay grounded and response-ready through movement—rock climbing, dirt biking, mountain biking, running, backpacking, rafting, lifting, and skiing. I’m passionate about supporting others in the county and believe in the importance of connection, conversation, and taking care of ourselves so that we can best care for our community.