California Peer Support Association
22nd Annual Training Conference
1+1 > 2
(We ARE Stronger Together)
Ventura, CA
September 6 - 8
Presentations and topics to include:
Kirsten R. Lewis, M.ED
Kirsten Lewis is back with us this year to further develop the concept of transforming stress into a positive force. We will gain an understanding of “stress resilience” and learn specific ways to implement this new stress mindset at our departments.
Kirsten Lewis is a probation officer with the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department (MCAPD).
She received her BA in 1997 with double majors in psychology and chemistry from Washburn University and her M.Ed. in 2003 with an emphasis in Counseling-Human Relations from Northern Arizona University. Additionally, Kirsten is an adjunct psychology instructor at Glendale Community College, an approved instructor by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. and co-owner of KSL Research, Training & Consultation, LLC.
Kirsten's adult probation experience includes supervising standard field, domestic violence, sex offender and high-risk offender caseloads. In addition, Kirsten has been a pre-sentence investigation officer, acting supervisor and currently holds a position as a full-time trainer in staff development.
With a background in research and over 24 years of experience in community corrections, Kirsten spearheaded a ground-breaking research study examining secondary traumatic stress in probation officers as a result of working with criminal offenders. Her research was recently published in the American Journal of Criminal Justice, featured in Perspectives, the national journal of the American Probation and Parole Association and received the 2013 Sam Houston State University Award for outstanding contributions to scholarship in Community Corrections.
In addition, Kirsten created a national award-winning employee stress management program at MCAPD that better prepares employees for the emotional challenges of probation work, enhances protective coping strategies, minimizes the cumulative stress associated with longevity and promotes a work culture that safeguards the welfare of officers.
Kirsten conducts a variety of trainings on the topic of traumatic stress and employee wellness with criminal justice agencies around the country and has presented her work at conferences throughout the United States and abroad.
Internal Affairs Panel
How can we best support those involved in an Internal Affairs or professional responsibility investigation?
Our panel consists of an officer who had been the subject of an Internal Affairs Investigation, an attorney who works with a number of departments in conjunction with their Internal Affairs department and a Lieutenant who has assisted his department with Internal Affairs issues in various capacities.
This panel will provide specific ideas to assist your employees and departments in this area when offering peer support.
Workshops
We have a variety of workshops specifically designed to empower you to implement the things you learn quickly back at your department. Topics include:
- Resilience
- Stress and Anxiety reducing techniques you can do anywhere
- Emotional First Aid Skills
- Cultural Competencies to connect with different people in your department
- Going beyond “Are you Ok?” and asking questions that get you the information you really need to support a peer and more!
Click HERE for a flyer!
Spouses/Partners are also welcome to attend at a reduced rate! Send an email to Spouse/Partner Attendance for more information.
Want to schedule a team debriefing for your team?
Send an email to
Team Debriefing for more information.
Not in the area? We worked out a great deal with the hotel to get a great daily rate! To get the CPSA room rate of $112.00 per night and free parking at the Four Points Sheraton Ventura Harbor, contact them at (805) 658-1212 ext. 1290 or send email to info@fourpointsventuraharbor.com. Tell them you are reserving a room for the California Peer Support Association Conference. This rate is only guaranteed until Sunday, August 13, 2017!
