Sergeant Kevin Briggs
2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

For over two decades, Sergeant Kevin Briggs patrolled the Golden Gate Bridge – one of the most frequently visited sites for suicide in the world. Through compassion, eye contact, and an extraordinary gift for listening, he talked more than 200 people back from the edge. His TED Talk, “The Bridge Between Suicide and Life,” has been viewed over six million times worldwide.

Today Briggs trains first responders, educators, and community leaders worldwide through Pivotal Points, the organization he founded. He is a recipient of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Leadership Award, a trainer for the FBI and Secret Service, and the author of Guardian of the Golden Gate – an Amazon bestseller whose story has been optioned by Hollywood.

Sherriff Hardwick
SHERIFF, ST. JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Robert A. Hardwick was elected as the 28th St. Johns County Sheriff in November of 2020 and officially took office on January 5, 2021. Prior to serving as Sheriff, he served as the 11th Chief of Police for the St. Augustine Beach Police Department from 2013-2020. He also served as the Assistant Chief Investigator with the Office of the State Attorney 7th Judicial Circuit from 2008-2013. During his 30 plus year law enforcement career, Sheriff Hardwick also worked at the St. Augustine Police Department, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Corrections.

Shawna Novak
DEDICATED EXECUTIVE AND COMMUNITY LEADER

With more than 27 years of experience serving children, families, and communities, Ms. Novak is a respected leader in human services. As CEO of the Family Integrity Program and Director of Health and Human Services for St. Johns County, she is dedicated to building stronger communities through collaboration and service.

Lana Sample
STRATEGIC LEADER SYSTEMS INNOVATOR & EXPERIENCED PUBLIC HEALTH EXECUTIVE

Lana Sample brings more than 11 years of public health leadership, overseeing programs that improve community health and well-being. Her passion for collaboration and innovation continues to strengthen public health across the communities she serves.

David Vittoria, LCSW, MCAP, ICADCN

TRAUMA-TRAINED MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER EXPERT

With 30 years of clinical experience, Mr. Vittoria is a nationally recognized expert in trauma, behavioral health, addiction recovery, and workplace mental health. His passion for compassionate, patient-centered care and advancing recovery has made him a respected leader, educator, and advocate in the behavioral health field.

Chief Stephanie Whaley

DEDICATED FIRE AND EMS LEADER

Stephanie Whaley is the Section Chief of Health and Wellness for St. Johns County Fire Rescue, bringing more than three decades of experience in public safety and emergency services. She began her career with St. Johns County in 1995 after graduating from the First Coast Technical College Public Safety Academy.

Originally from Queens, New York, Stephanie relocated to South Florida with her family as a teenager before ultimately making St. Augustine her home. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Flagler College and her Graduate Degree from Barry University. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to supporting the health, wellness, and resilience of first responders, combining her extensive experience with a passion for serving those who serve their communities.

Stephanie is married to her husband, Todd, a retired firefighter. Together they have two grown children, Evan and Emma. Outside of work, she enjoys hunting for shark teeth along Florida’s beaches and cheering on the Florida State Seminoles at football games.

Samantha Lawson

SR DIR TRAINING INTITUTE • SAMH – LSF HEALTH SYSTEMS

Samantha Lawson Davis is a seasoned behavioral health leader with more than 20 years of experience in training, workforce development, and organizational leadership. As Senior Director of the International Training Academy of Excellence at LSF Health Systems, she leads the development of evidence-based, trauma-informed training programs that strengthen Florida’s behavioral health workforce. She holds advanced degrees in Organizational Leadership, Industrial Psychology, and Business Administration and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education at the University of Florida. A certified instructor in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, de-escalation, and Mental Health First Aid, Samantha is recognized for building collaborative training networks, advancing workforce excellence, and improving systems of care through education, innovation, and advocacy.

Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski

LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND TRUSTED LEADER IN FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS

Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski has spent 26 years supporting the mental health and resilience of military personnel and first responders. Her work continues to strengthen those who serve through leadership, education, and behavioral health initiatives.

Harper Spencer

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER HOPE SQUAD ADVISOR

Nassau County School District:

Harper is a school social worker for the Nassau County School District, also serving as the Hope Squad Advisor at Fernandina Beach High School and as one of the District Threat Management Coordinators and trainer. Harper graduated from Florida State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work.

Passion Roberts

HOPE SQUAD PEER GRADUATE

Passion is a 2026 graduate of Fernandina Beach High School and will be attending the University of Miami in the fall on the pre-law track with plans to attend the University of Miami School of Law to become an attorney. Passion was on FBHS Hope Squad all four years of high school and served on the Hope Squad National Council her junior/senior year.

Rachelle Burns

CHAMPION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION VISIONARY COALITION BUILDER & TRUSTED EXPERT

For more than 20 years, Rachelle Burns has championed mental health and suicide prevention through collaboration, advocacy, and community leadership. Her work continues to bring hope and lifesaving resources to communities across Northwest Florida.