About TLEPN

dustin.schellenger@untdallas.edu | (573) 337-4145

Dustin Schellenger joined the CPI Team on January 14^th 2022 as the State Director for the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network.  Dustin has valuable experience working with both the military and Law enforcement in a variety of positions.  Prior to joining CPI Dustin was project manager for Dallas Police Department and a retired Gunnery Sergeant in the US Marines.  He is passionate about supporting law enforcement and preventing police suicide.  

Dustin Served for 20 years as a Military Policeman in the US Marines and has experience in crisis management, Special Reaction Team (SRT) tactics and management, and law enforcement management.  He has worked on high risk warrants, hostage situations, drug raids, and lovingly as a regular patrolman.  Dustin has served in Iraq as well as 13 other countries and is very familiar with PTSD and what families go through both in law enforcement and military service.

michael.mata@pd.pharr-tx.gov | (956) 588-5211

Michael Mata retired from the Pharr Police Department in 2019 after 21 years of dedicated service to his community.  He then served 2 years with the PSJA ISD Police Department (2019-2021) as Sergeant/ SBLE Officer and in January 2022 returned to Pharr Police Department to serve as the Regional Director of South Texas for the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN).  He earned his Master Peace Officer Certification in 2012, worked Patrol Division and was assigned as Senior Officer, Field Training Officer, Gang Officer, International Port of Entry Officer, Bicycle Patrol Officer, certified Breath Test Operator and obtained his TCOLE Basic Instructor Certificate, and instructed Crisis Intervention Training, De-Escalation and SBLE Active Shooter training.  Michael is a trained Hostage Negotiator, and has participated in several critical incidents including, suicidal/barricaded situations, jumpers, kidnappings, and he is a member of the Texas Association of Hostage Negotiators (TAHN). 

Michael and his family reside in Pharr, TX and when he is not traveling, he enjoys fishing with his family on their boat the “Ugly Hooker” at South Padre Island, Texas.  He also enjoys taking long road trips on his motorcycle; he enjoys running or cycling for mental clarity and focus.  Michael will share his knowledge and experience along with his passion to serve fellow first responders struggling with mental health issues, post-traumatic stress, and he believes through the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network and local resources, he will be able to help end law enforcement suicide in the State of Texas. 

sedwards@beltontexas.gov | (979) 255-1689

Shawn Edwards joined The Texas Law Enforcement Peers network in September 2022 as the Central Texas Regional Director representing Belton Police Department. He started his law enforcement career in 1997 as a Detention Officer and started the police academy the following year. He currently serves as a Reserve Deputy with Burleson County Sheriff’s Office.

Shawn has over 25 years of experience in law enforcement and holds a Master Peace Officers License as well as a Master Jail License. The past 16 years, Shawn has focused his career on mental health by working with mental health partners to advocate and educate law enforcement.

Shawn’s faith and family comes first, married to his wife Tammy and his three sons Abel, Noah and Mason.

In addition to his family, Shawn’s self-care hobbies are playing volleyball and fishing.