About TLEPN

dustin.schellenger@untdallas.edu

(682) 888-4276

Dustin Schellenger is the Program Director of the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN), established under Texas Senate Bill 64 and built on the mission of delivering confidential, 24/7, peer-driven support for every Texas first responder. Since the program’s inception in 2022, Dustin has led statewide efforts to strengthen wellness, drive suicide prevention, and ensure frontline officers, dispatchers, and jailers have trusted peers to turn to—anytime, anywhere. 

A retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, Dustin served 20 years as a Military Police Officer, including work in crisis management, Special Reaction Team (SRT) operations, high-risk warrants, hostage situations, narcotics enforcement, and daily patrol duties. His service in Iraq and 13 additional countries has given him a deep understanding of trauma exposure, head-impact injuries, and the lasting impact these experiences have on first responders and their families.

Before joining TLEPN, Dustin served as a Project Manager for the Dallas Police Department, working alongside agencies, command staff, and frontline personnel to improve operations and support officer well-being.

Dustin’s leadership is grounded in lived experience—he has seen firsthand the toll that stress, trauma, and cumulative exposure take on the people who protect our communities. His passion for law enforcement wellness and suicide prevention drives TLEPN’s mission to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who serve, making wellness mission-critical and building a future where police suicide is driven to zero.

Ricky.Jones@untdallas.edu

(909) 528-3472

Ricky Jones serves as the Central Regional Director for the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN), where he supports officers, dispatchers, and jailers with confidential, peer-driven assistance built on more than 40 years of service to first responders and their families. His leadership aligns with TLEPN’s mission to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who serve and ensure no Texas first responder carries the weight of trauma or crisis alone. 

Ricky began his public safety career as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff, serving from 1981 until a line-of-duty injury forced his retirement in 1989. That same year, he was recruited to work with the U.S. Counter Measures Team, where he served for a decade alongside national security leadership, contributing to high-level protective and counter-threat operations.

For more than 40 years, Ricky has also served as a police and military minister, providing spiritual care, crisis support, and pastoral guidance to first responders and their families. He is the Founder of Spirit of the Law Ministries and its Annual Awards Ceremony, celebrating the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of public safety professionals.

In 2002, following the formation of the Transportation Security Administration, Ricky was selected by Admiral James Loy as one of the original trainers responsible for developing the national TSA screening program. His work helped establish foundational training practices during a pivotal moment in America’s homeland security efforts.

Ricky’s expertise later led him into the film industry, where Director Antoine Fuqua hired him as the head law enforcement consultant for Olympus Has Fallen (2013) and again for The Equalizer, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of tactics, operations, and the realities of service.

At his core, Ricky is driven by service — to his family, his community, and the nation’s protectors. He and his wife, Hildbjorg, share a blended family with four grandchildren, and his deep love for them strengthens his commitment to helping first responders build resilience, restore wellness, and find support when they need it most.

Through his work with TLEPN, Ricky continues to protect the protectors, making wellness mission-critical and helping build a future where every first responder in Texas has the support they need to stay strong for the communities they serve. 

todd.hunter@cityofkilgore.com

(903) 812-3736

Chief Todd Hunter serves as the East Regional Director for the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN) and the Chief of Police for the City of Kilgore, bringing more than 30 years of comprehensive law enforcement experience to his role. His commitment to officer wellness, leadership development, and public trust aligns directly with TLEPN’s mission to provide confidential, 24/7, peer-driven support so no first responder faces trauma or crisis alone. 

Chief Hunter’s career spans a full spectrum of operational and investigative roles, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Detective, and Supervisor. He was appointed Chief of Police in Jasper in 2005 and later in Kilgore in 2011, where he continues to lead with an emphasis on accountability, readiness, and service-driven leadership.

A graduate of Tyler Junior College, Sam Houston State University, and the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration, Chief Hunter is a Master Peace Officer, a TCOLE-certified instructor, and a respected voice in policing standards. He has served as President of both the East Texas Police Chiefs Association and the Texas Police Chiefs Association, strengthening statewide collaboration and elevating professional expectations for agencies across Texas.

Nationally, he represents Texas as the Southern Regional Chair for the State Association of Chiefs of Police under the IACP, and he serves on the Accreditation Committee for the Law Enforcement Recognition Program, helping agencies align with best practices and enhance public confidence.

Through his combined roles with TLEPN, regional partnerships, and statewide organizations, Chief Hunter champions a culture where wellness is mission-critical, leadership is intentional, and first responders receive the support they need to stay strong for the communities they serve. His work reflects a deep commitment to protecting the protectors and empowering officers across East Texas to build resilience that lasts throughout their careers.

 

Christina.ORear@untdallas.edu

(817) 410-3944

Christina “Tina” O’Rear serves as the North Regional Director for the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN), following a remarkable 28-year career with the Grapevine Police Department. Her work reflects the heart of TLEPN’s mission—delivering confidential, peer-driven support and ensuring no first responder faces trauma, stress, or crisis alone. 

Throughout her career, Tina has become one of Texas’ most respected voices in crisis response, mental health coordination, and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). She has served as a Peer Support and CISM Team Member since 2012 and as the department’s Mental Health Coordinator, helping officers navigate trauma exposure, family impact, and long-term wellness.

A passionate instructor, Tina teaches for both TCOLE and the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). Her excellence in training has earned her national recognition, including:

ICISF Excellence in Training & Education Award (2022)
“Unsung Hero” in Crisis Response Award (2017)
Texas Crisis Intervention Team – Mental Health Officer of the Year
Hometown Hero – Twenty-Fourth Congressional District of Texas (2022)
Tina also serves as a Certified Critical Incident K9 Handler, partnering with her loyal K9, Remi, to bring comfort and support to first responders following critical incidents and high-stress events.

Beyond her professional contributions, Tina finds joy in traveling, exploring the outdoors, spending cherished time with her family, and cheering passionately for her favorite hockey team—Go Stars!

Through TLEPN, Tina continues her life’s mission of protecting the protectors, strengthening resilience, and fostering connection among officers, dispatchers, and jailers across North Texas. Her passion for peer support and her decades of hands-on crisis experience make her a powerful advocate for mental wellness and mission readiness throughout the region.

Sherrie.Dowty-montano@untdallas.edu

(806) 805-4800

Sherrie Dowty-Montano serves as the Panhandle Regional Director for the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN), bringing more than 20 years of diverse law enforcement service from the Amarillo Police Department. Her wide-ranging experience and commitment to peer support strongly align with TLEPN’s mission to stand shoulder to shoulder with every first responder so no one faces trauma or crisis alone. 

Throughout her career, Sherrie served in roles that reflect both operational depth and leadership, including Patrol Officer, Patrol Supervisor, School Liaison Officer, Burglary Detective, and CALEA Accreditation Manager. As a member of a multi-county Narcotics Task Force, she worked cases across 26 counties in partnership with the DEA, strengthening interagency coordination and public safety outcomes.

Sherrie also played key roles in specialized support and crisis response, serving as a Peer Support Facilitator, Hostage Negotiator on the SWAT Team, and assisting with the Federal Marshals Service in the transport of female offenders. Her involvement in these high-impact assignments reflects a deep understanding of trauma exposure, critical incident stress, and the importance of early intervention—all central themes in TLEPN’s wellness-focused mission.

After retiring from law enforcement, Sherrie transitioned into entrepreneurship, owning and operating a business that she recently sold. This next chapter allowed her to blend leadership experience with personal balance and wellness, reinforcing her long-standing belief in resilience and self-care.

Outside of her professional roles, Sherrie enjoys kayaking, camping, fishing, and hiking, including completing the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike twice—experiences she uses to manage stress and maintain a grounding connection to the outdoors.

As the Panhandle Regional Director, Sherrie is excited to continue serving the law enforcement community by building a strong, connected, and responsive peer network. Her dedication to protecting the protectors makes her a vital part of TLEPN’s statewide, peer-powered impact.

Michael.Mata@untdallas.edu

(956) 588-5211

Michael “Mike” Mata serves as the South Regional Director for the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN), where he leads peer support efforts across South Texas with a mission-driven focus on resilience, mental health, and suicide prevention. His work supports TLEPN’s statewide commitment to ensuring no Texas first responder faces trauma, stress, or crisis alone. 

Mike retired from the Pharr Police Department in 2019 following 21 years of dedicated service, where he served his community in multiple operational and supervisory roles. He continued his career with the PSJA ISD Police Department from 2019–2021 as a Sergeant and SBLE Officer, before transitioning into his regional leadership role with TLEPN in 2022. He operates regionally in collaboration with the Edinburg Police Department.

Mike earned his Master Peace Officer Certification in 2012 and has advanced training as a Hostage Negotiator, Mental Health Peace Officer, and CISM-trained peer supporter, equipping him with the trauma-informed skills essential for frontline support. He is also one of Texas’ leading instructors in TCOLE’s peer support curriculum, regularly presenting TCOLE #6400 (Peer to Peer) and TCOLE #6401 (Peer to Peer – Train the Trainer) to officers statewide. Through this work, he helps expand the Peer Network by preparing new peer volunteers and future instructors.

In 2022, Mike was honored with the Trailblazer Award of Excellence from the Caruth Police Institute and the University of North Texas at Dallas, recognizing his statewide impact and commitment to officer wellness.

Outside of his professional contributions, Mike enjoys spending time on the water with his family aboard their boat, the “Ugly Hooker,” at South Padre Island. He also enjoys long road trips on his Honda Goldwing, as well as running and cycling for mental clarity, balance, and personal wellness.

Mike is deeply committed to supporting first responders who struggle with mental health challenges, post-traumatic stress, and the cumulative weight of the job. Through his leadership, training, and passion for service, he works every day toward TLEPN’s vision of driving law enforcement suicide to zero and strengthening the wellness of frontline peers across Texas.

 

KatePowell@lakeway-tx.gov

(760) 613-3489

Kate Powell serves as a Peer Support Coordinator for the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN), where she helps build and strengthen peer support efforts across Texas. Drawing from her experience as a Telecommunicator and her academic background in psychology and wellness, Kate’s work aligns directly with TLEPN’s mission to provide confidential, peer-driven support and ensure no first responder faces trauma or crisis alone. 

Kate spent the last two years serving as a Telecommunicator, most recently with the Lakeway Police Department, where she experienced firsthand the emotional weight and constant pressure of being the “first first responder.” Her time behind the headset deepened her passion for supporting dispatchers, officers, and jailers and helped her understand the unique stressors faced by those in emergency communications.

She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and is a Certified Life Coach, giving her a strong foundation in resilience-building, emotional wellness, and trauma-informed communication. These strengths directly support TLEPN’s vision of making wellness mission-critical and fostering a culture where asking for help is seen as strength, not weakness.

To maintain her own mental health and model healthy practices for peers, Kate engages in a wide range of wellness activities, including running, weightlifting, trail walking, stationary cycling, yoga, and meditation. She also enjoys writing, reading, playing guitar, and spending cherished time with her family and two children.

Kate is deeply committed to protecting the protectors by helping build a strong, responsive, and compassionate peer network. She looks forward to connecting with first responders across Texas and making a meaningful impact through the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network.

LPhillips@odessa-tx.gov

(936) 232-0785

Lieutenant Lindsay Phillips serves as the West Regional Director for the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN) while also working full-time as a commissioned officer with the Odessa Police Department. Since joining TLEPN in September 2022, she has played an essential role in advancing the program’s mission to provide confidential, peer-driven support so no first responder faces trauma or crisis alone. 

Lindsay began her law enforcement career in 2012 as a graduate of the Odessa Police Academy and quickly developed a passion for mental health advocacy within the profession. She now serves as the department’s Mental Health Coordinator and Peer Support Program Facilitator, guiding officers through critical incidents, strengthening access to support resources, and promoting long-term wellness across the agency.

Holding a Master Peace Officer License, Lindsay also represents her region at the statewide level through her service on the Peer Team for the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT). In this role, she collaborates with mental health professionals, community partners, and law enforcement agencies to raise the standard of officer wellness and promote trauma-informed support throughout West Texas.

Outside of work, Lindsay prioritizes wellness and balance through horseback riding and rock crawling in the family Jeep, activities that help her stay grounded and resilient while modeling healthy self-care for the peers she serves.

Through both her full-time service with the Odessa Police Department and her leadership with TLEPN, Lt. Phillips is committed to protecting the protectors and building a strong peer network across West Texas.