Guidance Support

Resources on this page are available for all employees, full & part time, their family and eligible retirees. If you have any questions or need assistance, email nina.taxis@copbfl.com.

meQ is a digital mental well-being program offered by Florida Blue. Join now to get a private dashboard with personalized steps you can take that will lead to a better outcome tomorrow. Sign up HERE!

Awareness Note: A swear word is used in this video.

Chaplaincy

Chaplaincy is a component of the City’s Behavioral Health Access Program (BHAP) which provides spiritual and emotional support in times of distress with absolute confidentiality. Our chaplains can provide a variety of services and support regardless of faith affiliation. This service is of no cost to employees. Call or email one of the Chaplains to schedule an appointment.

Chaplain Paul Walker

Chaplain Paul Walker, Author of 66 Days to Change, is the Executive Vice President of Church Multiplication Ministries. In this role, he helps already established churches renew and new churches start. By using a collective impact model, he is consistent and faithful in using best practices to catalyze organizational movements. He is trained in CISM, is an expert in non-profit management, team development, coaching and strategic planning, proven by his over 30 years of service as the Chaplain with the City's Fire Department .
CONTACT: pswalker@me.com

Chaplain Tony Davis

Chaplain Tony Davis is the husband of Alison and the father of Austin, Christian, and Joshua. He grew up in Nashville, TN but has called Florida his home for the past 20 years. He is the Pastor of ministry and Operations at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale as well as the Founder and President of Mission Fishin’, a local non-profit serving vulnerable families with a focus on children with special needs. Tony has served with Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale for the past 20 years both as a volunteer and staff member. His current role is leading Ministries including Biblical Counseling, Recovery, Family, Mens, Women's, Married Couples, and Pastoral Care. His work in the community with Mission Fishin was born out of the experience of raising a child with special needs, his youngest son Joshua. Tony’s love for family, community, and leadership is driven and sustained by his faith in Jesus Christ and the transformed life he lives because of it.
CONTACT: tonyd@calvaryftl.org

Stay healthy and make the most of your work day with our dedicated Wellness Coach! He is here to provide us with the Total Wellness Experience.

Michael Christiansen

Michael Christiansen is YOUR dedicated Wellness Coach! Graduating with Honors from Nova Southeastern University, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. With a focus on Injury Prevention, Working with the Injured, Posture Correction, and Restoring Functional Movement, Michael has been helping clients of diverse backgrounds since 2012. Certified as a Life Coach for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes, Performance Specialist, and Personal Trainer, he brings a wealth of researched backed expertise to YOUR Total Wellness Experience!

He firmly believes that wellness is a profoundly personal journey, unique to each individual. Guided by this principle, his approach revolves around developing tailored plans that cater to YOUR specific needs and aspirations! Together, you will embark on a transformative journey towards optimal health, fueled by empowerment, technology, and education, culminating in long-lasting Health and Wellness.
CONTACT: mike.h.christiansen@gmail.com

Schedule an appointment to meet with him and review your goals today! Don't forget to enroll in the wellable app to track your steps, compete with fellow Team Pompano Beach employees, watch helpful videos and so much more.

Download the Wellable App today!

• Google Play
• Apple Store

A Peer Support Person can serve you by providing general support and listening as well as assist you to find the right resources if needed.

Not sure where to begin? Connect with a peer! The Fire Peer Support Team is committed to bridging the gap between you and a qualified licensed mental health specialist. Who is more equipped to help than a fellow coworker, they are someone you already know, trust and have easy access to! Someone who has “walked the walk” is better able to understand an issue, because they can relate.

Email a Fire Peer Support Team member below to connect!

Fire Peer Support

Kerlew Levasseur

Kerlew Levasseur is a Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Lieutenant entering his 6th year, who is proud to serve as a peer support member. He attended Barry University, where he earned a Masters Degree in Marriage, and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Kerlew is trained in CISM as well as trauma focused therapy and aims to leverage these skills in order to aid fellow fire department members in navigating the inherent risks of the profession.
CONTACT: Kerlew.Levasseur@copbfl.com

Theresa Mackie

Theresa Mackie is seizing the chance to make a difference. Throughout her Fire Service career, mental health often took a back seat and now she aims to ensure no member faces trauma alone. Theresa has taken numerous classes in peer support, mental health, and suicide awareness. Her crucial tool? BB, a nationally certified Therapy Dog and State Certified Crisis Response Dog! BB is deployed to incidents nationwide and provides a listening ear and unparalleled, unconditional love.

She is proud of the progress and strides that have been made in 4+ years, but there's more work ahead and she is committed to enhancing mental health and resilience support for her members.
CONTACT: Theresa.Vicino@copbfl.com

Michael Rada

Michael Rada has worked for the City's Building Inspections Division for 25 years. He has dedicated his life to wellness and balance through years of hot yoga practice, spiritual guidance and a "grateful to be alive" attitude. Overcoming some of the most serious of health challenges, Michael has an empathetic ear for anyone needing support or strength when faced with troubling times or life threatening issues. He believes that love and a caring heart can help us understand we are not alone and can find the strength to weather any storm.

CONTACT: michael.rada@copbfl.com