Our Mission
Big and Small Peer Support recognizes that First Responder personnel will be exposed to and experience a wide range of emotions and experiences that can cause adverse outcomes. Our goal is threefold: to create positivity by providing a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment where First Responders can engage in a healing conversation with a trained peer; to provide proactive support and connection with local and national resources for First Responders; and to share the concept of the peer support program with those that request such information.
​
Our Values
Big and Small Peer Support is founded upon and strives to incorporate our core values within our organization.
We believe in integrity, community, and resilience.
Integrity: We remain true to our mission. We believe in giving our donations to our causes, not salaries.
Our organization is 100% volunteers with a passion for helping those that risk it all.
Community: We believe that we are truly stronger together and that no one should have to face their demons alone.
We are here to move forward together – stepping into our best selves.
Resilience: We believe that life is full of hard, trying experiences that can knock us off track. But the skills and positivity we learn and teach can help us use those experiences to build a better tomorrow.
Registered Non-profit 501 (c) (3)​
​
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
Wayne E. Daniels - President
Introducing Wayne, a native of Virginia who later relocated to Wake Forest, NC. In 1991, he enlisted in the Army Reserve and served for several years. Wayne's recent retirement from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office marks over 28 years of dedicated law enforcement service in the same county. As an experienced officer, Wayne has encountered and persevered through numerous challenging situations, which have had a profound impact on him. However, he has also been fortunate to receive the necessary support to overcome them. Consequently, Wayne has made it his mission to give back and began his peer support training by traveling to Pennsylvania. There, he underwent Emotional Trauma Life-Support training, as well as Basic and Advanced courses for Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention. Additionally, he received specialized training in Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention, all critical components of Critical Incident Stress Management. Wayne's training followed the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) model taught by the North Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NC LEAP). In December 2019, Wayne had the privilege of participating in the first US training class on Inner Armour: Life-Changing Psychology. He continues to seek out additional training opportunities through various organizations to further enhance his skills. Wayne is committed to doing everything within his power to ensure that you receive the assistance you require. In the event that he is unable to provide an immediate solution, he will diligently work to find one for you.
​
Katherine E. Lamell, “Kat” - Vice President
​
Introducing Kat, a native of North Carolina who proudly served in the US Army for nearly six years. During her tenure, she was stationed in Korea for a year before completing her service at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. With over 22 years of experience in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sector, Kat has spent the last 18 years as a full-time paramedic with Franklin County. Throughout her career, she has encountered a wide range of incidents, from minor injuries to fatalities involving adults, the elderly, and children. These experiences have underscored the importance of proper trauma care, as failing to address such incidents can lead to long-lasting negative effects on individuals.
Following in the footsteps of Wayne, Kat embarked on her journey in the peer support field by attending training in Pennsylvania. She obtained certification in Emotional Trauma Life-Support, as well as both Basic and Advanced courses on Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention. These credentials led to her certification in Critical Incident Stress Management, which followed the ICISF model taught by NC LEAP. In January of 2020, Kat had the privilege of participating in the second US training class: Inner Armour: Life-Changing Psychology. She continues to advance her training and certifications through various groups to provide assistance to those in need during difficult times.
​
Joe T. Amos III - Treasurer
​
Joe, a native of North Carolina, commenced his career in law enforcement in the early part of 1996. He is a Certified Criminal Justice Instructor and a State Certified Training Coordinator. Joe has amassed significant experience working in various local, state, and federal law enforcement departments. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of Chief of Police at the Middlesex Police Department.
Similar to many other law enforcement officers, Joe pursued further education while working as a homicide detective. He obtained an associate degree in criminal justice, and during this period, he also received training in Behavior Analysis and Crime Scene Analysis. This training led Joe to switch his major to Behavioral Science, and he holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree.
Through his training in counseling and behavior analysis, Joe has gained firsthand knowledge of the benefits of therapy and counseling. He has completed training in Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention as part of Critical Incident Stress Management. This training followed the ICISF model taught by NC LEAP. Joe is one of the few Police Officers in North Carolina who has received Basic Veterans Crisis Intervention Training.
Joe's passion for helping people in crisis continues to grow, and he became a board member of an organization that focuses on providing peer counseling to First Responders. His experience in law enforcement and understanding of the stresses that come with the job make him an invaluable asset to the organization.
​
Patricia C. Elliott, “Patti” - Secretary
Patti is originally from Boone, NC. After graduating from Appalachian State University in 1985 with a B.S. in Communications and Public Relations, she moved to the Raleigh area and has lived in Franklin County since 1995. Patti is a Gold Star Mother. Her son, Lucas Elliott, was a Military Policeman who lost his life in Iraq in 2011. Patti has worked with Army Reserve Family Programs in various capacities since 2008. She is a Master Resilience Trainer through the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness Program, delivering specific courses designed to enhance mental-thinking with a focus on the five dimensions of strength: emotional, social, spiritual, Family, and physical. Additionally, Patti currently serves as North Carolina Department President of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., and sits on the National Executive Board for the organization. She is a member of Rolling Thunder, Inc., North Carolina Chapter 7; and sits on the Army’s Survivor Advisory Working Group, advising top Army leadership on quality-of-life issues and concerns affecting all Military Survivors. She has received training in Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention, part of Critical Incident Stress Management. This training followed the ICISF model taught by NC LEAP. Patti works as a freelance court reporter.
​
Lacie Evans - Board Member
​
Lacie was born in Salisbury, Maryland, and subsequently resided in Ocean View, Delaware until the age of nine. She later relocated to Greenville, North Carolina, where she completed her high school education. Lacie began her career as a first responder in Beaufort County's Chocowinity Fire and EMS department. With extensive experience across the fire service and emergency medical service, Lacie has amassed 13 and 12 years of service, respectively. Currently, she serves as a full-time Paramedic with Franklin County EMS, where she has worked for eight years.
In 2016, Lacie joined the Youngsville FD as a volunteer and went on to become the first full-time female firefighter in Franklin County the following year. Her certifications include Firefighter I and II and Hazmat Ops Plus. When asked why she was interested in Peer Support, she stated that she wanted to assist individuals who feel stuck, having been in a similar situation herself. Lacie's extensive training in Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention, as well as Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention, are all part of Critical Incident Stress Management. These training programs are based on the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) model and are taught by the North Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NC LEAP). Furthermore, Lacie is CIT-trained.
At Big and Small Peer Support Inc., Lacie is one of many professionals who continue to receive training and certification to assist others in their time of need.
​
​
Kevin Hornaday - Emeritus Board Member
Kevin is a resident of Randolph County, North Carolina, who relocated to Franklin County in 2008. He is currently a supervisor at the Criminal Background Check Unit of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, where he offers leadership and consulting services to childcare consultants, Department of Justice attorneys, and other childcare-lead agencies across the United States. Prior to this role, Kevin worked in law enforcement for 19 years in Randolph and Franklin Counties. Kevin recognized the importance of peer support early on in his career. Following a violent homicide in Randolph County, he helped organize one of the first peer support sessions in the area for the responding personnel that day. Throughout his law enforcement career, Kevin advocated for the health and safety of the officers he worked with. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Central Christian College of Kansas and is a North Carolina-certified criminal justice instructor.
​
.jpg)
Kaitlin Frey - Volunteer/ Team Member
Kaitlin hails from Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill with a degree in Interpersonal Communication and a minor in Social and Economic Justice. She believes strongly in the vision and mission of Big and Small Peer Support. Kaitlin's passion is forming connections with people and engaging with her community. She worked and volunteered as an EMT in Franklin County for four years and currently attends Eastern Carolina University, pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Health and, hopefully, her Master of Social Work. Her focus is on connecting people with the services they need and encouraging agencies and organizations to prioritize mental health. Like Kat and Wayne, she received training in Emotional Trauma Life-Support in Pennsylvania. Kaitlin also received in both Basic and Advanced courses on Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention. Kaitlin is excited to be a part of this incredible organization. Big and Small Peer Support reminds her that “without struggle, there is no progress” and that sometimes “you do not have to see the whole staircase -- you just have to take the first step.”
​
_edited.jpg)
Timothy Gupton - Volunteer/ Team Member
​
Tim is a resident of Franklin County, North Carolina who has dedicated his career to public service. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Crime, Law, and Social Control from Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He began his career as a North Carolina State Probation Officer in 1995 and in 2002, he transitioned to the United States Probation Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina in Raleigh where he currently serves as a Senior Officer and a member of the CISM Team.
In addition to his work as a probation officer, Tim has also been certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and EMT-I with Centerville Fire and Rescue (1993 to 2001) and with White Level Rescue and EMS (2001 to 2023). He maintains a certification as an EMT-I with the State of North Carolina.
Tim is an active member of several organizations in his community. He serves on the Franklin County EMS Advisory Council, the North Carolina Whole Hog BBQ Series where he is a certified judge and cook, and the Member Advisory Board for the Louisburg Branch of the State Employee’s Credit Union where he serves as Chairman. He is also a Deacon, teacher, and member of the Financial Committee at Rock Spring Baptist Church.
Tim's commitment to his community extends beyond his professional and volunteer work. He is actively involved in fundraising activities with Big and Small and plans to complete crisis intervention and peer support training in the near future. Tim's passion for serving his community, particularly our first responders, is evident in all his endeavors.
​
Virginia Campbell - Volunteer/ Team Member
​
Virginia is a resident of Franklin County, North Carolina, who has devoted 23 years to her career in EMS. She began as a first responder with the Epsom Volunteer Fire Department and earned her EMT certification, eventually becoming Rescue Captain. Following her tenure at the volunteer fire service, she worked for DME companies before returning to a full-time EMS career. Virginia is currently employed as a Community Paramedic with Franklin County EMS and has a passion for helping others through difficult times. Her compassion and desire to improve the lives of those around her are paramount.
​
Virginia is part of a first responder family, with her husband serving in law enforcement for 26 years, and two of her children volunteering as firefighters. She understands the daily challenges of a first responder family and the importance of supporting loved ones through difficult events. Virginia has received training in Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention, which are part of the Critical Incident Stress Management protocol. This training followed the ICISF model taught by NC LEAP. Additionally, she has received training in Mental Health First Aid and CIT and remains committed to seeking out and attending training opportunities to improve her skills and knowledge.
​
Justin Preddy - Volunteer/ Team Member
​
Justin hails from Oxford, NC, where he was born and raised. He has been actively involved in emergency medical services (EMS) since completing his first EMT course in 2015, prior to his high school graduation. Justin earned his paramedic certification and commenced employment with Franklin County EMS in 2017. Subsequently, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in emergency medical care and emergency management from Western Carolina University. Currently, he is pursuing a Master's of Health Science, with a concentration in EMS, and has a keen interest in EMS advancement and its associated challenges, including the prevalence of mental illness among providers.
Having served in Franklin County for six of his eight years in EMS, Justin now operates in the capacity of compliance captain. He also serves as an adjunct instructor at Wake Technical Community College, where he utilizes his crisis intervention training to educate new providers about mental health challenges faced by public safety personnel. Specifically, he emphasizes how awareness of these challenges can help build resilience among responders.
Throughout his career, Justin has been committed to creating a more sustainable and accepting work environment for public safety personnel. He believes that the mental health and wellbeing of responders are crucial to their missions, just as much as the equipment they bring into homes. In the same way, mental health should be monitored during every shift and maintained regularly.
​