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)
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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 25 years of experience in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sector, Kat has spent the last 20 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 a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) certified individual. This training is a specialized program designed to equip law enforcement and other first responders with the skills and knowledge to handle encounters with individuals experiencing mental health crises effectively. 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 15 and 14 years of service, respectively. Currently, she serves as a full-time Paramedic with Franklin County EMS, where she has been employed for over ten years.
In 2016, Lacie became a volunteer with the Youngsville Fire Department and subsequently achieved the distinction of being the first full-time female firefighter in Franklin County the following year. Her certifications include Firefighter I and II, Hazmat Ops Plus, and Fire Investigation Technician. When asked why she was interested in Peer Support, Lacie expressed her desire to assist individuals who feel trapped, having experienced a similar situation herself. Her extensive training encompasses Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention, as well as Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention, all of which are components of Critical Incident Stress Management. These training programs are grounded in the model established by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) and are delivered by the North Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NC LEAP). Additionally, Lacie has received Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training.
At Big and Small Peer Support Inc., Lacie is among the many professionals who engage in ongoing training and certification to effectively support others during their times 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.
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Timothy Gupton - Philanthropy Chair / Team Member
Tim, a Franklin County, North Carolina resident, has dedicated his career to public service. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, specializing in Crime, Law, and Social Control, from Wake Forest University. His career began in 1995 as a North Carolina State Probation Officer, transitioning in 2002 to the United States Probation Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina in Raleigh, where he currently serves as a Senior Officer and CISM Team member.
In addition to his probation work, Tim is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and EMT-I, having served with Centerville Fire and Rescue (1993-2001) and White Level Rescue and EMS (2001-2023). He possesses advanced training in assisting individuals and groups in crisis and maintains his North Carolina EMT-I certification.
Tim actively participates in community organizations, including the Franklin County EMS Advisory Council, the North Carolina Whole Hog BBQ Series (certified judge and cook), and the Louisburg Branch Member Advisory Board for the State Employee’s Credit Union (Chairman). He also serves as a Deacon, teacher, and Financial Committee member at Rock Spring Baptist Church.
Beyond his professional and volunteer roles, Tim actively fundraises for Big and Small. His dedication to community service, particularly supporting first responders, is consistently demonstrated.
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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.”
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, North Carolina, where he was born and raised. He has been actively engaged in emergency medical services (EMS) since he completed his initial Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course in 2015, prior to his high school graduation. Justin achieved his paramedic certification and began his career with Franklin County EMS in 2017. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medical Care and Emergency Management from Western Carolina University in 2022, followed by a Master of Health Science degree from the same institution in 2024. His professional interests encompass advancement within EMS, generational leadership challenges, as well as specific research on burnout and impostor syndrome within the EMS community.
Throughout his tenure at Franklin County, Justin has held multiple positions, including Field Training Officer and Quality Improvement Coordinator. In 2025, he assumed the role of Director of EMS at Granville Health System in Granville County. Additionally, he serves as an adjunct instructor at Wake Technical Community College, where he applies his training in Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention as part of Critical Incident Stress Management. This training is grounded in the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) model, as instructed by the North Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NC LEAP). Justin leverages this expertise to educate new providers about the mental health challenges encountered by public safety professionals, underscoring the importance of awareness in fostering resilience among responders throughout their careers.
Throughout his professional journey, Justin has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive work environment for public safety personnel. He strongly advocates that the mental health and well-being of responders are as critical to their missions as the equipment utilized in the field. In a similar vein, he asserts that mental health should be consistently monitored and supported during each shift to ensure its regular maintenance.