Our Team

CARI CORNISH, PSYCHOLOGIST

Linc (Aussiedoodle)

Dr. Cornish is a licensed psychologist who has fifteen years of clinical experience. Her warm, irreverent, “keep it real,” pragmatic, “do what works” approach promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, and effective living. She is solidly grounded in behavioral principles, and her clinical expertise focuses on creating a short-term action plan addressing longer-term treatment goals. She is accessible, intuitive, and responsive to her clients’ needs, including risk reduction, stress management, and overall wellness. Her deep respect and gratitude for first responders fuels an unending commitment to care for those who protect her and her community.

NAOMI SPILKA, PSYCHOLOGIST

Hey there, I’m Dr. Naomi Spilka, and I am so glad you’ve come to find me here at Code-4. Following my service as a combat sergeant in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), I moved back to New York City. I earned my bachelor’s degree from New York University with a concentration in Military Psychology and Trauma. Shortly after, I began my doctorate in psychology at the University of Denver, ultimately finding my way to Code 4 in 2018. My clinical experiences include detentions, veteran care, forensic and psychological assessment, emergency psychiatry, hospital settings, and with the first responder community.

Now that all of that is out of the way, let’s talk about you… Wherever you are in your life and whatever “stuff” you’ve got going on, I will meet you there. We will sort through it together and come up with a plan of action that best suits you, embracing each step forward or back with acceptance and maybe even a little humor. With that said, be prepared for some straight talk, hard questions, and emotional work; seeds have to crack in order to grow, so let’s get cracking!

"DOGTOR" BULLSEYE

(AKA: BULL, BUB, BUBBA)

  • Early-life experiences

  • Life transitions

  • Relationships

  • Anxiety

  • Step-family systems and step-parenting

  • Trauma

  • Women's issues

KATIE VIEWG-PARKER, PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Katie Vieweg-Parker, Psychologist

"Hello! My name is Dr. Kait Vieweg Parker. Welcome to Code-4 Counseling. I was born and raised in Colorado and don't ever anticipate leaving our wonderful mountain state. I obtained my doctorate from the University of Denver with a specialization in Military Psychology and trauma-focused therapies. I am EMDR trained and have deeply cherished the opportunities I have had to assist others in their journeys towards healing. I find that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to therapy, which means that I utilize skills from numerous evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SBFT), and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I have specialized experience with perinatal mental health, including fertility concerns, birth trauma, pregnancy/infant loss, and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.

My clinical experiences include outpatient mental health, couples & family therapy, trauma-informed therapy, clinical risk assessments, integrated-primary care, child/adolescent therapy,  substance use disorder counseling, and clinical training! My goal is to help you make actionable changes that assist your mood, relationships, and lifestyle -- in whatever way that is meaningful for you! I work to establish an authentic relationship with all the folks I meet and value humor, realism, and empowerment in the therapeutic space! 

I am an avid lover of all things sports, dog, and Denver-related. I have a sweet and sassy pup, Peyton, who keeps my husband and I quite busy! As such, much of my free time is spent playing fetch, training, and going on long walks. When there is time, I love going to Broncos, Nuggets, & Avs games throughout the year!"

Dana Rae Vessio, PSY.D.

Dogtor Rory Orso

Australian Shepherd

Hello! Welcome to Code-4 and thanks for taking the time to read a bit about me! My name is Dr. Dana Rae Vessio. I was born and raised in New York City and have lived all over the United States in pursuit of education for the last 16 years. I have recently graduated from the PsyD program at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Professional Psychology, and I am excited to be back in Colorado! I found my way back to Code 4 after working at the James A Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida for my predoctoral internship year as a trauma track intern. I specialize in military psychology, trauma-focused treatment modalities, and the assessment and treatment of suicide. I received my B.A. in Psychology from Catholic University of America prior to earning my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and my M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the City College of New York. I work from a trauma-informed, person-centered lens, and I employ evidence-based practices and protocols such as Gottman-oriented couples' therapy, the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma Informed Guilt Reduction Therapy (TrIGR) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) when suitable. I believe genuineness, mutual trust, and a healthy sense of humor is important to create a therapeutic environment that is safe and nonjudgmental.

TRACY TRELOAR, LPC, LAC, EMDR Certified

Duckie!

Hi, my name is Tracy Treloar, and I am so glad you have come to Code4! I was born and raised in Southern California, where I obtained my Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University. In my early years as a therapist, I worked with children and teens on the Autism Spectrum, as a school counselor, and with adults in community health. After moving to Colorado with my husband in 2011, I started working as a Licensed Addictions Counselor for IOP (intensive outpatient) programs. At the National Institute for Change, I conducted group and individual therapy for two drug court programs and wrote substance abuse, mental health, and DUI evaluations. While working in addictions, I realized how greatly trauma and PTSD impact mental health and substance abuse outcomes, which made me want to specialize in trauma treatment. During that time, I became a Licensed Professional Counselor so that I could work with a broader range of clients and became trained and certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which completely changed the course of my career.

I found myself at CODE-4 five years ago and couldn't be more passionate about what I do and the clients I work with; I can't think of anything better than helping those supporting our communities and keeping us safe. I enjoy working with adult individuals and couples on issues such as anxiety and depression, work/life stress, PTSD from childhood and work events, OCD, fertility and parenting challenges, health challenges, and substance abuse. While I like to use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and somatic therapy, EMDR is my very favorite to use for a wide array of issues (trauma, PTSD, OCD, substance abuse, nightmares, anxiety/depression, performance, etc.).

I am married to an amazing guy and am the mother of two rambunctious kiddos. I am a breast cancer survivor passionate about physical health, diet, and mental health. When not doing therapy, I love reading, knitting, playing tennis, skiing, doing yoga, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting you!

  • Trauma

  • PTSD

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • OCD

  • Parenting and Fertility Challenges

  • Health Challenges

  • EMDR Therapy

  • CBT/CPT therapy

CIARA BOYD, MS

Roise

Mini Golden Doodle

Hi there! My name is Ciara and I am glad you’re here. I was born in New York City but raised in Ireland and Colorado. I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Colorado State University. I have experience providing therapy for individuals, families, and couples, and also have experience providing child trauma assessments.

My clinical interests include trauma, substance use and addiction, military and first responders, anxiety, and depression. I have always had the desire to work with first responders and military families. Though I have not personally been a first responder or in the military, I have witnessed the impact of these careers on my extended family and other responders close to me. I consider it an honor to use my therapeutic skillset to work with those who are continually serving us. I appreciate the work you do and I am looking forward to working with you.

I recognize that every client who walks into a therapy room is unique, so I don’t approach therapy as “one size fits all.” Instead, I stay compassionate and curious to continually learn more about my client’s experiences as trust and rapport are built. I want to make sure my clients feel involved in the process of therapy and help them understand that progress in therapy is always possible when the client is motivated.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my puppy, traveling, watching sports, drinking coffee, going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

  • First Responder Mental Health

  • Trauma

  • Anxiety

  • Couples Therapy

MEL KRAKER, MA, LPC

Mel was born and raised in Colorado. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology and English from Cornell College in Iowa in 2014. In 2017, she earned her Master of Arts (MA) degree in Forensic Psychology from the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver in Colorado. During her graduate program, she explored different realms of the judicial system through work as a Deputy Probation Officer with the 17th Judicial District in Commerce City, CO as well as an Analyst in the Investigations Unit at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Ms. Kraker has worked with court-ordered individuals in offense-specific treatment for the past 3 years in addressing behaviors, thoughts, and coping skills. She also continues to serve as an Analyst in the Investigations Unit at CBI. Mel comes from a law enforcement family herself, which makes joining Code-4 Counseling, LLC to work with first responders and their families even more special.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

NICK METZ, MS, LPCC, EMDR Trained

Hi there, I am Nick, a 36-year law enforcement veteran who worked a variety of assignments and ranks while at the Seattle Police Department and retired as Deputy Chief.  I worked for the women and men as Chief of Police of the Aurora Police Department for five years before retiring In 2020.  During my career, I’ve been personally involved in my share of critical incidents and responded to many high-profile incidents that created lasting impacts on both me and my family.  I also saw firsthand what these types of incidents had on my co-workers.  

As a result, I developed a passion for caring for our emergency responders and their families.  I helped create full-time wellness units in both Seattle and Aurora. I have assisted in countless programs and training centered around promoting mental health wellness for emergency responders and their families.  

I recently graduated with my Master of Science in Military & Emergency Psychology from CSU Global.  Over the last year, I have provided over 700 hours of individual and couples counseling sessions.  I truly particularly enjoy working with couples and helping them improve communication and navigate the direction they believe is best meant for them and their families.

I am the founding member and president of the It’s a Calling Foundation (powered by Code—4 Counseling. Calling provides a significantly reduced rate of mental health services to responders, frontline medical, military veterans, and their families.

I am also a founding and board member of the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation (www.cofallen.org)Fallen provides immediate assistance to law enforcement agencies who have suffered a line of duty death of an officer.

  • Individual counseling

  • Couples & Family Counseling

  • EMDR Trained

  • PTSD

  • Depression

  • Career, Promotional & Retirement Transition

  • Assessment Center Coaching & Preparation

  • Leadership & Wellness Training (LAWS)

MEL HANOVER, MS, LPCC, EMDR Trained

Chex

Hey there!

My name is Mel and I have been a member of the Code-4 team for about two years now. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Colorado State University and a Master’s in Military and Emergency Responder Psychology from CSU Global. A proud mama of two young boys, I enjoy camping, fishing, paddle boarding, and reading.

Before joining the Code-4 Team, I spent 7.5 years as a dispatcher for Aurora 911, providing support to responders through civil unrest, critical incidents, personal struggles and everything in-between. Clinically, I work with individuals, couples, adolescents, and children facing various challenges including anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance dependence, and suicidal and homicidal ideations. I lean on approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and my personal favorite, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Therapy is certainly not easy, but as a clinician I promise to be there every step of the way with my own dark humor and sarcasm. So whether you’re here to find a therapist, contemplating starting therapy, or just browsing, I recognize the significance of this first step.

Hope to see you soon. Until then, stay safe.

  • Military and Emergency Responder Mental Health

  • EMDR - Adults, Adolescents, and Children

  • Play Therapy

  • Suicide Prevention

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

MELISSA VARELA, MS, LPCC, EMDR Trained

Hi and welcome! A little about me. I have always been drawn to service and public safety; having been born into a family of all law enforcement professionals and married to a police officer, I often say, “It’s in my blood.” With twenty years of experience as a 911 dispatcher, trainer, and team leader for the regional SWAT Crisis Negotiations Team, I have gained an intimate understanding of the unique challenges that first responders face daily. My personal experiences and a deep commitment to helping others have led me to dedicate my career to providing mental health services for first responders and their families.  I possess a solid academic foundation that allows me to approach my work with expertise and professionalism. With a B.A. in Social Work followed by a first-of-its-kind Graduate degree with honors in Military and Emergency Responder Psychology has provided me with the most up-to-date research and practical skills in the field.

I am proud to be part of the Code 4 Counseling team, where I can provide compassionate and competent care to first responders in need. My goal is to make mental health care accessible and stigma-free for those who serve our communities, ensuring they can lead healthy, productive lives on and off duty. With a focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental, confidential environment, I am committed to helping first responders and their loved ones thrive.

I enjoy spending my free time with my husband and daughters. I love watching football, playing soccer, running, and spending time with friends. I am always up for a challenge and getting out of my comfort zone.   

Specialty Areas

  • Trauma

  • PTSD

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Anxiety

  • Couples Therapy

  • EMDR

  • Crisis Management

  • Life Transitions

  • Somatic Psychotherapy

TYSON RADONS, M.A., Doctoral Intern

After serving as a police officer with the Vancouver Police Department (British Columbia, Canada) for over 12 years, my passion for first responder mental health evolved after working as a supervisor in the Crisis Negotiator Unit. I recognized a lack of available clinicians who have personal, in-depth knowledge of the unique stress and trauma experienced by those who serve, and I decided to dedicate my life to police and public safety psychology. Also, as a son and brother of first responders, I understand the positive and negative impact this kind of career can have on personal, relational, and familial mental health. Together, I approach every client with a deep respect for how their private and professional lives intersect.

Currently, I am completing the final year of my doctorate in clinical psychology as a doctoral intern with Code-4. I work with individuals and couples and use evidence-based approaches to therapy that are typically solution-focused and strengths-based. I believe therapy is about removing barriers to self-actualization. My goal is to use the art and science of psychotherapy to help a client through the inevitable pains of life and foster healthy psychological growth, which helps the client understand, accept, and consciously choose how they will move through their experiences. My goal is to make the clients feel like they are part of the therapeutic process and to empower them to see that change is possible no matter what challenges they are facing. My areas of professional interest include trauma, crisis management, and intervention, grief and loss, gender and sexual-identify affirming care, identity development, and teaching and education.

Please reach out any time- I’d love to connect.

  • Line of Duty Trauma

  • Suicide Prevention

  • Crisis Management

  • Substance Use Disorder

  • LGBT Psychology

  • Multicultural Psychology

LAURA NB BOCK, M.A., Doctoral Intern

I am a 4th year Doctor of Psychology student at the University of Denver. After four years in the Air Force, I started my new journey of becoming a psychologist. It has always been my desire to work with the emergency responder population. I graduated with my Master’s in Forensic Psychology in 2018 from the University of Denver and studied Criminal Justice while working on my bachelor’s at Metropolitan State University. I have since strived to be the therapist clients can count on. I have worked with a wide variety of populations including cancer survivors, the elderly, community mental health, immigrants, infertility, severe and persistent mental illness with intellectual/developmental disabilities, forensic interviewing, domestic violence, and sex-specific treatment and evaluation. I also work with individuals with an array of emotional health illnesses including PTSD, OCD, trauma and grief, substance dependence, depression, and anxiety via a combination of CBT, CPT, psychodynamic methodology, and an existential/humanistic lens.

As my academic career comes to an end, I am excited to work with a population that has always been dear to my heart and for whom I would be honored to assist our police and other emergency responders. As a mother of 3 children (16, 14, & 11), I feel it is more important than ever to support those who support our communities by building rapport, providing support, incorporating evidence-based approaches, and utilizing unconditional positive regard.

My work motto: “I am human; therefore let nothing human be alien to me.” -Terrance and later Maya Angelou

  • PTSD

  • OCD

  • Trauma & Grief

  • Substance Dependence

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

RJ PARRINO, MA

Hello, and thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Code-4 team! My name is RJ, and I'm a doctoral student in the PsyD program at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Professional Psychology. Before coming to Denver, I earned a master's degree in counseling psychology and sports psychology from Boston University. I am passionate about working with individuals who are expected to function in the face of uncommon stress and adversity.

Before entering the mental health field, I served five years of active duty in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer. I am no stranger to high-stress, high-tempo environments, especially in the context of performance and leadership. I was born and raised in New York City, but thanks to the military and my education opportunities, I've been lucky enough to live across the country. If you're looking for genuine and candid conversations with an empathetic professional who isn't afraid of discomfort (and sports references), you've come to the right place!

Specialty Areas

  • First Responder Mental Health

  • Veterans

  • Life transitions

  • Trauma

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

Sofia Beneroff, MA Code-4 Counseling

SOFIA BENEROFF, MA

Hello, I’m Sofia Beneroff, and I’m glad you’re here! I’m a doctoral student in the University of Denver’s Clinical Psychology program. I was born and raised in New Jersey and spent seven years in New York City before moving to Colorado. I received my B.A. in Psychology from Denison University before earning my M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University.

My passion is firmly rooted in providing mental health and wellness support for military members, first responders, and their families. I have worked with various individuals, including young children, adolescents, and adults, coping with trauma, substance dependence, depression, anxiety, and grief. I look to tailor everyone’s therapy experience to their needs while incorporating evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Relational Psychodynamic Therapy. Additionally, my other areas of interest include performance psychology, neuropsychology, and identity development. Whatever it is that you or your family have going on, my goal is to provide a conversational and authentic environment for you or your kiddo. We’ll work together to help you establish the tools, insight, and skills to move forward.

In my free time, you can find me training for my latest marathon, playing soccer, and spending time with my family and friends. I look forward to learning more about you!

Specialty Areas

  • Individual Counseling

  • Trauma

  • Anxiety / Depression

  • Life Transitions

  • Children, adolescents, and adults

REILEY ALTENBORG, MSW

Hello, I am Reiley. I have a very unique background working with young people. I started working with children nearly 24 years ago in various volunteer and paid areas of the professional world. I received my Master's in Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Children and Youth and an emphasis in Trauma-Informed Care in 2015. Through that program, I also created an independent study where I looked at a multi-disciplinary approach to law enforcement with the intention of becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist working specifically with families and partners of individuals in first responder professions. Once I graduated, I had a brief stint working with juveniles and their parental guardians doing reunification therapy and providing therapeutic supervised visits. I realized law enforcement was my true calling for this chapter of my professional life and left the Social Work world to become a certified peace officer for the State of Colorado. I have been working in law enforcement for nearly 7 years, and I have been a School Resource Officer for the last 4 years. I look forward to meeting you!

  • Children, Individuals

CONNER COX, MS

Hello! My name is Conner Cox, and welcome to Code-4. I was raised in Minnesota and recently moved to Colorado to pursue my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Denver. I obtained my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Minnesota State University Mankato. I have experience providing therapy in a variety of settings, including a Correctional Facility and a practice specifically dedicated to working with active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.

My clinical approach integrates components of Person-Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I understand that each client comes into therapy with a unique set of circumstances and history. My goal as your therapist is to establish a therapeutic alliance based on trust, empowerment, and authenticity. My clinical interests include working with adult individuals on OCD, trauma, self-esteem issues, anxiety, and depression.

I feel honored to be working at Code-4 and to provide therapeutic services to first responders and their families, who act as the backbone of our communities. I recognize the unique stressors that affect first responders and military members. I have witnessed these struggles up close and personal with family members and friends.

In my free time, you can find me practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, working out, spending time with family and friends, or watching comedy movies! I am very passionate about physical and mental health. I look forward to working with you!

  • Anxiety

  • OCD

  • Self-Esteem Issues

DAN BRITE, MS, LPCC

Fergus

I spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and have been in law enforcement for 22 years, with the last 6 years creating and maintaining a robust wellness program at a local law enforcement agency. I am currently in my internship to become a licensed therapist for first responders/veterans and families.

In 2016, I experienced an on-duty shooting that left me paralyzed. Through my physical and mental healing journey, I recognized a need for quality culturally competent therapists in the first responder profession. I understood just how beneficial mental health treatment was for me and I decided to become part of the solution to combat the stigma. I enrolled in Colorado State University's Military and Emergency Responder Psychology Master's Program. I aim to pay it forward by helping first responders/veterans and their families overcome mental health struggles.

  • First responders

  • Veterans

  • Families

DAVE KROUSE, MS, LPCC

Hi, I’m Dave. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years and currently serve as the police chief in a city in western Colorado. Throughout my career in two different agencies, I’ve held positions as a patrol officer, hostage negotiator, crime prevention officer, and public information officer. I have also been a supervisor in one fashion or another since 2002 and have supervised patrol teams. Additionally, I’ve worked in the Professional Standards Unit doing internal affairs, training, and recruitment and hiring. I was also the coordinator of our regional Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) program. I have served as my department’s liaison to the local police academy. I am a certified instructor in several areas, including firearms, defensive tactics, law enforcement driving, crisis intervention, anti-biased policing, and ethics. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology/Criminology from Colorado State University–Pueblo and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Northcentral University. I am enrolled in the Master of Science in Military and Emergency Responder Psychology at Colorado State University – Global. I’ve also been lucky to be able to serve as an adjunct instructor in the criminal justice program at Colorado Mesa University and to be on several policing committees and boards in Colorado, including the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) board, the board of executive directors for the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC), and the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP). I’m committed to promoting and enhancing mental health for first responders, military personnel, and veterans – serving those who serve. I support these populations and their loved ones by employing a nonjudgemental and supportive approach to individual and couples’ therapies using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I look forward to walking beside you on your journey.

SCOTT GILLESPIE

I grew up in a law enforcement family and have been working in law enforcement for over 14 years. Through personal and family experiences, I have learned the value of wellness and therapy in first responder professions. After serving on peer support teams for the past nine years, I am now finishing up my Master’s degree at Colorado State University in the psychology of military and emergency responder wellness, and I’m eager to use my education and experience to help my peers be the best version of themselves at work and home. In 2019 I helped launch the Family Wellness Academy, which helps educate and support the family members of new recruits going through the Douglas County Police Academy. In 2020 I also had the privilege of starting the first School Resource Officer - Therapy Dog program in the State of Colorado, and I have been utilizing my K9 partner Buttercup as a mental health tool in my school assignment, with other officers and with my clients at the It’s A Calling Foundation. Research suggests that the pursuit of spiritual health is an essential component of overall mental health which makes my non-law enforcement background in Christian pastoral counseling and youth counseling an added bonus for my clients.

  • Trauma-informed Care

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • First Responder Culture

  • Therapy Dog Interventions

  • Existential Counseling

CHRISTINE BRITE, MS, LPCC, EMDR Trained

I am a wife, mother, and law enforcement officer. I have been married to a law enforcement officer for 20 years. I began my law enforcement career in 2000 and have worked in a variety of capacities, including investigations, detentions, and patrol. In 2016 I was promoted to Sergeant, where I continue to lead within the Investigations Unit.

I earned my Bachelor of Science (BA) in Organizational Leadership in 2018 and am currently working on a Master's degree in Military and Emergency Responder Psychology.

I am dedicated and passionate about working with first responders and their families. I understand the first responder culture requires an exclusive appreciation in our professional and personal lives. My 22 years of law enforcement offer a unique ability of integral courage and wisdom. Challenging times do not defeat me; it's what defines me.

  • First Responder and family Wellness

CHAPLAIN GERALD BARGAINEER

Gerald Anthoney Bargaineer II, a native of Detroit, MI, currently serves as the Groups Director at Flatirons Community Church (Denver Campus) as well as The Lead Chaplain for Aurora Police Department, in Aurora, Colorado. Gerald Believes that the best way to serve our community and to “heal our land” is to serve every aspect of our community, especially law enforcement. He has a total combined experience of 21 years in ministry varying from Associate Minister, Youth & Young Adults Pastor, Assistant Campus Pastor, and Campus Pastor as well as working for an international evangelistic organization as a Network (People) Director. Gerald is passionate about helping people of all faiths and helping them understand their spiritual gifting, calling, and purpose. Gerald has received specialized training in pastoral care for emergency responders and their families, especially during times of crisis. This pastoral care is offered to all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, creed, or religion.

Through the grace of God, Gerald also has had the privilege of ministering to local, state, and national government leaders, international diplomats, the marketplace, and beyond, locally, nationally, and abroad. He has been married to Dominique Alexandria Bargaineer for 12 years and has 2 beautiful children, Gerald Bargaineer III (Age 7) and Giovanna Bargaineer (age 6).

Gerald Bargaineer II

Groups/Guest Services Director

Flatirons Community Church- Denver Campus

720-837-9080

Faith-Based Advisor/Consultant

Luke Mielke

Clinic Manager & Training Development Specialist… Generalist

I came to Code-4 through the Department of Defense Skillbridge program as a fellow. I am retiring after 20 years in the Air Force, where I was an intelligence analyst deploying several times in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (Afghanistan), OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, and OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE (Iraq, Syria). I supported many different missions and weapons systems throughout that time but learned that the people were the most important. The physical, mental, and social demand on the people was incredible, and "resilience" meant that we should be able to do it all without consequence. That was not the case with increased mental health issues and the prevalence of suicide. After attending the Air Force Advanced Instructor Course, I found myself more in positions where I could affect change. Using those opportunities, I developed several training programs and large-scale exercises that focused on providing the skills to not only perform their jobs but to find a sense of purpose and a better understanding of the WHY. "Shutup and color" certainly has its place but cannot be the default. With those experiences and after meeting Dr. Metz in one of her peer support courses, I went full send and led the development of peer support for the Department of the Air Force (Air Force & Space Force).

Additionally, I volunteer as the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) Lead and Peer Support Coordinator for Douglas County Search & Rescue. I have been a search and rescue technician for 10 years specializing in wilderness first aid, vehicle operations, and search theory.

  • Military (Deployed & Remote Ops)

  • Search & Rescue

  • Human Capital Development

  • Instruction & Training

  • Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Moral Injury