Behind Every Call, There’s Support
Welcome to the Illinois NENA Peer Support & Wellness Committee — a team dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of public safety professionals across the state. Our peer supporters are trained, compassionate individuals who understand the unique challenges of emergency communications and are here to listen, guide, and help when it’s needed most.
Meet our peer supporters and find their contact information below.
Interested in joining the committee or learning more about how to get involved? Details can be found at the bottom of this page.
Peer Supporters:
Giselle Avelar-Gabay
Hello! I have been in the field of emergency communications since 2013. Nine of those were in Dispatch and I have been an in-house Quality Assurance Specialist for the last three years (still picking up calls though!). I have also led my center’s Peer Support program since 2020, which has been a major focus of my career. I came into this profession unexpectedly, as many do, but am now committed to the well-being of dispatchers and first responders. I strive to do what I can to provide resources to those in my center and looking to expand into other ventures. I am a co-chair in the Illinois NENA Wellness and Peer Support Committee to share mental health resources state-wide. I am also working on my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling so that I can focus on providing mental health care for first responders in the future.
Contact: gavelar@nwcds.org
Sean Woyna
My name is Sean Woyna, and I have been working in Public Safety as a Telecommunicator and Supervisor for 17 years. I began my career with the Northern Illinois University Police Department before coming to the City of DeKalb Police Department where I have been since 2011. I participate in my regions CISM team and have training for both group debriefings, as well as assisting individuals in crisis from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. In what free time I have I like to unwind playing Stardew Valley, building Lego, driving my classic car, or watching others drive race cars. Everyone should take time to de-stress and unwind, and have someone to talk to. Especially those who work in environments such as ours.
Contact: sean.woyna@cityofdekalb.com
Annie Leath
With over 8 years in emergency communications, I’ve seen firsthand the emotional toll our work can take. As a 911 dispatcher, I’ve handled some of the most challenging calls imaginable, and I understand the pressure that comes with this role. I joined the peer support team because I believe no one should have to walk this path alone. My name is Annie Leath your peer, and I am ready to listen.
Contact: ALeath24@gmail.com
Julie Dean
I began dispatching in 2003 at the Spring Valley Police Department, a small agency with one dispatcher at a time. From there, I transitioned to a full-time center in Bureau County, where we dispatched fire and ambulance services only. While working at Buecomm, I took a part-time job as a police dispatcher. I then moved to the Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch Center in Peru, where I have been since its inception in 2016. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I am the wife of a Sheriff's Deputy, the mother of a brilliant girl who is a Nurse Practitioner, and a "mimi" to twin boys. I find great joy in watching them grow and participate in activities such as playing sports or attending boat races out of town. I am also a very proud mother-in-law of a Sheriff's Deputy and his K9 partner. My husband and I love to travel, and one day, when we both retire from our careers as First Responders, we hope to get a camper and explore different states. I am proud to be a member of this committee of individuals committed to making our jobs easier and mentally less straining.
Contact: jdean@ivrd.org
Leanna Carlson
Leanna Carlson is a dedicated 911 Supervisor with nearly two decades of experience in high-pressure emergency response. Starting her 20th year in the field, Leanna has honed not only her leadership skills but also a deep understanding of the mental and emotional toll that working in crisis situations can have on first responders and those they serve.
Passionate about mental health, Leanna is an empathetic listener who believes in creating a safe, judgment-free space for anyone struggling. She is committed to supporting her peers, offering a non-judgmental ear, and guiding others through difficult times. Whether you're facing the unique stressors of emergency services work or personal challenges, Leanna's genuine care and willingness to listen can make a difference.
With her wealth of experience, Leanna brings a calm, steady presence to every conversation, believing that no one should have to face mental health struggles alone. She’s here to listen, offer support, and stand with you every step of the way.
Contact: 708-825-4326
Amy Kosinsky
I have been in public safety for 28 years and cannot see myself doing anything else. I have sat in the chair at the line level and held various leadership positions. Currently I am a supervisor at the Naperville 9-1-1 Center. I started in the era where we just sucked it up and went on to the next call. Thankfully, things have changed, and we are all encouraged to talk about the calls we take and how they affect us. I am a huge proponent of coming together and helping each other work through the difficult calls we take and move forward in a healthy manner. In my free time I like to run, garden, and volunteer in my community.
Contact: KosinskyA@naperville.il.us
Melinda Dragicevich
Melinda has worked as a Public Safety Telecommunicator for over 20 years and is currently employed by the Glenview Public Safety Dispatch Center.
In addition to being a dispatcher, she is also a CTO and a member of her center’s Peer Support Team. Her professional and personal life experience makes her a wonderful asset to the NENA organization.
In her free time she enjoys traveling to the Caribbean and Las Vegas and spending time with her exceptionally smart cat, Benson Olivia.
Contact: Mdragicevich@glenview.il.us
Stephanie Kroll
Stephanie began her dispatching career eight years ago with the Lake Zurich Police Department, where she served as a Communications Training Officer and was an active member of the Peer Support Team. She currently works as an Emergency Communications Supervisor at the Naperville Police Department. Stephanie is deeply passionate about peer support and is dedicated to making these resources accessible to as many people as possible. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time on the water and with her dog, Augie.
Contact: krolls@naperville.il.us
Wellness Team:
Brittany Carls
Hi!! I’ve been in 9-1-1 since 2013, and I’m excited to help create a space where we can focus on mental health and well-being. I’m passionate about supporting and encouraging fellow Telecommunicators, especially since our unique job can make it hard to find someone to relate to after a life-changing call. Outside of work, I enjoy listening to music, reading, traveling, and spending time with my pup, Ollie—activities that help me recharge, stay balanced, and bring positivity to my work and the Wellness Committee.
Contact: bcarls@oglecountyil.gov
Interested in joining???
Must be Peer Support Certified or be able to obtain a Peer Support Certification.
Committee Members will record the amount of contacts they have per month and the nature, no names or further information will be recorded.
Peer Support Committee Members will need to be available for INENA members to reach out in times of need.
Questions? Contact:
gavelar@NWCDS.org
bcarls@oglecountyil.gov
nkrause@NWCDS.org
sean.woyna@cityofdekalb.com
krolls@naperville.il.us