Rev. Dr. Carla Cheatham began in psychosocial services with an MA in Psychology, certification in trauma therapy, a PhD in Health & Kinesiology, and M.Div. before working 10 years as a hospice chaplain and grief counselor.

Dr. Cheatham is a national keynote speaker and consultant focusing on emotionally intelligent and resilient professionals and organizations as well as care for family caregivers, member of NHPCOs Trauma Informed Care Task Force, former Chair of NHPCOs Ethics Advisory Council, and Assistant Professor for University of Maryland’s MS in Palliative Care. She publishes books and videos about resilience, post-traumatic growth, ethics, grief, healthy leadership, and other emotional competencies for professionals and families. Rev. Cheatham also serves as the pastor of Faith Church, United Church of Christ, in New Braunfels.

An avid mountain biker and hiker, she spends as much time as she can in the mountains to renew and recharge so she may come home and be more present for all whom she serves.

Douglas Scott Denham, DO, CPI, is Chief Medical Director of Flourish San Antonio, previously Clinical Trials of Texas, and is board-certified in Family Medicine, with more than 25 years of experience. He has served as Principal Investigator on more than 750 studies in a wide range of therapeutic areas. His experience includes Phase I-IV protocols, including first-in-human studies.

Dr. Denham earned his Doctoral degree in Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in Family Practice at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Julie initially became interested in occupational therapy at age 12 due to a fascination with the long-handled dressing equipment and compensatory strategies given to her grandmother after hip surgery. When beginning college, Julie expected to work with children. However, through fieldwork experiences and wonderful internship instructors, she discovered a love of working with the geriatric population. After graduating from Worcester State University in 2005, Julie began working in skilled nursing and continuum of care communities. Over nearly two decades, she has enjoyed providing care to improve the quality of life for patients and support to their caregivers. She has experience as a director of rehab and has acted as fieldwork supervisor to several occupational therapy students. Julie has now worked for Select Rehabilitation at EdenHill Communities for two years. 

 Thanks to misunderstanding a joke told by a physical therapist about the requirements of graduating from her occupational therapy program, Julie taught herself to tie a shoe one-handed, with either hand. 

Lt. Christopherson has started his 29th year with the New Braunfels Police Department, starting as a patrol Officer and working his way up to Lieutenant.

During this time, he worked and supervised all divisions within the PD apart from Administration.

Lt. Christopherson has been a TCOLE Certified Instructor for the last 8 years and has attended train the trainer classes regarding the operation and instruction of the Project Lifesaver Program.

Lt. Christopherson has been involved since the beginning of the NBPD Project Lifesaver

Program, which was started in 2016.

As of 2019, Lt. Christopherson was appointed a National Instructor for Project Lifesaver by Project Lifesaver International.

As of 2024, Lt. Christopherson has trained numerous agencies not only in Texas but several other states throughout the U.S.

Lt. Christopherson is currently the Criminal Investigations Lieutenant for NBPD and holds a Master Peace Officer License with TCOLE.