Name
Bonus Panel: Moving EMS Wellness Forward: Fellowship Experiences from Across New York State
Description
This session highlights the work of the inaugural New York State EMS Mental Health Fellowship and the collaborative efforts to strengthen wellness, resilience, and peer support across EMS agencies. Through a brief program overview and moderated panel discussion, fellows will share common challenges, lessons learned, practical strategies, and successes from implementing wellness initiatives within their organizations. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A focused on advancing EMS wellness efforts statewide.
NYS CME: All Levels - Mandatory Non-Core - Mental Health of the EMT
Speakers
Stephen Brucato, NYS Division of State Emergency Medical ServicesBureau Chief, Bureau of EMS Emergency ManagementSteve began his EMS career with the Bellmore-Merrick Volunteer Ambulance Corps. on Long Island in 1997. He attended the Stony Brook University Paramedic Program in 2001 and spent 10 years working in the New York City 9-1-1 System before moving to the Capital Region. He earned a bachelor's degree in emergency management from Empire State University in 2012. From 2015- 2021 he served as the Chief of Operations for Greene County Paramedics, a rural countywide ALS first response agency, and received the 2021 Harriet C. Weber Leadership Award from the Hudson-Mohawk Regional EMS Council. Steve currently serves as the Bureau Chief for the Bureau of EMS Emergency Management with the New York State Division of EMS.
Katie Oldakowski, Mental Health Association of New York StateSenior Director of Training and Programs
Thomas Corcoran, City of WatervlietFirefighter/ParamedicTom Corcoran, M.S. is a fierce advocate for first responder behavioral health. He has worked for over eighteen years as a firefighter, paramedic, EMS administrator, and peer support team coordinator for the City of Watervliet, NY. As an EMS provider in hospital, commercial, and municipal agencies based in frontier, rural, and urban settings he has lived the challenges facing frontline workers. Using lessons learned from a 2025 New York Division of EMS Resilience Officer Fellowship Tom is eager to share how your agency no matter location, size, or budget can change culture thus opening paths to being a healthier person and provider. When his uniform comes off, the waders go on, where Tom volunteers with the Trout Unlimited Service Partnership Program that connects first responders, veterans and their families to the healing power of fly fishing and outdoor recreation.
Jessica Dean, Rockland Paramedic ServicesEducation CoordinatorJessica is a Paramedic with over 20 years of experience, and over 10 years of experience in EMS Education. She currently serves as an ALS CIC, and is always striving to move the EMS profession forward, and help pass knowledge and experience on to future EMS providers. In recent years, her passion has been "helping the helpers", and she has pursued programming to make Health and Wellness Resources accessible to all EMS Providers.
Joshua Stagner, Midstate EMSDirectorJoshua Stagner is an experienced EMS professional, leader, and responder wellness advocate with more than 25 years in emergency medical services, including 19 years as a Paramedic. As Director of the Midstate EMS Region, he works with EMS agencies, healthcare partners, educators, and community stakeholders to strengthen emergency medical services and support those who serve. Joshua is passionate about mental health, wellness, and resilience within the emergency services community and has participated through the fellowship in training focused on Mental Health First Aid for Fire and EMS, safeTALK suicide prevention awareness, substance use awareness, and resilience oficer training. His presentations focus on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, recognizing when a colleague may be struggling, building resilience, and creating a culture where asking for help is viewed as a sign of strength. Joshua believes that taking care of the people who take care of everyone else must be a priority in emergency services.
Katie Oldakowski, Mental Health Association of New York StateSenior Director of Training and Programs
Thomas Corcoran, City of WatervlietFirefighter/ParamedicTom Corcoran, M.S. is a fierce advocate for first responder behavioral health. He has worked for over eighteen years as a firefighter, paramedic, EMS administrator, and peer support team coordinator for the City of Watervliet, NY. As an EMS provider in hospital, commercial, and municipal agencies based in frontier, rural, and urban settings he has lived the challenges facing frontline workers. Using lessons learned from a 2025 New York Division of EMS Resilience Officer Fellowship Tom is eager to share how your agency no matter location, size, or budget can change culture thus opening paths to being a healthier person and provider. When his uniform comes off, the waders go on, where Tom volunteers with the Trout Unlimited Service Partnership Program that connects first responders, veterans and their families to the healing power of fly fishing and outdoor recreation.
Jessica Dean, Rockland Paramedic ServicesEducation CoordinatorJessica is a Paramedic with over 20 years of experience, and over 10 years of experience in EMS Education. She currently serves as an ALS CIC, and is always striving to move the EMS profession forward, and help pass knowledge and experience on to future EMS providers. In recent years, her passion has been "helping the helpers", and she has pursued programming to make Health and Wellness Resources accessible to all EMS Providers.
Joshua Stagner, Midstate EMSDirectorJoshua Stagner is an experienced EMS professional, leader, and responder wellness advocate with more than 25 years in emergency medical services, including 19 years as a Paramedic. As Director of the Midstate EMS Region, he works with EMS agencies, healthcare partners, educators, and community stakeholders to strengthen emergency medical services and support those who serve. Joshua is passionate about mental health, wellness, and resilience within the emergency services community and has participated through the fellowship in training focused on Mental Health First Aid for Fire and EMS, safeTALK suicide prevention awareness, substance use awareness, and resilience oficer training. His presentations focus on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, recognizing when a colleague may be struggling, building resilience, and creating a culture where asking for help is viewed as a sign of strength. Joshua believes that taking care of the people who take care of everyone else must be a priority in emergency services.
Date & Time
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM