Meet Your Texas CIT Board Members

President:
Shawn Edwards

   Shawn Edwards works for the Burleson County Sheriff's Office and oversees the Crisis Intervention Unit and Training Division. He serves as the Texas CIT Association President and part of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health as a Collaborative Council member. He is also a board member of the Brazos Valley Coalition on Suicide Prevention.Shawn is a trainer and part of the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network, which promotes first responders' well-being and mental health.

    With a career spanning over 28 years in law enforcement, Shawn Edwards holds a Master Peace Officer's License and a Master Jail License. For the past 19 years, he has dedicated his career to mental health, collaborating with mental health partners to advocate for and educate people about mental health. Shawn is a Master trainer for the Jail mental health officer’s course. His diverse roles, including on the SWAT tactical team, Hostage/Crisis negotiator, training coordinator, and patrol supervisor, underscore his comprehensive understanding of the field.

    In 2016, Shawn was recognized as the Officer of the Year in Burleson County. In 2021, theTexas CIT Association recognized him as Mental Health Officer of the Year for the State of Texas for 2020. In 2022, the Texas Association of Counties awarded Shawn and Burleson County a best practices award for their mental health and jail diversion program. He also received the NAMI Brazos Valley Superhero award in 2023. 

   Brittany Moreno is a dedicated law enforcement and mental health professional with over a decade of experience. As a Department Mental Health Officer and Crisis Intervention Coordinator with the Sugar Land Police Department, she plays a vital role in training officers, collaborating with law enforcement agencies, and fostering partnerships with hospitals and mental health facilities. With a passion for bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community, Brittany works to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the necessary resources. She has served as a patrol officer, crime prevention officer, field training officer, and instructor, holding a Master Peace Officer License and Instructor certification. 

    An active leader in mental health initiatives, Brittany is involved in several professional organizations, including the Southeast Texas DPS Behavioral Threat Assessment Team, the Texas Crisis Intervention Association (former Region 2 Director and current Vice President), and the Collaborative Council and Substance Abuse Committee for the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology and a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from the University of Houston-Victoria. Beyond her career, she is a dedicated volunteer with the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo Association and enjoys horseback riding, sports, and community engagement. Brittany’s adaptability, leadership, and commitment to service make her an asset to any team or initiative. 

Vice President:
Brittany Moreno

Treasurer:
Alyse Ferguson

   Alyse Ferguson is with Rosenthal, Kalabus & Therrian Law Firm.  She previously served as Chief Attorney of the Collin County Mental Health Managed Counsel Program (MHMC), where she was responsible for managing the specially trained attorneys, who represented indigent defendants diagnosed with mental illness.   

    In December 2020, she appointed to serve on the Judicial Commission on Mental Health by the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Appeals, serves as the Chair of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association MH Committee, and is the Treasure for North Texas NAMI.  She is a graduate of Angelo State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a Juris Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan School of Law.    

    Ms. Ferguson presents on the topic of mental health and she has been a guest presenter at National conferences as well various conferences around Texas.  Ms. Ferguson has been honored for her work as the recipient of several awards including the 2019 International CIT Advocate of the Year, 2020 Texas CIT Award of Excellence, 2019 NAMI North Texas Advocate of the Year, and the 2016 Mental Health America Pam Blumenthal Memorial Award.  

    Ms. Ferguson brings a wealth of knowledge, having previously worked in Community Supervision and with MHMR.  While at MHMR, she served as a residential supervisor, case manager, and Director of Home and Community Services. She also handled crisis calls for intervention routinely responding to suicide calls and to requests from local hospitals and police departments for assistance with mental commitments and crisis intervention.  

    Ms. Ferguson is an advocate for mental health services and works to further services for both the treatment and care of persons with mental illness.  She spends her free time with family and enjoying pool time, camping and travel. 

   Jami Mack began her journey at The Harris Center in 2014 as a licensed clinician with the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT). Over the years, she has advanced within the organization, taking on key roles such as MCOT Clinical Team Lead and Evaluator for Project CHANGE. Currently, she serves as the Program Director, leading the Rapid Response and Crisis Call Diversion (CCD) programs, where she spearheads initiatives aimed at providing alternative crisis response services. 

    Her commitment to mental health and suicide prevention is evident in her active involvement with various agency and community initiatives. Jami is a core team member of the Southeast Texas Behavioral Threat Assessment Team and a board member of the Texas CIT Association. Additionally, she is a proud member of the FBI Houston Citizens Academy Alumni Association, where she engages with community leaders to enhance public safety and mental health awareness. 

    Before joining The Harris Center, Jami cultivated a strong foundation in the field as an investigator for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. She holds a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Our Lady of the Lake University and has been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2012. Her previous experience includes working with youth in a juvenile drug court in Montgomery County and providing therapy in a private practice setting. 

    Outside of her professional endeavors, Jami enjoys exploring a variety of interests, including traveling, reading, tattoo artistry, interior design, and relaxing by the pool. 

Secretary:
Jami Mack

Historian:
Connie Sue Tofel

    Connie Sue is a proud lifelong resident of Fayette County. For the past five years, she has had the privilege of serving as a Correction Officer with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. This role has been incredibly fulfilling for her, as it allows her to be actively involved in my community while positively impacting people's lives. 

    She currently holds the Historian Board Position with the Texas CIT Association, a position she is passionate about. Previously, she served as the Region 4 Director, which only deepened her commitment to mental health advocacy and the importance of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). Mental health is a cause close to her heart, and her interest in this field blossomed just before she embarked on my career as a Correction Officer.  She is always eager to expand her knowledge and skills; she consistently seeks training classes that can enhance her understanding and effectiveness in helping those who are struggling. 

    Connie Sue believes everyone deserves support and compassion, especially during their most challenging times. Her dedication to making a difference extends beyond her professional life; it fuels my passion for continuous learning and growth in the realm of mental health. 

    When not on duty or engaging in community initiatives, she spends quality time with her family. Family is everything to Connie Sue, and she cherishes every moment. Whether enjoying outdoor activities, sharing meals, or simply relaxing at home, these moments remind her of the importance of connection and support in and out of her professional life. 

    Connie Sue is excited to continue my journey in the corrections and mental health field and looks forward to the opportunities ahead to help those in need while fostering a compassionate community! 

   Scott Soland, the Past President of the Texas CIT Association. A US Army Combat Veteran and Master Peace Officer, he has been in law enforcement for 33 years. He attended the FBI National Academy 240th Session, 2010. He developed the Fort Bend County CIT Program with the assistance of the Fort Bend County Director of Behavioral Health through 1115 waiver funding. He served in a number of positions, including Patrol and Crisis Intervention, and is currently serving as a Lieutenant over Medical and Mental Health. His instructor certifications include Firearms, Taser, Pressure Point Control Tactics, ALERRT, and Mental Health Peace Officer. He was the lead instructor for the 40-hour courses.

    Scott has worked with People with Mental Illness, Private Mental Health Providers, LMHAs, Police Chiefs, Sheriffs, and all levels of the Court system through his duty assignments in Crisis Intervention, Patrol, and the County jail. He has also served in the Hot Spot Unit and SWAT Team during his time with the Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office.

Past President:
Scott Soland

Director of Training:
Rudy Montano

    Rudy Montano is a lifelong resident of Amarillo, Texas.  I married Faith Montano 25 years with one son, Dawson. Rudy started his career in mental health as a Mental Health Tech at North West Texas Hospital Mental Health Facility in 1994. He went on to work at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch to work in a behavioral home. He began his career at Randall County Sheriff’s Office from 2004 till he retired in October of 2024 as a Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Division. Rudy worked in all areas of the Sheriff's Office including corrections, patrol, and criminal investigations. His last assignment was an investigator assigned to Juvenile Crimes, Mental Health Cases, Suicides, and homicides.  He was also the Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator from 2017-2024, and Team Lead Hostage Negotiator from 2021 to 2024. He obtained dual commissions with Lake Tanglewood Police Department (2007 to 2013) while employed at Randall County Sheriff's Office. His last position with Lake Tanglewood Police Department was as Interim Chief. While at Randall County Sheriff's Office he was an active member of The Randall County Sheriff's Office Association Sergeant at Arms and ending as the Vice-President. 

    He has volunteered in many other positions to promote Mental Health awareness including, Board of Directors for National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI},  representative for Special Olympics,  member of Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS), part-time instructor for Amarillo College Police Academy teaching the CIT curriculum, member of Amarillo Area Suicide Review Team (AASRT),  the Board of Directors for Amarillo  Continuum of Care( CoC} outreach for homeless, homeless veterans, and mental health. He was Region 6 director for several years and is currently the Director of Training for Texas CIT Association. He currently has a Master Peace Officer Certification, Basic Jail Certification, Basic Instructor Certification, Fire Arms Instructor Certification, Mental Health Peace Officer Certification, Hostage Negotiator Certification, and Critical Incident Stress Management Certification (CISM). 

    Recently, Rudy came out of retirement and started a new career with Amarillo Independent School District Police Department. He is tasked with bringing CIT awareness and resources to assist the Amarillo Independent School District and AISD Police Officers. 

    Outside of work, Rudy enjoys staying active through working out, cooking on his grill, and taking his family on vacations.  

    Sergeant A.D. Paul retired from Plano Police Department in 2019 after 33 years of service.  In 2008 A.D. began the Plano PD CIT Program.  Sergeant Paul was part of the original group of Texas officers and clinicians that formed the Texas Crisis Intervention Teams Association.  He has served on the board of directors for National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Coalition for Behavioral Healthcare in Collin County. 

    A.D. currently serves as the law enforcement liaison for LifePath Systems, the Collin County MHMR.  A.D. is a member of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, where he serves in the special need’s ministry.  He also lives in Frisco with his wife Susan, son Christopher, and a boxer named Lexi.

Director of Membership:
A.D. Paul