Our Team
Pete Ungaro
Program Director
Pete Ungaro, a co-founder of Guardian Training Service, has dedicated almost 18 years to law enforcement with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa City. During his service, he attained certifications as a Drug Recognition Expert, Drug Recognition Expert Instructor, Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor, and more. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Police Psychology, a master’s degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Leadership and Executive Management, and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on Forensic Psychology, his expertise encompasses wellness, PTSD, and the necessity of employee mental health support.
Bill Searls
Associate Program Director
Bill, a co-founder of Guardian Training Service, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Iowa with a specialization in Criminology. During his 17-year tenure at the Coralville Police Department (CPD), he occupied various key roles and spearheaded the implementation of initiatives such as the Substance-Free Summer program and the CPD DARE Officer program. Following his service at CPD, Bill assumed the position of Associate Director for the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety. In this capacity, he oversaw diverse divisions and collaborated with the United States Secret Service (USSS) to facilitate visits by the President and other esteemed dignitaries.
Dawn Rechkemmer, LMHC, NCC
Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator
Dawn provides counseling services in the state of Iowa as a National Certified Counselor. Dawn previously worked in Emergency Medical Response as a Paramedic for 20+ years. Her professional experience contributes to a culturally competent approach to the services she provides. Her emergency response career began as a volunteer First Responder and completed as a Paramedic Supervisor for Johnson County Ambulance Service (JCAS). Dawn demonstrated her dedication to peer advocacy as she fulfilled the role of Union President before entering a management role at JCAS.
After leaving the ambulance service, Dawn sought to further her education by obtaining a master’s degree from Walden University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Dawn is the owner of PREVAIL Counseling for Wellness located at 580 Madison Avenue, Suite #3, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317 (Phone 319-343-7727). She possesses a passion for working collaboratively with other Emergency Responders to aid in coping with work-related stressors, enhance mental health, and aid in professional longevity. Dawn offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocess (EMDR) for trauma-related symptoms. EMDR is an effective psychotherapy technique proven to assist individuals in processing and recovery from a wide variety of concerns such as trauma, disturbing life experiences, PTSD, and depression/anxiety.
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Please see PREVAIL Counseling for Wellness Website:
Beth Hlas, PHR, t-LMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist
Beth holds a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Mercy University. She specializes in working with couples, individual adults, and children aged 10 and above. Her clinical focus areas include grief, family therapy, couples at all stages, anxiety, and guidance through life's transitions. Beth employs an Experiential therapy model, Family Systems theory, and Solution Focused Therapy in her practice. Through techniques like sand tray, art, and talk therapy, her goal is to assist you in rediscovering your inner strength.
Eastern Iowa Family Counseling
https://eiafamilycounseling.com/
Athena
Therapy Dog
Athena serves as the therapy dog for Guardian Training Service. Initially weighing only 26 pounds, Athena was rescued by the Iowa City Animal Shelter and subsequently adopted by her handler, Pete Ungaro. Having endured physical and mental abuse from her previous owner, Athena is now flourishing under proper care. Frequently accompanying her handler to various trainings, critical incidents, peer support events, and wellness activities, Athena contributes to stress, anxiety, and depression reduction, as suggested by research findings.
