Our Team
Pete Ungaro, Ph.D.(c), M.S., B.S.
CEO, Program Director
Pete-Ungaro@guardiantrainingservice.com
Pete Ungaro, a distinguished co-founder of Guardian & Consulting Training Service, boasts an impressive career spanning nearly 18 years in law enforcement. He made significant contributions during his tenure with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa City, where he honed his skills and earned a reputation for his dedication to public safety. A suite of valuable certifications, including Drug Recognition Expert, Drug Recognition Expert Instructor, and Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor, underscores Pete's extensive experience and expertise. These credentials not only highlight his commitment to excellence in the field but also reflect his ongoing dedication to training others in critical areas of law enforcement.
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After he departed from law enforcement, Pete faced a personal challenge when he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This pivotal experience fueled his passion for developing programs and support services specifically tailored to assist emergency responders and veterans in addressing the trauma they encounter in their demanding professions. His firsthand understanding of the psychological struggles faced by those in high-stress roles drives his mission to improve mental health resources within these communities.
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Academically, Pete holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, with a specialized focus on Police Psychology, which provides him with a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of law enforcement psychology. He further advanced his education with a master's degree in Criminal Justice that emphasizes Leadership and Executive Management, preparing him for roles that require both strategic oversight and compassionate leadership.
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Currently, Pete is expanding his expertise by pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology, with a focus on forensic psychology. This advanced study allows him to delve deeper into the intersections of mental health and the justice system, enhancing his understanding of critical issues such as wellness and PTSD. Through his work and research, he underscores the vital importance of providing comprehensive mental health support to employees, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to fostering a healthier workforce within law enforcement and beyond. Pete’s journey reflects not only his professional achievements but also his dedication to advocating for mental health awareness and support in high-pressure occupations.
Bill Searls
Associate Program Director
Bill-Searls@guardiantrainingservice.com
Bill, a co-founder of Guardian Training & Consulting Service, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Iowa, with a concentration in Criminology, where he developed a strong foundation in understanding criminal behavior and societal impacts. Bill dedicated 17 years of his career to the Coralville Police Department (CPD), where he held various key positions, enabling him to significantly influence community safety and law enforcement practices.
During his tenure at CPD, he spearheaded several impactful initiatives, notably the Substance-Free Summer program, which aimed to promote healthy lifestyles among youth, and the CPD DARE Officer program, focusing on drug abuse prevention and education in schools. His leadership in these programs underscored his commitment to fostering safer communities and empowering the next generation.
Following his service at CPD, Bill transitioned to the role of Associate Director for the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety. In this capacity, he managed multiple divisions, overseeing complex operations related to campus security and emergency management. His collaboration with the United States Secret Service (USSS) was particularly notable, as he played a crucial role in coordinating logistics and security measures for high-profile visits by the President and other distinguished dignitaries, ensuring both safety and professionalism during these significant events. Bill's diverse experiences reflect his dedication to law enforcement, community service, and safety management.
Rich Oliva
CEO of Veterans Program
Rich.Oliva@guardiantrainingservice.com
Rich is a seasoned professional with seven years of service in the United States Navy, having served from 1986 to 1993. During his tenure, he held the position of Aviation Structure Mechanic, specializing in F-14 aircraft, before transitioning to a role as Master at Arms. Throughout his military career, he undertook numerous deployments both domestically and internationally. Notable experiences include participation in the Top Gun Fall Class of 1989, CFLSW Detachment 2, and operations during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, as well as time spent at CFLSW Detachment 1 at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his military service, Rich boasts over 25 years of experience as a Firefighter and Paramedic, during which he has worked in Volunteer, Paid, and Hospital services. He has assumed senior leadership roles in the healthcare sector for over a decade, managing departments such as public safety, security, emergency management, preparedness, and communication. His professional involvement extends to various local, county, and state organizations, where he has served on boards for Emergency Medical Services, Veterans' affairs, and local government initiatives.
Currently, Rich is an active member of both local and state organizations for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He holds the designation of a 100% Disabled American Veteran, underscoring his commitment to service and advocacy.
Andrea Wilson
Program Coordinator
Andrea-Wilson@guardiantrainingservice.com
Andrea Wilson is the founder of Education and Resilience for Criminal Justice Professionals. She is a criminal justice educator with experience teaching at the community college and university levels. She has nearly two decades of real-world experience in the field of criminal justice, having held positions as a security officer, correctional officer, and police investigator. Andrea was the first female in her police agency to hold a promoted position, and as an investigator, she specialized in investigating crimes against children, sexual abuse, and fatal accidents. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Herzing University, a Master of Arts degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University, a professional certification in trauma and resilience from Florida State University, and is in her second year of the Criminal Justice Doctoral Program at Liberty University. She received the Kathleen Opdebeek Award for Professional Excellence for her work with victims of child abuse and received an Officer of the Year award for her work in criminal investigations. She is the former president of the Iowa Association of Women Police and is still an active member. Andrea has a heart for education, studying, and raising awareness in trauma and resilience for first responders, as she has experienced firsthand how trauma can impact one’s health, career, mind, and soul.
Dawn Rechkemmer, LMHC, NCC
Mental Health Counselor
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:
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 Care and Adoption Center 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.
Turkey
Therapy Dog
Turkey was rescued by the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center when he was found wandering in a park with a swollen face. Turkey was diagnosed with Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO), a rare genetic bone disease of the cranial bones and the lower jaw. The disease starts at the age of about 4-7 months, progresses in episodes, and is characterized by the growth of areas of new bone around the head and jaws, which can be very painful.
Officer Briana Fluhr adopted Turkey, and with plenty of medication, time, and love, Turkey is now flourishing and loving life. Turkey is currently training to be a therapy dog and is part of the Guardian Training & Consulting family. He will be accompanying staff to various trainings, critical incidents, peer support events, and wellness activities.
