Who We Are
3. Peer Support Structure: The peer support program is structured to provide a safe and confidential space for first responders to share their experiences, discuss their challenges, and seek support from their peers. Our handlers help assist sessions with the department support team, offering guidance and encouragement as needed.
4. Animal-Assisted Interventions: During peer support sessions, support animals are integrated into various interventions designed to promote relaxation, emotional regulation, and stress reduction. This may include activities such as petting, grooming, or simply being in the presence of the animal.
5. Trauma-Informed Approach: Our handlers are trained to recognize the signs of trauma and provide trauma-informed care to first responders in crisis. They utilize their own experiences and understanding of the unique challenges faced by first responders to offer empathy, validation, and practical coping strategies.
6. Follow-Up Support: In addition to peer support sessions, our handlers offer follow-up support to first responders as needed. This may involve one-on-one support, additional animal-assisted support sessions, or referrals to other mental health resources.
7. Collaboration and Partnerships: We collaborate with other organizations and agencies within the first responder community to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to supporting the mental health and well-being of those in need. This includes working closely with peer support networks, mental health professionals, and emergency services agencies.
Overall, our CISM peer support with animal assistance program offers a holistic and compassionate approach to addressing the mental health needs of first responders, leveraging the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted interventions and the expertise of former responder handlers to promote resilience, recovery, and overall well-being.
Bishop’s Mission:
At Bishop’s Mission, we are more than a nonprofit—we’re a community of former first responders who understand, firsthand, the unique challenges that come with a life of service. We’ve walked in the boots, carried the weight of the call, and know just how vital true support can be—especially from those who’ve been there.
Founded on the belief that no responder should ever feel alone, our mission is to provide compassionate, peer-led support through Critical Incident Stress Debriefings, wellness education, and the healing presence of our certified K9 team.
Whether it's through a debriefing, a simple conversation, or a quiet moment with a dog who just understands, we are here to help responders and their families reconnect, recharge, and feel seen.
At the heart of Bishop’s Mission is our namesake, Bishop, a certified Peer Support K9 who brings comfort, calm, and connection to those who serve. Through Bishop—and the entire Mission team—we’re building a stronger, more supported responder community.
1. Specialized Training: Former responder handlers undergo comprehensive training in both CISM principles and animal-assisted therapy techniques. This ensures they have the knowledge and skills necessary to support first responders in crisis situations effectively.
2. Support Animal Selection: Support animals are carefully selected based on their temperament, training, and suitability for working in high-stress environments. Dogs, in particular, are commonly chosen for their ability to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support. All dogs are certified Support Dogs.
Meet the Team
-
FounderKate Klasen is a distinguished veteran of law enforcement, having served in various capacities within the Chicagoland area.
Kate's dedication to serving her community shines through her founding of H.E.L.P. (Human & Animal Emergency Lifeline Preparedness). Drawing from her extensive background as a first responder, Kate imparts crucial emergency preparedness skills for both people and pets. Her offerings include Animal CPR/First Aid training, and emergency preparedness courses aligning with her mission to ensure the safety and welfare of all beings.
During her tenure with the Police Department, Kate's versatility was evident as she held roles ranging from certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to 9-1-1 dispatcher and police officer. She served as a field training officer for dispatchers and contributed her expertise to the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA), where she instructed first responders in CPR/First Aid and defensive tactics.
Kate developed her own veterinary-approved program focused on teaching animal CPR, first aid, and emergency preparedness. As a former certified instructor with prestigious organizations such as the Health Safety Institute, AHA, AVERT, and Pet Tech, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching. Kate continually sharpens her skills through advanced training with leading entities like K9 Medic, the Red Cross, RECOVER, the Veterinary Tactical Group, USCCA Practical Tactical Medicine Courses, and Stop the Bleed, ensuring she remains at the forefront of animal and responder care.
Since transitioning from law enforcement, Kate remains steadfast in her commitment to education and service.
Kate Klasen is a seasoned advocate for resilience within the first responder community, equipped with a diverse array of certifications and training in trauma peer support counseling and crisis intervention. With a rich background in law enforcement and emergency response, Kate's journey is defined by a steadfast commitment to supporting and uplifting her fellow first responders in times of need.
Certified with First Responder Trauma Peer Support Counselors, and CISM. Kate possesses specialized expertise in providing compassionate and empathetic assistance to individuals navigating the aftermath of traumatic incidents. Her training encompasses a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and stressors faced by first responders in the line of duty.
Drawing on her extensive knowledge and experience, Kate holds certifications in FEMA IS-100, NCTSN Psychological First Aid, and ICISF Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention. These certifications reflect her dedication to honing her skills in crisis response and psychological support, ensuring that she remains well-equipped to offer effective assistance in a variety of emergency situations.
Kate's unwavering dedication to the well-being of first responders and her tireless efforts to provide compassionate support in times of crisis embody the true spirit of peer support and solidarity. Through her ongoing commitment to professional development and advocacy, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.
-
K9 Bishop is trained to recognize and respond to symptoms of PTSD. Bishop thrives during station visits, offering comfort and support as part of the peer support team. When he’s not on duty, Bishop assists his handler in teaching Animal CPR and First Aid classes, helping to expand the animal emergency support network through H.E.L.P. During his downtime, Bishop is a playful and happy dog who loves performing tricks and tasks.
-
K9 Skye is our newest addition! K9 Skye is AKC CGC certified and we are working on her more advanced training. Skye will be out soon and is looking forward to working!
-
Anjie Coates brings a unique blend of experience in public service, education, and animal care to the Bishop’s Mission board. A former law enforcement officer and current Chief Master Instructor with H.E.L.P., Anjie specializes in Pet First Aid & CPR—skills she has used firsthand to save lives. Her passion for preparedness and prevention has made her a trusted voice in emergency training for pet professionals and owners alike.
With over 36 years in the grooming industry, Anjie has built a career centered around excellence, mentorship, and ongoing education. She holds multiple advanced certifications, including CMRG, ICMCG, CCE, PGC, and PGCE, and is known for her deep expertise in grooming, business development, and pet safety.
Anjie is also the owner of PawsitiveEd.com, an educational platform offering courses and resources for grooming professionals, pet parents, and industry leaders. In 2023, her book The Quintessential Rabbit Book earned the prestigious Barkleigh Honors Award for Book of the Year.
Her lifelong dedication to animals, public service, and professional development makes her a powerful advocate for Bishop’s Mission’s work supporting first responders and their K9 partners. Anjie’s leadership and expertise help further our mission of providing connection, care, and community to those who serve.
-
Lynn Heitz
Records Supervisor | Peer Support AdvocateLynn Heitz began her unexpected but rewarding career in law enforcement in 1989 at a department in the western suburbs of Chicago. What was supposed to be a one-year position as a Records Clerk turned into a dedicated 35+ year journey. Today, she serves as the department’s Records Supervisor, bringing decades of experience and institutional knowledge to her team.
Over the years, Lynn has worn many hats—handling everything from payroll and statistical reporting to FOIA requests, accident reporting, and the implementation of new report writing systems. She has served as a trainer, answered non-emergency calls, and contributed to both IUCR and NIBRS reporting.
As the longest-serving member of her department, Lynn has witnessed firsthand the lasting impact of traumatic incidents—not only on sworn officers but on civilian staff as well. She understands how deeply these events can affect those behind the scenes, often overlooked in the broader scope of public safety.
Lynn is passionate about the mission of Bishop’s Mission and the essential support it provides. She strongly believes that peer support and critical incident debriefings should be available to everyone involved in emergency services, including the civilian professionals who serve on the front lines in a different, but equally vital, way.
-
Bio coming soon
-
Anthony A. Polse is a distinguished attorney and former police officer. Mr. Polse provides expert instruction to law enforcement professionals on constitutional matters, particularly those related to search and seizure. He previously served as a prosecutor with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office in Illinois, gaining extensive trial experience across multiple divisions. Mr. Polse is licensed to practice law in federal courts in both Illinois and Arizona. His prior legal practice specialized in labor and employment matters for law enforcement agencies, as well as Fourth Amendment training and compliance reviews tailored to the needs of law enforcement personnel. Mr. Polse possesses in-depth expertise in Arizona and Illinois legal frameworks, with a focus on CourtSmart publications with Mr. Dale Anderson and editing the Illinois and Arizona Legal Source books. He has also served as the police legal advisor for the Mesa Police Department in Arizona, a Deputy County Attorney, where he served as a law enforcement liaison for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and currently, is the public safety legal advisor for the City of Goodyear, Arizona.