My passion is to equip first responders with moderate clinical knowledge, intervention strategies, and resource knowledge, infused with lived experience to aid in Crisis Intervention throughout the EMS/Fire and Law enforcement agencies in state of Georgia. Its important to know how trauma impacts those who are served as well as the responders, themselves. Bringing more humanity to both sides of mental health crisis can only improve societal relations and resiliency for all. I devote my time to specializing in Trauma Informed Care, Suicide Prevention, Crisis Intervention, Harm Reduction and reducing stigma of mental health challenges in the First Responder workforce.

"Morgan Pickering, a Gainesville/Hall County native, graduated from the Lanier Technical College EMS program in 2012. Morgan's EMS career began in Hall County in 2015, and she later ventured into the field of mental health in 2019, becoming a member of NAMI Hall County and the NAMI Hall County Steering Committee, as an Outreach Chairperson, in 2023. She now resides in Pickens County, GA, with her family, including her three children. In August 2021, Morgan retired from her role on the ambulance to transition into EMS education. Currently serving as a National Level EMS Educator and a Trauma Informed Mental Health Specialist, she brings valuable insights and expertise to her work. With certifications as a Certified Peer Specialist-MH and Certified Peer Counselor, Mental Health Resiliency Officer & EMS Crisis Intervention Officer; Morgan specializes in traumatic studies, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and harm reduction. In 2023, she established her own office in Pickens County, GA, where she works alongside her husband, who is an Christian Counselor. Throughout her career, Morgan has worked with various agencies, including but not limited to; Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, NAMI, Georgia Overdose Prevention, The Appalachian Judicial Circuit, GA Department of Public Safety-Office of Public Safety Support and SAVE22Veterans. She also actively volunteers with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office Auxiliary, NAMI Georgia, and NAMI Hall County. Morgan has recently been P.O.S.T certified as a Specialized Lecturer on topics relative to mental health/trauma to move forward with her primary mission to improve crisis response and promote a deeper understanding of trauma in mental health crises. Drawing from her experiences as both a peer and a first responder, she strives to make a meaningful impact in these areas. "

Pickering Support Services, LLC is Co-Owned by Ben Pickering, M.A. - Christian Counselor

Ben works with famlies, individuals, and children to offer faith-based counseling and is a cultrally competent provider to first responders.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ben-pickering-jasper-ga/1141467

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6JdUzwT1II4tcNhLoYCNYK?si=6HtcW0OHRMalJrnM6Iy6WQ&nd=1&dlsi=afab75d85a044b82

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-crisis-implementing-trauma-informed-approaches/id1715698306?i=1000652648432

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=d0ZCesHCeziF2hTl&v=YdNj6vWiPpI&feature=youtu.be

https://mindthefrontline.podbean.com/e/navigating-crisis-implementing-trauma-informed-approaches/https://mindthefrontline.org/free-blog/navigating-crisis-implementing-trauma-informed-approaches

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gY2jPQldcAcL9P2pp9MK7?si=rz_KiRFZRVqLEy5d4yiVbw&nd=1&dlsi=f444c7c0a4bc4fa9

I cannot thank The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network enough for such support and encouragement in my endeavors. This is an honor I’ll never forget.

“In September the Georgia Mental Health, Consumer Network had a recovery month event to build resiliency for front line workers. Five people were awarded the “Building Resiliency-One Moment at a Time!” award. We were happy and honored to give one of the five awards to Morgan! Her work as a trainer has helped change the system to be more trauma informed. which is like a pebble that is tossed out onto a lake, the ripples continue out and out and improving the lives of both people seeking help, and the front line workers that help them. Thank you Morgan!”

-Pam Brooks-Crump, GMHCN

The Pickering Family can often be found volunteering throughout the year. We are active with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary, & NAMI. We believe that giving back to communities is crucial to the development of our children, our mission, and reenforces gratitude and diversity.

Morgan Pickering

Certified Peer Specialist - Mental Health

Certified Peer Counselor - Public Safety

Whole Health & Wellness Coach

Mental Health Resiliency Officer

GA Crisis Intervention Team - EMS Officer (Adults & Youth)

National Certified Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator

National Level 1 EMS Educator

Prehospital Trauma Life Support

Basic Disaster Life Support

Psychological Trauma In EMS Patients - Provider

P.O.S.T Certified Specialized Lecturer

CIT/CIT-Youth Instructor

NAMI Frontline Wellness Representative & Facilitator

NAMI Connections Support Group Facilitator

NAMI GA Educational Presenter & Motivational Speaker

• Ending the Silence

• In Our Own Voice

• Share Your Story w/ Law Enforcement

NAMI Hall County Steering Committee - Outreach Chairperson

NAMI Union/Fannin/Gilmer - Member