Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace to Prevent Violence

Chad Ayers Related Seminars and Products

ProActive Response Group

Chad Ayers served as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. During his time as a Deputy in Greenville County, Chad worked undercover in numerous federal and state investigations, performing in high-pressure environments.

Chad was a member of the SWAT team, where he served as an assistant team leader. He is experienced in hostage negotiations and rescue as well as active shooter events. Chad also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program.

During his tenure as a Deputy, Chad received numerous awards and commendations. In 2006, he was named Greenville County Sheriff Rookie of the Year. In 2008, Chad received a Distinguished Service Award, and in 2009, he was awarded two Letters of Commendation for undercover work. He was the recipient of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Medal of Valor in 2011 and 2012. On January 21, 2016, Chad received the 2015 Sam Simmons Award which is given to the top Deputy in Greenville County.

Chad is a 2006 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy where he received the academy’s top award, the J.P. Strom Award, given to the graduate with the highest academic average.

Chad starred in season one of A&E TV’s Emmy-winning documentary LIVEPD.

Andy Sexton Related Seminars and Products

ProActive Response Group

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, where he held the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. During his time with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Andy gained vast experience in criminal investigation, including armed robbery and homicide.

Andy was a member of the SWAT team for six years and served as an assistant SWAT team leader. He was involved in numerous high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues as well as the protection of high-level dignitaries.

Andy served on the training committee for Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. This committee develops and implements training for Greenville County Deputies. Andy was also chosen to assist in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s active shooter response curriculum.

In 2012, Andy was awarded the Medal of Valor. The Medal of Valor award recognizes a deputy who willingly risks his or her life in the furtherance of a law enforcement mission or to save the life of another.

Andy is a 2006 Honor Graduate of the Citadel where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate for the South Carolina Criminal Justice academy where he was an Honor Graduate and received an award for outstanding physical fitness.

Sarah Pregel, Ed.S, M.Ed, LPC Related Seminars and Products

Sarah attended the University of Tennessee - Knoxville getting her Bachelors in Psychology. She exchanged one Orange for another and attended Clemson University, graduating with Education Specialist and Masters in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been in the mental health field for over 12 years. 

Sarah specializes trauma, PTSD, depression/anxiety, and women’s issues and is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) and A-TIP (accelerated trauma intervention processing). 

Sarah owns a private practice in Simpsonville, South Carolina. She has 2 children, Liam and Avary; 2 dogs, Mack and Charlie. Sarah enjoys hiking, listening to 90’s music, true crime podcasts, spending time outside, and exploring new places. When she’s not working, you can find her sipping coffee, binging shows on Netflix, reading a book in bed, or scrolling through memes.