Office of Public Safety Wellness

About OPSW: Serving Those Who Serve

Established in 2023, the Office of Public Safety Wellness provides trauma-informed wellness services to public safety professionals in Arlington County, VA. The Office serves sworn and civilian personnel and their family members across the County’s four public safety agencies: Police, Fire, Sheriff, and Emergency Communications & Emergency Management. Through interagency collaboration and evidence-based practices, the Office works to promote workforce resilience, operational readiness, and long-term well-being.

Mission and Vision Statement

The mission is to provide trauma-informed wellness services to public safety professionals in Arlington County. The vision is to promote a culture in which well-being is seamlessly integrated into the personal and professional lives of public safety personnel.

Office Staff and Support Resources

The Office was founded by two licensed clinical social workers, Leslie Geer, LCSW, MPA and Donna Young, LCSW, MS, who serve as the primary behavioral health providers for public safety personnel. In 2025, the office expanded its capacity by onboarding Cassie Navalta, MPH, CHES as a Management Intern. With a background in Public Health, her role supports program development, resource coordination, and wellness initiatives.

In January 2026, the Office further enhanced its wellness and support services by welcoming Dottie, a black labrador retriever, as a public safety wellness K9. Dottie assists in promoting emotional well-being, stress reduction, and positive engagement for public safety personnel.

Services and Programs

The Office provides both direct clinical services, including short-term therapy, consultations, and referrals, and organizational-level wellness programming, including trainings, retention support, and resource development. Services and programs are guided by three foundational pillars: