Michael Peterson is the Executive Director for MN CIT and is also one of the founders of the organization.
Our Team
Minnesota CIT was founded in 2005, by Michael Peterson and Steve Wickelgren. There was an obvious need in the First Responder community to have a better understanding of mental health related issues as more and more calls involved people having a mental health crisis.
Both Michael and Steve are retired law enforcement officers, having served their communities for many years. Furthering their careers, they have both been trained in mental health and are bringing that expertise and training to the First Responder community. Their goal is to help educate, train, and enhance the safety of first responders when responding to calls involving subjects with mental health situations.
Steve Wickelgren, MA LMFT
Clinical Director
Steve is the Clinical Director for MNCIT and has been with the organization since 2005 as one of the organization's co-founders. He is a retired Minneapolis Police Department Sergeant and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Jerry Hutchinson
Training Director
Jerry is the Training Director for MN CIT. His role in the organization is to schedule all the classes as well as participate in them as a coach.
Peggy Hutchinson
Facilitator
Peggy Hutchinson is a class facilitator for MN CIT. She helps the organization by having all the administrative materials ready for class, she also works with the site coordinators for training to make sure the facility is set up properly for class. Once class begins, she helps keep everything running smoothly.
Nancy Masson
Facilitator
Nancy is a class facilitator, she helps make sure everyone is prepared for class including presenters, actors, coaches, and students.
Cheryl Ameluxen
Scheduling
Cheryl is in charge of scheduling, she has the important responsibility to make sure each class has actors, presenters, speakers, and coaches assigned.
Hannah Ringold
Facilitator
Hannah is the organization's administrative person and also a facilitator for the training classes.
Gennae Falconer
Learning and Development Coordinator
Gennae is in charge of Staff Learning and Development at MN CIT.
Ryan Van Gundy
Education Coordinator
Ryan is the Education Coordinator for MN CIT, he helps the organization by keeping the educational material that CIT presents up to date with the most current peer reviewed research on mental health.
Samantha Brown Hoyt
Coach Coordinator
Samantha is the Coach Coordinator, she helps the organization by making sure the coaches are lined up for each class.