Welcome to CFD Family 911.com

updated on December 05, 2007

CHRIS WELLS

Chris serves as the Peer Support Supervisor for the DMH on the Charleston Firefighter Support Team.

Chris has been in the mental health field for over twenty years, specializing in providing services to people who have experienced traumatic events. After receiving his bachelor degree in psychology form the University of Florida, Chris was a member of the Hugo Outreach Support Team working with people impacted by Hurricane Hugo. Chris received a Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling from the Citadel. In addition to being a member of the Charleston Firefighter Support Team, Chris is the Project Director of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health’s Trauma Initiative. The mission of the Trauma Initiative is to provide consultation and training to DMH staff to support them in addressing the trauma related problems experienced by persons seeking services from DMH. Chris lives in Mt. Pleasant with his wife and two sons. When not at work you might find Chris kayaking on the many waterways in the Lowcountry.

CATHY JOYNER

Cathy is the Family Liaison Coordinator for the Charleston Firefighter Support Team and works daily with the Fire Department liaisons that are assigned to assist each of the Fallen 9 families.

Cathy is a Charleston native and lives on Sullivan’s Island only a block away from where she grew up. She has been with the Charleston Dorchester Community Mental Health Center since 1989. Her first job with the Center was to supervise an outreach program to provide support and counseling following Hurricane Hugo. She is currently a Special Services Coordinator and supervises a Team which provides a full array of mental health services to both adults and children living in West Ashley, James Island and the communities and Sea Islands in the southern region of Charleston County. Cathy is a contributing author to two books on community level intervention after disaster and to a book on trauma treatment with children and families. Her “most favorite” job is being a grandmother to her two grandsons, Dalton and Daniel.

JIM ZUKAUSKAS

Originally from Connecticut, Jim has worked in the field for over 30 years. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been in the Charleston area since 1992 when he was a member of the original Mobile Crisis Team.

He is married and has 4 "adult kids" and 7 grand kids. He is an avid golfer and also enjoys photography. He resides in Mt. Pleasant with wife Paddi and little black dog, “Bogey”.

He has a special clinical interest in Trauma and Stress Management. Jim feels privileged to be a part of the Charleston Firefighter Support Team.

AMANDA CUSTER

As a clinician on the newly formed Charleston Firefighter Support Team I would like to introduce myself.

I have spent the majority of my life in Charleston and received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees here. Working in this field for 19 years has provided me with the opportunity to meet and provide support to a variety of individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs.

I am honored to be a part of the CFST – this is especially rewarding as my neighborhood fire station was one which suffered such a devastating loss. I am licensed in South Carolina as a master’s level social worker and am also certified to provide specialized therapy to address trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

I reside in West Ashley with my husband and two daughters. Visitors to my office will soon recognize my passion for horses and riding! I look forward to meeting those of you in need of support, direction, or simply the opportunity to tell your story-Amanda.

HOLIDAYS

Holidays are a time of family traditions and rituals that bind families through the generations. Holidays are typically a time of joy as well as stress, both positive and negative. The loss of a family member who has been a part of these traditions and rituals can leave us with a sense of sadness and confusion. These feelings may leave us unsure as to how to embrace the holidays. Our grieving does not stop for the holidays. Yet, the holidays won’t stop for our grief. The opportunity for families who are grieving is to choose ways to both grieve and celebrate that meets their individual and family needs.

Some families find it helpful to plan ahead and talk about what family members want and do not want from the holidays. By having these discussions, families can choose the traditions and rituals that will honor their loved one and provide an opportunity for healing. Having everyone share their individual needs and hopes respects the reality that each of us grieves in our own distinct way.

Even with this planning and the expectations that your plans will be helpful, things may not turn out as expected. This is a time to be gentle with yourself and your family. It’s a time to both accept and give permission to experience feelings and to mourn in ways that meet your needs and allow for healing. It is important to give yourself permission to say “no” when what is offered is heartfelt but will not aid you in your healing. By doing this you be able to support those you love and to accept their support.