Meet YOUR Success Summit Speakers

It’s nice to meet you. We can’t wait to see you at our Supervisor Success Summit.

Meet Your Success Summit Hosts

Erin West and Ashley Church
Gap Science & Success Summit Creators

Erin and Ashley started out as coworkers. Erin was in charge of the Latent Print Unit and Ashley was in charge of the Crime Scene Unit. As they attended training courses together, they quickly realized the lack of training opportunities for the forensic field!

In 2019, they created their first 40-hour Forensic Supervision course and started what is now known as Gap Science. In nearly 4 years, Erin and Ashley have created their second 40-hour Forensic Field Training Officer course, a Forensic Supervision II course. Plus, many webinars, eCourses and workshops. As well as a web-based app, the Forensic Pocket Guide.

Since then, Erin has been promoted to Crime Scene Manager over the Forensic Unit, Pre-Screening DNA Lab, Evidence Unit, and Latent Print Unit. While Ashley has dove full-time into Gap Science.

Check out Gap Science for more knowledge, training, and resources to “fill in the gaps” for forensic professionals in law enforcement!

Head to Gap Science’s Website to Learn More

Meet Your Supervisor Success Summit Speakers

The summit is packed full of the best Forensic Supervisors and Mangers across the United States!

Say hello to the expert success summit speakers who will help you develop a productive, high-performing Forensic Team.

Aimee Wong

Discover Your Drive: How to Use Your DiSC Style to Fuel Your Motivation

Aimee N. Wong, M.S., brings over 12 years of expertise as a distinguished Forensic Scientist. She started her career with the New York Police Department. Currently works for the New Jersey State Police as a Forensic Scientist 2.

Throughout her career, Aimee identified a significant gap in leadership and personal development within the community.

Driven to address this need, she pursued and earned certifications as a Maxwell Leadership Coach, and a DISC Certified Trainer.

In her current role with the NJSP, Aimee continues to make impactful contributions to forensic science, including serving as an expert witness.

She also volunteers as a Forensic Technical Assessor for the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

Through her company, Triple Threat Transformation, LLC, Aimee is dedicated to empowering Forensic Professionals by providing essential leadership development resources.

Her mission is to enhance the capabilities and well-being of those in the forensic field through the transformative power of DISC and leadership training.

Aimee earned her Master of Science in Forensic Science from Pace University in New York. She lives in Holmdel, NJ, with her husband and two boys.

When not working, growing her business, or being the busy mom of two boys, Aimee enjoys working out, running, and spending time with her extended family.

Head to the Quality Forensic Leadership Website to Learn More!

Amy Wilde

Turning My Mess Into a Message: The Importance of Managing Work-Related Stress

Amy Wilde is currently a Forensic Manager at the High Point Police Department in North Carolina. She began her career in 1996 as a Crime Scene Technician for the Greensboro Police Department.

She also served on the Greensboro Police Department Underwater Recovery Dive Team from 1999 – 2002. In 2000, Amy received her certification as a Latent Print Examiner through the International Association for Identification.

She was awarded “Police Employee of the Year” by the Greensboro Police Department in 2000 for recognition of outstanding service to the department and community.

Amy was hired by the City-County Bureau of Identification (CCBI) in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2003 as a Latent Print Examiner. She received certification as a General Criminal Justice Instructor for the State of North Carolina that same year.

She graduated from the North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2005 becoming a sworn law enforcement officer at CCBI.

In 2006 she returned to the Greensboro Police Department to a newly created full-time Latent Print Examiner position. As the Department’s first official Latent Print Examiner, she created a Latent Print Unit and grew it to 3 full-time Latent Print Examiners with 2 part-time positions. She served as a trainer in this unit over the next 7 years.

In 2013 she was hired by the High Point Police Department into her current role as the Forensic Manager over the Crime Scene Unit, Latent Print Unit, Property & Evidence Unit, and Ballistics Unit.

Amy served as President of the North Carolina Division of the International Association for Identification (NCIAI) from 2006-2007 and Chair of the Board of Directors for NCIAI from 2007-2008.

She continued to serve on the NCIAI Board of Directors in 2009 and 2010. During the past ten years, Amy also served on other NCIAI committees including the Legislative Committee, the Awards & Goodwill Committee, the By-Laws Committee, and the Nominating Committee.

Wilde received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Carolina University in 1996.

Additionally, Amy was an Adjunct Instructor teaching forensic courses at Haywood Technical Community College in 2003 and Forsyth Technical Community College from 2006 – 2008.

Amy also served as a Reserve Officer with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office from 2007-2016.

Amy has completed over 1,500 hours of crime scene and leadership training. She has presented forensic-related topics at educational conferences and testified as an expert witness in federal, superior, and juvenile courts.

Now we welcome her to our forensic success summit!

Ashley Church

From Technician to Trailblazer: Cultivating a Visionary Mindset as a Supervisor

Ashley Church has always had a passion for forensic science and chased her dream job as a crime scene investigator throughout high school and college.

After completing a 400+ hour internship at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for her undergraduate degree requirements in 2011, she continued her education in entomology where she was hired as a graduate research assistant.

In addition to studying the impact of a highly prolific invasive species within a quarantined laboratory setting, she was responsible for collaborating with specialists, organizing materials, and developing presentations for a series of workshops as well as recruiting, training, and supervising undergraduate laboratory assistants.

Ashley Church began her career in 2013 as a Crime Scene Investigator for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando, Florida.

In addition to her duties as a Crime Scene Investigator, she was a field training officer responsible for training new crime scene investigators.

In 2017, Church became a Forensic Technician for the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in Kissimmee, Florida. By 2018, was promoted to Forensic Supervisor and became responsible for supervising members of the Forensic Unit and Pre-Screening DNA Laboratory as well as training staff in these forensic disciplines to full competency.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science with a Minor in Chemistry and a Certificate in Crime Scene Investigations from the University of Central Florida in 2011 and a Master of Science degree in Entomology from the University of Florida in 2013. Ashley also became a Certified Crime Scene Analyst through the International Association for Identification (IAI) in 2019.

By incorporating her passion for science with a modern, energetic instructing style she hopes to inspire other leaders in similar fields.

She is the co-founder of Gap Science LLC, a company offering training and resources for leaders in the Forensic disciplines. Ashley is also the creative mind and success summit host.

Check the Course Schedule to See When Ashley is Teaching!

Beth Marso

Drowning in Backlogs? Slash Turnaround Times with Lean Six Sigma

Elizabeth Marso works for the U.S. Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) as a Forensic Science Development Coordinator, supporting ICITAP’s global forensics portfolio.

In this role, she provides subject matter guidance and oversees the technical implementation of forensic programs throughout the world.

These programs support criminal and counterterrorism investigations related to corruption, human rights abuses, cybercrimes, sexual assaults, trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

Prior to joining ICITAP, she worked with high-volume contract and government forensic laboratories in firearms examination, quality assurance, and latent print processing of a variety of improvised explosive devices.

Her laboratory experience includes managing quality documents, performing audits, aligning practices with ISO standards, providing training to, and supervising processing teams.

She has two Bachelor of Science degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University, in Forensic Science and in Criminal Justice.

Head to the DOJ/ICITAP Website to Learn More!

Brianne Breedlove

The Power of Praise: Enhancing Team Productivity Through Positive Reinforcement

Brianne Breedlove is the owner of Uncover Forensics, a forensic training and consulting company. She runs a team of instructors and consultants, teaching a variety of courses to working professionals and offering friction ridge consulting services to law enforcement and legal entities.

Also an observing member of the ASB Friction Ridge Consensus Body, where Breedlove participates in the development of standards and best practice recommendations for the friction ridge community.

Brianne has had the privilege of presenting conference lectures for organizations such as the IAI and many of its divisions, as well as training lectures for multiple study groups of forensic professionals.

Ms. Breedlove additionally was a latent print examiner and crime scene investigator for law enforcement agencies from 2009 to 2023.

She is excited to be here and honored to be a part of this year’s success summit.

Head to the Uncover Forensics Website to Learn More!

Bryan Macy

Inspiring the Uninspired: Strategies for Motivating Even Your Most Challenging Employees

Bryan Macy began his career in law enforcement in 1981 as a Police Officer for the Winston-Salem Police Department in North Carolina. Throughout the years, he held a variety of positions at his department and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and then to the rank of Lieutenant in 2001.

In 2007, he was promoted to the position of Director of Forensic Services at the Winston-Salem Police Department where he was responsible for overseeing both Detectives and Forensic professionals at his department.

He retired from the department in 2010 after 29 years of service.

In 2010, he became an instructor for Six3 Systems, teaching Battlefield Forensics to U.S. Army soldiers that were preparing for deployment overseas. In 2013, he transitioned to a Supervisory position on a DOJ Contract with American Systems, overseeing Forensic professionals that were processing items of evidence coming back from overseas in a laboratory setting.

Shortly after beginning at American Systems, Bryan was promoted into one of the Deputy Program Manager positions over the laboratory.

In this position, he was responsible for managing and overseeing the functioning of the Forensic laboratory and supervising in excess of 100 personnel at any given time.

Bryan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Management and Ethics from John Wesley College and has attended/instructed over 3,700 hours of Crime Scene/Forensics, Law Enforcement and Management Related Training throughout the course of his career.

Check the Course Schedule to See When Bryan is Teaching!

Chris Decker

Supervising Beyond Your Specialty: Fast-Tracking Your Understanding of a New Forensic Unit

Chris Decker has dedicated over a decade to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, contributing significantly to forensic science and criminal justice. With a robust background in forensic analysis, Chris has spent 11 years in the DNA laboratory and 1 year in the firearms lab, showcasing a diverse range of expertise within the field.

Decker earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Concordia University Chicago.

His academic background provided a strong foundation in biological sciences, which he has applied throughout his career in forensic science.

Courtney Lozano

Cracking the Code: Using Statistics to Optimize Team Performance

Courtney Lozano started her career in Forensics in 2016 as a Crime Scene Investigator for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office located in central Florida. In 2019, she moved to Texas and became a Crime Scene Supervisor for the Dallas Police Department. Currently she is the interim Forensic Manager for the Dallas Police Department.

Courtney earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Sam Houston State University, earned her Master’s degree in Forensic Science from the University of Florida and is currently working on a Doctorate in Forensic Science from the Oklahoma State University.

Lozano is an adjunct professor at the University oof North Texas at Dallas, and is a Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst through the IAI.

Danielle Wamstad

Play the Lean Game! Bottleneck-Busting Techniques for Forensic Supervisors

With over 11 years of experience working in evidence management roles with both local and federal law enforcement departments, Danielle has developed a deep expertise in managing and analyzing critical evidence in the criminal justice system. This extensive background has equipped her with a robust understanding of the complexities involved in evidence handling and the importance of maintaining the integrity of crucial information.

A strategic thinker with a broad vision, Danielle holds an MBA in Project Management, which underscores her proficiency in overseeing complex projects and driving organizational success. This advanced degree complements her practical experience, allowing her to approach challenges with a well-rounded perspective and an ability to integrate big-picture goals with meticulous attention to detail.

In addition to her project management skills, Danielle is certified in Enneagram Coaching.

This certification highlights her commitment to understanding personality dynamics and enhancing interpersonal communication, which proves valuable in her role within law enforcement agencies and in collaborative settings.

Since 2021, Danielle has been an active member of the MAPET (Mid-America Public Evidence Technicians) board, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the field of evidence management. Currently serving as Vice President, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction, fostering professional development, and supporting evidence technicians across the region.

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Head to the Evidence Solutions Website to Learn More!

Erin West

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Leveraging the Eisenhower Matrix in Forensic Supervision

Erin West began her career in Forensics in 2006 as a Crime Scene Investigator for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. In 2010, she became a Battlefield Forensics Instructor for the United States Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, where she was responsible for training military personnel how to use a variety of forensic disciplines to investigate crimes overseas. In 2012, she became a Supervisor, then a Deputy Program Manager for a DOJ Forensic Laboratory housed at American Systems, where she was responsible for training and supervising staff working in different forensic disciplines and at different levels of management. After leaving American Systems, she spent several years with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in Florida working as a full time Latent Print Examiner.

In 2019, Erin became the Forensic Supervisor over the Crime Scene Unit and DNA Laboratory at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. In 2020, West became the Latent Print Supervisor over the Latent Print Unit at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

By 2021, she became the Crime Scene Manager at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, where her responsibilities include overseeing the agency’s Forensic services to include the Crime Scene Unit, the Latent Print Unit, and the Evidence Unit.

Erin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida in 2006 and a Master of Science degree in Forensic DNA and Serology with a graduate certificate in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Florida in 2012.

Erin West is a member of the International Association for Identification (IAI) and the Florida Division of the IAI. West is the co-founder of Gap Science LLC, a company offering training and resources for leaders in the Forensic disciplines. She is an IAI Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst and an IAI Certified Latent Print Examiner. Also, the creative mind behind and supervisor success summit host.

Check the Course Schedule to See When Erin is Teaching!

Jason Cole

The Legacy of Your Leadership: Are You Making a Difference?

Jason is a Senior Technical Sales Specialist for Foster + Freeman.

Jason began his Law Enforcement career as a police officer for the Sandy City (Utah) Police Department. Later he was reassigned to the Investigations Division as the detective over juvenile crime and domestic violence crime. He also began receiving training in crime scene investigation and began to process major crime scenes for the department.

In 2001 Jason left the Sandy City Police Department and began working as a Forensic Investigator for the West Valley City (Utah) Police Department. Job duties included responding to crime scenes, working in the laboratory to chemically develop latent prints, and latent print examination. In 2007 he was promoted to be the Forensic Director of the West Valley City Police Department Forensic Services Unit.

In 2010 Jason left the West Valley City Police Department and accepted a position as a Latent Print and Footwear Examiner with the Henderson (Nevada) Police Department.

Jason served on the Board of Directors for the Utah Division of the IAI for over 10 years, including serving as President. He was awarded the Utah Division of IAI Outstanding Achievement Award in 2005.

Jason served on the Board of Directors for the Nevada State Division of the IAI for 8 years, including 6 years as President.

Jason works part-time as a Latent Print Examiner for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

Cole serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association for Identification.

Jason is a member of DMORT region IX.

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Head to the Foster + Freeman Website to Learn More!

Jennifer Mead

Strategies for Motivating Your Team to Reach Ambitious Goals

Jennifer Mead has worked for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, as the Evidence Supervisor, for over 5 years. Jenn began this role with no experience in the forensics or evidence field. She earned this role from her years of experience leading, developing and growing a team in a former position, with a local non-profit child welfare agency, where she worked her way up the ranks over her 8 years with that agency.

Jenn was quickly thrown into the world of evidence and began learning all of the ins and outs, dos and don’ts, the many federal and state statutory requirements and even the ANAB Forensic accreditation requirements. While in her role at SCSO, Jenn soon began to accomplish each and every goal set in front of her. From developing a thorough, in depth, and well laid out training manual all the way to disposing of homicide cases, items of DNA, vehicles, and even jewelry. With the help of her team, each year Jenn has successfully accomplished something new, that the Evidence Unit was never able to do in the past. Jenn is eager to always tackle the hardest cases or situations, figure out how to grow and advance her team and is always willing and able to roll up her sleeves and get it done.

While law enforcement is not completely foreign to her, as she was raised by a former lieutenant and married to a sworn law enforcement officer.

This side of law enforcement has continued to drive Jenn’s motivation to do the impossible. Jenn is married to her childhood crush and has 2 amazing boys. She also serves as the first female and first civilian on the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Underwater Search and Recovery Team as a Master Diver. So now, she can say, she is the only person in the agency to experience both recovering evidence and also being responsible for the care and custody of evidence.

Jenn is beyond excited to join the Gap Science team and finally be able to provide those in the Evidence field some knowledge and training!

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

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Check the Course Schedule to See When Jenn is Teaching!

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Kelly O’Donnell

Play the Lean Game! Bottleneck-Busting Techniques for Forensic Supervisors

With a distinguished career spanning over 17 years, Kelly has become a leading expert in crime scene processing and evidence management. Her extensive experience encompasses both licensed law enforcement and civilian sectors, providing a well-rounded perspective on the field.

Starting her career in law enforcement, Kelly gained hands-on experience in crime scene investigation, where she developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of evidence handling. Her role involved not only processing crime scenes, but also ensuring the meticulous preservation of evidence, which is critical for successful prosecutions and justice.

Kelly has utilized her expertise to train the next generation of professionals in crime scene processing and evidence management. As an instructor, she has shared her knowledge and practical skills with students and practitioners, helping to elevate industry standards and improve procedural accuracy.

In addition to her work as an instructor, Kelly has made significant contributions to the field through her leadership roles. Since the reassembly of the Minnesota Association of Property and Evidence Technicians (MAPET) in 2021, she has served as President.

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

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Head to the Evidence Solutions Website to Learn More!

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Lindsey Olson

Spotting the Flames: Identifying and Alleviating Burnout in the Workplace

Lindsey Olson currently works at Costa Mesa Police Department as the CSI Supervisor. She has been in the field of forensic science for ten years.

Lindsey was hired by CMPD in August of 2019 and oversees the crime scene and latent print disciplines. She is currently completing her Masters in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership at the University of San Diego and is due to graduate in January 2022.

Prior to working at CMPD she worked as a Lead Forensic Specialist at Orange County Crime Lab and was hired in 2011. She was assigned to CSI field unit where she responded to major and minor crimes. She was a CSI Explorer Advisor for the Orange County Sheriff Department CSI Division from 2013-2019. Olson was an instructor at the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy, University of Long Beach CSI certificate program, and enjoys giving community presentations including National Night Out and Citizens Academy.

Lindsey is a member of the International Association of Identification (IAI) and Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers (SCAFO).

Lindsey’s identical twin sister works as a Deputy Sheriff at Orange County Sheriff Department and her mother is a fire captain with Orange County Fire Authority. She has a strong support system with her mother and sister.

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Check the Course Schedule to See When Lindsey is Teaching!

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Lisa Gilbert

Using Your Leverage to Empower Your Forensic Team

Coach Lisa is a renowned, professional, and engaging “no-nonsense” strategic leadership game-changer and keynote speaker who has made a substantial impact on various major organizations.

With over 20 years experience strategically coaching and developing hundreds of individuals, leaders and executives in performance and career growth, she has assisted them with their most critical organizational challenges to achieve clear and measurable strategic results. She works
with various organizational entities which include Public Safety, Government organizations, Corporate, Education, Hospitality, Churches, and other non-profit organizations.

Her passion is seen and felt in every workshop, seminar, and speaking engagement as she has the ability to draw the audience in and keep them engaged. Coach Lisa’s desire is to always create an experience of challenge and a call to action for those in attendance that will not be forgotten.

Gilbert is the author of 3 books:

“10 Traits of Counterfeit Leadership – Recognizing the Fake, the Phony and the Fraudulent”
“Navigating Through the F.I.R.E.S. of Leadership”
“Leading When the Heat is On – For Women in the Public Safety Profession”

She also has a podcast: “No-Nonsense Wisdom Wednesday with Coach Lisa” that can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and on most major podcast platforms.

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Head to the No-Nonsense Training Solutions Website to Learn More!

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Luke Spratt

Give Your Forensic Unit an Upgrade: Use My Model to Implement New Technology & Process Improvements

Luke Spratt is currently the Crime Scene Supervisor for his agency in South Carolina where he oversees a team of 9 Crime Scene Investigators.

Luke earned a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science from the University of Central Florida and earned his Masters of Science in Criminal Justice from Saint Joseph’s University shortly after beginning work in the field.

Since working in the crime scene discipline for almost a decade starting back in 2015, Luke has held a leadership position in his agency since early 2023. In this time, Luke has worked to revamp the unit’s training program both for new hires as well as to include yearly in-service training for current staff, modernize workflows for the agency’s internal submission process to the state lab, and has developed new managerial processes such as monthly 1-on-1 meetings and a “360” evaluation process.

Additionally, Luke has created numerous policy updates working to replace older policies with new ones that fit the technology the unit is equipped with such as the FARO scanner and Forenscope mobile image capture devices.

Luke has taken on many additional roles within his department over the years including time spent doing marijuana analysis in the Chemistry section as well as became one of the initial analysts of the NIBIN unit within the division. Luke worked hand in hand with his coworker to eliminate a 400 case backlog of agency cases at a previous NIBIN site, worked to establish an effective workflow and policies, and was part of the transition to a fully in-house NIBIN program.

Outside of the department, Luke is active in the Forensic Science field – currently serving on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina International Association for Identification which he has been involved with since 2017 where he has also held the Historian and President roles.

Overall, Luke has a passion for training, innovation, and technology which he hopes to share with you during the summit!

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Meredith Tise

Managing Risks to Improve Forensic Unit Performance

Dr. Meredith Tise is the owner of Suncoast Forensics, where she serves as the lead forensic anthropologist and coordinator for all training and consulting activities. Dr. Tise is the consulting forensic anthropologist for the District Six Medical Examiner’s Office in Largo, Florida, and for the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office in Decatur, Georgia.

She also currently works at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office as the Forensic Quality Assurance Coordinator managing the ANAB forensic accreditation for the latent print and crime scene disciplines.

Dr. Tise is a technical assessor for the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) in the discipline of Anthropology, but has experience constructing and managing the accreditation and quality systems in both the Scene Investigation (crime scene) and Friction Ridge disciplines as well.

She is also a member of the Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers where she continually receives training and updates on quality assurance standards in forensic settings.

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Head to the Suncoast Forensics Website to Learn More!

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Mike McCutcheon

Leveraging Emotional Intelligence to Transform Forensic Supervision

Dr. McCutcheon was a police officer for 21 years before becoming an Associate Professor at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts. Mike formed the national training company Forensic Education, LLC, which trains police officers in crime scene processing, body language, statement analysis, and emotional intelligence.

Dr. McCutcheon has become an expert in interviewing and detecting deception using emotional intelligence, body language interpretation, and statement analysis. He created a program used by police officers, attorneys, sales workforce, teachers, and others to learn how to read people through body language and emotional intelligence to increase productivity, reduce burnout, and detect deception.

He has been a frequent guest on Court TV as a body language expert and provided expertise analysis to The Guardian and The Daily Mail. Dr. McCutcheon also works with Dr. Laura Pettler & Associates in Monroe, NC, investigating unsolved crimes.

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Head to the Forensic Education Website to Learn More!

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Nakia Porter

Embracing Growth: Transformative Mindset Strategies for Forensic Supervisors

Nakia Porter has worked in law enforcement for over twenty-eight years. She started working for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1996 as a station’s desk operations assistant. There, she worked the 911 dispatch desk and gained knowledge about law enforcement while learning how to assist both law enforcement officers and the community.

In 2006, she accepted the position as a law enforcement technician working at the crime lab for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where she gained vital skills, one of which was lifting over 1,500 fingerprints at property crime scenes. It was not before long that she was promoted to the role of forensic identification specialist.

From 2011 to 2023, Ms. Porter has responded to over 1,000 major crime scenes, most of which have been homicides, deputy or officer-involved shootings, and assaults with deadly weapon scenes.

She has completed hundreds of fingerprint comparisons as a latent print examiner and has lifted over 5,000 fingerprints at property/person crime scenes.

While also, coordinated and trained personnel on the Mideo Software Training Program in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Latent Prints Section. Ms. Porter is also trained in chemical processing and the automated fingerprint database system (AFIS).

As for her education, she received a Forensic Identification Certificate from Rio Hondo Community College, her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a Certificate in Crime Analysis, has taken several internal courses offered by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Has attended multiple external training courses offered by other organizations.

This continual training allows her to stay relevant in the field and in her ability to teach the latest techniques available. Nakia is currently going to school to obtain a Master of Science Degree in Forensic Psychology.

She has often lectured on forensics and crime scenes to students in summer programs at UCLA, local high schools and junior high schools, and for the COPS Summer Youth Program.

She is a member in good standing of the International Association for Identification, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Civilian Advisory Committee, and a board member of the International Crime Scene Investigators Association.

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Renee Souza

Sustainable Success: Building Resiliency to On-the-Job Stress for Improved Productivity

Renee Souza is the Manager of the Property and Evidence Division, Crime Scene Unit, and NIBIN Administrator for the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office in Modesto, California. She began her career in the criminal justice field while working at the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office as a Supervisor for Legal Clerks. While working at the District Attorney’s Office, she was responsible for supervising 17 employees and handling the legal documents, motions, body warrants, and other highly sensitive cases.

She was later promoted to manager of Property and Evidence Division and Crime Scene Unit at the Sheriff’s Office. She manages a property room of over 78,000 items with 4 technicians and 6 Crime Scene Investigators.

In 2022, Renee presented at the California Association for Property and Evidence (CAPE) where she spoke on Making the Most of the Space in your Property Room and Disposition. Additionally, Renee presents on Building a NIBIN Program for the Central Valley Chapter of CAPE.

Renee also spent a year as a student teacher in a 2nd grade classroom at a local elementary school where she taught reading, writing and math.

Souza created the first technical manual for her Crime Scene Unit and collaborated with another Crime Scene Investigator to create a formal training program.

Renee is working on upgrading technology and implementing more efficient processes with the Evidence Room and Crime Scene Unit. Souza developed a crime gun program using IBIS technology in 2019.

Renee earned her bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Humphreys College in September 2006. Souza is also a Certified Property and Evidence Specialist through IAPE, and an FBI Leeda Trilogy and Civilian Leadership Institute graduate. Renee is also the current President of Central Valley CAPE.

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Check the Course Schedule to See When Renee is Teaching!

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Stefanie Whittington

In a Supervisory Slump? 7 Steps for Getting Your Groove Back

Stefanie Whittington has been in the field of Crime Scene with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office since 2004. Stefanie currently serves as the Supervisor of the Crime Scene/Latent Print section of the Sheriff’s Office.

During her tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, she has served as an Explorer Advisor, Crime Scene Field Trainer, Coordinator for the Crime Scene Training program, Acting Shift Leader, and is currently the Assistant Team Coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office Incident Management Team. Also, Stefanie is a member of Florida’s Region 3 Incident Management Team.

Stefanie is also employed as an adjunct professor at St. Johns River State College; teaching Introduction to Forensic Science and is also employed with Louisiana State University’s NCBRT/Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education; as one of the instructors for the Instructor Development Workshop.

Stefanie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s degree in Forensic Science with a certificate in Death Investigation from the University of Florida.

She is a member of the International Association of Identification (IAI) and the Florida Division of the International Association of Identification. She has been an IAI Certified Crime Scene Analyst since 2012.

Plus, Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Supervisor Success Summit Speaker

Summer Ogle

Mastering Your Circle of Control: Strategies to Stay Focused (and Sane!)

Summer Ogle is a distinguished professional in the field of forensic science, with over fourteen years of specialized experience in latents and biometrics.

She is currently serving as the acting Fingerprint Identification Director at her agency, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing fingerprint identification methodologies and practices.

Summer’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science, which provided her with a solid foundation in the principles of forensic analysis and investigative techniques.

Building on this foundation, she pursued a Master’s degree in Forensic Science, further deepening her knowledge and expertise in the field. Her advanced education has been instrumental in shaping her career and enhancing her capabilities as a forensic expert.

She serves on the International Association for Identification (IAI) Tenprint Certification Board. She was an affiliate member of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) Facial Identification Subcommittee.

Forensics is Summer’s passion and she enjoys learning all that she can to improve her skills and knowledge.

Welcome to the Forensic Supervisor Success Summit!