Panelists 2025

Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Matt Ballinger began his law enforcement career at the University of Illinois Division of Public Safety in 2004. He has held various roles throughout his 20-year career, including Patrol Lieutenant, METRO SWAT Commander, Street Crimes Unit Supervisor and Deputy Chief.

Chief Ballinger holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and is working towards a Master of Science in Public Safety Administration from Southern Illinois University. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor and the University of Illinois Chancellor's Distinguished Staff Award.

In addition to his extensive law enforcement experience, Chief Ballinger has served in the U.S. Army 3rd Ranger Battalion, earning several accolades and meritorious promotions. His dedication to public safety and community is evident in his ongoing commitment to professional development and active participation in various professional organizations.

Troy Daniels was born and raised in Champaign, Illinois and started policing in 1985 with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office. After spending 10 years there, he spent the next 24 years at the Champaign Police Department. He retired from the Champaign Police Department in 2019, where he last served as a Deputy Chief. As part of his supervisory responsibilities, he worked with Champaign Police Patrol and Detectives, Street Crimes Task Force, and School Resource Officers. He was the Administrative Commander of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and served as the SWAT Commander. He was responsible for all budgeting and purchasing for the department.  He also served as the Law Enforcement Coordinator of Crime Stoppers of Champaign County, as well as on the boards of Illinois State Crime Stoppers and Crime Stoppers USA. He joined the Parkland College Public Safety in Champaign, IL as the Police Chief in April 2022.   

Deputy Chief Daniels received the Crime Stoppers USA “Chairman’s Award” for his service to the organization. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and has a master’s degree in public administration from Governor’s State. He is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, and a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum at Boston University. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

Joseph Gallo serves as the Director of the Police Training Institute (PTI) at the University of Illinois, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois-Springfield. His professional journey includes 28 years of dedicated law enforcement service, culminating in his retirement from the position of Deputy Chief at the Champaign Police Department.

Sheriff Dustin Heuerman was first elected Champaign County Sheriff in 2018. In this role, he provides leadership to over 150 employees in the areas of law enforcement, corrections, court security, and emergency management. Sheriff Heuerman holds a doctorate degree in community college leadership and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in criminology. Sheriff Heuerman serves as a board member for the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, is a regional task force member exploring better ways for first responders to respond to individuals suffering from a mental health crisis, and a board member for the Champaign Rotary Club.

A native of Sterling, Illinois and a 1979 graduate of the University of Illinois, Michael Metzler began his law enforcement career with Urbana Police Department in 1979, retiring in 2007 as the Criminal Investigation commander.  After spending five years with the Police Training Institute, including time as the Associate Director, Chief Metzler accepted the position of Chief of Police with the Village of Mahomet in 2011.

Christina Reifsteck has served with the Rantoul Police Department for 21 years and was recently promoted to Deputy Chief. In January 2025 she graduated from the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command and completed a master’s in public safety at the University of Virginia as a Community Public Service Fellow, with graduation set for May 2025. Deputy Chief Reifsteck also holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University.

Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including investigator, field training officer, METRO SWAT negotiator, and sergeant. In 2021, she established a crisis intervention and community support unit within the agency, overseeing School Resource Officers, a social worker, and a grant-funded case manager. As Deputy Chief, she continues to supervise these areas while also overseeing the investigation unit, and administration staff, and leading emergency management efforts, among other responsibilities.

Outside of work, Deputy Chief Reifsteck has two children, Ethan and Mia. Ethan graduated high school last year and now works through a trade union, while Mia is a freshman student-athlete at Unity High School. In my free time, she enjoys reading historical fiction and non-fiction, working out, and spending time with her children and the family dog, Scout.

Becky graduated in 2021 with her Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work, and she joined the Division of Public Safety Response Evaluation and Crisis Help (REACH) team in September 2021 as one of its first crisis responders. She responds to emergencies with a police officer and a therapy K9, and she provides clinical assessments and resources in the field. She said she chose this line of work because she wants to provide a voice to people who need help and to help modernize local mental health services.

Dr. Michael Schlosser is the retired Director of the University of Illinois Police Training Institute and a retired police lieutenant. He holds a Ph.D. in Education and has published extensively on procedural justice, police reform, and instructor development. He is also the author of The Power Manual, a guide for law enforcement on ethical and effective use of authority.

Timothy T. Tyler joined the Champaign Police Department in June of 2022, following 20 months as the Director/Chief of Police for the Illinois Conservation Police in Springfield, Illinois, and a 23-year career with the Illinois State Police as a Colonel/Deputy Director with the Division and Training and Academy. Chief Tyler retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves in February 2025 with over 35 years as a Soldier. He served in the jobs of Military Police, Logistics, and Financial Management. Chief Tyler holds an associate degree in Law Enforcement, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and a master’s degree in public administration. He graduated from Northwestern University’s Police Staff and Command School in 2012 and the Northwestern University Police Executive Management Course in 2024.

Responsibilities for the Chief of Police include providing leadership and supervision to approximately 127 sworn and 35 civilian personnel in intelligence-led policing, patrol, traffic, criminal investigations, and a host of related activities and services. The Police Chief assesses, monitors, and provides direction on all aspects of department resources and personnel consistent with City Manager and Council direction to maintain efficiency, and to provide a stable level of service to the community during routine periods and unexpected events.

Jen Whiting is an academic and educator with a career spanning education, curriculum design, and information technology. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Jen holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Queens University and a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Rider University. Her teaching experience covers a range of institutions and programs, including the Police Training Institute, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Baruch College, Montclair State University, the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, and Mercer County Community College. Her roles have encompassed serving as an instructor, lecturer, teaching assistant, and assistant professor, demonstrating her versatility and expertise in diverse educational contexts.

In addition to her instructional roles, Jen has made contributions as a Research Specialist and Curriculum Analyst at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Education. She has developed courses focusing on the education of law enforcement personnel and has participated in research for a federally funded grant to analyze the curriculum and pedagogy of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Beyond her education-focused roles, Jen has a rich history in administrative and IT roles at Princeton University and Cornell University. Jen began doing research at PTI in the summer of 2022.

Dr. Adams is a Med-Peds physician who started her career in the outpatient primary care setting caring for children and adults.  She is currently working as a hospitalist, caring for patients in the hospital with acute illnesses.  Much of her job and passion is also devoted to teaching medical students and residents.  She loves leading the Internal Medicine Clerkship at Carle Illinois College of Medicine, working with students during their formative immersion clerkship year as they enter the professional medical phase of their journeys. 

Ron Brewer, Ph.D., is a Clinical Associate Professor and Ombudsperson at Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Kansas State University, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming.

With over 35 years of experience as a physician educator and coach, Dr. Brewer specializes in healthcare relationships, focusing on burnout, communication, behavior, and self-awareness. His work spans all stages of medical training and practice, helping physicians and healthcare professionals improve interpersonal dynamics, leadership communication, and work-life balance.

Previously, Dr. Brewer served as a Clinical Associate Professor in Psychiatry and an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in Surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He has designed and led physician-patient communication workshops, consulted on disruptive behaviors, and contributed to curriculum development in clinical education. Passionate about empowering physicians, he continues to offer individualized coaching to foster resilience and professional fulfillment in the demanding medical environment.

Bhargavi Dhanireddy, MD is a third year Obstetrics and Gynecology resident physician at Carle Foundation Hospital. She is also President of the House Staff Association at Carle. She was in the Innovations in Rural and Global Medicine track in medical school at University of Illinois College of Medicine – Peoria.

Jean Husmann graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. In 1995 she graduated from Essex Community College in Baltimore, Maryland with a degree in Physician Assistant studies. Jean started working at Carle Foundation Hospital in Family Practice in August of 1995 as a Physician Assistant (PA). As of July 2020, Jean has worked as a physician assistant at the McKinley Health Care Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Michael Jenkins, MS, MSW, LCSW is a U.S. Army combat veteran and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong commitment to advocating for the mental health and well-being of first responders, military personnel, veterans, and their families. As the owner of Never Forgotten Services, PLLC and co-founder of the nonprofit The Anchor Point, Mike has dedicated his career to providing essential resources, peer support, and trauma-related care for those who serve our communities and country. With firsthand experience of the challenges faced by service members and first responders, he is passionate about addressing their unique needs, ensuring they have access to the support and care required to heal and thrive. Mike’s work is focused on breaking down the barriers to mental health care, reducing stigma, and promoting long-term resilience and recovery.

Melissa Keeble brings with her 22 years of chaplaincy experience. She has worked at Children’s Hospital LA, VITAS Hospice and is currently a Staff Chaplain at Carle Foundation Hospital. She is an ordained Minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA.) Melissa received her MDiv in 2003 from Fuller Theological Seminary. Since that time her work has concentrated on the intersection of theology and the human experience of suffering. Melissa’s most recent work focuses on the integration of spirituality in healthcare, including patients, families and staff and how this impacts patient outcomes. She currently serves on Carle’s Faith Community Nursing Advisory Council and is the chairperson for Education Justice Project Advisory Council.

Napoleon Knight, MD, brings over 30 years of experience as an Emergency Medicine physician and other leadership roles as he steers Carle’s efforts to empower all clinicians to provide high-quality outcomes for patients. While he most recently held the role of Medical Director of the Carle South Region Emergency Departments, he’s also led as the Vice President of Medical Affairs, the Medical Director of the Rural Alliance, and several other positions in the healthcare system. Dr. Knight has extensive understanding of the needs of the patient population and the challenges of the evolving medical industry. He excels at bringing innovation and collaboration to the forefront to help create timely solutions.

In his many leadership roles with Carle Health, he worked to implement strategies to improve the health of the diverse service population, extend specialty care available in the system, increase health plan membership, and made lasting impact to advancing the quality standards of the organization. Dr. Knight also serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at the first-of-its-kind Carle Illinois College of Medicine.

As an involved member of the medical community, he has spent time as the American Association for Physician Leadership Board Chairman and a member for 5 years. He has served as a Board Member of the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians, where he was elected President-elect in 2021. He has also served on various Illinois Medical Society committees and subcommittees for the Illinois Hospital Association.

Dr. Knight earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, medical degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, completed an Emergency Medicine Residency, Denver General Affiliated Program in Emergency Medicine, and an MBA, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.

After his medical education from the Chennai (Madras) Medical College, Dr. James Kumar completed graduate studies in Molecular Physiology and Internal Medicine Residency at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Kumar is a Board-Certified Hospital Medicine Specialist and Medical Director of Graduate Medical Education programs at Carle Foundation Hospital. Dr. Kumar previously served as the program director at the Carle Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Kumar has won several awards (Golden Apple, ACP Laureate, Teacher of the Year) and has presented at multiple local, regional and national sessions throughout the years. Dr. Kumar previously served as a Physical Diagnosis facilitator for the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and currently serves as the Interim Head of the Department of Clinical Sciences.

James C. Leonard, MD, is president and chief executive officer of Carle Health based in Urbana, Ill. serving more than 2.0 million people in a rural, semi-rural area. In his tenure, Dr. Leonard has led the organization through a period of growth to address the healthcare needs of the region through its 8 hospitals with 16,000 employees, a multispecialty physician group, and associated healthcare businesses including the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first engineering-based medical school.

CEO since 1999, Dr. Leonard’s tenure has allowed him to create a culture of innovation, diversity and high quality. Under his leadership, Carle Foundation Hospital ranks as one of America’s Top 50 Best Hospitals™ by HealthGrades. Both Carle Foundation Hospital and Carle BroMenn Medical Center have been recognized as having achieved Magnet® designation multiple times, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care, with Carle Foundation achieving Magnet with Distinction for Nursing Excellence, which is an elite group.

Carle Health has been designated as a Great Place to Work® 5 consecutive years.
An Illinois native, he graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.A. and M.D. and completed residency at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Ill., Dr. Leonard began his career with Carle Clinic Association in 1984 as a family practice physician. Dr. Leonard has had sub-certifications in Addiction Medicine and Sports Medicine. He was instrumental in the founding of Carle’s Drug and Alcohol Program. In 1996 he served as a physician at the Atlanta Olympic Games. He served in a variety of leadership roles at Carle Clinic and The Carle Foundation and was named CEO in 1999. With his perspective as a physician, the health system has advanced to expand services that are nationally-ranked for innovation and quality patient care.

Dr. Leonard has been named one of the Becker’s Hospital Review Physician Leaders to Know, has served as chair of the Illinois Hospital Association and on the American Hospital Association board of trustees. He currently serves on the Illinois Hospital Association Nominating Committee and DEI Committee and the American Hospital Association’s Committee on Hospitals Against Violence and the Committee on Strategy & Innovation.

Dr. Nelson grew up in Champaign, Illinois, where he later attended the University of Illinois, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology.  He then traveled north to study medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, earning his medical degree in 2002.  He underwent residency training at the Southern Illinois University Family Medicine Residency Program in Springfield, Illinois, graduating in 2005.  He is a board-certified Family Medicine physician, and has been practicing with the Carle Physicians Group and Carle Health since 2005.  

Throughout his time in practice, Dr. Nelson has been involved in education of medical students and residents.  He served 5 years as the Associate Program Director for the Carle Family Medicine Residency Program, with focus on resident recruitment, progress, and promotion.  He later served for 5 years as course director for the Foundations of Clinical Medicine course at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana, known by many as "the legacy school."

In 2021, Dr. Nelson left his busy clinical practice to solely focus on the training of medical students at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first fully accredited engineering-based medical school.  As the full-time Director of Clinical Skills, he oversees the instruction and assessment of clinical skills during their 4 years of training, including patient interviewing, physical examination, oral presentation and documentation, clinical reasoning, and patient management.  He is also the Medical Director of the Standardized Patient Program at CIMED, consisting of 60+ individuals that have been hired and trained to portray numerous medical conditions or patient behaviors.  Dr. Nelson also supervises medical students in their student clinic.

At Carle Illinois, Dr. Nelson serves on numerous committees involving curriculum and student promotions.  As an instructor, he is a facilitator for the Introduction to Clinical Practice – Physical Diagnosis course since 2019, and course director for the Transition to Residency course, “Career Bootcamp” since 2021.

He has earned the "Resident Teacher Award" from the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, and the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation "Teacher Development Award," and the “Innovation in Education Award” from the University of Illinois College of Medicine.  He is proud to have trained scores of students and residents, many of whom now practice in the Champaign-Urbana community, including the Family Physicians that care for him and his own family.  

Qasim Sikander completed his BS in chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2023. He taught chemistry to undergraduates at the Chemistry Learning Center for three years prior to attending medical school. Qasim is currently a first-year medical student at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and is excited to continue his academic journey serving the Champaign-Urbana community.

Aditya Vaidyam is a second-year medical student at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and formerly Assistant Director of Clinical Systems at the Division of Digital Psychiatry at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. His research focus ranges from engineering and architecting healthcare systems that improve access and quality of care to investigating the underlying symptomatology of mental illness. As a principal architect of the LAMP Platform, Vaidyam focuses on elucidating the key design goals of a healthcare platform that supports personalized just-in-time adaptive interventions and digital phenotyping in populations with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. In clinical research, Vaidyam focuses on the use of machine learning algorithms for longitudinal data analysis and personalized interventions for mindfulness and patient education. Vaidyam also investigates the digital therapeutic alliance as manifested in non-conventional digital formats, such as voice assistants, as well as the needs, requirements, and barriers to adoption in patients with serious mental illness. Vaidyam assisted in developing a program for digital skills training to help patients with limited technical experience access and rely on digital tools and apps assisting them in managing their physical or mental health. Vaidyam holds a BS in neurobiology & physiology and computer science from Purdue University, as well as an MS in medical science from Boston University.