Through evidence-based education, the Mind & Safety Institute equips professionals across healthcare, public safety, education, and community systems to navigate complex challenges with clarity, competence, and respect.
The Mind & Safety Institute is a nonprofit education and training organization focused on the intersection of mental health, public safety, and risk-informed decision-making.
We work with professionals and organizations that serve or engage firearm-owning populations — including healthcare systems, educators, public safety agencies, government entities, and community organizations. Our programs are designed to reduce stigma, foster trust, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address firearm-related risks through respectful dialogue, evidence-based strategies, and legally informed practices.
Our goal is to strengthen communities by ensuring those entrusted with safety, care, and leadership are prepared to navigate complex realities with confidence, professionalism, and ethical clarity.
We educate and equip professionals to approach firearm-related topics with confidence, responsibility, and a clear understanding of ethical obligations, personal safety, and community impact.
Our programs are grounded in trauma-informed principles, cultural awareness, and behavioral health best practices — integrated across disciplines to support ethical, effective decision-making.
We partner with clinicians, educators, and public safety professionals to deliver meaningful, real-world education built on shared expertise and community trust.
We work with a wide range of organizations and the professionals within them who operate at the intersection of safety, mental health, and community responsibility.
Amanda Hardin is a Registered Nurse and nationally certified firearms instructor with over a decade of experience in firearm safety, emergency response, and personal defense education. Her work sits at the intersection of healthcare, public safety, and prevention, with a focus on practical education, ethical decision-making, and real-world application.
As Executive Director of the Mind & Safety Institute, Amanda leads the development of evidence-based education and training programs for professionals, institutions, and community organizations operating in complex safety environments — spanning healthcare, public safety, education, and community systems.
Her background bridges clinical healthcare training with extensive firearms education experience, emphasizing cultural competence, legal awareness, and non-stigmatizing approaches that help organizations strengthen trust and navigate sensitive issues without political framing.
Our board brings together expertise in healthcare, public safety, behavioral health, and organizational leadership to guide the Institute's mission and growth.
Melissa is a dedicated professional with a strong background in healthcare and administration. With years of experience supporting operational excellence and patient-centered initiatives, she is passionate about improving systems that help people access the care and resources they need. As a responsible firearm owner, she values education, communication, understanding, and community safety.
Dr. Victoroff practiced Family Medicine for 20 years and was named 1996 Colorado Family Physician of the Year. A Clinical Professor at CU School of Medicine in Forensic Psychiatry, he spent 30 years as Risk Management Consultant for Health IT at COPIC. A certified firearms instructor and co-founder of the Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition, he focuses on legal and ethical issues in medicine, AI, and firearm education.
Erin is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addictions Counselor with more than 15 years of experience in community mental health. Her expertise includes trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, Veterans' services, and disaster response. She is driven by a passion for reducing stigma and increasing awareness around mental health.
Christopher brings a blend of military leadership, public service, and instructional experience. An Active Duty Army Veteran who deployed to Iraq as an Airborne Infantry NCO, he continues to serve in the North Carolina Army National Guard and works for the Raleigh Police Department. As an experienced firearms instructor, he emphasizes safety, responsibility, and confident performance under pressure.
Tim is an Arizona-based attorney and nationally recognized authority on firearms law and self-defense, practicing criminal defense and firearms law for more than three decades. A former Judge Pro Tem with active bar memberships in Arizona, Illinois, and Colorado, he is a Senior Legal Advisor for Firearms Legal Protection and host of the YouTube series "Guns and Gavels." He contributes essential legal and policy perspective to MSI's programs.
Karl is a U.S. Air Force Security Forces veteran and materials scientist who medically retired as a Security Forces Training Instructor at Nellis Air Force Base. Across a military career spanning the Army and Air Force, he developed and led combat and law enforcement training programs and deployed in support of missions in Guatemala and Niger. In his civilian career he is a globally recognized expert in Gallium-Nitride semiconductor science, holding industry-leading patents and senior R&D leadership roles. He brings a rare combination of tactical training expertise, disciplined leadership, and scientific rigor to MSI's mission.
Matt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and state behavioral health administrator with more than a decade of leadership across Colorado's child welfare and behavioral health systems. As Children and Youth Intergovernmental Liaison for the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, he serves as the statewide behavioral health lead for children and youth, coordinating policy, funding, and services across agencies, counties, and community partners. He has managed more than $60 million in annual federal and state grants and helped modernize statewide prevention and system-of-care initiatives. An adjunct professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, he brings deep expertise in behavioral health policy and clinical practice to MSI's board.
We are always looking for dedicated professionals to help guide the Institute's mission, strategy, and growth. If you're interested in serving on the MSI Board of Directors, we'd love to hear from you — reach out through our contact form and a member of our team will follow up.
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