Team
Our team brings together clinical expertise, safety training, and a shared commitment to advancing trauma-informed care through education and collaboration.
Amanda Hardin, BSN, RN
Founder, The Mind & Safety Institute
Creator, Firearm Informed Therapy™
Amanda Hardin is a Registered Nurse, NRA and USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor, and the founder of Lipstick Tactical. With over a decade of experience teaching firearms safety, emergency response, and self-defense, Amanda brings a rare combination of clinical insight and cultural competence to the conversation around firearms and mental health.
In 2024, Amanda established the Mind & Safety Institute™, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bridging the gap between behavioral health and firearm ownership. As the creator of Firearm Informed Therapy™, she leads a groundbreaking effort to equip clinicians with the tools to engage firearm-owning clients through evidence-based training, stigma reduction, and culturally competent care.
Her work has been recognized for confronting clinical bias, enhancing mental health access, and promoting public safety through respectful, non-political education. Amanda is deeply committed to protecting both lives and liberties—and creating spaces where honest, informed conversations about firearms can finally happen.
Kevin Schlegel
Oak Tree Behavioral Services
A clinician specializing in evidence-based therapy, focusing on anxiety, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation, offering tailored interventions for unique client needs. With expertise in ADHD, trauma, anger management, and family conflict, the approach promotes resilience, coping skills, and personal growth.
Brittanyanne Cahill
Oak Tree Behavioral Services
A Master of Social Work graduate (2024) with expertise in trauma informed care, CBT, and DBT, she specializes in managing anxiety, trauma, stress, and relationship challenges. Her experience includes youth behavioral support, family systems therapy, and mindfulness techniques.
MELCRIS
Melcris Taguba is the Executive Assistant at Lipstick Tactical, where she ensures smooth and efficient operations across all facets of the organization. She manages high-level administrative functions, including financial coordination and logistics for private classes, corporate events, and the Firearm Informed Therapist Program. With a sharp eye for detail and a proactive approach, Melcris plays a key role in supporting the CEO and keeping the team organized and mission-focused.
Outside the office, Melcris enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking and stays active through CrossFit and running—bringing the same energy and discipline to her personal life that she applies to her work at Lipstick Tactical.
Board Of Directors
Amanda Hardin
Executive Director
Background in nursing, firearm instruction, mental health advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. Co-creator of the Firearm Informed Therapy.
Kevin Schlegel
Founder
Expertise in trauma, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation. Co-creator of the Firearm Informed Therapy curriculum.
Melissa Duval
Board of Directors
Background in healthcare plan administration, medical terminology, coding, pathology, anatomy, and physiology.
Dr. Michael Victoroff
Board of Directors
Family medicine, clinical informatics, bioethics, risk management. Firearms instructor, competitive shooter. Co-founder, Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition.
Jim Zazenski
Board of Directors
BSME/MBA is a business executive with 35 years of experience in the public and private sectors: strategic operations, organizational growth, and financial expertise, from the board room to the range. Jim has a healthy respect for firearms and firearm training.
Joey Hudson
Board of Directors
Founder of Veterans of the Leaf (cigar club)Brings media, advocacy, and public engagement expertise.
Rebecca Mitchell
Board of Directors
Suicide Prevention Coordinator and Community Engagement Coordinator at Jefferson Center for Mental Health where she leads regional suicide prevention efforts across Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin counties. A Licensed Professional Counselor and Ph.D. candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Denver, Rebecca brings over a decade of experience in school counseling, crisis response, and coalition-building. Her work centers on equity-driven, data-informed strategies—advancing prevention through cross-sector partnerships, postvention planning, and veteran-focused initiatives. She is a lifelong learner who finds joy in winter weather, reading, and building resilient, connected communities.