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
Executive Director, The Mind & Safety Institute
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 the Executive Director of the Mind & Safety Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education organization, Amanda leads the development of evidence-based education and training programs designed for professionals, institutions and community organizations operating in complex safety environments. Under her leadership, the Institute delivers education across multiple disciplines, including healthcare, public safety, education, and community systems, supporting informed, responsible engagement around safety, risk, and prevention.
Amanda’s professional background bridges clinical healthcare training with extensive experience in firearms education and safety instruction. Her work emphasizes cultural competence, legal awareness, and non-stigmatizing approaches to firearm-related topics, helping organizations strengthen trust, reduce barriers to engagement, and navigate sensitive issues without political framing.
Through her leadership at the Mind & Safety Institute, Amanda is committed to advancing education that supports both public safety and individual responsibility, while creating space for informed, respectful conversations in the communities professionals serve.
Loraine
Loraine is the Executive Assistant at Mind and Safety Institute, 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 trainings. With a sharp eye for detail and a proactive approach, Loraine plays a key role in supporting the Executive Director and keeping the team organized and mission-focused.
Board Of Directors
Melissa Duval
President, Board of Directors
She 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. Melissa believes deeply in serving the communities where she lives, works, and plays—building connections that promote safety, well-being, and trust. As a responsible firearm owner, she values education, communication, and understanding and community safety.
Linda Hildebrant Ph.D.
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Linda Hildebrant, Ph.D. is an organizational strategist and former Federal Firearms Licensee with extensive experience in risk mitigation, compliance, systems implementation, and cross-functional leadership. She held senior leadership roles at General Electric, Safran Group and Smiths Detection, supporting divisions within the Aviation Security sector. As managing member of Granny’s Got Guns, LLC, she brings firsthand experience in firearm safety, regulatory compliance, and the critical importance of proper training and responsible ownership at the intersection of mental health and public safety.
Dr. Michael Victoroff
Board of Directors
Family medicine, clinical informatics, bioethics, risk management. Firearms instructor, competitive shooter. Co-founder, Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition.
Open Board Position
Board of Directors
Board Members serve as ambassadors and decision-makers for the Mind and Safety Institute, helping guide strategy, governance, and growth. As a member of the Board of Directors, you will play a vital role in shaping our mission to empower professionals at the intersection of minds, means, and safety.
Erin Hart, MA, LPC, LAC
Board of Directors
Erin is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addictions Counselor with more than 15 years of experience in community mental health. Her clinical expertise includes trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, Veterans’ services, disaster response, and the treatment of serious and persistent mental illnesses. For over a decade, Erin has served as a clinical supervisor, program manager, and trainer, driven by a passion for reducing stigma and increasing awareness around mental health. Her work focuses on improving safety, clinical care quality, equity, and access to behavioral health services for all. Before entering the behavioral health field, Erin worked in support and training roles within the international security and negotiations sector. She has also served as a sponsor and consultant with the nonprofit organization Support-A-Soldier for more than ten years. Erin spends her free time reading, traveling, and seeking out new learning experiences.
Christopher Hawkins
Board of Directors
Christopher Hawkins serves on the Board of the Mind & Safety Institute, bringing a broad blend of military leadership, public service, and instructional experience. An Active Duty Army Veteran, Chris deployed to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terror and built his foundation as an Airborne Infantry NCO. He continues his service today in the North Carolina Army National Guard.
Beyond the military, Chris works for the Raleigh Police Department, where he applies his background in judgment, discipline, and community service. As an experienced firearms instructor, he’s trained countless individuals—emphasizing safety, responsibility, and confident performance under pressure.