Top-Down Strategies for Comprehensive Wellness Programming

Allison Farrell, MPH, LISW-CP, CPM is the Director of Wellness and Resiliency at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) under the direction of Sheriff Leon Lott in South Carolina. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, New York University with a Master of Public Health (MPH) and the University of South Carolina with a Masters in Social Work (MSW). Prior to working with the Richland County Sheriff's Department Allison held several positions with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) including that of the agencies Law Enforcement Liaison, and Director of the Office of Emergency Services where she provided oversight to the provision of mobile crisis services in 46 counties, partnered with state and local law enforcement agencies to build Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and supervised the Office of Suicide Prevention. Allison is an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Interface and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Master Trainer. In 2022 she earned the credential of Certified Public Manager (CPM). She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker- Clinical Practicioner (LISW-CP) and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Allison is the handler for “CJ”, RCSD’s Crisis Intervention K-9.

Major Maria Yturria is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Class 270 serves as Major, of Professional Development for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Maria began her career with the department in 2003; her assignments include uniform patrol deputy, investigator, victim advocate, and Public Information Officer. Major Yturria serves on the Deputy Advisory Council; team leader of the Crisis Management Team; and holds certifications as Hostage/Crisis Negotiator; Statewide Peer Support Team Leader; Self Defense instructor and an active member of AUSA. She continually worked with Federal, State, and local agencies in cases involving illegal immigration, drug prevention and human trafficking; and works closely with many private non-profit organizations to better serve and educate the community on law enforcement issues. Maria has been recognized as a Palmetto Center for Women Honors recipient in Govt. and Policing; Threat Suppression Award of Excellence in Policing and Deputy of the year by the American Legion Post Chapin. Maria was born in Mexico, raised in California and currently resides in Chapin with her husband and their daughter named Harley.