KEMSA Peer support society BALLOT - Nominees

See voting instructions on the bottom of this page.   Voting closes Wednesday,  Oct. 1 at noon.

Candidates (in order by position and alphabetical by last name)

President

Chrissy Bartel
Norwich Ambulance Service

Chrissy is the director of Norwich EMS in southeastern Kingman County as well as a paramedic for the service. She has been in EMS since 2002 when she started as a volunteer.  Her career has allowed her to work rural and urban EMS giving her the experience of both environments.  Chrissy has a strong passion for mental health well-being for providers.  Education, resources and available support to EMS providers across the state is a priority of hers.  It is her goal to develop the society into a resource for others to utilize and help ease the stigma of seeking mental health assistance.

Through her leadership as the current chair, there have been many Peer Support Workshops, Symposiums, and education on the importance of peer support. In 2022, Chrissy developed the KEMSA Peer Support Coin. This "coin" serves as a reminder that first responders are not alone, and that it's okay to ask for help. Sometimes it's tough to say the words out loud, so the purpose of the coin is to do the asking for you. During the development of this "coin" it was important to encompass all first responders including law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatchers and military. The shape of this "coin" is unique in that it's easy to recognize and feels differently in a pocket and is meant to provide comfort to those carrying it in times that they may need a physical reminder that they are not alone.  

At-Large

Stuart Funk

Paramedic, Public Outreach and Education Director, Butler County Peer Support Team

Coordinator

Stuart Funk has been a dedicated member of the Butler County EMS Peer Support Team since

2017 and joined the Kansas EMS Association Peer Support Society in 2024. In both roles, he

brings compassion, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to serving others—values

deeply rooted in the upbringing he received from his parents, who have modeled a loving,

giving, and Christian life for over 50 years.

Stuart also serves on the Leadership Team at Hope Covenant Church, where his passion for

supporting others continues to shine. Whether in the field, in the community, or within the walls

of his church, he strives to bring joy, laughter, and encouragement to those around him.

Guided by Matthew 20:28—“the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”—Stuart

sees service not as a job, but as a calling. He believes his name, derived from “steward,” is no

accident. His mission is simple but profound: to be a source of hope when others feel

overwhelmed, and to walk alongside them when they need it most.

Thank you and God Bless.

Autum Lustfield

Autum has been the Director of Marquette EMS for 3 years now, and has been involved in EMS for the last 10 years. Recently Autum completed her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Co-Occurring Disorders and Addiction Counseling. She has been an advocate for increased mental health awareness in not only our community, but especially the first responder community in McPherson County. 

Autum would be an AMAZING addition to the board, not only because of her knowledge base, but also because of her passion and dedication to first responder mental health awareness. She is a strong advocate for the EMS providers who oftentimes can't speak up for themselves. 

How to vote:

1) Read the biographical information about the candidates and why they want to be on the Peer Support Society Board. You will only get to vote for one person in each position.

2) Take a few seconds to vote using our electronic ballot (available until Oct. 1 at noon)
Note: Members must login to vote since you must be a verified KEMSA Member and a member of the Peer Support Society for your vote to be counted!
If you have never logged in, you can activate your account by clicking on the login button at the very top right corner of this website.  On the login screen, click the "forgot password" link.

Enter the e-mail address we have on file, and it will provide you with directions via e-mail about setting your password. Then come back and login to gain access to your profile information, events, and your membership information. If you have trouble, contact kari@kemsa.org.

Voting closes Oct. 1 at noon.