About Us
Who Are We?
The Quiet Corner Peer Support Group (QCPS) is a nonprofit organization founded in December of 2024 on a simple but powerful belief: the people who respond to everyone else’s worst days deserve support too.
What began as two firefighters having honest conversations about the importance of mental health in their community quickly grew into a dedicated team and a trusted network built on shared experiences, understanding, compassion, and trust. QCPS was created by peers, for peers — individuals who understand firsthand the unique stress, trauma, and emotional weight carried by first responders, military members, and veterans.
Many who serve others struggle in silence. QCPS exists to change that. We provide a safe, judgment-free space where individuals can speak openly with people who truly understand the realities of the job and the challenges that come with it.
Through peer support, education, wellness initiatives, and critical incident response, QCPS works to strengthen resilience, promote mental wellness, and ensure that those who dedicate their lives to protecting others never have to face their struggles alone.
Our mission is simple: support the helpers, strengthen the community, and make sure no one carries the burden alone.
Why QCPS Matters
First responders, military members, and veterans are routinely exposed to trauma, high stress, and critical incidents that most people will never experience. While they are trained to remain strong in the face of crisis, many are never taught how to process the emotional and psychological impact that follows. Too often, the culture of service encourages silence — leading individuals to carry stress, grief, and trauma alone.
Unchecked stress and trauma can affect mental health, relationships, job performance, and overall well-being. Early support and peer connection can make the difference between someone struggling in isolation and someone finding hope, healing, and resilience.
QCPS matters because connection saves lives. By providing peer-based support from individuals who truly understand the profession, we help break stigma, encourage conversations, and remind those who serve that asking for help is not weakness — it is strength.
When we support our helpers, we strengthen entire communities.
MEET THE president & CEO
Keven McNeill
With more than 28 years as an active first responder. QCPS president understands firsthand the challenges that come with a life of service. His experiences on and off the job have led him to becoming a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention in his community.
Holding a Doctorate in Education with a focus on the psychology of leadership. He proudly works alongside his golden retriever therapy dog, Hope, as he supports first responders and military veterans through peer support, advocacy, and mental health education.
"Behind every steady uniform is a human heart that feels the weight of what it carries."
MEET THE vice president
Mike Shabenas
With more than 40 years of service as a first responder and 4 years counting as a chief, the vice president of QCPS brings a deep understanding of the realities faced by those working the front lines and a lifetime of experience, leadership, and dedication.
Having witnessed firsthand the challenges, stress, and unseen weight that comes with these professions, he is deeply committed to supporting his fellow brothers and sisters. Built on resilience and a belief that professionals can find support from people who truly understand the job and its impact. His goal is simple: to make sure no one who serves their community has to face the weight of that service alone.
"It's a way to give back to our community. Breaking the stigma of asking for help.."
Our Team
David Izzo
Dave is proud to serve as one of QCPS team leads. Having served in law enforcement for 22 years and a volunteer firefighter for 15 years, he understands the unique challenges faced by our first responders and veterans. Through QCPS he continues his work by helping provide a place people can share stories, find understanding, and know they are never walking alone.
Team Lead
Pam Shaw
Serving her community as a first responder for over 28 years, Pam serves as one of our team leads. She is dedicated to supporting first responders and veterans through peer connection. She brings compassion, open heart, and experience to QCPS. Passionate about making sure each of the peers feel seen, heard and understood.
Team Lead
Katelyn Gardiner
Working alongside the peer team for over a year as a peer support specialist, Katelyn helps promote the organizations mission by connecting the community with resources, events, and programs that support the mental health and well-being of first responders and veterans.
Marketing Specialist
Mission Statement
At Quiet Corner Peer Support, our mission is simple: to make sure the people who run toward crisis have a place to turn when the weight of the job becomes too heavy to carry alone.
