November 16-18, 2026
The Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, VA
Please contact your local CIT Program Coordinator for Registration Information.
The Virginia CIT Coalition invites you to attend the 2026 Virginia CIT Conference, a one-of-a-kind event designed for professionals and partners in the fields of crisis response, behavioral health, and public safety.
This multidisciplinary conference brings together:
Law enforcement & public safety responders Behavioral health professionals Individuals with lived experience Community leaders & stakeholders.
What to Expect:
Early Bird Conference Fee (April 1, 2026 – July 1, 2026): $450
Conference Fee (after July 1, 2026): $500
Includes 2-night accommodations, parking fees, and breakfast and lunch on Tuesday & Wednesday at the beautiful Hotel Roanoke.
Don’t miss this opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and return to your community with tools, knowledge, and inspiration to strengthen local crisis care systems.
Location: 110 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016
Share your expertise with crisis intervention professionals from across the state. Submit your proposed workshop for the 2026 Virginia CIT Conference.
Thank you to our top sponsors of the 2025 Virginia Crisis Intervention Team
Conference!
Officer Chavis joined Richmond’s Community Response Team in 2022 and has been a
model of compassion, professionalism, and determination in mental health crisis
response ever since. He connects with people, whether through shared experience,
trauma-informed care, or relentless advocacy, and has made a real difference in
countless lives.
His support for autistic individuals, families, and community partners stands out, and his
impressive record of over 788 behavioral health calls and a strong diversion rate speaks
to his impact. Officer Chavis is a trusted ally and a champion for mental health, and we
are proud to present Officer Chavis as the 2025 Virginia CIT Officer of the Year.
Since becoming a CIT trainer in 2019, 1st Sgt. Lanier has been a cornerstone of the Greater Prince William CIT Program, bringing unmatched leadership, collaboration, and creativity to every training. Her ability to lead with humility, support regional programs, and embrace innovation has elevated CIT across Virginia. From developing advanced de-escalation instruction and securing grants for mindfulness spaces, to presenting at national conferences and mentoring fellow trainers, 1st Sgt Lanier exemplifies what it means to be more than just a trainer, she is a visionary, a connector, and a passionate advocate for mental health and first responder wellness. Her impact is felt far beyond her department, and we are proud to recognize First Sergeant Lanier’s extraordinary contributions to the CIT mission as the 2025 Virginia CIT Lambert/Ratcliffe Trainer of the Year award recipient.
Sgt. Rourke exemplifies the CIT mindset in every aspect of her work, leading with empathy, advocating for mental health, and fostering a culture of compassion and resilience within the corrections environment. From her impactful role as a CIT instructor to her pioneering efforts in developing specialized training for ADC staff, Sgt. Rourke’s influence has transformed both practice and perspective. Her authenticity, vulnerability, and unwavering dedication have empowered others to embrace CIT principles, improving safety, morale, and human connection across the board. Sgt. Rourke is not only a skilled officer and educator, but a true changemaker whose leadership continues to elevate the CIT mission and inspire those around her, and we are pleased to recognize First Sergeant Rourke as the 2025 Virginia CIT Correctional Officer of the Year.
As a Dispatch Team Leader with the Staunton Police Department and a lifelong member of Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad, Christine has been a driving force in integrating CIT principles into emergency communications since 2014. Her dedication to training, mentoring, and developing relevant scenarios for dispatchers and EMS personnel has transformed the way her region approaches crisis response. Christine’s calm, compassionate professionalism during high-stress calls, her leadership in peer support and responder wellness, and her tireless advocacy for mental health have made her an indispensable part of our CIT community. Even in the face of personal challenges, Christine’s unwavering commitment and resilience have inspired us all. She is not only a skilled dispatcher but a true champion for the wellbeing of both responders and the communities they serve, and we are honored to present Christine Bandy with the 2025 Virginia CIT Telecommunicator of the Year Award.
Captain Tripp is a trailblazer and tireless advocate who has redefined emergency
medical services in Virginia Beach. Her vision and dedication, from launching MIH/CP
programs to adapting CIT training for EMS, have expanded care and built stronger
systems for those in crisis. She leads with heart, always supporting her team,
collaborating across agencies, and mentoring others.
Whether she’s developing programs, teaching, or responding in the field, Captain Tripp
sets the standard for service and leadership. Her work has created meaningful, lasting
change and hope for her community. It’s a privilege to recognize Captain Lyndee Tripp
as the 2025 Virginia CIT First Responder of the Year.
Since 2015, the Eastern Shore CIT Program has set the standard for excellence,
creativity, and partnership—even in a rural area with limited resources. The team has
trained more than 300 first responders, runs a year-round CITAC, and has grown to
include medical professionals and clergy.
Their focus on trauma-informed care, post-incident support, and creative collaborations
—including outreach to diverse groups and even a theatrical production, has changed
lives for both responders and those they help. With a dedicated team and coordinator,
the Eastern Shore CIT Program keeps raising the bar and inspiring others across
Virginia. We’re proud to honor Eastern Shore CIT as the 2025 Virginia CIT Program of
the Year.
Nicole has become a pillar of the Eastern Shore CIT program and a trusted leader in
behavioral health since joining the CSB in 2019. In just a few years, she’s earned her
Certified Pre-screener and LPC credentials, completed both the CIT class and Train-
the-Trainer program, and now serves as a CIT instructor.
Nicole’s clinical knowledge and real-world experience come through in her teaching,
where she offers students clear and compassionate guidance on crisis care. She’s also
central to organizing CIT events, coordinating complicated emergency cases, and
building strong community ties. Nicole’s professionalism, empathy, and tireless drive,
especially during major life changes, make Nicole an outstanding candidate for the
2025 Virginia CIT Behavioral Health Provider of the Year.
Christinia’s journey from volunteer Peer to Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Peer
Supervisor at the SEE Recovery Center is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and
unwavering passion for helping others.
Christina brings contagious enthusiasm to every CIT training, sharing her powerful
personal story with honesty and hope, inspiring both students and fellow peers alike.
Whether leading site visits, supporting overdose survivors, or transforming the culture at
the SEE, she consistently goes above and beyond, driving positive change with
compassion and strength. Christina embodies everything a Peer Recovery Specialist
and CIT Instructor should be, and we are proud to honor Christine Landrum’s
incredible contributions to our community by presenting her as the 2025 Virginia CIT
Peer of the Year Award.
Sgt. Fayton embodies the heart and soul of the CIT mission—leading with integrity,
compassion, and an unwavering commitment to community collaboration. Beyond his
own achievements, Sgt. Fayton has generously mentored new coordinators, shared his
expertise, and uplifted everyone around him. His ability to connect with trainees, foster
meaningful learning, and lead with humility has left a lasting mark on his program and
the region.
Sgt. Fayton is not just a coordinator, he is a role model, a mentor, and a driving force
behind the growth of CIT, and we are honored to recognize Sergeant Michael Fayton’s
extraordinary contributions today as the 2025 Virginia CIT Coordinator of the year.
| Registration Type | Price | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early bird conference registration | $450 | July 1, 2026 at 11:59pm |
| Full conference registration | $500 | October 17, 2026 at 11:59pm |
Please contact your local CIT Program Coordinator for Registration Information.
The Hotel Roanoke
110 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016
(540) 985-5900
A block of rooms has been reserved at a special conference rate of $159 per night (plus taxes and fees).
Booking Code: VACIT2023
Room Block Deadline: September 15, 2023
Parking
Parking will be provided in the registration fee and guests staying off site will receive validated parking passes upon request.
Airport
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) - 3 miles from hotel
0.2 miles – Photography collection documenting the final days of Norfolk & Western Railway steam engines
0.7 miles – One of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in Virginia,
1 mile – Railyard featuring more than 50 pieces of rolling stock, including locomotives designed and built in downtown Roanoke
4.3 miles – Iconic illuminated star overlooking the city, with hiking trails and panoramic views of the Roanoke Valley
16 hours (Full Conference)
16 CE hours (Full Conference)
16 hours (Full Conference)
16 hours (Full Conference)
16 hours (Full Conference)
Continuing education hours
It is the responsibility of the attendee to confirm that the continuing education credits offered meet the requirements of their specific licensing or certification body. The Virginia CIT Coalition is an approved provider for the listed professions, but regulations may vary by state and profession.
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