MEET OUR TEAM MEMBERS

JIM ZUKAUSKAS

Jim is originally from Connecticut. He is a licensed professional counselor and a Team Clinician with a special interest in Trauma and Stress management and brings over twenty-five years of experience to the table.

AMANDA CUSTER

Amanda is one of our Team’s clinicians who serves in a counseling role for firefighters or family members seeking the services of our team. Amanda’s twenty years of experience in the field is invaluable to the team.

CHRISTOPHER WELLS

Chris serves as the Peer Support Clinician and Family Liaison Supervisor for the DMH on the Charleston Firefighter Support Team. Chris has been in the mental health field for over twenty years, specializing in providing services to people who have experienced traumatic events.

RICHARD DENNINGER

Richie serves as the Peer Support Supervisor for the team and is retired from the FDNY after twenty-seven years of service. He works with the peers who visit the firehouses to offer support to the on-duty personnel. Richie remains an active member of the Counseling Services Unit of the FDNY.

MARK COWELL

Mark has worked in the substance abuse field for over thirty years. His dedication to helping people with alcohol or other substance abuse problems stems from his own ongoing recovery from alcoholism that began in 1967. In addition to being a member of the team, Mark is Director of Charleston County’s Department of Alcohol and other Drug Services, The Charleston Center.

GERALD MISHOE

Gerald serves as the Project Manager for the South Carolina State Firefighter’s Association’s Counseling Support Unit and the coordinator of the Team. Gerald is the former Assistant Chief of the North Charleston District Fire Department and has been involved with the South Carolina Fire Service for over thirty-years.