Compassion in action across Florida

Our journey

The Florida Crisis Response Team was modeled after the CRT concept developed by the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA, now known as the National Organization for Victim Advocacy). NOVA became involved in crisis response services after being called to assist in the aftermath of the post office massacre in Edmond, OK (1986). Since that time, NOVA has responded to numerous community-wide crises throughout the country. In 1987, NOVA was asked to assist with the shopping center mass shooting, which took place in Palm Bay, FL. In response to that crisis, NOVA coordinated with the Florida Network of Victim Witness Services (FNVWS), a statewide victim advocacy organization. As a result of that experience, FNVWS identified the need to establish a state Crisis Response Team.

Since 1987, the Florida Crisis Response Team has grown from a small group of trained volunteers into a statewide network serving communities through crisis response, training, and compassionate care. Here’s a look at key moments in our story.

1987

Founded in Service

The Florida Network of Victim Witness Services formed a statewide Crisis Response Team (CRT), one of the first in the country. The CRT was established with 40 volunteers trained in the NOVA model to respond to communities experiencing tragedy and disaster. The original CRT committee members were Meg Bates (Chairperson), Beth Rossman (Vice-Chairperson), Kathy Aub, Paul Freeman & Laura Knudson.

1988

New Sponsorship

FNVWS determined sponsorship of the CRT would be more appropriate through the Office of the Attorney General, Bureau of Victim Services. CRT members serve in a voluntary capacity.

1990s

Expanding Across Florida

Regional teams form throughout the state, creating a coordinated network of crisis responders able to deploy quickly to local incidents.

2000s

Statewide Partnerships Grow

CRT strengthens relationships with emergency management agencies, law enforcement, and caregiver organizations to improve statewide disaster readiness.

2004

Not-for-Profit Corporation

The CRT formally separated from the Office of the Attorney General and formed the independent not-for-profit organization, the Florida Crisis Response Team, Inc.

2010s

Training and Outreach

NOVA-certified training programs expand, increasing the number of skilled volunteers and offering new educational opportunities for professionals and first responders.

2020

Responding in New Realities

Teams adapt to serve communities through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging disaster response needs across Florida.

2025 and beyond

Continuing the Mission

Today, FCRT operates in all judicial circuits, maintaining a trusted presence in Florida’s trauma and crisis recovery network.

Meet the Team

The Florida Crisis Response Team’s Executive Board is comprised of a dedicated and diverse team with a passion for helping others. Their combined background and experience in crisis response serve as the foundation of FCRT’s 1,000+ strong volunteer organization.

Bridget Schneiderman Tuttle, DSW

Chairperson

Ramona Jubar Schaefer, M.S.

Vice Chairperson

Lauren Tomberlin

Secretary

Terri Katler

Treasurer

Beth Rossman

Training Chairperson and past FCRT Chairperson

Debbie Geller

Database Chairperson

Who we are

The Florida Crisis Response Team, Inc. (FCRT) is a nonprofit network of trained volunteers who provide emotional and practical support to communities affected by tragedy, disaster, or violence.

Since 1987, our teams have served across Florida—helping survivors, caregivers, and responders find stability, structure, and compassion in the aftermath of crisis.

Our approach

FCRT operates using the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) model of crisis intervention. This framework ensures that every response—whether local or statewide—is trauma-informed, coordinated, and grounded in care.

Our goals are to:

To provide crisis response services in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events affecting communities.
To provide support to local providers, agencies, and community members in their efforts to respond to these events.
To train local providers in immediate crisis response and long-term stress reactions to trauma.
To assist, by invitation, local decision-makers in planning their immediate and long term care in the aftermath of disasters or other traumatic events.

Training and certification

All FCRT volunteers complete NOVA’s Basic Crisis Response Team (CRT) training—a 40-hour course covering the fundamentals of crisis intervention and trauma response.

Advanced and continuing education opportunities are also made available to FCRT members

Our trainings equip participants to:

Recognize signs of acute trauma and stress reactions.
Deliver compassionate, structured emotional support.
Collaborate effectively with first responders and caregivers.

Where we serve

FCRT operates in all judicial circuits across Florida, with regional coordinators ensuring timely community-based response.

FCRT teams also assist with out-of-state responses upon request.

Our experience in action

Since our founding, FCRT has responded to hundreds of incidents, including:

Mass shootings, including the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, New York, and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Natural disasters including hurricanes and tornadoes.
Transportation and infrastructure incidents, such as train crashes and the Champlain Towers building collapse in Surfside.
National emergencies including the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City.

Each deployment strengthens our shared commitment to helping communities recover, rebuild, and regain a sense of safety.