When the Call Comes In...

Whether called to a crisis or having coffee with someone stressed, you need proven skills to help you stabilize and support those who need your compassionate presence.  

We're Called Too

Dorie and Joey didn't start here in a classroom. They built this in the field — across years of crisis response, peer support, and community care. They know what it feels like to get a call and wonder if you're ready to respond. 

That's exactly why they created MESS.


Helping You Help Others

Trusted training and support for Clergy, Lay Leaders, and Community Responders

  • A Proven Protocol©

    All programs are built on our foundational 6-Part Protocol© -- a proven step-by-step guide to help you stand with and walk beside people in need of your stabilizing support.

  • "Both/And" Approach

    Most trainings focus on how to support others. Few teach how to care for yourself while doing it. MESS does both — using tools to care for others while also caring for yourself.

  • Real-World, Faith-Informed

    MESS wasn't built in a classroom. It grew out of over a decade of hands-on crisis response and peer support work — now shared with faith leaders and community responders.

Is MESS training a good fit?

Two Schools. One Foundation.

Built on years of crisis response, peer support, and community care.


Both schools teach the same 6-Part Protocol© — the difference is the audience and training environment.

MESS Training

For Helpers in Caring Communities

This "school" is for clergy, chaplains, volunteers, educators, and everyday helpers who want to learn effective care for self and others through difficult days.
Visit MESS

We're Making a MESS

Ordained for Ministry and Service

In 2024, Dorie & Joey co-founded MESS Ministries -- sharing knowledge, skills, and experience of mental, emotional, and spiritual support with clergy, lay leaders and community responders across the globe.
More about MESS Ministries

CSS Training

For Peers called to provide Support

This "school" is for emergency responders, public safety personnel, agencies and organizations cultivating a culture of care for self and each other during difficult days.
Visit CSS

Called to Crisis

Counselors turned Instructors

In 2011, Dorie and Joey co-founded Crisis Support Solutions (CSS) -- still committed to helping agencies and organizations start, train, and maintain effective peer support and crisis care programs.
Learn More About CSS

Want to Start a Peer Support Program?

No policy, no problem. Check out this FREE Guide.

Which is right for you?

MESS and CSS share one heart and framework, but serve different contexts.

  • Which "school" should I choose?

    Choosing the right school depends on the community you serve and the kind of support you are called to offer. MESS Ministries focuses on community- and faith-based care, integrating mental, emotional, and spiritual support. Crisis Support Solutions focuses on peer support within the emergency responder and high-stress professional community. Same mission—different contexts.

  • Is the content the same in both trainings?

    While the 6-Part Protocol©️ is the shared foundation in both, the language and application are different. CSS uses secular, response-ready language, while MESS Ministries integrates mental, emotional, and spiritual care. Same framework—different expression.

  • Will either "school" help me feel more confident helping someone experiencing distress?

    Yes—that’s the goal. Helpers consistently report feeling more grounded, more capable, and less afraid of “saying the wrong thing”. You won’t just care more—you’ll know how to care.

Still Not Sure?

Let's connect. We'd love to learn more about your training needs and concerns.

Thank You