Fire Family Strong
"Supporting the heroes behind the heroes"
Virtual Support Sessions for Fire Spouses and Partners
Hosted by the Fire Family Foundation, the Fire Family Strong Virtual Support Sessions are designed to foster connection, provide valuable resources, and build a supportive network for firefighter spouses and partners. Led by skilled facilitators, these sessions create a safe and uplifting space to share, learn, and grow together.
A Message From Our Director: Fire Family Strong
What You'll Gain
Connection with others who understand your world
Connect with others who truly understand the unique challenges of fire family life
Insights from licensed therapists & fire family mental health experts
Learn from professionals specializing in first responder families
Practical tools for stronger relationships, calmer transitions, and resilient parenting
Gain actionable strategies you can use immediately
Support for managing trauma, stress, and shift life chaos
Get expert guidance for the unique stressors of firefighter families
A safe, trusting environment to be heard, validated, and empowered
Experience a supportive space where your experiences matter
At-a-Glance
6-8pm PT (2 hours each)
(secure link provided after registration)
Weekly Topics & Dates
Navigating the Emotional Toll of Shift Work
Presenter: Rachelle Zemlok, PsyD
Shift work can be draining for the whole household. This session explores the emotional ups and downs of the fire schedule—sleep disruption, loneliness, resentment—and how to manage them with grace and compassion.
Understanding the Impact of Trauma
Presenter: Lisa Jellison, LCSW
Explore how trauma—both direct and secondary—affects the brain, body, and relationships. Learn to identify the invisible weight many fire families carry and discover tools for recognizing, processing, and supporting healing from trauma.
Helping Children Understand the Fire Family Lifestyle
Presenter: Rachelle Zemlok, PsyD
Fire life is a family affair. Discover age appropriate ways to help kids understand the risks, emotions, and routines that come with having a firefighter parent. Build resilience, trust, and open communication at home.
Tools for Emotional Connection & Rituals for Reconnection
Presenters: Sara Watts, LMFT with Jason Larson & Anthony Page
Rebuild emotional intimacy with tools that foster trust, compassion, and connection—even in the midst of chaos. Learn practical rituals and strategies to reconnect after long shifts or difficult calls.
Creating Routines for the Transition from Firefighter to Home Life
Presenters: Lisa Jellison, LCSW with Jason Larson & Anthony Page
Support a smoother reintegration after shift work with simple routines and boundaries. Help your firefighter shift roles—from protector to partner and parent—while strengthening family harmony.
Self Care and Wellness Practices
Presenter: Sara Watts, LMFT
Your well being matters. Learn realistic, effective self care practices to support your mental, emotional, and physical health—especially during high stress seasons. Leave with a personalized plan for reclaiming peace, energy, and joy.
Meet Your Facilitators & Special Guests
Lisa Jellison
LCSW
Lisa Jellison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over three decades of experience supporting families, individuals, and first responders through trauma, grief, and transitions. She is known for her grounded, compassionate approach to therapy and her deep understanding of the emotional toll of high-stress careers. As a clinician, facilitator, and trainer, Lisa brings warmth, practical tools, and a passion for empowering clients to build resilience, connection, and purpose in their lives. She has worked extensively with fire families and is deeply committed to promoting mental wellness in those who serve and support our communities.
Sara Watts
LMFT
Sara Watts is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in trauma-informed care, relationship dynamics, and family wellness. With a strong foundation in attachment theory and somatic practices, Sara helps individuals and couples heal, grow, and reconnect. She brings particular expertise in working with firefighter families, understanding both the visible and invisible demands of the fire service lifestyle. Sara is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, known for creating safe, engaging spaces where healing and growth can unfold.
Rachelle Zemlok
PsyD
Dr. Rachelle Zemlok is a licensed clinical psychologist who focuses her practice on supporting first responders and their families. As the spouse of a firefighter herself, Dr. Zemlok brings both personal insight and clinical expertise to her work, bridging the gap between professional support and lived experience. She is passionate about equipping fire families with tools for emotional well-being, communication, and resilience. Dr. Zemlok is also a published author and national consultant, widely recognized for her advocacy and contributions to firefighter mental health.
Jason Larson
Former U.S. Navy SEAL
Jason Larson is a former U.S. Navy SEAL with over 20 years of experience operating in high-stakes environments around the globe. As co-founder of Applied Performance Solutions, Jason now channels his elite military training into helping first responders, military personnel, and organizations build mental toughness, leadership clarity, and team cohesion. Known for his calm presence and strategic mindset, Jason brings a unique ability to translate complex first responder trauma science into practical tools that help build family cohesion, understanding and connection. His commitment to service continues through his work empowering others to thrive in high-demand, high-impact roles.
Anthony Page
Retired Navy SEAL
Anthony Page is a retired Navy SEAL and co-founder of Applied Performance Solutions, where he specializes in leadership development, stress resilience, and human performance under pressure. Drawing from nearly two decades of special operations experience, Anthony now equips frontline professionals with actionable strategies to enhance focus, decision-making, and team dynamics. His direct, relatable style and deep commitment to helping others grow make him a trusted coach and speaker in the first responder community. Anthony’s mission today is simple: to help others show up at their best when it matters most, especially as a husband/wife, and father/mother.