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
See list below
(secure link provided after registration)
- Firefighters
- Their spouses or significant others
- Firefighter Couples
Weekly Topics & Dates
Trauma Healing
Presenter: Sara Watts, LMFT
Learn practical strategies to recognize and cope with the emotional impact of firefighting. This session helps participants identify signs of stress and trauma in themselves and their partners, build resilience, and strengthen support within the family system.
Key Takeaways:- Recognize signs of trauma and stress in yourself and your partner
- Learn coping strategies to manage emotional strain
- Build skills to support one another and strengthen family resilience
Strengthening Fire Couple Relationships
Presenter: Sara Watts, LMFT
Explore tools to deepen communication, trust, and emotional connection within your relationship. Participants will practice techniques for managing conflict, enhancing connection, and navigating the unique stressors of fire service life together.
Key Takeaways:- Improve communication skills and emotional attunement
- Learn strategies to manage conflict and reduce tension
- Strengthen trust and connection in the relationship
Parenting in a Fire Family
Presenter: Rachelle Zemlok, PsyD
Gain guidance on supporting children while balancing the unpredictable demands of fire life. This session covers practical parenting strategies, communication tips, and ways to help children feel secure and understood in a fire family environment.
Key Takeaways:- Communicate effectively with children about the demands of fire service
- Support children's emotional needs during unpredictable schedules
- Develop routines that foster security and connection
Shift Work to Home Life: Firefighter Couples
Presenter: Matt Mesker, former US Navy Seal
Learn strategies to transition smoothly from the station to home life. This workshop offers tools to manage shift-related stress, maintain family connection, and establish routines that support both partners' wellbeing.
Key Takeaways:- Create smooth transitions between work and home life
- Reduce stress related to shift work
- Strengthen family routines and connection
Facing Infertility: Support for Fire Families
Presenter: Sarah Flora-Wilson, LMFT
Explore reproductive health and fertility challenges in the fire service. Participants will learn about potential risk factors, emotional impacts, and resources for support and treatment.
Key Takeaways:- Understand fertility challenges and risk factors specific to fire service
- Learn coping strategies for emotional and relational impacts
- Access support resources and treatment options
Repairing Relationships: Divorce, Infidelity, and Moving Forward
Presenter: Rich & Yvonne Dutra-St. John
A guided workshop helping firefighter couples navigate the emotional and relational challenges of divorce and infidelity. Learn strategies for processing emotions, rebuilding trust, improving communication, and deciding next steps for your relationship.
Key Takeaways:- Process emotional challenges in a safe environment
- Learn strategies to rebuild trust and improve communication
- Explore healthy next steps for your relationship
Lunch & Learn: Retirement
Presenter: Paul LeBaron, Chief of Police (Retired), Hermosa Beach Police
A session for fire spouses to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of a firefighter's retirement. A successful retirement plan starts from day one of the academy. Discuss proper planning and goal setting, relationship development, identity shifts, changing family roles, and strategies to adjust to new rhythms and routines at home.
Key Takeaways:- Preparing for retirement starts from day one! Those who wait, miss opportunities.
- Prepare for emotional and relational changes during retirement
- Explore new family roles and routines
- Identify strategies for maintaining connection and wellbeing
Lunch & Learn: Self-Care for Fire Spouses
Presenter: Sara Watts, LMFT
Take an hour to focus on your own wellbeing. Participants will learn self-care practices, stress management techniques, and ways to maintain balance specific to fire spouses & partners.
Key Takeaways:- Practice self-care and stress management strategies
- Learn ways to maintain balance while supporting a firefighter partner
- Build habits that improve overall wellbeing
Lunch & Learn: Postpartum Support
Presenter: Sara Watts, LMFT
Connect with other new parents and receive guidance on managing the unique challenges of postpartum life in a fire family. The session offers strategies for emotional wellness, bonding with your child, and navigating sleep and schedule disruptions.
Key Takeaways:- Support emotional wellness during postpartum
- Learn strategies to bond with your child amid shift work
- Navigate sleep disruptions and daily routines effectively
Lunch & Learn: Recharge - Sleep Strategies for Fire Families
Presenter: Matt Mesker, former US Navy Seal
A practical session on the importance of sleep for firefighters. Learn how disrupted sleep cycles and shift work impact physical and mental health and discover strategies families can use to support healthier rest.
Key Takeaways:- Understand the impact of disrupted sleep on health and performance
- Learn practical strategies for better rest for firefighters and families
- Improve family routines and support sleep hygiene
Coffee Hour
Presenter: Fire Family Foundation Program Staff
Join a casual, welcoming space to share resources, ask questions, and build community with other fire spouses and partners. These sessions are designed for connection, peer support, and informal discussion.
Key Takeaways:- Connect with other fire families and share experiences
- Gain informal support and practical resources
- Build a sense of community and peer connection
Meet Your Facilitators & Special Guests
Rich & Yvonne Dutra-St.John
Co-Founders, Challenge Day
Co-founders of Challenge Day, an internationally recognized program dedicated to building connection, compassion, and emotional wellness in communities and families. For nearly four decades, they've helped strengthen relationships around the world. Rich is a former educator and therapist with a master's in clinical psychology, and Yvonne is a longtime educator who has created more than 20 nationally recognized programs focused on emotional intelligence and family strengthening. Featured on MTV and The Oprah Winfrey Show, they're known for their warm, authentic style that inspires courage, vulnerability, and deeper connection. They continue to bring a heart-centered approach to couples seeking growth, healing, and meaningful change.
Rachelle Zemlok, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
A licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the mental health and relationship needs of first responders and their families. As the spouse of a firefighter, she blends clinical expertise with personal insight, offering support that is both professional and deeply relatable. She is the author of The Firefighter Family Academy, a practical guide helping fire families navigate emotional challenges with confidence and resilience. Dr. Zemlok is also a national consultant and respected advocate, known for equipping families with tools for communication, wellbeing, and long-term connection.
Matt Mesker
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy SEAL
Chief Petty Officer Matthew E. Mesker is a U.S. Navy SEAL with 20 years of distinguished service, including five deployments to Afghanistan, Africa, Europe, and Iraq. A qualified sniper and Master Training Specialist, he has held leadership roles at SEAL Teams Two and Three and currently serves as Senior Enlisted Advisor for SEAL Officer Assessment and Selection. His decorations include the Bronze Star with Combat V for Valor, multiple Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and numerous unit awards. Chief Mesker brings unparalleled operational experience and leadership expertise to every audience he engages.
Sara Watts
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma-informed care, relationship dynamics, and family wellness. Drawing on attachment theory and somatic practices, she helps individuals and couples heal, grow, and strengthen their connections. With particular expertise in supporting firefighter families, Sara understands the unique challenges and demands of the fire service lifestyle. She is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, known for creating safe, engaging spaces where meaningful healing and growth can occur.
Sara Flora-Wilson, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Sarah Flora Wilson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner/practitioner of Feather River Counseling in Oroville, California. She has 20 years of experience in mental health, specializing in supporting individuals, children, and families. Sarah utilizes strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapies, and trauma-based approaches such as EMDR. She is passionate about serving fire families, helping them navigate the unique challenges of first responder life, and many of her clients come from this community. As a resident of Butte County, Sarah is actively involved in her local community and takes a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to therapy, empowering clients and families to build resilience and thrive.
Paul LeBaron
Chief of Police (Retired), Hermosa Beach Police
Paul LeBaron is a 32-year law enforcement veteran who served more than 27 years with the Long Beach Police Department and later as Chief of Police for the Hermosa Beach Police Department until his retirement in April 2025. As Chief, he prioritized employee wellness and organizational culture. Paul holds degrees from California State University, Long Beach, and American Military University, along with a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and other executive leadership programs. Paul married his wife in 1992 and has three children, two daughters-in-law, and two granddaughters. He teaches criminal justice at CSU Long Beach, speaks fluent Spanish, and enjoys soccer and scuba diving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Firefighters
- Their spouses or significant others
- Firefighter couples