The Quell Foundation's

First Responder Resilience Training Program

Developed by first responders for first responders, FRRP offers an integrative mental health training program that is focused on arming first responders with the needed tools to improve their daily mental wellness.

Meet the Trainers

Fire & Paramedic

Chris Fields

Instructor: Firefighter

Chris Fields is a retired Major of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, where he served for over 31 years. He was captured in a photo during the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, cradling the body of 1-year-old Baylee Almon, a powerful image that became an iconic symbol of the tragedy. Chris now uses his platform to share his journey as a firefighter and advocate for mental health awareness. He is also the co-founder of Trauma Behind the Badge, a webinar series that addresses trauma among first responders.

Robert Verhelst

Instructor: Firefighter / EMS

Rob Verhelst has served as a career firefighter with the City of Madison, Wisconsin, since 2000. An Air Force veteran, he also took part in the search and recovery efforts following the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center. As the author of Forged in the Fires and founder of the Fireman Rob Foundation, Rob travels the country as a motivational speaker, inspiring people to become greater assets to themselves and others.

Leah Siwinski

Instructor: EMS / Paramedic

Leah Siwinski is a licensed paramedic with over 15 years of experience in EMS and a former paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department. After being diagnosed with PTSD from a duty-related incident, Leah became an advocate for breaking the stigma around mental health among first responders. She uses her expertise to educate and support peers facing similar challenges. Formerly the executive vice president of a peer support group, she now serves as an Illinois-certified recovery and support specialist.

Meet the Trainers

Law Enforcement

Raul Rivas

Instructor: Law Enforcement

Raul Rivas spent 30 years in law enforcement, specializing in robbery investigations and serving on various task forces, including the FBI Safe Streets and ATF Violent Crimes units. He was an integral member of the SWAT team for 18 years and was notably involved in the Pulse nightclub incident in Orlando, Florida, where he received an Award of Valor for his bravery. Raul is also a co-founder of Trauma Behind the Badge, a webinar series that addresses trauma among first responders.

Brock Bevell

Instructor: Law Enforcement

Brock Bevell is a retired police officer who suffered a career-ending injury after being run over while on duty, leading to multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Medically retired due to his injuries, Brock initially struggled with the transition and battled addiction. Since overcoming his addiction, he now helps others achieve lasting sobriety by using an unconventional approach to recovery.

Liz Pol

Instructor: Law Enforcement

With 19 years of experience in the Chicago Police Department, Officer Liz Pol understands the psychological, emotional, and physical challenges officers face. She is dedicated to educating her fellow officers on trauma, suicide risks, and resilience, fostering open discussions about healing. By providing insights on stress, trauma, warning signs, and self-care tools, she aims to support the well-being of her peers.

Meet the Trainers

Clinicians

Monica Molt

Instructor: Clinician

Monica is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder of Prevail Counseling and Wellness. Specializing in therapy for adults with severe mental illnesses, she brings a unique blend of experience as both a fitness specialist and clinician, fostering a deeper therapeutic connection through awareness and mindfulness. Monica played a key role as an active on-site clinician at the 2022 Tucson, Arizona, Ride of Peace of Mind First Responder Summit and continues her work with us as a clinical expert in our FRRP mental health training program.

Tommy Adanlian

Instructor: Clinician

Tommy Adanlian is a clinical social worker and therapist who earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado and his Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Denver. With expertise in trauma, addiction, anxiety, and first responders, he has worked in various settings, including juvenile detention centers, residential treatment centers, and schools. Tommy played a key role as an active on-site clinician at the 2022 Tucson, Arizona, Ride of Peace of Mind First Responder Summit and continues her work with us as a clinical expert in our FRRP mental health training program.

Adrea Nicodemus

Instructor: Clinician

Adrea is a licensed clinician and social worker who earned her Bachelor's degree in 2008 and a Master's degree in Social Work, with a focus on Mental Health and Addictions, in 2013. She has worked in corrections since 2006, beginning her career as a correctional officer and now serving as the Health Services Administrator at the Ada County Jail.

Video

Not Alone

“Not Alone” is a FRRP campaign dedicated to fostering community, encouraging openness and eradicating stigma associated with mental health challenges among first responders. Each video is self-recorded and includes a personal narrative including your journey with mental health as a first responder, barriers you have faced, how you are reducing stigma, and sharing the crucial message that ‘you are not alone’ in your experiences.