WILDLAND FIRE WELLNESS SUMMIT
FULL REPLAY OF 2025 SUMMIT
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DAY 1
"Nutrition Patterns to Sustain the Season and Career of the Wildland Firefighter" Heidi Brackebusch
Registered Dietitian with Valley to Peak Nutrition, dives into key fueling strategies for tactical athletes. Learn practical tips to maintain health, stamina, and longevity during fire season and beyond.
"Journey Through Grief and Trauma as the Widow of the Superintendent of the Granite Mountain Hotshots"
Amanda Marsh, Founder of the Eric Marsh Foundation, opens up about her personal journey through grief and healing. Her story highlights the importance of emotional wellness and honoring the legacy of loved ones lost.
Megan Lautz, MS, RDN Megan is a registered dietitian and founder of RescueRD, specializing in practical nutrition for firefighters and first responders. Since 2017, she has worked with fire departments to enhance performance, energy, and longevity. Her presentation, "Fueling Hotshots", covers portable nutrition and hydration strategies for Hotshot Crews.
Learn more about Megan Lautz: www.rescuerd.com/ Instagram: rescue.rd
Anne Martin, MP Anne is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach and former first responder with over 13 years of experience. Drawing from her personal journey overcoming trauma and injuries, she now helps others foster trust, connection, and resilience. Her presentation, "Practical Mental Health Skills and Habits, Injuries on the Job, Seasonal Resets, Communication, and Resiliency", offers actionable insights for building mental strength and wellness. Learn more about Anne Martin: www.evergreencoachingandwellness.com/ Instagram: elitefire1507
DAY 2
DAY 3
Brent Ruby, Ph.D, Director of the Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism, has over 25 years of experience studying the demands of wildland firefighting. His research focuses on nutrition, hydration, heat stress, training, and adaptation, with collaborations including the US Army Research Institute and US Forest Service. Author of Wrango and Banjo: On the Fireline, Dr. Ruby will present: "Comprehensive Physiology of Wildland Fire: A 25+ Year Research Journey into Nutrition, Training, and Adaptation."
Helena Virga, MS, FUSEE's Engagement Director, will discuss their expanded approach to firefighter safety, focusing on holistic wellness—mind and soul included. She’ll share insights from FUSEE’s Firefighter Wellness program, the 2025 Wildland Firefighter Retreat, and how community support can promote healing and safety for firefighters year-round.
Lauren Visconti, MS, is a Ph.D. candidate in Human Biology at USC, an Adjunct Faculty member at SCUHS, and a Research Physiologist at the Naval Health Research Center. With a specialized focus on performance, health, and female physiology in the context of exercise, her work bridges science and practical application. Today, she will provide valuable insights into women’s performance and its critical role in the demanding field of Wildland Firefighting.
Kyle Pfaffenbach, Ph.D. - Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach, Assistant Professor at Eastern Oregon University, specializes in nutrition, fitness, and resilience. Co-developer of the High-Performance Program (HPP) for the Grande Ronde Rapellers, he helps athletes and individuals thrive in demanding environments. In his upcoming presentation, he’ll share insights from the HPP and strategies to optimize nutrition, fitness, and resilience.
Learn more about Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach: www.eou.edu/hhp/kyle-pfaffenbach/ Learn more about the Grande Ronde Rapellers www.granderonderappellers.com/
Luke Mayfield – With over 20 years of experience in fire management, emergency response, conservation, and advocacy, Luke is dedicated to firefighter wellness and holistic strategies that benefit wildland firefighters, communities, and public lands. He will be speaking on behalf of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, focusing on advocacy efforts, mental health.
Learn more about Grassroots Wildland Firefighters: www.grassrootswildlandfirefighters.org/
DAY 4
DAY 5
Virginia Avery, MS, LCSW - Virginia, owner of Avery Counseling & Services, LLC in Missoula, is a U.S. Navy veteran, former Hotshot firefighter, and advocate specializing in neuro-affirming care, diagnostics, parenting support, and resilience-focused psychoeducation, with a focus on wildland fire communities. In her session, "Pyrodiversity: Strength in Fire," Virginia explores the connection between wildland firefighters, mental health, and the often-overlooked voices within these communities. Drawing from her experiences as a Woman Veteran, former Hotshot, therapist, and spouse of a wildland firefighter, she highlights how well-being is tied to the stories we carry, the support systems we build, and our shared responsibilities—both on and off the fireline.
Learn more about Virginia Avery: www.averycounselingandservices.com/
Ben Strahan – Ben is a Wildland Firefighter with over 24 years of experience, including 20 years on Hotshot Crews and five years as a Crew Superintendent. Skilled in leadership, team-building, and navigating high-stress environments, Ben now helps individuals and organizations embrace self-leadership through Moment Consulting LLC. At the Wildland Wellness Summit, he will share his inspiring journey in "Mind, Body, Spirit: One Man's Journey to Find Harmony (Hotshot Edition)" exploring resilience, leadership, and personal growth.
Learn more about Ben Strahan: www.momentconsultingllc.com/
Danielle Shedden, MS, LPC, NCC - Dani is a licensed mental health counselor and owner of Close the Gap Wellness. With a Master's in Clinical Counseling and a background as a wildland firefighter, Danielle combines her experience in mental health and crisis response to support individuals through Critical Incident Stress Management, mental health education, and leadership training. Passionate about helping others, she continues to make an impact as a counselor, educator, and facilitator. She will be presenting on mental health awareness among wildland firefighters, focusing on desensitization, detachment, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Learn more about Dani: www.closethegapwellness.com/
Austin Womack, MS, CSCS, TSAC-F, is a Wildland Firefighter, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Infantry Officer in the US Army National Guard. With a background in kinesiology and exercise science, he has coached professional athletes in the MLB, NFL, and MLS and served as a coach for the Kansas City Royals. Specializing in tactical strength and conditioning, Austin will be presenting: "PT Program Design for Wildland Firefighters."
Learn more about Rugged Athlete: www.ruggedathlete.com/