We are thrilled to invite all wildland firefighters to the Wildland Fire Virtual Wellness Summit, taking place from February 24th to March 1st.

This event is designed to prioritize your well-being and foster personal growth. Join us daily from 12 PM to 3 PM (PST) for engaging sessions filled with practical tools and insights to help you excel both personally and professionally.

Event Details

When: February 24 – March 1, 12 PM–2 PM PST daily

Where: Online via Zoom (join from anywhere!)

Summit Schedule

Monday, February 24

• 12–1 PM: Heidi Brackenbush, RDN – Former Wildland Firefighter and Registered Dietitian, Heidi specializes in fueling athletes for demanding jobs and adventures while promoting longevity. With a background in fireline research and degrees in food science and dietetics. Heidi is presenting: “Nutrition for Peak Performance and Longevity for Tactical Athletes.”

• 1–2 PM: Amanda Marsh, MS – Advocate and Founder of the Eric Marsh Foundation. Through the Eric Marsh Foundation, she supports firefighters and their families with scholarships, financial aid, and PTSD therapy. With a background in psychology and social work, Amanda spends her time running EMF, tending to her animals, and exploring photography. Presenting, "My Journey Through Grief and Trauma as the Widow of the Superintendent of the Granite Mountain Hotshots."

Tuesday, February 25

• 12–1 PM: 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 improve performance, energy, and longevity through actionable strategies. Megan’s presentation, "Fueling Hotshots" focuses on portable nutrition and hydration for WLFF’s.

• 1–2 PM: Anne Martin, MP – Anne is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach and former first responder with over 13 years of experience. Drawing from her own journey overcoming trauma and injuries, she now helps others build trust, connection, and resilience. Presenting, "Practical Mental Health Skills and Habits, Injuries on the Job, Seasonal Resets, Communication, and Resiliency."

Wednesday, February 26

• 12–1 PM: Brent Ruby, Ph.D, FASCM – 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."

• 1–1:30 PM: Helena Virga, MS – Helena, 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.

• 1:30–2:30 PM: Lauren Visconti, MS – Ph.D. Candidate in Human Biology at USC, is an Adjunct Faculty at SCUHS and a Research Physiologist at the Naval Health Research Center. Her work focuses on performance, health, and female physiology in exercise.

Thursday, February 27

• 12–1:30 PM: Kyle Pfaffenbach, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor at Eastern Oregon University, shares insights from the High-Performance Program he co-developed for the Grande Ronde Rapellers, focusing on nutrition, fitness, and resilience in demanding environments.

• 1:30–2 PM: 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, and wellness.

Friday, February 28

• 12–1 PM: Virginia Avery, LCSW, is the owner of Avery Counseling & Services, LLC, based in Missoula. A U.S. Navy veteran and former Hotshot firefighter, Virginia specializes in neuro-affirming care, diagnostics, parenting support, and resilience-focused psychoeducation, particularly for wildland fire communities.

• 1–2 PM: Ben Strahan – Superintendent of Eldorado Hotshots, 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.

Saturday, March 1

• 12–1 PM: Danielle Shedden, MS, LPC, NCC, 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.

• 1–2 PM: 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."

The event will take place on Zoom, with a capacity of 500 attendees per session. If you’re unable to join or a session reaches its limit, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Recordings of all sessions will be available on our website after the event.

The Wildland Fire Wellness Summit is made possible through the support of our incredible partners: Mystery Ranch, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, The Eric Marsh Foundation, and FUSEE. Together, we are dedicated to providing resources, inspiration, and a sense of community to those who devote themselves to this essential work.