I had the unique experience of growing up in a home full of firefighters.  My mother and father were both volunteer firefighters for our town and the firehouse became my second home. I am passionate about the mental wellbeing and readiness of our first responders and veterans. That is one of the main reasons I began my career as a mental health counselor. I want to serve those special individuals that risk their lives to save the members of the community.  There is no stigma or shame in asking for help, but I want to ensure that our first responders and veterans receive the right care from someone who really knows and understands what it is like to be on that line of defense.