Wellness Wednesdays
For centuries, warriors have put pen to paper to understand themselves better. Roman generals, military strategists, and modern commanders alike have used writing to sharpen self-awareness and strengthen decision-making. Now, that same discipline is being brought to you.
This is not a poetry workshop or academic exercise: it’s a mission in self-exploration. Through guided writing drills, reflective prompts, and structured storytelling, you’ll learn how to map and navigate the mental terrain shaped by trauma, operational stress, and the high stakes of your profession.
Leave the class with a deeper understanding of yourself, practical tools for mental clarity, and a renewed sense of mission—on and off duty.
Sensory Room
Warriors' WordsWarriors' Words
Writing for strength & clarity.
Whether you’ve served in the heat of emergency calls or on the
battlefield, this is your space to untangle the after-action reports of
your mind, reclaim your narrative, and use words to find goodness in
yourself and others.
In the relentless pace of first responder life and military deployments,
the mind can become its own battlefield. This class — facilitated by
someone who has served in your kind of world — turns writing into a
reliable tool for clarity, resilience, and healing.
For centuries, warriors have put pen to paper to understand themselves
better. Roman generals, military strategists, and modern commanders
alike have used writing to sharpen self-awareness and strengthen
decision-making. Now, that same discipline is being brought to you.
This is not a poetry workshop or academic exercise: it’s a mission in
self-exploration. Through guided writing drills, reflective prompts, and
structured storytelling, you’ll learn how to map and navigate the mental
terrain shaped by trauma, operational stress, and the high stakes of
your profession.
Alison Pratte
Alison Pratte, LCSW, brings over 13 years of experience supporting Veterans, police, and fire professionals through trauma-focused and resilience-building care. Early in her career, Alison served as a Readjustment Counselor at the Reno Vet Center, a specialized branch of the VA dedicated to military combat-related trauma and military sexual trauma. There, she provided individual, group, and family therapy, guiding Veterans and their loved ones through the challenges of PTSD, military sexual trauma, grief, and the difficult transition back into civilian life.
Later, as the Director of Psychological Health and Suicide Prevention Program Manager for the Nevada Air National Guard, Alison expanded that mission, supporting service members and families through crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and resilience training. She worked closely with military leadership, provided consultation on psychological mission readiness, and partnered with state and community organizations to reduce the stigma of suicide, prevent Veteran suicide and strengthen support for Veterans mental resilience and health.
Beyond clinical work, Alison has taught yoga, mindfulness, and fitness at the University of Nevada, Reno for over 24 years, blending body-based training with mental health care. This unique combination of therapy, performance psychology, and nervous system regulation creates a practical approach that resonates with academic students as well as first responders who want tools that actually work in the field and at home.
In private practice today, she offers evidence-based therapy rooted in compassion and respect for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Clients find a space to step back from the constant fight-or-flight grind, with the goal of restoring peace of mind, strengthening resilience, and cultivating clarity both on and off duty.
She provides dedicated support for Veterans, police, and fire and first responder professionals who carry the weight of high-stakes service. Her approach blends evidence-based therapy with compassion and respect for the unique challenges of life on the front lines. Together, you will work toward resilience, recovery, and a sense of balance that supports not just operational readiness, but also peace of mind and strength of spirit. She creates a space to step back from the demand of being switched on for everyone but yourself, -so you can reconnect with yourself. You will restore the clarity, vitality, and inner peace you need to keep showing up—for your mission, your loved ones, and most importantly- yourself.
Barry Peterson
Barry brings many contributions to the network...
First, as a former ranger-qualified platoon leader in the Army’s 82nd Airborne, his military experience helps him understand and connect with others, who have served in high-stakes, high-stress situations.
Second, from years as a yoga teacher and humanities scholar, his post-military life helps him befriend and accompany those who seek well-being and inner peace by relying on something other than strength-through-superior-firepower.
Third, well-versed and practiced in meditation, yoga, whole health, and writing, Barry can coach people to blaze an innovative path forward, one that fits each person’s talents and aspirations. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, Barry has developed and taught courses about peace and war at the University of Nevada, and about virtual reality at the Naval Postgraduate School. Most recently, and has worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs, both as an educator and as an innovation specialist in virtual reality.
Steven Mays
“As a coach at LongevityX, Steve’s passion is helping others become the strongest version of themselves so they feel unbreakable, athletic, and balanced empowering them to continue their favorite physical activities longer without pain & injury.
As a former collegiate and professional athlete, Steve has been interested in physical medicine since he was young, studying exercise science and kinesiology in at CSU Monterey Bay and University of Nevada, Reno.
After discovering bioDensity and X3 Bar training during a Chicago mastermind event at which the inventor was presenting, he immediately saw the brilliance of the technology. He knew it aligned with his mission to strengthen people so they can perform better and enjoy physical activity without pain interfering.
Steve gained experience as a licensed massage therapist, certified trainer, a personal coach among numerous other certifications, alternative therapies, and transformational programs. All aimed from his love of helping others live stronger, empowered, & energized lifestyles. Steve now works privately with individuals, small groups, & teams helping them become stronger than ever while relieving joint in back pain using a weekly, 10-minute bioDensity session. His coaching combines pattern assessments with X3 Bar strength training, creating customized workout plans for efficient, accelerated results.”
Text or call 775-347-7751 to try a complimentary bioDensity Session or X3 Bar workout.
Heather Haslem
Heather is passionate about helping people prevent and/or overcome chronic conditions through an integrative approach, and she works to help people age well – at all ages - by working with individuals to understand that the health decisions they make today will impact their future older self.
Heather Haslem received her B.A. and M.S. from the University of Nevada, Reno, in Psychology and Human Development & Family Studies. She is a Duke Integrative Medicine trained Integrative Health Coach and a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). Heather is a qualified Mindful-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher. In addition, a certified yoga instructor.
With over a decade of experience in building programs that enhance whole-person wellbeing, Heather has worked as a program director, researcher, educator, advocate, and leader, always working to enhance the well-being of others.
FireFlex Yoga w/ Shannon McQuaide
First Responders experience an average of 800 traumatic incidents during their career. Mindfulness provides a refuge to process these experiences and to offset the effects of chronic stress. You can practice mindfulness in the station, on the rig, or after a critical incident. It’s the practice of paying attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity. This seemingly simple skill can be challenging to practice, but has impactful benefits when applied as a daily habit.
Shannon McQuaide leads Mindfulness Trainings, virtually or in-person, for First Responders. Contact Shannon to create a customized training for your agency.
Shannon also hosts conversations with Fire Chiefs, First Responders, and Paramedics discussing wellness obstacles and solutions; the library of interviews can be viewed here.
Home Workout: Developed By Sparks PD, Detective Eddie Wilson
