Meet Our Team of Instructors
Susan Farren
Founder/Executive Director
Paramedic (ret.)
Susan Farren is the founder of First Responders Resiliency, Inc.™ A graduate of the Stanford paramedic program, Susan has served her entire career in the industry of pre-hospital care. Serving in both the private and public sectors as a paramedic, supervisor, operations manager, peer counselor, clinical manager, EMS educator and consultant throughout the greater Bay Area.
After being diagnosed with kidney cancer in early 2016 and undergoing major surgery, Susan was floored by the research she found about first responder physical, emotional and mental impacts her career had on her personal and professional life. This is where the Resiliency Training Program was born.
After her treatment and recovery, Susan dove into the research and subsequent data discovered involving the mental and physical impacts the industry had taken on her. Armed with that knowledge she pulled together a team of experts from every division of the industry who are working as a team to change the lives of First Responders.
A regularly sought after inspirational speaker and a published author of The Fireman’s Wife, A Memoir. Her second book, Responder Resiliency, An Owner's Manual is now available to purchase.
Ron Shull
Resiliency Instructor
Fire Engineer (ret.)
Ron Shull served 31 years with the Santa Rosa Fire Department, retiring in 2014 from the department’s busiest station, Station 1. Shull additionally served on the department’s Union Executive Board as well as pioneered their wellness and fitness program. In 2012, he was voted by his peers as Firefighter of the Year.
Dr. Gary McCalla
Resiliency Instructor
Emergency Medical Director
Dr. Gary McCalla has 30+ years of experience as a residency-trained, board-certified Emergency Medical Specialist. He has been trained as the Medical Director for both REACH Helicopters and American Medical Response, Inc. (AMR). Dr. McCalla currently teaches our Cognitive Behavioral Therapy module.
Eric Strom
Resiliency Instructor
Physical Exercise and Nutrition
Fire Captain (ret.)
Eric Strom has a 31-year career as an award-winning Firefighter and Paramedic. He has served as Captain for the Town of Corte Madera and City of Vallejo and Chair of the Vallejo Fire Department’s Health and Safety Committee. In 2017 Eric received the Hero’s Award from Congressman Mike Thompson for his work in the department’s safety program and for actions taken during the 2017 Sonoma County Tubbs Fire.
Tod Ceruti
Resiliency Instructor
Tactical Yoga
Veteran
Tod Ceruti is a military veteran, certified Fire Flex, Veteran Warrior, and Prison Yoga Instructor who teaches a unique form of physical resilience to civilians, first responders, and prisoners alike. Ceruti’s experience as a military vet, combined with his own incredible journey into physical wellness is a life-altering benefit to anyone who learns from him.
Cathy Wayne
Resiliency Instructor
Cumulative Trauma and Substance Abuse
Captain/Field Commander (ret.)
Cathy Wayne promoted early in her career from an EMT to Paramedic with Acme Western Ambulance in Oakland, CA. She transitioned in her career with the California Highway Patrol, spending 27+ years working in Road Patrol, Commercial Operations, K-9 Narcotics Interdiction, and Dispatch Communications in the East Bay and South Bay Areas. After several ranks over the years, she ended her career as a Captain, Field Commander in 2011.
Dr. Jen Riegle
Resiliency Instructor
Nutrition and Wildland Toxins
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Jen Riegle is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, with a degree from Bastyr University, one of the leading institutions in natural medical care and research. Riegle carries advanced certifications and training in environmental medicine, women’s health, infertility, biofeedback, and traditional medicine practices. Dr. Riegle utilizes conventional treatment methods, as well as healing modalities such as herbal medicine, functional and physical medicines..
Bailey Farren
Resiliency Instructor
Hemi-Sync and Art Therapy
Bailey Farren Coming from a family of first responders, Bailey has always been inspired to work closely with first responder wellness. She merges her skills as an incredible artist with her degree in Cognitive Science from UC Berkeley, to lead first responders in our Art Therapy module and Hemi-sync Presentation.
Nick Loffree
Resiliency Instructor
Senior Qi'Gong Instructor
Nick Loffree is a Senior Instructor and Teacher Trainer for the internationally recognized school Holden QiGong. He has studied Neuroscience, Buddhist/Yogic conceptions of the mind, Nutritional Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Loffree now works with us to provide Qigong as PTSD therapy to police, firefighters, and military participants.
Veronica Stirnus
Coordinator of Family Services
Veronica Stirnus is a Sonoma County native who is a graduate from Sonoma State University. Her husband, Gabe, is both a captain with Sonoma Valley Fire Dept, as well as a part-time paramedic on the Sheriff’s Department helicopter. Veronica balances being a busy mom of 2 young sons, with working in the spouse and family component of First Responders Resiliency, Inc.™, training families and loved ones how to support themselves and their loved ones.
Carie Levar
Family Services Instructor
Carie Levar has been married to a firefighter for 20 years and has four children. Carie became a part of the FRRI team in July 2019 after her husband attended one of our conferences and she attended the family session. Simply put, Carie says, "The conference changed our lives and saved our marriage." She knew immediately that she needed to be a part of this organization. Carie's goal as an instructor is to share with loved ones what she wishes she knew earlier; that they're not alone and about the importance of self-care.
Mike Watt
Family Services Instructor
Mike Watt is a military veteran who grew up in Sacramento, CA. After serving in the military, he became a firefighter/EMT for 15 years before retiring. In 2018, he attended a conference with FRRI where he was able to identify and treat issues he was experiencing with post traumatic stress. Mike shares with the families his experience and the aspects of dealing with post traumatic stress.