The Balanced Responder: Thriving Personally and Professionally without Sacrificing What Matters

Experience a dynamic, two-presenter workshop designed specifically for first responders, blending clinical expertise with real-world insights to help you thrive personally and professionally. Led by psychologist Dr. Rachelle Zemlok—who specializes in first responder mental health and is married to a first responder—and retired Police Chief Paul LeBaron, whose 32-year career and marriage exemplifies achieving wellness and success simultaneously, this session offers a powerful dual perspective.

You’ll explore trauma-informed insights on how your career impacts your well-being, discover research-backed resilience strategies, and learn how individual actions can drive culture change within your department—improving morale and boosting recruitment and retention. Dr. Zemlok shares proven methods for maintaining healthy thinking, strengthening relationships, and connecting to your purpose. Chief LeBaron offers relatable stories of applying these strategies and fostering cultural shifts in his department, inspiring practical steps you can take to create lasting positive change.

Both presenters bring together clinical expertise and lived experience through storytelling, interactive discussions, and role-plays, helping attendees navigate demanding careers while preserving what matters most. Whether your goal is to strengthen relationships, reduce stress, or influence culture change, this session provides practical tools to help you thrive both at work and at home—ultimately contributing to a healthier, more supportive department environment.

This class is offered in two course formats: "Hosted Classes" where students register individually, and "Contracted Classes" where agencies purchase the course at a discounted rate. For scheduling or inquiries, please contact us.

Students are responsible for obtaining permission and approval from their departments prior to registration if the student plans to attend on-duty and have the agency pay for it. You know the rules. 

If you want to attend, we recommend working with your agency prior to registering for a class. Because if you register for a class, and your department does not approve your time or tuition for any reason, you are still responsible for the terms of the attendance and cancellation policy including any applicable tuition. Again, we know you get it. We look forward to seeing you in class!

This class is open to all federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement, corrections, dispatchers, firefighters, EMS, arson investigators, and prosecutors.  All First Responders of all ranks and assignments are welcome and encouraged to attend.