"When I reflect on my 33 years in emergency services-20 of them in law enforcement-I'm struck by a powerful paradox. Every day, police officers and first responders demonstrate extraordinary courage, running toward danger while others run away. Yet, while we have actively pursued robust awareness campaigns, we've rarely given these servant leaders the evidence-based tools they need to sustain their own well-being and thrive, not just survive. That contradiction is what drives my work today."
"After decades as a police officer, I found myself asking deeper questions about what sustains people who face adversity as part of their daily work. From my days on the best, to retirement transition, and finding purpose in this next chapter of life, I have faced many of my own traumas and learned many lessons on how to use the adversity to my advantage. I've learned not to just be resilient, but also to embrace what Nasim Taleb calls anti-fragility. Since retirement, I have written many articles for commercial outlets, commentated for TV news, and written a book."
"It was not until I found the science of well-being that I was able to identify my new purpose. While my academic journey began at Hofstra University, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Social Science and Criminal Justice way back in 1997, it was certifying as a Master Resiliency Trainer in 2021 where I found my academic path. Becoming an MRT led me to earning my Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania, which fundamentally transformed how I understood resilience, courage, and human flourishing. MAPP is the founding degree in the field of Positive Psychology, developed and taught by Dr. Martin Seligman, with only 800-plus graduates globally. I am proud to share that I am the only street cop with this degree."
A 33-year emergency services career, including 20 years in law enforcement, presents a paradox: daily courage by officers coincides with a lack of evidence-based supports for their well-being. First responders routinely run toward danger but often receive only awareness campaigns rather than tools to thrive. Personal experience includes confronting trauma, navigating retirement transition, and converting adversity into advantage by cultivating anti-fragility. Formal training progressed from a Bachelor's in Social Science and Criminal Justice to Master Resiliency Trainer certification and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania. The science of well-being and the power of stories underpin a purpose to equip servant leaders with practical, research-based strategies.
Read at Psychology Today
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