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PROUDLY SERVING

Waller - Harris County Emergency Services District 200

City of Katy Fire Department

Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department

JASON M. CORTHELL

International Speaker and Director

Jason Corthell is an International Speaker, Director of Ironclad Wellness, and a dedicated member of the fire service since 2004. With over a decade of experience as a Fire Service Officer, Chief Corthell brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to his work. Beginning in 2017, he courageously began sharing his journey from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). He is widely accepted and nationally recognized as a prominent voice in the field of first responder mental wellness and building helpful, culturally competent programs for first responder organizations. His insights and projects have been featured in numerous publications and podcasts, making him a sought-after speaker and advocate.

He was awarded the The Star of Texas Award in 2016 by Governor Greg Abbott. This award honors all Texas peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical first responders, and federal law enforcement officers who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

In 2024, Jason gained both the Fire Chief’s Excellence Award and was awarded the Texas Fire Instructor of the Year by the Texas Association of Fire Educators. However, his proudest accomplishments come as a husband and father.

ALEXIS MELTON, LMFT-S /LCDC-I

Licensed Clinician and Assistant Director

Alexis is a highly experienced professional in the field of wellness and development, with a dedicated career of over five years. She has been actively involved in various organizations during her time as a counselor: Shield Bearer Counseling Centers, PTSD Foundation of America, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Cypress Creek Fire Department Clinician, and Cy-Fair Fire Department as an Emergency Medical Technician -Advanced, while also serving on the Peer Clinical Review Board.

Alexis holds several certifications and licenses to support her work within the industry. She obtained her Associates Degree in Mortuary Science from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services, a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Our Lady of the Lake University. Additionally, Alexis is a Crisis K9 handler for Molly, certified by International Association of Fire Fighters Peer Support, and vetted as a mental health clinician by the International Association of Fire Fighters.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

JADA WILLIAMS

Jada Williams is a highly accomplished and dedicated professional in the field of firefighting, with a wealth of experience and expertise. Over the course of her six-year career, Jada has honed her skills and demonstrated her commitment to the safety and well-being of her community.

In her current role in the fire service, Jada has proven herself as a valuable asset by consistently going above and beyond the call of duty. Last year, she took on the important role of peer support member, providing crucial assistance and guidance to her fellow firefighters during times of need. Additionally, her volunteer work with Guardian Grounds Ranch showcases her passion for mental health and wellness, as she actively promotes these important issues within the fire service.

Jada's advocacy for mental health is rooted in her belief that community engagement is essential for building strong support systems and promoting overall well-being. Her personal background, growing up in diverse communities and shouldering significant responsibilities as the oldest of five children and first-generation firefighter, has instilled in her the importance of prioritizing health and wellness in all aspects of life.

With her unique blend of experience, passion, and dedication to mental health advocacy, Jada Williams is poised to make a lasting impact within any community-focused on promoting mental wellness. Her impressive track record and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others make her a standout professional in the first responder mental wellness field.

MOLLY

ALLIANCE OF THERAPY DOGS AND CREDENTIALED CRISIS RESPONSE K9

Crisis Response K9 Molly is a highly trained and dedicated therapy dog who plays a role in providing emotional support and comfort to individuals facing traumatic events. In 2023, she was credentialed as a Crisis Response K9 through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Her training was specifically targeted to work in highly emotional situations, offering a calming presence for those coping with distress.

One of Molly's most impactful roles is working with first responders and Veterans, who often face intense and traumatic situations. Her presence in these environments offers both a break from the stress of their work and an opportunity to process emotions in a comforting setting. One of her skills is to alert people to stress in a person before they are even aware it is happening. When she is alerted Molly jumps into action by distraction and providing affection.

While Molly's specific story is unique, her service exemplifies the growing recognition of therapy animals' importance in crisis response. Therapy dogs like her play an essential role in fostering resilience, promoting emotional recovery, and helping communities heal.

  • Current Wellness-Fitness Director for Harris County Emergency Services District 13

  • Bachelors Degree in Emergency Management from Waldorf University (Cum Laude) and Associate Degree in Fire Science from Lone Star College

  • Graduate of the Texas A&M TEEX Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program

  • Graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy

  • Certified Master Instructor, Texas Commission on Fire Protection

  • Certified Master Firefighter, Texas Commission on Fire Protection

  • EMS Instructor, Texas Department of State Health Services

  • Honorable U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

  • ICISF CISM Individual and Group Intervention Certified

  • IAFF Peer Support and Resiliency Certified

  • IFOC Chaplain Certified

  • FFC Chaplain Certified

  • Certified First Responder in Cultural Competency Certified First Responder Counselor Academy

  • Certified First Responder Associate Certified First Responder Counselor Academy

  • 2015 Governors Star of Texas Award Recipient

  • 2023 Harris County Emergency Services District Fire Chief Award Recipient

  • 2023 Texas Fire Instructor of the Year

BIO & HIGHLIGHTS

Chief Corthell has been in the fire service since 2004

UPCOMING EVENTS TO CATCH JASON SPEAKING:

  • Lone Star College Emergency Medical Services Academy - Houston, TX

    • February 21, 2025. Closed Session.

  • 1st Responder Conferences - Coeur d’ Alene, ID

    • February 27-28, 2024. Registration Here.

  • Texas Fire Chiefs Association Annual Conference - Waco, TX

    • April 14-17, 2025. Registration Here.

  • Klein Fire Department Cadet Academy - Spring, TX

    • March 10, 2025. Closed Session.

  • 1st Responder Conferences - Ocean City, MD

    • March 24-25, 2025. Registration Here.

  • Colorado Risk Reduction Conference of the Rockies, CO

    • April 29-May 1, 2025. Registration TBD.

  • 1st Responder Conferences - Marietta, GA

    • May 8-9, 2025. Registration Here.

  • Center For Public Safety Excellence Conference - Orlando, FL

    • April 1-4, 2025. Registration Here.

  • 1st Responder Conferences - San Luis Obispo, CA

    • April 24-25, 2025. Registration Here.

Click here to read about Jason’s story. Published in the December 2024, Daily Inspiration by Voyage Houston.

Click here to read about Jason’s non-profit, Guardian Grounds Ranch. Published article in the November 2024 Edition of City Lifestyle Magazine.

Click here to read Jason’s published article in the December 2022 Edition of Fire Engineering Magazine.