OUR Why
We have always been empowered and mesmerized by the affect first responders can have on another persons life. But the most motivating factor of our mission in the fire service exists because we know the power other first responders have on one another first hand.
From an early age we struggle with family abuse, addictions of almost anything you can imagine, and the all too common broken families. Being first responders ourselves, we felt we were called through divinity. What we did not expect is how all of our past pain, trial, and tribulations could be exacerbated by what we perceived to be our dream job.
At Ironclad Wellness we have taken on the mission to promote our message of overcoming many traumas, addictions, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with the ability to transition into Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). As they say, “when it rains it pours”, and many times the rain was torrential. For far too long first responders have been slipping through the cracks of an unknown and unaddressed mental wellness pandemic.
Through our trainings, document preparation, presentations and other services, we enjoy using our stories of triumph after many struggles to show relational transparency with our audiences. Notwithstanding, the message does not stop there. We strive to provide real, simple, and tried solutions to these matters. We, as first responders, are beyond the “awareness” phase where this issue is made known. First responders need to be in the action phase, coming to the table with real solutions to our known problems. We would love nothing more than to hear of these warrior mindsets that provide these valuable ideas to their personnel and organizations during our time together.
We are personally dedicated to pursuing a better service for all first responders because we know it is out there. There are times we can recall in our own strife that we questioned, “is it worth climbing out of this?”, to that, we say “absolutely!”. That is why we are here and passionately in the hunt for a better us.
Stay safe and take care of each other,
-The Ironclad Wellness Team
JASON M. CORTHELL
chief executive officer AND INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
Jason Corthell is an International Speaker, Chief Executive Officer 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
chief operating officer & Licensed Clinician
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.
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.