Back to Faculty
Faculty

Olivia Mead

ERYT 500, YACEP
Founder & CEO
Yogashield Yoga For First Responders

Olivia Mead is the Founder of Yoga For First Responders® (YFFR), a pioneering organization that trains public safety to process stress, build resilience, and enhance performance using a job-specific, neuroscience-backed yoga protocol.

With over 20 years of experience and top-level yoga certification, Olivia is a subject matter expert in mind-body resilience. YFFR’s method is the first workplace-delivered program proven to reduce PTS(d) risk in active-duty responders, validated by two clinical studies.

She created the YFFR protocol starting at Los Angeles Fire Department, blending yoga, human performance, and cognitive tools. Under her leadership, YFFR has certified hundreds of instructors and impacted over 100,000 first responders globally.

A sought-after speaker and TEDx presenter, Olivia continues to lead innovations in mental wellness through online programs, a training app, and the YFFR podcast.

2026 Sessions

Your Grief Protocol: A Trauma-Informed System for Navigating Loss in Public Safety

Yes, I understand

Grief is an inevitable part of public safety work, yet most responders have never been taught how to process it in a way that protects their mental and physical health while also giving structure and meaning to the hardships they face. This presentation introduces The Grief Protocol — a psychological and physiological framework designed for EMS, fire, police, and dispatch professionals navigating both micro- and macro-level grief.

The presenters combine evidence-based grief theory with research-backed nervous-system regulation to offer a practical, accessible approach to loss. Drawing on Worden’s Tasks of Mourning, Neimeyer’s meaning-making framework, and autonomic nervous system science, this session explains why grief impacts the mind and body so powerfully—and how responders can support themselves through it.

Participants will learn concrete tools, including breath work, movement, and grounding techniques that can be used during and after critical incidents. Through a blend of education and brief guided practices, attendees will leave with a repeatable protocol they can use on duty, off duty, and throughout their careers.

Co-Presenter (2 Presenters)

Presenter (1 Presenter)

Friday, October 02 2:15–3:15 PM
Room W240 B
Health and Wellness
Faculty

Ali Rothrock

FF/EMT, MAHS, CTR
Founding Executive Director
The On the Job and Off Foundation

Ali W. Rothrock is a former firefighter, trauma educator, and author of After Trauma: Lessons on Overcoming from a First Responder Turned Crisis Counselor. For nearly two decades, she’s used her own story of survival to advocate for better mental health conversations and resources in high-stress professions. As Founder & CEO of On the Job and Off, Ali has delivered over 700 trainings nationwide, equipping first responders with tools for resilience, recovery, and connection. Ali has her Master’s Degree in Trauma, Resilience, and Self-Care Strategies.

Faculty

Olivia Mead

ERYT 500, YACEP
Founder & CEO
Yogashield Yoga For First Responders

Olivia Mead is the Founder of Yoga For First Responders® (YFFR), a pioneering organization that trains public safety to process stress, build resilience, and enhance performance using a job-specific, neuroscience-backed yoga protocol.

With over 20 years of experience and top-level yoga certification, Olivia is a subject matter expert in mind-body resilience. YFFR’s method is the first workplace-delivered program proven to reduce PTS(d) risk in active-duty responders, validated by two clinical studies.

She created the YFFR protocol starting at Los Angeles Fire Department, blending yoga, human performance, and cognitive tools. Under her leadership, YFFR has certified hundreds of instructors and impacted over 100,000 first responders globally.

A sought-after speaker and TEDx presenter, Olivia continues to lead innovations in mental wellness through online programs, a training app, and the YFFR podcast.
Back to top