WHAT WE DO
StandFast Alliance identified a need for resiliency training to help first responders, military personnel and families optimize performance and deal with occupational stress. Through our educational workshops and peer coaching programs we seek to make resiliency training accessible to this community.
WHAT IS Resiliency Training?
Resiliency is the capacity to prepare for, recover from and adapt to change, stress or adversity. Resilient individuals are better able to operate from a place of optimal performance. First responders and military personnel are exposed to an additional layer of challenges due to their occupations. Family members may also be directly and indirectly affected by these occupational challenges.
We have many tools in our resiliency-building toolbox. One tool is HRV (Heart Rate Variability) biofeedback training. HRV biofeedback training is a science based tool used by military special operations, first responders and medical personnel to promote optimal health and performance. A simple ear sensor allows a person to see into the body's physiological state. Self regulating tools are then taught to help all of the body systems to work together as coherently as possible. This coherent state sets a new baseline within the body which maximizes individual potential under stress. This information can be immediately applied to real world situations.
STUDIES HAVE SHOWN RESILIENCY TRAINING INCREASES:
Situational Awareness and Clarity
Judgment Under Stress
Reaction Time and Coordination
Decrease Fatigue and Sleep Disturbance
Please see our Science of Biofeedback page for more information.
HOW WE DO IT
Identify: We Consult with individuals or key leaders in organizations to identify their challenges and needs.
Customize: SFA confers with peer coaches and members of the Biofeedback community to design a program for the individuals or organizations that meet their needs.
Implement: We conduct training sessions through our educational workshops or peer coach programs to inform and train the client.
Sustain: SFA provides tools and resources for individuals and organizations to become self-sufficient in resiliency training.
StandFast Equine
StandFast Alliance has partnered with Rising Starr Horse Rescue to create StandFast Equine — an equine-assisted program rooted in healing, resilience, and second chances.
By pairing Rising Starr's rescued horses with StandFast Alliance's expertise in resilience and preparedness, StandFast Equine offers powerful, hands-on experiences for veterans, active military, first responders, and their families in a safe, compassionate environment. Through guided interaction with horses, participants build leadership, emotional awareness, confidence, and connection — while giving rescued horses renewed purpose.
Horses offer valuable lessons in communication, energy management, and situational and self-awareness — skills especially crucial for those in military and first responder roles. No prior horse experience is necessary, and most activities are done on the ground.
We also bring our mini horse ambassadors — Army, Navy, and Mayday — to community outreach events, allowing the broader community to experience the benefits firsthand.
StandFast Equine Team Programs
Our equine-assisted team programs help individuals and groups grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Through hands-on experiences with horses, participants develop skills that translate directly to everyday life and work.
Leadership Skills — Build adaptive leadership and confidence, sharpen decision-making in changing situations, and develop creative problem-solving and flexibility.
Communication Skills — Strengthen nonverbal communication, build trust and presence, and develop greater awareness of others.
Emotional Awareness — Increase emotional intelligence, practice emotional regulation, and understand the impact of emotions on those around you.
Team Building — Foster collaboration and cooperation, improve active listening and clear communication, and build practical leadership for everyday challenges.
PEER COACH Scholarship PROGRAMs
Since 2016, we have provided scholarships for HeartMath Resiliency Coach Training within the first responder and military communities.
In 2018, we sponsored a second scholarship program called Add HeartMath Facilitator.
If you are a current or retired first responder, member of the armed forces, or family member and are interested in becoming a facilitator contact us at info@standfastalliance.org.
EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND PROGRAMMING
StandFast Alliance partners with various departments and organizations to conduct customized educational presentations and programs for past and present first responders, members of the military, as well as their families.
Contact info@standfastalliance.org if you would like us to customize a presentation for your department or organization.