Our Programs
Building Resilience for Those Who Serve
StandFast Alliance identified a need for resiliency training to help first responders, military personnel, and their 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.
The Foundation
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 — 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's systems 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.
Visit our Science of Biofeedback page to learn more.
- Situational awareness and clarity
- Judgment under stress
- Reaction time and coordination
- Decreased fatigue and sleep disturbance
Our Approach
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 that meets 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 & Rising Starr Horse Rescue
Healing, Resilience, and Second Chances
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.
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.
To learn more about our partners at Rising Starr Horse Rescue, visit risingstarrhorserescue.org
Additional Programs
Scholarships & Educational Programs
Peer Coach Scholarship Programs
Since 2016, we have provided HeartMath Facilitator and Coach Training and have also added Equine Assisted Facilitator training. Last year we added 3 new HeartMath coaches to our team.
If you are a current or retired military or first responder (or family member) and are interested in joining our team, get in touch.
Contact UsEducational Presentations
StandFast Alliance partners with various departments and organizations to conduct customized educational presentations and programs for active and retired military, and first responders as well as their families.
Interested in a customized presentation for your department or organization? Let us know.
Request a Presentation