COMING SOON!
SCIENCE TO THE STATION
SPEAKERS BUREAU
THESE ARE THE EVIDENCED-BASED NERDS
AND SOON YOU’LL BE ABLE TO BOOK THEM
TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT!
Dr. Sara Jahnke
Speaker BIO
Dr. Sara A. Jahnke, PhD, is one of the nation's leading authorities on firefighter and first responder health. She has dedicated her career to understanding and addressing the unique health challenges faced by emergency services, translating scientific findings into practical solutions that improve safety, resilience, and quality of life for those on the front lines.
Dr. Jahnke serves as President of Science Alliance Inc., the nonprofit umbrella organization housing her growing portfolio of national programs, as well as President of Science to the Station and ResponderStrong. Through Science Alliance Inc., she leads the strategic development of programs that move research into real world action across the fire, EMS, law enforcement, and healthcare communities. Through Science to the Station, she leads national conferences and large scale initiatives that transform research into actionable strategies. As President of ResponderStrong, she oversees evidence based tools and mental health programs serving emergency responders and their families nationwide.
Dr. Jahnke also serves as Senior Principal Investigator and Director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research at NDRI-USA, leading over a dozen national studies and collaborating on dozens more, totaling more than $30 million in research funding from NIH, FEMA, the Department of Defense, and leading health foundations. She has published more than 100 peer reviewed articles spanning cancer prevention, cardiovascular risk, behavioral health, reproductive health, and substance use.
A Fellow with the American College of Epidemiology and recipient of the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award (2024), she serves on the boards of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Volunteer Fire Council, NFPA Research Foundation, Center for Public Safety Excellence, and Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and completed the American Heart Association Fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology.
Dr. Jahnke's work continues to shape the future of first responder health, building a bridge between science and practice and improving the lives of those who protect others.
SME TOPICS
Cancer in the Fire Service – Risks, prevention, and the latest research
Behavioral Health & Resilience – Addressing stress, trauma, and mental health in first responders
Cardiovascular Risk in Firefighters – What leaders need to know about prevention and health outcomes
Women in the Fire Service – Unique health risks and cultural challenges
Substance Use in High-Stress Professions – Research insights and strategies for support
Translating Science to Practice – Turning research into policy and leadership action
Dr. Brittany Hollerbach
Dr. Brittany Hollerbach is Associate Scientist and Deputy Director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research at NDRI-USA, Inc. She earned her Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Kansas State University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in cardiovascular physiology at Skidmore College under Dr. Denise Smith. A former firefighter herself, Dr. Hollerbach brings both personal experience and scientific expertise to her research on firefighter health and wellness, female firefighter health, and the translation of science into practice.
Her work spans national studies on firefighter health, military PTSD clinical trials, and FEMA-funded projects, including her current role as Principal Investigator of a study examining firefighter perceptions of COVID-19 and effective strategies for educational dissemination. Dr. Hollerbach has taught at a local fire academy and remains well connected to the fire service community in Kansas City. She is passionate about bridging research and practice to improve the health and safety of firefighters nationwide.
Speaker BIO
SME TOPICS
Firefighter Health and Wellness – Research-driven strategies to improve performance, safety, and longevity
Female Firefighter Health – Unique risks, challenges, and opportunities for support
Cardiovascular Physiology in the Fire Service – Understanding risks and prevention strategies
Military and Veteran Health – Insights from PTSD clinical trials and wellness research
COVID-19 in the Fire Service – Perceptions, impacts, and best practices for education and response
Translating Science to Practice – Making research findings accessible and actionable for firefighters
Kepra Jack
Kepra Jack is a nationally recognized health advocate for the public safety community, with a career dedicated to improving the well-being of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders. She has partnered with the fire service on groundbreaking cardiac and cancer studies and continues to work closely with departments across the country to address the unique health risks these professions face.
As a voting member of two NFPA committees and the ACOEM Public Safety Medicine Committee, Kepra helps shape national standards and best practices for responder health. She is widely respected for her ability to translate complex medical research into practical, actionable strategies for agencies and their members.
Bringing both passion and expertise, Kepra develops educational programs that expand wellness initiatives, promote cultural change, and support healthier, longer careers in high-risk professions. Her work blends clinical insight with a deep understanding of the responder lifestyle, risks, and challenges.
Speaker BIO
SME TOPICS
Cardiac Health in the Fire Service – Understanding risks, prevention, and early detection
Cancer in First Responders – Research findings and strategies for reducing exposure
Wellness in Public Safety Professions – Building sustainable health and fitness programs
Women’s Health in Fire and Law Enforcement– Unique risks and support strategies
Creating a Culture of Wellness – Practical approaches to shift mindsets and promote change
From Research to Action– Translating medical studies into everyday health practices
John Oates
John Oates is the President and CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute (I-PSDI), the fire service’s leader in data and analytics. He oversees the growth and advancement of NFORS Analytics, Exposure Tracker, and FireCARES, helping agencies nationwide leverage data to improve safety and decision-making.
Before joining I-PSDI in 2021, John served as Fire Chief of the East Hartford (CT) Fire Department for 13 years, following two decades of service in West Hartford, where he rose to Battalion Chief. He holds a BS from Franklin Pierce University, an MS from Oklahoma State University, and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
An advocate for firefighter safety, John has been involved with the NFFF’s Everyone Goes Home Program since its inception and serves on NFPA technical committees addressing active shooter/hostile event response and motorsports venue safety, as well as the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee for the First Responder Center for Excellence.
Speaker BIO
SME TOPICS
Data-Driven Fire Service Leadership – Using analytics to improve decision-making and outcomes
Firefighter Exposure & Cancer Risk – Tracking and reducing occupational exposures
Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (NFPA 3000)– Lessons learned and best practices for preparedness
Behavioral Health in Public Safety – Building systems of support for first responders
Leadership in the Modern Fire
Service – Insights from three decades of command experience
Safety at Special Events – Managing risks at motorsports and large venues
Frank Leto
Captain Frank Leto is the Deputy Director of the FDNY Counseling Services Unit (CSU), where he has dedicated more than two decades to supporting firefighters and their families in the aftermath of traumatic events. He first joined the CSU as a Crisis Counselor and, on September 11, 2001, responded to the World Trade Center as an officer in charge of a rescue team. Since then, he has led the development of innovative outreach, counseling, and education programs to promote behavioral health and resilience in the fire service.
Captain Leto has worked closely with the IAFF and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to create behavioral health protocols and support departments nationwide after tragedies, including Hurricane Katrina, the Charleston Sofa Super Store fire, the Aurora theater shooting, and the Boston Marathon bombing. Internationally, he has shared his expertise with departments in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. He is also a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and a graduate of the West Point–FDNY Terrorism and Counterterrorism Program.
Speaker BIO
SME TOPICS
Behavioral Health in the Fire Service – Building resilience and support systems for firefighters and families
Lessons from 9/11 – Leadership, trauma, and recovery after the World Trade Center response
Responding to Tragedy – Best practices for departments after mass casualty and high-impact events
Peer Support and Counseling
Models – Innovative outreach programs that work in public safety
International Perspectives on Firefighter Wellness – Insights from supporting fire services around the world
Crisis Leadership – Guiding departments and communities through their most difficult moments
Laurie VandeSchoot
Laurie VandeSchoot has spent more than three decades proving that culture change in the fire service isn’t just possible, it’s essential. As Assistant Chief with Okotoks Fire Rescue and a long-time international consultant, Laurie is known for building inclusive, high-performing teams that strengthen both organizations and the communities they serve. She combines operational fireground credibility with executive-level leadership, instructional design, and international project work.
Laurie’s resume spans 32 years in municipal government and fire services, plus 25 years consulting internationally on diversity, leadership, and mission-focused transformation. She currently leads instructional design for NDRI-USA and sits on international committees advancing executive leadership, cultural competency, and equity in the fire service. To date, she has delivered more than 500 training and development programs across emergency services, public sector, and post-secondary institutions.
Her work has earned recognition including the IAFC President’s Award, an Immigrants of Distinction Organizational Diversity Award, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Award for outstanding contributions to international cooperation. No matter the topic she’s tackling, Laurie brings candor, credibility, and a knack for making tough conversations land
Speaker BIO
SME TOPICS
Workplace Civility & Team Cohesion – Building trust, respect, and performance in high-stress, culturally diverse environments
Emergency Management & Incident Command – Strengthening systems through After-Action Reviews, lessons learned, and integrating people, culture, and planning into command practice
Mission-Focused Transformation – Driving organizational change that aligns with core goals and community needs
Resilient Leadership in Crisis – Preparing leaders to thrive through complexity and lead with clarity when it matters most
Strategic Planning for People-Centred Change – Turning bold ideas into sustainable, measurable outcomes
Community Risk Reduction Beyond Hazards – Bridging CRR with behavioral health, cultural competency, and human factors to build safer, stronger communities