About Us

The Phoenix Project is a passion project resulting from a group of Central Ohio First Responders who share a common urge to help others find their path to mental health and physical health resiliency. The group identified three main goals for the project:

  1. Break the stigma placed on mental health
  2. Introduce and share resources that operate in this space
  3. Financially support non-profit organizations that support first responders

The group identified “First Responders” as anyone who works in law enforcement, fire/EMS, and dispatchers. We all share connections to the rigors of daily service to our communities and with that comes associated trauma and impact on our mental health.

The Phoenix Project name resulted from a consensus feeling of the group who all shared their own mental health struggles and how they felt after getting help. “Rise From The Ashes” felt like a common experience by all who have sought professional help through the resources available.

In order to achieve the three main goals set forth, the group is hosting the second annual symposium highlighting a speaker who shares the experience of overcoming mental health struggles.  Travis Howze, an international touring speaker, author, and motivational wellness educator who spent 14 years in the military and emergency services as a U.S. Marine, Police Officer, and Firefighter will be providing two 90-minute presentations during the symposium to highlight his journey and his “Rise from the Ashes” story.

The symposium will also feature guest speaker representatives from two major non-profit organizations that operate in the mental health space, saving countless lives in the process.  First Responders’ Bridge and Save a Warrior will both present life-changing awareness and key resource information to attendees.

Lastly, we have connected with over 15 other resources that provide treatment and assistance to first responders with mental health struggles.  Each resource will have a space set up to connect with symposium attendees.

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Meet the Founders

K.J. Watts – Assistant Chief, Whitehall Division of Fire

Save a Warrior Alumni (Cohort #104)
I have been in the fire service for 25 years and currently serve as the Assistant Chief for Whitehall Division of Fire. I am a strong advocate for first responder mental health. I believe the humans that do the work for our communities are our greatest asset. It is crucial for agencies to invest in the mental and physical well-being of our personnel. People change, people go through the highs and lows of life.

We all experience life differently. We need to recognize first responders are not immune to the emotional impact of our lives AND the job. I have experienced many highs & lows over my life. I have struggled, been stuck, and have even contemplated suicide. I am here today because of GRACE and because I asked for help. A huge part of my recovery is to help others. I find my grace and emotional sobriety in the Lord Jesus Christ as well as my community at Save a Warrior (#104).

I am forever grateful for people in my life that have, and continue to help. I am beyond committed to bring the awareness and education to the masses in the first responder community because the healing is definitely out there.

Shawn Stauffer – Firefighter/ Paramedic, Whitehall Division of Fire

I am a Firefighter/Paramedic/Rescue Technician with the City of Whitehall Division of Fire., with 22 years of experience in the Fire Service working at various suburban departments around Columbus, Ohio.  I have been married to my wife Marisa for 19 years and have 3 children.

I have been through battles of Mental Illness, Anxiety/Depression, PTSD, and Substance Abuse.  I believe that we all face adversity in our lives as firefighters on and off the job.  Having been through a very long dark period in my life, I feel I have gained some valuable tools to help any brother or sister in their times of adversity.

I also have a passion for fitness and co-own CrossFit Future in Blacklick, Ohio established in 2011.  I believe fitness is a key component to strong Mental Health and a valuable resource for managing and coping with on and off the job stress.  I am very active at my Church (ONE Church) in Gahanna, Ohio serving as the Assistant Safety Director, Medical Team Member, and on the Facilities Team.  I also look forward to becoming a certified Chaplain in the future.

Rob Homman – Lieutenant, Whitehall Division of Fire

I have been a firefighter for thirty-five years. I have been with Whitehall Division of Fire for twenty-eight years and currently serve as a Lieutenant on 2-Unit.

Prior to that, I served in the military, spending four years in the Air Force, along with another six years in the Army and Army National Guard. During my time in the Army National Guard, I deployed to Saudi Arabia/Iraq for Operation Desert Shield/Storm. My life has been devoted to helping others. Giving back to my brothers and sisters is my mission.  

Ben Leonard – Firefighter/Paramedic, City of Whitehall Division of Fire

I have been in the Fire/EMS service for ten years and currently serve as a Professional Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Whitehall and as a Flight Paramedic for MedFlight.

Since the earliest days of my career, I have noticed a severe lack of mental health awareness and a significant stigma in the world overall but especially in the public safety sector. I was not always aware of my own mental health or its impact on my life, which has resulted in me having my own share of battles over the years.

Mental health awareness and suicide prevention unfortunately hit far too close to home as I experienced the suicide of my best friend, another firefighter, in 2019. In the aftermath of that loss, I remain dedicated to sharing my story, his story, and helping others on their mental health journey as I continue on my own. 

Andy Fey – Firefighter/Paramedic, Mifflin Township Fire Department

I have been a firefighter for 27 years and serve on the Mifflin Township Fire Department assigned to R134 on 1u. 

I’m a recovering alcoholic and have over 3 years sobriety,  One Day at a Time.   I’m a proud alumni of the Center of Excellence in Maryland and Save a Warrior Cohort #098. 

Barry Wright – Lieutenant, Violet Township Fire Department

Service Dog: Rafy

Save A Warrior Alumni (Cohort 059)

I have been a Firefighter/Paramedic for 33 years and full-time at Violet Township Fire Department for 23 years.  I have been a Registered Nurse for 30 years.  I had several years of mental health related struggles and multiple attempts at getting the right help I needed.

Facing this issue was the hardest thing I have ever done and the most beneficial.  Allowing yourself to be vulnerable, realizing you have weaknesses and getting the proper help and treatment needed is the most rewarding feeling in the world.  Being asked to be a part of The Phoenix Project has been an honor and a privilege.

Kim Foltz – Firefighter/Paramedic, Truro Township Fire Department 

My name is Kim Foltz and I am a firefighter/paramedic with the Truro Township Fire Department in Reynoldsburg Ohio. I am assigned to Station 162 on 1 Unit. 

My career began as a dispatcher with Truro Township in 2003 and I was promoted to a career firefighter in 2006.  I am the Peer Support Program Coordinator for Truro Township, Director of the Toys for Kids Program of Reynoldsburg and a dispatcher for the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Center (MECC). I am a mother of three and currently reside in Pickerington Ohio with my husband Travis.  

My journey in mental health, education and awareness began when I lost my middle child in 2012 from a disease known as Nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH).  This experience, while forever ongoing, gives me the desire to help others with their own unique story.  I have attended the IAFF peer support program, Illinois firefighter peer support training program, First Responder Bridge, Brothers helping Brothers and numerous other conferences pertaining to mental health and resilience.  In my free time, my two daughters and I enjoy volunteering for Freedom Tails Ohio. 

Brad Shull – Fire Chief, Jefferson Township Fire Department

Save a Warrior Alumni (Cohort 100)

As the fire chief for Jefferson Township in Franklin County, I know firsthand the difficulties that first responders face from a mental health aspect. Work related mental health had been a challenge for me, in addition to the challenges brought forth with childhood and life. I clearly see that nobody is immune to traumatic stress and moral injury. My journey has taken me down the path of various therapies, including talk therapy, group re-parenting, and EMDR, ultimately resulting in a life changing visit to the Save a Warrior© program. I have daily practices to hold me accountable to myself for the betterment of myself, emotional sobriety free from drama and social media, and my understanding that I must be present in this moment if I am to help myself and others with the challenges faced.

Married to a wife who was a former first responder and with three boys, two of which are pursuing the fire service, it becomes more real for me to take on this mission of helping educate our sisters and brothers. The hope is to open the door allowing them to be vulnerable enough to sound their mental maydays. The fact is the door has always been open, we just need to muster the courage to step through. 

Be safe and all the love and luck to you on your road to self-discovery and recovery!