We’re Here to Help
Well·ness
noun
the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal
Re·cov·er·y
noun
a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength
the action or process of regaining possession or control of something stolen or lost
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Sarah Thompson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with multiple years of experience working with first responders. She has her PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences and her master’s degree in counseling with specialization in trauma and crisis counseling. Sarah is the Clinical Director for Virginia First Responder Support Services, a Certified First Responder Counselor, and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). For fun Sarah enjoys reading novels and bird watching.
Sarah Thompson, PhD, LPC
Ben is a career Lieutenant with Augusta County Fire Rescue. He is also a Life Member of Weyers Cave Fire Company with over 30 years of firefighting experience. He is a Heavy Tactical Rescue technician, a HazMat technician, a member of the Fire Prevention and Public Education Program, and a former Assistant Fire Marshal. Ben has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Fire Science. Ben has also been serving his brothers and sisters as the Executive Director of Virginia First Responder Support Services since 2017.
Ben Thompson, BA, Peer Coordinator
Natalie Rader, Office Manager
Natalie graduated from Mary Baldwin University with a bachelor’s degree in social work and completed her internship at Thin Line Wellness and Recovery. For her work with first responders, she won Mary Baldwin's Best High Impact Practice Award. She plans to use her degree to serve the area’s first responders by providing support and wellness education. In the future, she plans to pursue her Master's degree in social work. In her free time, she enjoys watching football and spending time with family.
John Gannon, Counseling Intern
John is a 25-year career firefighter who has risen through the ranks to become an Acting Battalion Chief with Chesterfield Fire & EMS. He is a Hazmat Technician and the Program Manager of the Chesterfield Fire & EMS Peer Support Team. He has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond in Emergency Management and is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and has a passion for sailing. He will begin a telehealth internship with Thin Line Wellness and Recovery in Fall 2025.
Athena Rose, Therapy Dog In Training
Athena is a female English Mastiff bred by Hooligan Mastiffs out of Troy, Virginia. At the time of this writing she is 1 year and 4 months old. She completed her Basic Obedience and AKC STAR Puppy Training with Leader of the Pack Dog Training out of Verona, Virginia. Until she is a year old she will practice socialization, desensitization, basic obedience, and will work toward passing the Canine Good Citizen test with the goal of accomplishing her official Therapy Dog Certification at 1 year of age.
Don’t tell him, but Apollo thinks he’s the REAL therapy dog in the office. He has no official training yet, but is confident he doesn’t need it. Little in size, but big in heart and attitude, his favorite activities include convincing you to give him multiple treats, sitting like a meerkat, and licking your brain through your nose.