LIFELINES Program Feedback

“I think first responders could greatly benefit from your training. I think a lot of us in this field are still scared to show vulnerability (old school ” toughen up” mentality still prevails) and your program could help open those doors… slowly but surely! I really believe once conversations like this start, our career longevity will improve.  This is a great program that allows you to learn how to create safe spaces for vulnerability and then build networks of support in both personal and professional life. I was skeptical about online training as well, but Lori proves online training actually CAN be engaging. Thank you!”  Brittany Martyn, Primary Care Paramedic/ Peer Support Member, Six Nations Paramedic Services, Ontario 

“I really enjoyed the course. I have a new appreciation for the word Community. I liked how the chaos step was explained, that it isn’t a bad thing. I feel like I made new friends and enjoyed everyone’s company very much. I felt very safe in the learning environment and would recommend this course to anyone. Thank you.”  Michael Polgar, ALS Paramedic Superintendent, Brant/Brantford Paramedic Services, Brantford, Ontario 

“Hi Lori, I wanted to share my appreciation for the Lifelines program. This program was highly interactive, and the breakout rooms were thoughtfully designed to build on the ideas and concepts of community building. I especially valued how each activity created a supportive environment where everyone could contribute and learn from one another.  Overall, the Lifelines program was a truly enriching experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate.  Thank you for the effort and intention that went into creating such a powerful learning space.”  Angela Schotsman, Superintendent, Employee Wellness and Program Development, Hamilton Paramedic Service, Hamilton, Ontario

“I really enjoyed my time learning about the LIFELINES program. I am eager to learn new ways to connect within my organization and peer team. I have a better appreciation for connection and its value and importance, especially in emergency services.  I would tell my colleagues that the program was very insightful and was a good reminder to be present within our organization.” Marissa Dumont, Relief Superintendent, Peer Support Co Lead, Manitoulin-Sudbury Paramedic Services, Ontario

“It was a great opportunity to learn how to promote connection through vulnerability.” Ron Thomas, Six Nations Paramedic Services, Peer Support team member, Ontario

“This community building class is a perfect starting point for those who want to see a change within their agencies. It teaches you step by step, how to build a community, and how to recognize when there is trouble. It’s a very interactive class and by the end of the 10 hours, you will have formed friendships with the others in the class. I have found this to be the most beneficial part of it all because everyone who is there, is in your shoes and wants the same thing for their departments. I am the first from our squad to have taken this class but we will be offering it to our other chief officers as well.”   Jennifer Arbo, NRAEMT, CPST, Captain/Community Outreach, Social Media Coordinator, Safety Officer, Pennsylvania

“Thank you for offering the course! Definitely a great wealth of information.”  Damien Tyler – Shift Commander – North Thompsonville Fire Department, Enfield CT 

“Taking the Kalliergo community building class online was an eye-opening experience! The course provided valuable insights into creating strong, engaged, and supportive communities not only within the first responder community, but in everyday life as well.  The content was both practical and thought-provoking, and the interactive sessions allowed me to apply the principles in real-time. Lori is very knowledgeable, approachable, and created a warm virtual environment where participants could share experiences and learn from one another. I left the course feeling with new tools and strategies to foster connection and inclusivity within any community. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to make a lasting positive impact in their community-building efforts.”  Beth Piatelli, Maryland

“Class was insightful. Parts will be used both professionally and personally.”  Timothy Coale, Harford County Department of Emergency Services, Maryland

“I felt that the program offered insight on how to deal with day-to-day operations more effectively in our work. It also gave me an opportunity to connect in a different way to some fellow employees.”  Marty Zorn, EMT, Anderson County EMS, Tennessee

“Lori Gosselin’s First Responders Community Building Program is a game-changer. Her deep understanding of connection and communication has created a space where first responders can truly support one another. Lori brings a rare blend of empathy, insight, and practical tools that foster genuine trust and resilience within teams. This program is more than training—it’s a path to stronger, healthier communities.”   James Campbell, Chief, Phillipsburg Emergency Squad, New Jersey

“The program was knowledgeable and informational. Thank you for all the valuable information.” Pattice A. Hinton Hall, Chaplain, Trust for the Hurting

“I felt the class was informative and gave me a better understanding of how communities form.” Natalie Stotler, Harford County DES, EMS Captain

“The Lifelines program was surprisingly good. There is a lot of material and classes about mental wellness. I have read books, listened to podcasts, and hosted instructor-lead courses on similar topics (albeit not as much pre-crisis.)  When the course started, I wasn’t sure that I was ever going to be able to connect in a deep capacity with the individuals present.  There were two moments that turned my tide.  One was last week when you asked us to say which member of our group listens or is a quiet leader etc.  That was a lovely moment, and I felt our group shift. The other moment was yesterday. It was the question about naming the chapter we are in. I said ‘new friends’, which is how I felt, and then someone else said ‘unexpected change’ or something to that degree.  She then said, well that’s not about you all and then shared with us that her mother-in-law is moving next door to her. Three out of the four of us have our parents living in extreme close proximity, and in a poof of a moment we felt community.  So yes, it was surprising.  The lead-up questions worked well and broke enough ice to help facilitate the creation of community. In all, I am excited to have met these individuals and to see them again (virtually) in the future. Lori provided helpful tools to navigate chaos and build community.” Fiona Johnson, Johnson County Ambulance Director, Iowa City, IA

“I felt like, throughout the process, we as a group were honest about the questions in the chats, but it felt different in the last session. The questions were deeper, more thought-provoking. I think it was a combination of the deeper questions and opening up to more personal journeys and history that just made me feel much closer to the group. I don’t know if we could have gotten there without the first part or spending time with each other every week. I think the connection comes from both those items.  I bought into the process and it shows that it works!”  Tanya Havlik-Smith, Lead EMT, Guidelink Center, Johnson County Ambulance, IA

“This program was great for learning to build community! Thank you so much for all the work that you have done to develop it.”  James W.McGuire III, Paramedic, Fetters Mill Fire Rescue, PA

“I enjoyed the program and had the opportunity to work with a very nice group. I would like to see others in my organization take this class. I think there are a lot of valuable tools.” Michelle Gardner, South Branch Emergency Services, Clinton NJ

“The class was an amazing experience and made me think outside my comfort zone. I have for years had issues talking to people I don’t know.” Robert Cousins, EMT Cranberry EMS, PA

“The concepts and principles taught in this class are extremely consistent with other classes related to mental health and care for Public Safety and others. I found the teaching to be relevant to the situations we find ourselves in and well worth the time investment given to this topic. I look forward to using the tools brought forward in this class and the ongoing efforts to improve the mental health, community and Esprit corps of our fire company.”  Timothy Kick, BelAir VFC, Chaplain, Maryland

“I feel I’ve learned by listening to my colleagues in the group and they have learned from me. I also feel I am on the right path of Community Building and can carry that on to future endeavors. Thank you for this opportunity & training!”  Chaplin Denise Flynn- Cook, MHS, PPSCL, Norristown Police Dept, PA 

“I really enjoyed some of the prompts and questions that provoke intelligent conversations. I also enjoyed the debates in order to come to consensus which made the experience more fun. I also enjoy the fresh take on how to improve mental health through making connections.”  Devin, Paramedic, Anderson County EMS, Tennessee