What We Do
Our Mission
To provide first responders and military personnel with traditional yoga and critical stress management training that is culturally informed and job specific for the purposes of effectively processing stress, building resilience, and enhancing performance.
who we are
YogaShield® Yoga For First Responders® (YFFR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Olivia Mead and first seen at LAFD in 2013.
To date, YFFR has trained over 300 instructors and introduced this new skill set to thousands of first responders and military personnel in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands.
In 2019 alone, YFFR reached over 150 departments in 35 states, and a total of 12,000+ first responders and military personnel.
what we do
YogaShield® Yoga for First Responders® (YFFR) has a mission of bringing yoga and mindfulness science to practical applications for first responders and military personnel.
YFFR’s unique, field tested, and evidence backed Protocol provides a systematic skill set to a known problem:
High rates of
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Post Traumatic Stress
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Heart attack
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Suicide
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other stress-based issues
The YFFR Protocol builds mental and physical resilience leading to optimal levels of performance on and off the job.
who we serve
The YFFR Protocol is designed for first responders and military personnel. YFFR considers first responders anyone who works in public safety or emergency services. We currently have critical stress management training models for law enforcement, fire service, EMS, Dispatch/911 Telecommunications, and military, with jail-based law enforcement and behavioral health in development.
how we do it
YFFR trains first responders, military personnel, and civilians on the neurological benefits of yoga and our unique approach via the methods below*:
In-Person Options
Instructor School
3 or 6 day trainings to become certified and licensed to instruct the YFFR Protocol.
In-Service Training
Workshops (including lecture and experiential portions) that fulfill mandated training requirements.
Training Demo Workshop
An introduction to YFFR Protocol and programs, consisting of a brief lecture and an experiential yoga mat class.
Academy Curriculum
Structured curriculum for recruit training academies.
Department Programs
Structured programs consisting of recurring YFFR classes held within a department facility.
Program Management
Places trained instructors within departments requesting classes/programs as well as assists departments with ensuring program satisfaction.
Online Options
Cyber Academy
Online training tool and app offering short, OnDemand audio/visual classes in tactical breath work, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to reset the neurological system.
YFFR University [Coming soon]
Online courses that can be used for in-service training, personal education, or agency-wide training. This platform is also used for continuing education for YFFR Instructors..
Zoom classes
Single or recurring live streaming YFFR classes via Zoom or another online platform. (Also available for in-services and training demos. Email programs@yogaforfirstresponders.org to learn more)
*YFFR programs, classes, and curriculum may only be taught by trained and licensed YFFR Instructors. YFFR supports its instructors and ensures service satisfaction through cutting edge and operationally sound programs.