About Us

One night, my life was changed forever. I was a Minneapolis Police Officer assigned to a team that was tasked with taking down street level criminals. On this evening, I was directed to arrest a suspect for selling drugs to an undercover. During the arrest they chose to flee. As they fled, they decided to run over a cop in the process. That cop was me. They hit me with the front of their their car sending me onto and then over the hood. In that moment, I discharged my weapon, ending his life and altering mine forever.

In the years that followed, I battled dark thoughts, anxiety, and depression that began to manifest physically. I experienced panic attacks and became hyper-sensitive to sounds associated with that night. As my mental health deteriorated, I felt increasingly isolated and overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts, believing my family would be better off without me. I started taking reckless risks at work, feeling trapped in my own mind.

After ten years, I took a leave of absence, claiming I was exploring new career paths, but the truth was that I could no longer cope. I moved to a different field, projecting an image of happiness while my internal struggles intensified. I lost friendships and pushed people away, spiraling further into darkness.

By January 2018, I hit rock bottom. I was consumed by anxiety, insomnia, and persistent suicidal thoughts. One night, on the verge of ending it all, my wife intervened, pulling me back from the edge and guiding me toward recovery.

Since that faithful night, I am committed to healing. I was diagnosed with PTSD and attended therapy twice a week. I revamped my lifestyle, practiced meditation, and worked to reconnect with friends and family. Through this journey, I realized my purpose was to help others facing similar struggles.

I returned to school and completed my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  Armed with this degree combined with my previous experience in health, wellness,and training,  I then entered the mental health field as a therapist.  I spent three years working in traditional mental health outpatient clinic settings exculsively with first responders and veterans.  I learned a lot and expanded my skillset. 

As I grew my practice, I realized that there was so much more that we can be doing to help responders and vets out.  Therapy is needed, and there are other modalities that have beneftis too.  So, In fall of 2024, I decided to take the bold step and open my own facility. Protector Wellness was born. 

Now, armed with the tools I've gained and a burning fire to help others, I dedicate myself to supporting first responders, front line medical and veterans who are silently suffering. If my story can help even one person find their way back from the darkness, it will all have been worth it.

Contact me if you want something different.