Our Mission
To increase access to total firefighter and first responder wellness through education and supportive program management.
Our Philosophy
You train what you track. We partner with departments to ensure that their first responder teams have regular access to ongoing wellness education, tools and resources.
We work with agencies of all size to determine where they are today, what is most important to them, and what they need to implement to reach their goals.
Meet Our Team
Brandon Paxton
Founder
With 20 years of Oregon Fire Service experience, owner Brandon Paxton understands the demands placed on firefighters and first responders firsthand. Brandon began his career as a Firefighter/Paramedic, spending time on the technical rescue team before promoting through the ranks to Battalion Chief where he managed Public Information and Government Affairs for the second largest fire district in the State of Oregon.
As a Peer Fitness Trainer, Peer Supporter, Fitness Committee Chair and pre-physical assistant, Brandon had the opportunity to work directly with firefighters of all abilities to improve both on and off-duty wellness. He remains passionate about total wellness today.
Brandon and the First Due Wellness team are proud to serve our brothers and sisters within the fire service and look forward to partnering with you to ensure that first responders thrive throughout the entirety of their careers.
Firefighter wellness is what we do. We look forward to partnering with you.
Lindsay Paxton
Owner and Finance Coach
With a degree in Economics and previous work as a Financial Advisor, Lindsay now serves as our Finance Coach at First Due Wellness. Her aim is to provide real world tips that can help establish strong financial foundations for individuals and families in the Fire Service. Getting ahead on personal finance goals can reduce one potential major stressor that we all face in hopes of allowing first responders to remain focused while on duty.
Carlyn Young
Registered Dietician
I’m a registered dietitian practicing in the Pacific Northwest since 2014. I’ve spent my career working one on one with clients to optimize their cardiac health, sports performance, relationship with food, and overall wellness. It is my belief that no two people are the same, and neither are their nutrition needs. I love getting to know each of my clients, understanding their goals, and creating sustainable individualized paths forward with nutrition.
Outside of work, I cherish spending time with friends and family outdoors, indulging in activities like mountain biking, snowboarding, traveling, and enjoying water activities. I love staying active and invigorated by life. Think of me as your new knowledgeable food enthusiast and friend!
Ryan Ross
PT, DPT, CSCS, AIB-VRC
Clinic Director - Benchmark Physical Therapy
Since practicing in the Portland metro area for the past 4 years Ryan has had the opportunity to treat people of all fitness levels. As a Licensed Doctoral Physical Therapist from Rocky Mountain University in Utah and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), Ryan is able to develop safe and effective strength programs to allow people to achieve their set goals. Ryan has frequently worked with firefighters and other first responders throughout his career in the outpatient orthopedic setting and it is always his goal to prepare their bodies for the job demands they may encounter while on duty. When not working with patients and athletes, Ryan loves to spend time with his wife and dog and also loves to ski, hike, and enjoy all Oregon has to offer!