THE FACES BEHIND REPS FOR RESPONDERS

  • Founder/President, Recovery Coach

    Frank has always felt called to give back to his community. Frank’s service to others began as an Eagle Scout and a volunteer firefighter in my late teens. Frank played High School football and received the Coaches and Nick Zadrima award. Frank went on to play at the college level at Suny Cortland where he majored in Criminology.

    Frank spent much of my time in the gym training for powerlifting competitions. In July of 2015, Frank graduated from the NYPD police academy. After battling with personal struggle in 2018 and 2019, Frank finally reached out for help and support. Once he improved mentally, physically, he felt called to help other first responders who struggled the way he did and provide them a safe space to face their anxiety, depression or addiction in an environment that had brought Frank so much mental and physical strength once before.

    From that calling, Reps For Responders 501c3 was born. One of the first people Frank helped was his own father, a true public servant and volunteer firefighter for over 40 years. Frank’s father has been sober since November of 2019. Currently Frank has nine years of service as a police officer between two different departments. The promises in Frank’s recovery have come true. Frank is still an officer, got married to the love of his life, he has been able to help first responders all over the country recover, and in 2024 Frank became a father to a beautiful baby boy.

    His mission is simple but it’s not easy: To help you be a better version of yourself as each day passes, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Frank has been in recovery from alcohol since September of 2019.

  • Vice President , Recovery Coach, MPH, CHES

    Cristina has been with the organization since its inception in 2020. While she plays a large role behind the scenes assisting with fundraisers, marketing and overall operations, Cristina is also one of RFR's very own Health Coach's., working with first responders to identify areas of their wellbeing that can be maximized to improve quality of life and overall health through the creation of short and long-term goals with weekly action planning/ accountability.

    Her main mission is to meet you where you are and help you develop a doable solution. She loves coaching because she believes we all have the answers within us to be the best we can be, yet sometimes we just need someone to help us see those answers and to remind us just how capable we really are.

    She is currently a (boards eligible) Health and Wellness Coach through the National Wellness Institute, holds a Level 1 CrossFit certificate and is a Certified Functional Strength Coach. Cristina is a fitness enthusiast with a love for all types of movement, specifically functional fitness & running. She's Frank's right hand woman (and wife) and new mom to their beautiful baby boy.

  • Program Manager of Fitness

    Nick is a former law enforcement officer and served in the state of NJ for 6 years. Due to life experience, he is an advocate for mental health and substance abuse awareness within the first responder community. He is a Behavioral Change Specialist and is certified through NASM. Nick is set to graduate from Rutgers University in May 2024 with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health.

    Upon graduating he will obtain his License Associate Counselor ( LAC) and become a licensed mental health professional in the state of NJ.

    Nick provides peer support for first responders, manages external and fundraising events for RFR, and raises mental health and substance abuse awareness in the first responder community through public speaking engagements at various law enforcement trainings and agencies. In his spare time you can find him in the gym, at the beach, or spending time with his family and friends.

  • NYS Certified PT instructor for DCJS, Peer Support

    My name is Jason Lacayo. I’ve been a police officer for 19 years. I was hired by NYPD in 2005 and worked operation impact and 4x12’s patrol until I transferred to White Plains Police Department in 2007. I spent 18 months on patrol and was moved to the Neighborhood Conditions Unit where we specialized in pro active policing and crime reduction. Spent 4 years there and then was moved to the Emergency Services Unit in 2013. We specialize in rope rescue, vehicle extraction, as well as special weapons and tactics.

    I am also a state certified PT instructor by DCJS. As of March 28th of 2023 I was moved to detectives and now I’m currently assigned to the Mental Health outreach team. We deal with mental health services and those who seek help with substance abuse. I am also the co host of inside the labyrinth podcast powered by Reps for Responders.

  • NJ Detective and Master Resiliency Trainer NJ State, Peer Support

    Brad Waudby was born and raised in New Jersey. Brad attended the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) located in Fort Monmouth, NJ. After the Prep School, Brad entered the United States Military Academy as a member of the class of 2004. While at USMA, Brad was a member of the school’s football team, earning two varsity letters. His course of studies included the American Legal System and Systems Engineering.

    In December of 2004, Brad graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from USMA. In August of 2007, Brad entered the Police Academy and upon graduating in February 2008, Brad was assigned to investigate Organized Crime and narcotics activities in and around the Port of NY and NJ. In October of 2011, Brad was hired at his current Department. Brad’s previous assignments include the Special Victims Unit, where he investigated sex crimes, child abuse and child abductions, the Bergen County Narcotic Task Force and the Major Crimes Unit. He was also an operator on the Bergen County Regional SWAT Team. Brad is currently assigned to the Trial Unit where he assists Assistant Prosecutors in preparing cases for trial.

    Brad is a certified Master Resiliency Trainer for the State of New Jersey. Part of his duties as a Master Resiliency Trainer are to teach resiliency and officer wellness to police officers around the State of New Jersey and assist officers when they are experiencing a crisis. Brad has also earned a master’s degree in administrative science and a graduate certificate in global security and terrorism studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Brad is currently enrolled at Ramapo College, where he is working towards a master’s degree in social work, with aspirations of becoming a trauma and addiction therapist for first responders and veterans. In his free time, Brad likes to enjoy fly fishing with his two sons JJ and Tommy.

  • Recovery Coach, LCSWR, Addiction and Trauma Specialist , Program Manager of Recovery

    From my youth in dairy country, Wyoming County, NY, I have always been aware of the mission of service to others. "Love thy neighbor" was the guiding factor in my journey to college, graduate school and a long career in Clinical Social Work. The specializations of addiction and trauma have been the focus of my vocation for the past 40 years. As a recovering alcoholic and trauma survivor, I strongly empathize with having a brain that, when triggered, seems to have a mind of its own.

    I worked in Municipal Substance Abuse Counseling Centers in Rockland County, NY for 25 years : in offices, schools and on the streets of an extremely diverse population. My take-away is that our perceived differences can in no way eclipse our sameness as human beings: we all need COMPASSION.

    My 20 years as an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service and my 33 years in private practice (now in Nyack, NY) all echo the same message that resonated in the cornfields of my childhood: We are all one human race - our lives are on loan - our job is to love and care through service - and our Employer creates the results! It is my honor to be a Reps for Responders volunteer, assisting all and any First Responders in need of support.

  • Program Manger of Fitness programming & Health Services, MS, CSCS, CISSN, USAWL2

    With more than a decade of experience coaching and an educational background in sports psychology, Dani has been able to help thousands of individuals become better versions of themselves. Dani owns a private strength and conditioning facility in Tuckahoe, NY, and is an adjunct professor at St. Thomas Aquinas College. She takes a holistic approach to working with clients, addressing their physical and mental well-being.

  • Dr. Lauren Fulkerson is a passionate advocate for mental and metabolic health across all age groups and excited to join Reps for Responders team. She earned her undergraduate degree from Duke University, followed by her MD at Vanderbilt University Medical School, and completed her pediatric residency at UCLA Medical Center. She practiced pediatric medicine in Southern California until moving to Hong Kong in 2011. 

     

    From 2011 to 2021, while living in Hong Kong, Lauren dedicated herself to raising her four children and expanding her expertise in conscious parenting, effective communication, conflict resolution, and mental health strategies for both children and families. This decade of immersion strengthened her understanding of the deep connection between physical and mental health.

     

    After returning to the U.S., Lauren joined the Brain Energy team, working alongside Dr. Chris Palmer at Harvard University to promote transformative mental and metabolic health care solutions. During this time, Lauren connected with Frank from Reps for Responders, and found herself deeply aligned with his mission, recognizing the critical role first responders play in keeping the world safe and supported, and how their demanding careers put them at heightened risk for poor mental and metabolic health. Advocating for these communities is a cause close to Lauren’s heart, and she remains committed to supporting those who give so much of themselves.

      

    While living in Hong Kong and after returning to the U.S., Lauren faced her own struggles with depression, trauma, and suicidal thoughts. She experienced the negative side effects and poor efficacy from medications, the loss of family members and close friends due to her depression, and also the impact of moving away from her close community and home in Hong Kong after nearly a decade. These personal challenges, among others, deepened her passion to help others through challenging times. A strong advocate for avoiding over-medication when possible, Lauren empowers individuals to advocate for their own health, to be aware of medication side effects, and explore alternative ways to improve both metabolic and mental health, such as improved nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management.


    Lauren also focuses on the importance of trauma, hypervigilance, and the lack of social connection, purpose, and community on both physical and mental health. She emphasizes that healing starts with being honest and authentic with oneself—understanding personal needs and living in alignment with who we truly are. She further highlights that communicating these needs, setting boundaries, and improving relationships are crucial steps in the healing process, along with enhancing family dynamics to promote overall well-being. These are also the crucial strategies she focuses on as a parenting and family wellness coach. Lauren believes that fostering meaningful connections and creating a sense of purpose and community are essential for building resilience and maintaining long-term health.


     

    In addition to her medical work and parenting coaching, Lauren is a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach, avid CrossFitter and runner, and a strong proponent of exercise as a strategy to improve overall well being. She has also completed a Precision Medicine Fellowship and achieved certification in health and wellness coaching.


  • Kenny Vairo is an active Police Officer with 6 years on the job, and a US Army Infantry Veteran.

    Kenny’s law enforcement career started with the NYPD back in 2018, where he was assigned to the 34 Precinct working a steady sector on 4x12’s. While working as a Police Officer in the NYPD Kenny felt the need to further his dedication and service to his community and country and enlisted in the Army National Guard, as an Infantryman in 2020.

    Kenny reported to Fort Benning, GA and excelled in his training and then returned back to NY and continued his law enforcement career with NYPD, while actively serving with his National Guard Infantry Unit. 

    Kenny was then hired by the Town of Blooming Grove Police Department (Orange County, NY), in 2021, where he is still currently working as a Patrol Officer. Since working with BGPD Kenny has attended many trainings including being a former member of the Orange County Tactical Response Unit, DCJS Instructor, DCJS FTO and many more certifications. Kenny has since earned an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 2023. 

    At the end of 2023 Kenny became a certified CrossFit Level 1 trainer and now coaches on the side of being a Police Officer, as a passion, helping others become the best versions of themselves and push to new limits. 

    Kenny embodies an overall fit lifestyle, and advocates for physical and mental preparedness for all first responders and military personnel. Kenny fully believes and supports the mission of Reps for Responders, and wants to be as much of an asset to any first responders he can assist. 

  • A dedicated member of the NYPD, Detective Martinez proudly serves and protects the city while actively supporting Reps for Responders. Understanding the unique challenges faced by fellow first responders and military personnel, Detective Martinez is committed to ensuring these brave individuals receive the resources and support they deserve.

    Driven by a love for family, friends, and helping others succeed, Detective Martinez finds fulfillment both in their work with the NYPD and their commitment to ensuring fellow first responders and military personnel receive the support they deserve. A driven endurance athlete who thrives on setting and achieving goals, Detective Martinez aims to complete all six World Major Marathons.

    Detective Martinez was born in NYC in particular the Bronx. Detective Martinez went to school at Our Lady of Angels, Saint Raymond’s High School, Borough of Manhattan Community College, and John Jay College for Criminal Justice.