Health & Wellness Committee
The PBG Fire Rescue Health and Wellness Committee is made up of dedicated members committed to improving the health, fitness, and resilience of our firefighters.
Health & Wellness Coordinator
Our wellness program is supported by certified specialists in physical therapy, mental health, and sports nutrition.
Movement Systems Specialist & Physical Therapist
Morey J. Kolber, PT, PhD, OCS, CSCS*D, TSAC-F*D, FNSCA
Dr. Morey J. Kolber earned his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami and his terminal doctorate degree (PhD) from Nova Southeastern University. Morey holds a faculty appointment at Nova Southeastern University where he teaches courses in orthopaedic physical therapy and exercise physiology. Additionally, serves as a senior editor for the National Strength and Conditioning Associations Strength and Conditioning Journal.
Morey holds a board certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties where he currently sits on the committee of content experts, helping to maintain and advance the OCS examination. Additionally, Morey is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS*D), Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F), is certified in the McKenzie Method, and holds a certification in both the Functional Capacity and Functional Movement System (FMS) assessment tools. Morey has been awarded the Sports Medicine Specialist of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and has received the Excellence in Teaching award through the American Physical Therapy Association. Morey has been awarded fellowship status with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (FNSCA).
Morey's professional interests and current research is focused on injury prevention in weightlifters and tactical athletes, strength and conditioning, as well as regenerative medicine. Specifically, he has conducted and presented research on the predictive value of the Functional Movement Systems tool in the firefighter population as well as the effects of conditioning programs among injured firefighters.
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Education
Nova Southeastern University, College of Allied Health, Advanced Doctoral Program
Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Ph.D., P.T. 2007
Dissertation Research: "Shoulder Joint and Muscle Characteristics in the Recreational Weight Training Population" Published in J Strength Cond Res, 2009;23:148-157.
University of Miami School of Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy
Coral Gables, Florida — M.S.P.T. conferred December 1995
Research Capstone: "Shoulder Pain in Manual Wheelchair Users with Tetraplegia and Paraplegia" Published in Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 1999; 80:453-457.
University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida — B.H.S. conferred May 1994, 3+3 Physical Therapy Program
Certifications & Specialized Training
Functional Movement Systems-Level 1 (FMS)
Certified 2017, Chatham, VA, USA
Functional Capacity Screen — Functional Movement Systems
Certified 2020, Chatham, VA, USA
Sabbatical Externship: Regenerative Medicine 2018 (Mentor: Joseph Purita, MD)
Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida
Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
Certified 2008 · Recertified 2018, The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Certified 2001, National Strength and Conditioning Association, Colorado Springs, CO · 2015–current: Recertification with Distinction Credential (CSCS*D)
Certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy of the Spine (Cert. MDT)
Certified 1998, McKenzie Institute, USA
Certified Blood Flow Restriction Training (Level 1)
Certified 2020, Smart Tools, Strongsville, OH, USA
Certified Graston Technique: Instrumented Assisted Soft Tissue M-1
Certified 2020, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F)
Certified 2023, National Strength and Conditioning Association, Colorado Springs, CO
Research & Professional Presentations
Morey has well over 250 research publications and professional presentations.
Licensed Mental Health Professional
Walter Bierschenk, LMHC
Walter Bierschenk is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in Trauma-Informed Care, EMDR, Strengths-Based, and Solution-Focused methods. He holds a master's in clinical counseling from Nova Southeastern University and brings 25 years of experience as a firefighter/paramedic, as well as service in the U.S. Navy. Walter is nationally certified as an emergency responder and public safety clinician. As a therapist, he prioritizes solution-finding and supports clients with individual and group therapy for Peer Support, Substance Abuse, Anxiety, PTSD, Complex Trauma, Depression, and existential concerns like retirement and career changes.
Credentialed for Aetna (EAP), Blue Cross & Blue Shield PPO, HMO, and most other insurance providers.
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Education
Nova Southeastern University
2018–2021 — MS Counseling
South University
2016–2018 — BA Psychology
Experience
Owner / Therapist — Corsair Counseling Services
2021–Current
Therapist / Primary Therapist — The Meadows Counseling Center
2020–Current
Facilitate Individual Therapy and IOP Group Therapy. Primary Therapist for First Responders and Veterans Track. Complete chart documentation to include intake assessments, ASAM completion, Treatment Plans and Discharge Planning.
Therapist Intern / Primary Therapist — Sunset House Recovery
2019–2020
Co-Facilitate and Facilitate Substance Abuse Treatment Groups and Individual Counseling. Complete chart documentation to include intake assessments, ASAM completion, Treatment Plans and Discharge Planning.
Firefighter / Paramedic — Martin County Fire Rescue
2000–2024
Provide Advanced Life Support Interventions and Structural Firefighting.
Paramedic — Jupiter Medical Center Emergency Room
1998–2005
Naval Aircrewman / Rescue Swimmer — United States Navy
1988–1996
Certifications
National Emergency Responder and Public Safety Clinician
2021
EMDR Certified
2024
Registered Dietitian
Erica Goldstein, PhD, RDN, FISSN, CSCS
Erica Goldstein is a registered dietitian, with expertise in sports nutrition, and assistant professor of health sciences who specializes in translating complex nutrition science into real-world applications. With a PhD centered on exercise physiology and sports nutrition alongside her credentials as a Fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Erica's work focuses on optimizing physical readiness, preventing nutrient deficiencies, and accelerating recovery.
Having spent years researching exercise-associated iron deficiency and metabolic recovery she understands the unique physiological stressors placed on the body during demanding physical work. Erica is passionate about delivering highly practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies that will help first responders build resilience, maintain energy through grueling shifts, and recover faster. Her goal is to provide actionable nutrition education that supports both long-term health and peak on-the-job performance.
Ask the DietitianExercise is not without its risks. This or any other exercise program may result in injury. If at any point you feel faint, dizzy, or experience physical discomfort, stop immediately and consult a medical professional.