Health & Wellness
Symposium

Dr. Benjamin Stone is an internationally recognized expert in human physiology, specializing in cardiovascular genomics, metabolism, and preventive cardiac screening. He holds a PhD from Oxford University and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. His research has focused on metabolic recovery and resilience, including the role of L-glutamine, and he contributed to early screening methodologies at the British Olympic Medical Institute aimed at preventing sudden cardiac death in athletes. At age 24, Dr. Stone was appointed Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physiology at Oxford, where he taught nutritional biochemistry, energy metabolism, and pathophysiology. He later served as Assistant Professor at the University of Central Arkansas and as adjunct faculty at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he also co-chaired a medical curriculum committee. In 2015, Dr. Stone co-founded Sigma Tactical Wellness, leading as CEO until its acquisition by Telemed2U in 2025. His work has advanced the field of cardiac risk detection in public safety populations, contributing to screening protocols implemented across law enforcement and fire service agencies nationwide.

Kristal DeSantis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and creator of the STRONG Relationship Model, a TEDx speaker, author of STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man, and clinical trainer specializing in first responder relationships. She is the co-founder of STRONG: The Men's Mental Health Initiative (501c3), and provided frontline Psychological First Aid during the July 4th Texas floods and mental health support at Quantico during Operation Allies Welcome. Kristal has spent over a decade developing evidence-based frameworks for first responders and their families, presenting on relational wellness for departments across Texas. Her 4 S's of Safety — Self-Awareness, Stability, Self-Regulation, and Self-Expression — give first responders practical tools for building strong relationships on shift and at home.

Annette Zapp retired in 2024 after a 20-year fire service career where she served as a company officer. She is the founder of Fire Rescue Wellness, a coaching business dedicated to advancing the mental and physical health of firefighters worldwide. A recognized leader in firefighter wellness, Zapp co-authored the ISSN Position Stand on Tactical Athlete Fueling and a recent review on creatine use in the firefighting population. She also shares evidence-based resources with the fire service through the FRW Podcast. Zapp holds a master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. She is a NSCA CSCS*D and TSAC-F*D and is certified as a Sports Nutritionist through the ISSN. In August 2024, she began PhD studies in Health and Human Performance at Oklahoma State University and is currently the embedded strength and conditioning coach with the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

Jay Dawes is a Professor of Applied Exercise Science at Oklahoma State University with approximately 25 years of experience as an athletic performance coordinator, strength coach, personal trainer, and educator. He frequently coaches and provides sports science support to elite teams, as well as law enforcement, fire, and military groups. His research focuses on improving health, fitness, and performance in tactical athletes, first responders, and sport athletes. Dawes has extensive expertise in strength and conditioning, specializing in training methods for athletes and first responders.