FINDING CALM WITHIN THE CHAOS
*Under Construction*
Protect and maintain your first-responders' mental health with our team's strategic guidance
About Dumpster Fire Consulting & Counseling
Our Mission
At Dumpster Fire Consulting & Counseling, our mission is to provide exceptional consulting services that empower first-responders to develop resilience and manage varying mental-health needs. We strive to deliver customized solutions that meet the unique needs of each department.
Our Program
R.E.C.E.S.S.
Resilience Education & Coordination to Establish a Sustainable Support System
This program was developed by a first-responder for first-responders. It allows you to make the health of your mind and body a priority in order to be the best version of yourself.
This program is for you, your family, your crew, and the people you serve.
Our Approach
We believe in a collaborative approach to consulting, where we work closely with your department's Peer Support team to understand the needs of your first-responders and develop lasting solutions together. Our goal is to build long-lasting resilience and sustainable mental health.
Our Team
Kelli Norden-Gilchrist - Firefighter (Ret.), LPC, NCC (CO)
Kelli Norden-Gilchrist - Firefighter (Ret.), LPC, NCC (CO)
Kelli Norden-Gilchrist - Firefighter (Ret.), LPC, NCC (CO)
Kelli is a retired career firefighter, a licensed professional counselor and a board-certified clinician. She has a Master's degree in clinical counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.
Kelli is a third-generation first-responder and "grew up in the firehouse and intensive care unit" as the daughter of a retired fire department
Kelli is a retired career firefighter, a licensed professional counselor and a board-certified clinician. She has a Master's degree in clinical counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.
Kelli is a third-generation first-responder and "grew up in the firehouse and intensive care unit" as the daughter of a retired fire department truck captain and an I.C.U. nurse.
Kelli has been surrounded by emergency responders and helping professionals her entire life. She understands the need for practical skills at work and at home to achieve balance and hopefully increase resilience while serving in this career.
Amanda Ortega - LMFT (CO)
Kelli Norden-Gilchrist - Firefighter (Ret.), LPC, NCC (CO)
Kelli Norden-Gilchrist - Firefighter (Ret.), LPC, NCC (CO)
Amanda is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has a Master's degree in marriage and family therapy with a certification in counseling military families from Regis University.
Amanda has worked with Active Duty and Veteran populations in an Intensive Outpatient program in Denver, Colorado. Her work brought her into contact with Po
Amanda is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has a Master's degree in marriage and family therapy with a certification in counseling military families from Regis University.
Amanda has worked with Active Duty and Veteran populations in an Intensive Outpatient program in Denver, Colorado. Her work brought her into contact with Police and Fire Departments across the state, where she has provided mental-health education, station visits, critical incident support/debriefs, as well as individual and relationship counseling. She is proud to support military and first-responder families through recreation and retreat-style therapy.
Noel McKillip - LPCC, CCTP, NCC (CO)
Kelli Norden-Gilchrist - Firefighter (Ret.), LPC, NCC (CO)
Noel McKillip - LPCC, CCTP, NCC (CO)
Noel is a licensed professional counselor candidate, post-traumatic growth researcher, and clinically certified trauma professional. She has a Master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.
Noel operates from a neuro-informed perspective, incorporating elements of (and obstacles to) the brain's functioni
Noel is a licensed professional counselor candidate, post-traumatic growth researcher, and clinically certified trauma professional. She has a Master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.
Noel operates from a neuro-informed perspective, incorporating elements of (and obstacles to) the brain's functioning into her work and education. A vast amount of clinical issues can be better understood and addressed through a neuroscientific lens, including traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress, substance use, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Noel has worked extensively with Denver's first-responder population and regularly co-teaches Peer Support, Resilience, and Academy trainings with Denver's West Metro Fire Department.