Matty Fiorenza
Founder/CEO
Matthew “Matty” Fiorenza is a retired Firefighter/Paramedic with a commendable 22 years of service. His journey into the realm of mental health advocacy began a decade into his career when he faced personal battles with anxiety, stress, and depression, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD. This experience fueled his passion for aiding others in the first responder community.
Matty worked as Director of Development and Training at Recovery First Treatment Centers, Matty’s influence is profound. He has co-founded a successful First Responder Treatment facility and continues to provide education, resources, and a pathway to healing for those in need.
Matty’s expertise is multifaceted, including his role as an instructor at Santa Ana College, where he imparts crucial mental health knowledge to new recruits, equipping them with healthier coping mechanisms. His involvement with the Save A Warrior program as a Shepard underscores his commitment to suicide prevention.
Matty’s advocacy extends to public speaking, where he addresses the escalating suicide rates among first responders and promotes mental health awareness. His collaboration with Dr. Gina Gallivan in developing wellness programs for agencies nationwide further showcases his dedication to the cause.
His story, a testament to resilience and recovery, has been spotlighted in the documentary “PTSD911,” available on Amazon Prime Video. As a keynote speaker, Matty delves into critical topics such as mental health, recovery from PTSD, substance abuse issues, and the importance of support within the first responder community.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Matty treasures time with his family, including his wife Elizabeth and their children, Logan, Nathan, Charlie, and their newest addition, daughter Jordan. Together, they engage in community events and continue to champion the life-changing work of organizations like his nonprofit First Responder Peace & Refuge Foundation.