Dr. Kristen Wheldon, Co-Founder
Seasoned Licensed Psychologist (CA27027), Published Author, Consultant, Trauma Specialist, Nationally Recognized Subject Matter Expert in Psychology & Resilience
Dr. Kristen Wheldon is a highly respected clinical forensic psychologist whose work focuses on how environments influence human behavior, stress, and psychological resilience. With a career spanning correctional settings, military and law enforcement environments, and emergency response systems, Dr. Wheldon brings a rare depth of expertise to the design of spaces that support mental health, performance, and recovery in high-pressure environments.
As Director of Behavioral Health for the Los Angeles Fire Department, Dr. Wheldon provided psychological support to firefighters and their families while overseeing peer support and occupational stress management teams. Through this work, she developed a deep understanding of how physical environments affect stress regulation, emotional recovery, and team cohesion. These insights now inform her approach to psychologically grounded space design, helping organizations create environments that promote resilience, safety, and well-being.
Dr. Wheldon is the founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of firefighters and other emergency responders. Her leadership has focused on translating psychological science into practical strategies that improve daily functioning and long-term wellness for individuals working in demanding, high-risk professions.
She has also contributed to national initiatives focused on occupational health and leadership in public safety. Dr. Wheldon helped develop the Executive Fire Officer Program curriculum for the United States Fire Administration and serves as an instructor in the program. She is also a member of the National Fire Protection Association’s committee on Emergency Responder Occupational Health and Wellness and participates in the Public Safety Sector Council for the National Occupational Research Agenda at the CDC.
Drawing on decades of experience working with individuals operating in extreme environments, Dr. Wheldon brings a unique perspective to the intersection of psychology and design. Her work helps translate principles of trauma awareness, stress regulation, and psychological resilience into physical spaces that support human performance, recovery, and well-being across workplaces, public safety environments, and community settings.