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This is where it all started...

Mindfulness for Warriors, by Pause First Academy founder, Kim Colegrove.

In 2014, I lost my husband to suicide after his 30-year career in law enforcement. That devastating moment marked the beginning of a new path for me—one I never planned, but one I felt called to follow. As I began to understand the mental and emotional toll of service-related stress and trauma, I knew I had something to offer. I had decades of experience with meditation and mindfulness—skills I first learned at age 10 and began teaching professionally more than 15 years ago. My personal practice became my professional mission: to help the helpers. I started by writing Mindfulness for Warriors, combining my story of losing my husband with the voices of veterans and first responders who bravely shared their struggles and their healing journeys. That book led to the creation of Pause First Academy—a place where trauma-exposed professionals can access practical, approachable tools for stress relief, nervous system regulation, and resilience-building. Today, I offer training, support, and community for the people who take care of everyone else. If you’re one of them, I created this space for you.
Mindfulness for Warriors Book

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TESTIMONIALS

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I learned so much!

Jo Swensson, Law Enforcement Educator, Owner of Olivia-Bell Holistics

I took the 21-Day meditation course from Kim and I learned so much! Up until that point I'd only been doing guided meditation here and there because I wasn't really sure how to do it on my own. Kim broke it down into easy to follow steps, boosted my confidence and took the unknown out of the practice. Now I have a daily meditation practice that I feel confident about and look forward to.

Enjoy the grounded, approachable style

Kenny Schroeder

Kim's meditation practice has been a powerful part of my wellness journey. I genuinely enjoy her grounded, approachable style and the way she meets everyone exactly where they are, whether they're new to meditation or are carrying deep emotional weight. As a first responder, having tools like this to stay centered is essential, and Kim makes meditation not only accessible, but something I truly look forward to. She creates space for healing, and that means everything to me.

I learned I CAN meditate!

Glenda Pratt - Department of Corrections

Pause First Academy has taught me that I can indeed meditate. My mind tends to race all the time, and I felt that there was no way to shut it off. I learned through taking courses through the academy, that I can indeed learn to let those thought go and just drift by. Thank you Kim Colegrove and Pause First!

Amazing training

Erica Lopez, MSW, LSW - Police Social Worker

"Thank you for an amazing training! I learned a lot from it and took many new resources with me that I will definitely use and pass along to the officers at my agency."

A new and healthier life

Randy Beaton - Fire/EMS

Let me say that the Pause First Academy is a valuable and useful tool that I have made great use of. As a recently retired first responder, with 21 years experience/exposure in the role of firefighter/AEMT, I find the material offered extremely helpful in building and maintaining skills of resilience. Having said that, I have been able to process my own PTSD diagnosis and take steps towards a new and healthier life. Many thanks to you all.

Making a difference

Jennifer Shevey - Law Enforcement

I had the opportunity to meet Kim at a training and was so impressed by her story and passion behind her mission. She is making a difference in the first line, boots to the ground, first responders that struggle. Many struggle in silence and either don't know how to ask for help, or believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness. I love that the training teaches a group of officers how we can make a difference and then provides us the tools to make it happen. We can then not only help those in need, but teach others to help people.

William B., Military Veteran

Kim is a warrior of the internal plane. She can provide you with proven, effective, science-backed tools to promote greater internal strength and contentment, and I would urge you to take that first step. Doing so is the best thing I've ever done for myself and my family.

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