We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlea Dillard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlea, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
For me, one of the most important lessons that I have learned in my career so far is that we all heal together. So often we think that our own mental health journey and healing is done in isolation, but it isn’t. It is impossible for me to sit in a session with a client and not have my own life impacted in some way. We are all here doing the human experience, and it is that human connection that makes healing in community possible.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sit Around the Fire was founded as an extension of my dharma or mission, to elevate suffering. As a former first responder, I know firsthand what it is like to suffer in silence. Thinking that “this is just normal” or “everything is fine” was my way of being. However, inside and at times outside, I was suffering. I began to see others I worked with doing the same. I was inspired to go back to school to finish my Masters degree. Going through school and continuing to work on line, it became clearer and clearer that I was moving closer to becoming a different kind of helper in the upcoming season of my life. Since then, it has been a wonderful unfolding of things coming into place to allow me to open my own private practice and serve my community.

Has it been easy? It has been my biggest personal growth experience yet. Before retiring from the fire department, I was questioned a lot as to why I was choosing to retire and leave early. Many people telling me that I was throwing away my career. However, I had no question in my mind that this was indeed the right choice. In opening my own private practice, it has required a deep belief in myself and that I am fully capable of doing this work. I have become a huge proponent of creating and manifesting in our lives then trusting the universe to let the details get worked out. Trusting and believing in myself is how I continue to overcome the challenges.

Believing in myself has been my biggest lesson. After some real self-reflection and discovery, I had to realize that I have moved through life without fully believing in myself and this is what has been holding me back. Keeping me from showing up fully authentic and sharing the messages that I want to share. Once I dove into this belief, it almost feels effortless. So natural to show up who I am, and I’m proud of that!

About the brand:

Sit Around the Fire is dedicated to providing compassionate, specialized mental health care to those who serve and protect—emergency service personnel, military members, and their families as well as civilians within the community. Founded and led by myself, a former first responder, we offer a unique, trauma-informed approach grounded in professional expertise and lived experience. Through progressive modalities and deep work within the subconscious and conscious mind, we create a safe, judgment-free space for healing, resilience, and transformation. Our mission is to support individuals in reclaiming their wellbeing, enabling them to thrive both on the job and at home. We teach that forgiveness—of self, others, and circumstances—is the master key that unlocks healing and spiritual freedom. We believe that in releasing the burdens of resentment, guilt, and pain through the power of forgiveness, profound transformation becomes possible. Our mission transcends conventional treatment—we aim to nurture not just recovery, but awakening and reconciliation.

About the Podcast:

This has been one of my biggest challenges and blessings. It took several months of telling myself, “you are going to start podcast” until I actually did it. Putting myself out there and just showing up was a growing point. I was nervous to speak into a mic, hear myself recorded, or even know what to talk about. After my husband told me, “if it impacts only one person, then it was totally worth it.” This was exactly what I needed to hear to push forward. While the podcast has a first responder flare to it, anyone can get benefit from listening to it. Through impactful interviews and education, my goal has been to get the message out and help others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would be going to Breckenridge for the week. It is absolutely my favorite spot! Breckenridge offers a variety of places to stay for whoever you are traveling, also very dog friendly. We would definitely be stopping into the Breckenridge Distillery for one of their signature cocktails. I also recommended sitting at the bar. It is an experience in itself watching the masters at work. Of course we would hitting up Mimi and Pin every day. It is the best mom and pop, best kept secret. They make made to order churros and donuts along with amazing coffee. We would for sure be visiting some of the historical sites including the Country Boy Mine. Strolling through Main Street and visiting Peak 8 via gondola is also on the list. Depending on the schedule there may also be some live music to catch in Breck or even at the Dillion Amphitheater.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I love this! First shoutout goes to my husband Kyle. He has been an inspiration in my work and my biggest supporter in my own journey and the coming together of my business. To have someone in your life who fully accepts and supports you is truly priceless. I would also like to thank all of my clients. They inspire me so much to keep moving forward in my journey and in my mission.

Website: https://www.sitaroundthefire.org

Instagram: https://sitaroundthefire.co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlea-dillard-b45634110/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjJ6tMtyk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sitaroundthefirepodcast

Other: Here is the link to the podcast:

https://sitaroundthefirepodcast.buzzsprout.com

Image Credits
Sarah Jane Design & Photography, Chelsea Smith Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.