As National President of the NLPOA and Chief of Police for Killeen, I had the privilege of working closely with Cindy Rodriguez during her time as NLPOA President. Her leadership, integrity, and vision left a lasting impact on our organization.
Cindy now brings that same passion to Iron and Ember Coaching, where she strengthens leaders with resilience and clarity while igniting purpose and growth. Her professionalism, authenticity, and dedication make her an exceptional coach who is shaping not only leaders but the future.
Pete Lopez
National President, NLPOA
Chief of Police, City of Killeen
I’ve seen firsthand the impact that Ci has in supporting others in our profession. She brings a rare combination of empathy, lived experience, and practical coaching tools that truly resonate. In a role where we’re often expected to be strong for everyone else, Ci creates the space where you can be real and find clarity. Her coaching is more than just conversation; it’s a catalyst for resilience and growth. I’m proud to recommend her to any first responder looking for support and a path forward.
CJ Dickenson
Denise, I am feeling better today. The laxatives you gave me are working and I have stopped using Miralax. I am also using the supplements and the cleanse. I learned a lot at our appointment. I want to live a cleaner life. I am hoping to get a reverse osmosis system in my home and have set the goal to buy only organic. You are very knowledgeable and I appreciate all Of the referrals to help me improve my health. I hope my biopsy comes back healthy and I continue to improve my health holistically. I look forward to our session next week.
Sally
Ci brings wisdom forged from both frontline experience and leadership, offering a creative and spiritually grounded perspective. As a coach and mentor, she inspires growth while providing the steady guidance of a trusted peer
Cinnamon Reiheld
A session with Denise was filled with information about my health and was far more comfortable than expected. She handles it with such ease, respect, and skill that I recommend Denise's services to many of my clients.
Marge
Hi Denise, Thank you for your support of our cleanse! I really appreciate your insight & expertise! Best.
Amy
Testimonials
Meet Cindy Rodriguez Trauma Squatch
With over 30 years in law enforcement-from patrol to sex crimes & homicide
bureau-Ci knows what it’s like to lead under pressure, break in silence, and arise again. She created Iron and Ember coaching to help others do the same.
30+ years in public safety leadership
22 years boots on the ground as a Patrol Officer as both Sergeant & Lieutenant in Las Vegas
Retired Police Lieutenant, NLPOA National President
Creator of officer wellness & leadership programs
Certified Mastery Coach: somatic, emotional, unconscious healing
First responder
Latina leader
Trauma-informed guide
I’ve walked through the dark.
You don’t have to do it alone.
"They trained you to survive anything — but they never trained you how to live with it.”
Services
Empowering First Responders Through Trauma-Informed: Coaching Rise into clarity, courage, and
confident self-leadership after trauma.
1:1 Coaching
Personalized, trauma-informed coaching focused on emotional healing, clarity, and resilience. Ideal for individuals seeking private guidance to rebuild confidence and lead themselves with strength and purpose.
Group Coaching
Connect, heal, and grow together. Group coaching provides a supportive space for shared experiences, fostering community-driven healing, emotional clarity, and personal empowerment in a collective, safe environment.
Trauma Squatch
A transformational coaching program for first responders. Trauma Squatch helps you rise from trauma into leadership with courage, clarity, and self-awareness through trauma-informed practices and guided resilience-building.
You have seen what evil cx`an do, and saved incalculable others. Now it’s time to heal yourself and rediscover your peace, your purpose, your healing.
Traditional therapy hasn’t worked. Talking about it feels impossible. You’ve buried the pain so deep it’s hard to remember who you were before it all.
Common symptoms
Isolation & emotional withdrawal
Trouble being present with family
Escapism
Loss of clarity, faith, and direction
Unprocessed trauma from Critical incidents
Self-medicating to survive
Suicide ideation and shame
Moral injury caused by administrative betrayal
Step 3
Rise
Step into new leadership in your life, relationships, and community
Step 2
Reclaim
Use somatic, mindset, and trauma-informed coaching to regain clarity, presence, and peace
Step 1
Reconnect
Excitement, adventure, stability, purpose, empowerment, camaraderie, authority.
Benefits
Walk through the shadows. Come home to yourself.
Regain your sense of purpose
Learn to receive support without shame
Release old trauma, shift unconscious patterns
Feel connected to your body and values again
Stop surviving and start leading—on your terms
The Warrior’s Compass: Finding Your North Star in the Forest of Trauma
October 10, 2025
Mastering Trauma-Informed Leadership Skills for First Responder Professionals
TBD
Coming Soon
TBD
Course
Trauma-Informed Leadership for First Responders
Learn strategies to turn trauma into resilience and courageous leadership.
20 JUL 2025
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Trauma-Informed Leadership for First Responders
Learn strategies to turn trauma into resilience and courageous leadership.
20 JUL 2025
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Trauma-Informed Leadership for First Responders
Learn strategies to turn trauma into resilience and courageous leadership.
20 JUL 2025
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Workshops
Blogs
Get in Touch
