Ali W. Rothrock is an author, speaker, and educator whose work sits at the intersection of trauma, resilience, and nervous system literacy. For over two decades, she has translated personal survival into public impact—helping individuals and organizations understand what happens after crisis, and how resilience is built in the aftermath.

Ali began her career at sixteen as a volunteer firefighter in her rural Pennsylvania community, where she was first introduced to both the power of service and the often unspoken cost of carrying what others cannot. Since then, she has delivered more than 500 presentations nationwide, bringing language, structure, and practical tools to those navigating high-stress and trauma-exposed environments.

She is the Founding Executive Director of The On the Job and Off Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental health and resilience of first responders and those who serve in high-impact roles. Her work is grounded in both professional training and lived experience—as a firefighter, EMT, crisis counselor, and survivor—allowing her to bridge the gap between theory and reality in a way that resonates across audiences.

Ali is the creator of The 3 R’s of Resilience™, a framework centered on regulation, resource, and ritual, and the concept of Vicarious Resilience™, which explores how witnessing survival can expand our own capacity to endure and adapt. She is known for her ability to translate complex trauma science into accessible, actionable language that people can carry into their daily lives.

She is the author of After Trauma: Lessons on Overcoming from a First Responder Turned Crisis Counselor (Broadleaf Books, 2022) and Where Hope Lives, a memoir of her early years in the fire service. Her work continues to explore how people carry what they’ve been through—and how they move forward without leaving those experiences behind.

Ali holds degrees in Fire Science and Psychology: Crisis Counseling, as well as a Master’s in Human Services with a focus on Trauma, Resilience, and Self-Care Strategies. She is currently completing an advanced graduate certificate in Trauma and Disaster Mental Health. Her certifications include Certified Crisis Counselor (ICISF), Certified Trauma Responder (ATSS), and Behavioral Health Specialist (Medical Reserve Corps). Ali lives on Long Island with her husband who is in United States Air Force.