Climbing to the rank of Fire Chief (retired) in the volunteer fire service of Indiana, Coach Josh spent 26 years serving local communities in northeast Indiana as a Firefighter and EMT. Throughout those years of serving the local communities, Coach Josh responded to multiple emergencies and crisis situations that led to trauma & stress for the men and women he served with, and also those who were victims of the emergencies.
With every call responded to, he gained more knowledge about the different ways that trauma and stress can affect people, emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally. Through those experiences, he gained knowledge, understanding, compassion, and empathy for those experiencing a lack of peace in their life. His ability to bring peace, calm and serenity to stressful situations led to him being asked to providing Pastoral Counseling as a Chaplain to local volunteer firefighters and other emergency service personnel.
Coach Josh spent his early twenties addicted to alcohol. After living life as an alcoholic, he fully understands the struggles with addiction and not only what addiction can do to you and your body, but also to those around you. Through the challenges of recovery, he was able to find daily reasons to put down the bottle and focus on his life with his wife and children to become a better, stronger father and husband.
After seeking out Christ in 2015, Coach Josh found a new path in life, one of helping those around him live a more meaningful and peaceful life. After being baptized, Coach Josh made the decision to advance and continue his educational journey. In 2018, Coach Josh became a Pastor and Certified Emergency Fire Chaplain and then enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science focused on Psychology and Life Coaching and then again in 2024, he graduated IWU with a Master of Arts in Psychology. Josh is currently enrolled in Liberty University for a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling.
With the combination of different experiences throughout his years of service as a Fire Chief and Officer, Emergency/Hospice Chaplain, and Pastor, Josh has gained the confidence and knowledge needed to engage those wanting to begin the journey of finding peace in their life. Life Coaching is not a quick fix for your problems however, the starting point for change and peace is here and Josh is ready to help you on that journey to a new, peaceful life.
Message from Coach Josh
Greetings,
My name is Josh and I am a life coach and consultant who founded Shields of Life, a life coaching and consulting service dedicated to supporting individuals dealing with stress, trauma, addiction, and faith-related struggles. After decades on the front lines of emergencies, I understand how overwhelming life’s challenges can be. My goal is to help you find peace and strength in the midst of life’s struggles, and to guide you toward a more hopeful, balanced future. I bring over 25 years of real-world experience in responding to crises and caring for people in need. I have served my community as a firefighter and EMT, eventually rising to the rank of Fire Chief, and I’ve worked as a chaplain and behavioral consultant during critical incidents. These roles put me face-to-face with people going through some of the worst moments of their lives. Through this journey, I gained deep insight into how trauma and stress affect us emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I also learned how to stay calm under pressure and provide comfort when it’s needed most. This extensive background has shaped me into a coach who can truly empathize and remain calm and compassionate no matter what storm you’re facing.
In my early twenties, I faced my own battle — I was addicted to alcohol. As a recovered alcoholic, I know firsthand how difficult it is to break free from addiction and how it impacts not just your body and mind, but also the people you love. My recovery taught me that even in the toughest times, “if you never give up, you will never fail.” It also instilled in me a genuine understanding and respect for anyone struggling with addiction or any life-controlling issue. I don’t just talk about overcoming challenges — I’ve lived through them. This personal experience drives my passion to help others find their reasons to keep going and to discover their own strength and resilience. Along the way, I felt a calling to further my education and spiritual journey. I became an ordained pastor and certified emergency fire chaplain, and I earned a degree in psychology and life coaching. This combination of faith and psychology training enables me to understand both the spiritual and mental aspects of what people go through.
As a faith-informed coach and pastor, I offer guidance that is rooted in core values and, if you are open to it, can include prayer and reflection. My faith has given me hope and direction, and I’m happy to share those tools with you. However, my coaching is always inclusive and nonjudgmental. I respect that everyone’s beliefs and backgrounds are different. Whether you’re strong in your faith, unsure about what you believe, or not religious at all, you will find that our sessions are welcoming and focused on your personal growth. There is no pressure and no judgment — just honest conversation and compassionate support. Shields of Life is open to anyone seeking positive life change, regardless of faith background or life experience. My mission is to assist all people in finding a sense of peace, meaning, and direction. Many of the individuals I work with appreciate that I can integrate spiritual principles when appropriate, but it’s never a requirement. What matters most is helping you move forward in a way that resonates with your own values and needs.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, trauma, addiction, or are wrestling with where you stand in life, I’m here to help. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. I bring a compassionate, understanding approach to every coaching session, drawing on both my professional expertise and my lived experience to support you. My hope is to help you find the peace and strength you deserve, even in difficult times.
I invite you to reach out and take the first step toward a more peaceful, hopeful life. Let’s walk this journey together — I look forward to speaking with you soon.
– Josh