Episode 137: The Suffering of Family Dynamics with Mark and Ashley

Mark Hettinger Jr (Firefighter, EMT, Fire, Inspector, Arson Investigator, Firearms Instructor, ECT.) is a highly decorated first responder with over 20+ years of experience with numerous Awards, comondations and citations for his work and life-saving efforts. When not saving or protecting lives, he's teaching other people how to, as an educator.

Born the oldest of three boys, and coming to terms with his own sexuality at a very young age struggled his way through his coming of age and his fashion due to his identity. identifies as a gay male.

Mark is also an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community serving on the Bergen County LGBTQ advisory committee for the county executive as well as chairman  of GLSEN NNJ among other organizations and agencies.

Ashley Marie, who has been a first responder for the past 13 years, has faced many battles to discover who she truly is. She spent the first 20+ years denying who she was and struggled with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations. Boxing up all of these emotions led her to full-blown addiction. Ashley, who identifies as a Trans Woman, was born a male and struggled with her gender identity for years. In 2016 she hit rock bottom and became determined to turn her life around. Ashley is now an advocate for both the LGBTQ+ and Recovery communities. 

What binds these two remarkable individuals together, they are brother and sister.  Family Bonds are strong even amongst unusual circumstances. 

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