About F.I.R.S.T. Place

2024 was the 28th Anniversary of F.I.R.S.T. Place for Human Performance. In that quarter+ century, I have worked with thousands of athletes in local, provincial and national programs; hundreds of teams; public, private and corporate organizations; and individuals.

Additionally, I was a college professor for 28 years. Testimonials suggest I have been very successful (see Testimonials).

Through past and current teaching / consulting opportunities I constantly reflect and revise my knowledge of human performance principles used in the development of individual and organization performance strategies.

Through my successful endeavours in assisting individuals and teams achieve “golden” moments and through equally disappointing miscues, falters and failures along the way I have been able to formulate a comprehensive program for coaches. Testimonials in recent pilot projects of the program suggest Stack YOUR Deck is useful for teachers, parents and leaders in our communities as well.

My experiences enabled me to arrive at the following conclusion, which was the premise for the design and development of Stack YOUR Deck.

Teachers, mentors, leaders and coaches (PTMLC), through relationships, in supportive environments (cultures), develop people in physical, emotional, mental and social domains (PEMS).

Career Summary – Doug Swanson, M.D.N, B. Ed (Special Ed.), M.Sc. (Thesis -Stress and Burnout)

Brief Career Notes

1975-2007 – Certified Teacher – Thirty-two years teaching, 28 as Professor at Red Deer College

1980-2000 – Coach – Titans track Club – 20 years (Level 3 – NCCP)

1996-2026 – Proprietor of F.I.R.S.T. Place for Human Performance – 2026 – 30^th Anniversary

Coached Local Provincial, National and International Medalists in a variety of individual and team sports (See Coaching Profile)

Expertise – Education, Disability Studies and Kinesiology

Behavioural Scientist – Learning Theory – Human Behaviour

Leadership

Skill Acquisition

Values and Issues in Community Development

Publications

Contact To Purchse

Endorsements and Testimonials

I’ve known Doug for 25 + years, starting with consulting, coaching and mentoring with our coaching staff and players at Red Deer College. At that time he was well into developing what clearly is a passion of helping others with their mental skills growth and efficacy. Personally, I’ve now coached 20+ years in the NHL, worked with many mental skills and sport psychologists. What I’ve always appreciated and respected about Doug’s work is how humble, sincere and honest he is when working with the coaches and athletes. Too many of these “mentors” who work in professional or collegiate sports have a tendency to make their work about them, vs about their clients, athletes and coaches. Doug has always shown great humility, but never undersells his intentions or beliefs, he provides solution based methodology and is absolutely “dug in” right beside his constituents…, that’s who I want working alongside our team. A thought I’ve always had when I consider and so greatly admire Doug and his life pursuits, is he never just experienced life from his office or behind a desk…, my view of him is “he’s done it all”. I’m truly honored to endorse the work and teachings of my friend and colleague Doug Swanson

Doug has a true understanding of the challenges athletes go thru over their sporting life; he has a genuine way of making the athletes understand these challenges. He has the ability to help each individual not only cope with these challenges but thrive, he gives them skills to that allow them to get used to being uncomfortable and working thru these times for real individual growth. His knowledge and understanding makes them better athletes and better people, he assist’s the people he works with in growth not only in sport but in all aspects of life, he makes us truly understand how to live and succeed in the Victory V

To whom it may concern,I would like to endorse my mentor and colleague Doug Swanson in regards to his ability as a writer and communicator. I have known Doug since 2014 and have been working with him as a Sports Psychologist since 2016. As an elite athlete I was given the choice as to whom I wished to work with individually on a consistent basis and without hesitation Doug was my first choice. Since I met him, I have always admired …his work as a teacher and a mentor, but also as a life long learner. (He) puts his heart into everything he does…committed to sharing his ideas and beliefs in a way that can be understood and useful to his audience. I was given the opportunity to read Inked and I found it to be a relatable fable that included many strong lessons for people of all ages and backgrounds. The honesty and humility of the characters is easy to become involved with, and therefor easy to learn from. For these reasons I would strongly recommend Doug and his work to any publisher, employer, or colleague.

Coaching Profile

Hockey Alberta Mens (Gold) and Women’s (Bronze) Canada Winter Games Teams 1996

Hockey Canada’s U18 and U22 Women’s National Teams – 2010-2018

Hockey Canada’s National Women’s Olympic Team – Peyong Chang – Silver Medallist

Portland Winter Hawks – WHL

Lethbridge Hurricanes – WHL

Kootenay Ice – WHL

Bonnyville Pontiacs

Red Deer Skating Club

Huntington Hills Skating Club

Central Alberta Minor Hockey Programs

About F.I.R.S.T. Place

Publications

Endorsements and Testimonials

Coaching Profile

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