Marilyn and her family started a small blacksmith shop in their home in 2018 under the mentorship of a talented Blacksmith. Since then, they mentored more than 500 Veterans, First Responders, and their family members through their non-profit, Reforged. They teach them how to transform a billet of steel into a beautiful work of art with their own hands. In the casual environment of the forge, amongst others who share similar experiences, people naturally gravitate toward difficult to discuss topics and share skills they use to cope. Participants relate their experiences to the transformation of the steel through heat and hammer blows. The steel may seem like it cannot withstand the stress, but with dedication, work, and assistance, a piece of steel endures so much yet can become something beautiful and useful. 

After refining the idea of combining blacksmithing and counseling, the program was offered to Veterans and First Responders to help address PTSD symptoms. Caylor Forge and Leatherworks provides all safety equipment and materials. Marilyn leads group counseling sessions intermixed with blacksmithing lessons to help each client create something with their hands while addressing the most difficult parts of their lives.

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The combination of Caylor Counseling and Caylor Forge allows us to reach a broader population of trauma survivors and others who seek a different approach to counseling. ​

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