Who we are
Our Story....
In 2017, Russell and Myra Strand embarked on a journey together and they created the first version of Strand². Those first few years were spent teaching, learning and weaving a tapestry of community. In the beginning, they only in-person offered training and education.
As the world shifted in late 2019 and 2020, their path took an unexpected turn. A business model rooted in travel did not fare well during the pandemic. They needed to pivot and transform. In a bold move, Russ answered the call of duty, leaving Strand² for the United States Military Academy, West Point’s hallowed halls.
From the snowy high desert of Arizona, they ventured to the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, New York. Life there blossomed, and the next four years unfolded like an adventure story—perhaps some of the finest chapters of their lives. While Russ explored his new roles, Myra maintained and grew Strand² from home. Like everyone else, she took the trainings online and on-demand. She also began to offer technical assistance. Myra kept the home fires burning and built a solid training and technical assistance company.
Settled into their new community the winds of change beckoned once again. In 2025, the gang reunited! Russell Strand returned to Strand², and together they embarked in recreating their dream of working together. Strand² now offers training and education in person, virtually and on-demand. They are also available for technical assistance projects.
Strand² offers a canvas rich with both familiar and fresh offerings.
The Strands are ready to inspire and ignite.
Senior Special Agent (Retired) Russell W. Strand
Senior Special Agent (Retired) Russell W. Strand is a co-owner and creative visionary of Strand², where he offers training and technical assistance. With nearly 50 years of experience in law enforcement, investigations, training, and consultation, he also served as Chief of the Behavioral Sciences Education & Training Division at the United States Army Military Police School.
An internationally recognized expert, Russ specializes in domestic violence intervention, critical incident peer support, sexual assault and child abuse investigations, human trafficking, human centric interviewing, trauma response, and culture/ climate change. He is also well known for his work in the area of integrated primary prevention.
He has been inducted into the United States Army Military Police Regimental Hall of Fame and received the 2012 End Violence Against Women International Visionary Award for his leadership in combating violence against women. He was also appointed by the Secretary of Defense to the Comparative Systems Subcommittee of the Congressionally mandated Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault.
Russ is passionately committed to creating a world where every victim of abuse and trauma feels safe to report their experiences and has a voice that is truly heard. He envisions a future where professionals responding to trauma are well-educated and confident, and where we significantly reduce or eliminate all forms of violence and abuse. He lives in New York with his wife and business partner, Myra, and enjoys hiking, yoga, and carpentry.
Myra Strand, MA, CA
Myra Strand, MA, CA, is a co-owner and advocate diplomat of Strand² LLC, where she provides training, education, and technical assistance. As a Certified Comprehensive Victim Intervention Specialist: Advanced, she focuses on trauma-informed service delivery, exploring trauma’s impact on the body and mind, human-centric interviewing, advocacy, and organizational wellness. Since 1995, Myra has worked with diverse populations, including youth with complex trauma, and victims of all types of victimization.
Her efforts have improved systems responses through her roles in the local Coordinated Response Team and the Sexual Assault Response Team. She co-founded the Coconino County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board and helped implement IPV risk assessments and strangulation forensic exams in Northern Arizona.
An adjunct faculty member for over a decade, Myra has taught courses on violence and ethnic studies at Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College. She is also known for her work in social justice within the Coconino County Detention Center.
Nationally recognized in human services, Myra aims to deliver holistic, compassionate care to victims and survivors through education and systems reform. She lives in New York, with her husband and business partner Russell. Myra is a painter and human centric yoga instructor.
Just a slideshow of some of our favorite shots....
