Remote Medical Training Instructors
Our Instructors & Staff
Willy Forsyth, REMT Program Manager
With over 15 years of experience providing remote prehospital care, Willy brings a unique blend of expertise as both a USAF Pararescueman and a Humanitarian Public Health professional. His career has taken him to more than 50 countries across every continent, where he has delivered patient care in some of the world’s most challenging environments. From high-altitude rescues at 17,000 feet on Denali to operations on Antarctic glaciers and sea ice near McMurdo Station, his fieldwork spans a remarkable range of settings. He has responded to disasters like Hurricane Harvey, supported interisland sailing expeditions in Hawaii and Alaska, operated in the jungles of Sub-Saharan Africa, and worked within refugee camps throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. He holds an EMT-Paramedic certification with an expanded military scope of practice, a Bachelor of Science in Health Intervention & Disaster Response, and a Master of Public Health specializing in Humanitarian Emergency Response. His background places him at the forefront of remote medical care, with a deep commitment to serving communities in crisis and training the next generation of responders.
Joe Bertels
Joe has been a paramedic for over 30 years and has spent much of his life on the frontlines of emergency response. He’s passionate about sharing his experience with new EMS students and loves finding innovative ways to improve how teams handle critical situations. One of his biggest interests is in cardiac arrest survival, and he’s been working hard to develop high-performance pit crew CPR programs. When he’s not teaching or working, Joe enjoys connecting with others in the medical field and keeping up with the latest advancements in emergency care.
Sam Capeloto
Sam Capeloto got his start in medicine working as a guide and outdoor educator. He led backpacking, day hiking, backcountry canoeing, and long-distance biking trips, where he was responsible for the health and safety of groups of people in remote environments. Since 2019, Sam has been working as an EMT, tackling challenges like wildfire deployments, working in Covid-19 quarantine sites, and in a diversion center for people with substance abuse disorders in downtown Seattle. He’s currently a nursing student at the University of Washington and finds joy in spending his free time biking, climbing, skiing, or planning his next big adventure. His experiences have shaped not only his medical skills but also his love for helping others.
Sam Castillo
After retiring from the Army following 20 years of service, including 10 as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant, Sam brings a world of experience to everything he does. He’s been in nearly every kind of environment—combat zones, hospitals, austere field conditions—and has treated everything from minor illnesses to life-threatening trauma. These days, Sam is certified as a Nationally Registered Paramedic, Certified Tactical Paramedic, and Wilderness EMT. When he’s not teaching or exploring the outdoors, he loves playing guitar, making memories with his wife and four kids, and enjoying life at a slower pace.
Sean Petersmark
Early on, Sean didn’t think medicine was for him—he’d get queasy just having his blood drawn! Since 2017, he has been passionately guiding hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and bicycling tours throughout Washington state. To become a guide, Sean had to earn his Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, and it was during that course he fell in love with emergency medicine. He discovered he enjoyed the problem solving and interpersonal aspects of medicine and wanted to combine it with his passion for the outdoors. Motivated to gain hands-on experience, Sean began working first aid at event races and earned his EMT-B certification in 2020. He then served King County on a private ambulance before joining RMT in 2022, where he enjoys sharing his knowledge in creative and engaging ways. During the summer, Sean continues to work as a hiking guide throughout Washington state. He is now an EMT and firefighter for Skagit County.
Chris Immer
Chris has been a dedicated member of Lummi Island Fire Department for 17 years, serving as both a firefighter and EMT. Living and working on a small island has given him a unique perspective on providing care in remote settings. Through his daily experiences, Chris understands the challenges faced by healthcare providers in isolated areas—challenges that closely mirror those encountered by students who choose Remote Medical Training (RMT). Over the years, Chris has also developed a love for outdoor adventures like scuba diving, 4x4 driving, and motorcycling. As an instructor for the American Heart Association (AHA), Red Cross, and Remote Medical Training, Chris is committed to helping others succeed. As an instructor for RMT, he’s passionate about helping students feel confident in their abilities, ensuring they leave with the skills and mindset to succeed in challenging environments.
Peter Ellis
Peter has been involved in the medical field for the last twenty years. His first exposure to wilderness medicine came in the form of taking the National Ski Patrol’s “Outdoor Emergency Care” course at the age of 17 and he has been hooked ever since! He became an EMT in 2009, and a paramedic in 2018. He spent fifteen years working for the National Park Service as a backcountry ranger, then lead climbing ranger at Mt. Rainier National Park. These roles taught him how critical it is to be prepared for emergencies in remote areas and ignited his passion for teaching others those same skills. More recently, Peter was hired as a firefighter and paramedic with the City of Bellingham Fire Department. He feels very fortunate to be able to serve the community in which he and his wife are raising their young son! Peter spends his free time backcountry skiing, mountaineering, climbing, and trail running.
Mary Ennes Davis
Mary brings nearly 20 years of experience in outdoor emergency care and over 35 years of professional teaching to her work with RMT. A team leader for ski patrol at Mount Baker Ski Area,an instructor for OEC and Instructor Development, trained in avalanche rescue and Mountain Travel and Rescue, a remote EMT and lifelong learner, she has a wealth of knowledge to share with her students. She believes the world needs more first responders, and everyone should have some basic skills in first aid. When she’s not teaching, Mary runs her own art installation business and works with her husband to provide CPR training to local businesses. She loves skiing, climbing, rowing, and exploring new places with her dog by her side.
Wes Seger
Wes is thrilled to join the RMT instructor team! Originally from sunny Southern California, he made the move to Washington in 2007 and earned his BA at Western Washington University. Wes and his wife, Shelby, have been happily married for 13 years and are proud parents to four wonderful daughters who keep their days joyfully full. As a family, they cherish spending time outdoors, enjoying long walks and summer camping adventures. Beyond his love for the outdoors, Wes has a passion for photography, with 15 years of experience as a professional photographer. His teaching journey began in 2008 after earning his EMT certification, which led to instructing at the Bellingham Technical College EMT program. With 13 years of service as a full-time Firefighter Paramedic—9 years with Fire District 7 and the past 4 with the Bellingham Fire Department (BFD)—Wes has gained extensive field experience. He has also contributed to BFD’s quarterly OTEP courses and looks forward to continuing his passion for education on his days off by serving the community at RMT.
Marina Fitzpatrick
Marina was born and raised in the PNW. She graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in International Studies, Medical Anthropology, and Global Health. Marina currently works as a professional Alpine Rock/Snow Mountain Guide and EMT based out of Leavenworth, WA. She volunteers as a Firefighter EMT for Chelan County District 3 and has her eyes set on becoming a flight nurse. Her specialties include backcountry rescue, trauma management, and technical rope rescue. Marina enjoys trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, sailing, river sports, and dinner parties.
Jonah Manning
From the United States to Nepal, Jonah Manning has shared his expertise in remote medicine as both a Senior EMS Instructor for Remote Medical Training and a full-time instructor for Remote Medical International. His diverse background includes experience as an ER and ICU nurse, ER and Rescue Technician, Mountain Rescue Technician, and Mountain Guide. Jonah has also taken on impressive personal challenges, including solo sailing around the world and thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. When he’s not working, Jonah finds joy in outdoor adventures like skiing, trail running, packrafting, and bikepacking.
Brian Martens
Brian grew up in Boulder, CO where a love of the outdoors was instilled from an early age. He started leading people into the mountains in college, working for the outdoor program at the University of Montana, and guiding people up Mount Shasta in the summers. He worked in the outdoor industry over the next ten years, leading remote climbing and mountaineering expeditions in the High Andes, Patagonia, Spain, Montana, and Alaska. A series of backcountry medical emergencies and close calls led him to change careers and pursue further medical training. He became an EMT, working for two years on an ambulance, and went on to become a Registered Nurse. Currently, he works full-time in the Emergency Department in Bellingham, Washington. He spends the rest of his time adventuring with his two young children, teaching remote medicine, and trying to find time for other hobbies which include running, climbing, skiing, sailing, kayaking, woodworking, playing music, and sitting in silence.
Savannah Reed
Savannah, originally from Northern California, has called Tacoma, WA home since 2012. Her passion for remote medicine began in 2006 when she joined her local search and rescue team, and she’s been hooked ever since. Now an REMT, Savannah divides her time between teaching for RMT and working on an ambulance in Clallam County on the Olympic Peninsula, where transport times often exceed an hour, adding to the unique challenges of her role. When she’s not immersed in remote medicine or teaching, Savannah enjoys a variety of activities. In addition to outdoor pursuits like hiking and backpacking, she loves swing dancing, baking, gardening, and diving into more craft projects—there’s always something new on her list.
Sean Roberts
Sean began his EMS career with a Remote-EMT certification, and it completely changed his life. He’s now a firefighter paramedic with the Bellingham Fire Department and has been teaching for RMT since 2018. Sean is passionate about providing students with hands-on, scenario-based learning, helping them prepare for the kinds of situations they might face in the field. Outside of work, Sean loves traveling, especially when it involves rock climbing, skiing, or hiking in new places. For him, teaching is a way to share his love of medicine and inspire others to make a difference.
Mari Schramm
Mari’s journey into the medical field began through her work and adventures in remote areas, ranging from the North Cascades to Central America. After years of practicing risk management and informal remote medicine with backcountry forest service crews and at remote learning centers, she decided to pursue a more formal medical career. As a trained educator with a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) and a Washington State K-8 teaching certificate, Mari is passionate about helping students on their paths to becoming skilled wilderness medical providers. She currently teaches at a rural, K-12 school in Washington State, works part-time as an EMT and serves as a remote medical instructor. Mari also volunteers with Chelan County Search and Rescue, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to serving her community.
DJ Smith
DJ Smith is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces medic who was initially assigned to 1st Special Forces Group at Fort Lewis. Over the course of a 20-year career, he was assigned with the Australian SAS in a military personnel exchange program and served as a flight medic team leader in a special mission aviation unit. He became a wilderness medicine instructor with Remote Medical International while transitioning from the military. For the past 7 years, he has been working as an emergency medicine PA for Kaiser Permanente in Bellevue, WA, while also teaching in the University of Washington's PA program. DJ lives with his wife, Kiska, and teenage twins Kian and Hadley (as well as their chocolate lab Griffey) in Bothell, WA, where they spend most of their free time on baseball and softball fields and hiking, or skiing as a family. He’s passionate about teaching and helping others develop the skills they need to handle emergencies with confidence.
Libby Feldhaus
Libby has spent the past decade building a well-rounded career in the medical field. Her journey began as a medical scribe and volunteer ski patroller at Mt. Baker Ski Area, where she was first introduced to the unique challenges of remote medicine. This early experience sparked a deeper interest in healthcare, ultimately leading her to earn a BSN in nursing. Libby has now been an RN for five years and works as a progressive care/cardiac nurse.In the summer months, she trades hospital scrubs for outdoor gear, guiding sea-kayaking expeditions in remote Southeast Alaska and Glacier Bay National Park. With a lifelong passion for the outdoors, Libby enjoys blending her medical expertise with her love of adventure. She strives to create engaging learning experiences by drawing on her diverse background—from hospital shifts to guiding expeditions, and countless lessons learned in the backcountry. Libby currently lives in Wenatchee, WA, with her husband and their energetic dog. In her free time, she can be found mountain biking, trail running, dirt biking, skiing, or surfing—always seeking new ways to explore the great outdoors.
Madeline Jovanovich
Madeline is a paramedic based in Fairbanks, AK, where she lives off-grid in a yurt with her three dogs. After spending a decade in wildlife biology, she shifted her focus to medicine and hasn’t looked back. During the summers, she works as a wildland firefighter paramedic, and in the winters, she skis almost every day, often with her dogs in tow. Madeline loves teaching in natural environments, and her favorite part of RMT is getting to work with students who share her love for adventure. When she’s not working, you can find her hiking, biking, or planning her next outdoor escape.
Harrison Brickman
Harrison is a certified Canadian Ski Guide and Nationally Registered EMT with over a decade of experience in backcountry rescue. Based in northern Washington, he splits his time between guiding, teaching, and serving as a mountain rescue technician. He holds dual avalanche professional certifications in both Canada and the U.S., and currently serves as Vice President of Bellingham Mountain Rescue. In addition to his guiding work, Harrison is a dedicated rope rescue instructor and an active responder with the SAR team that supports the Mt. Baker region. His expertise bridges technical rescue, wilderness medicine, and backcountry leadership—anchored by a deep commitment to safety, education, and mountain stewardship. Passionate about sharing knowledge, Harrison brings a grounded, engaging presence to every course he teaches. When he’s not in the field rescuing or instructing, you’ll find him skiing, climbing, or simply exploring the mountains he calls home.
Jason Conover
Jason has been teaching wilderness and dive medicine since joining RMT in 2020, and his energy and enthusiasm shine through in every course. From Wilderness First Aid to Dive Medical Technician training, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. Outside of medicine, Jason is also a certified CrossFit trainer with expertise in weightlifting, gymnastics, and nutrition. He loves spending time outdoors with his partner, their two-year-old daughter, and their two Belgian Malinois. Whether he’s diving, teaching, or adventuring, Jason is always eager to share his passion for learning and growth.
Mary Myers
Mary is an EMT with eight years of experience working in a variety of environments, with a particular focus on rural EMS. She thrives on the unique challenges that come with practicing remote medicine. Originally from central Illinois, Mary discovered her love for the outdoors after moving to Washington five years ago, where she quickly learned the difference between a mountain and a foothill. Mary’s favorite classroom is the great outdoors, no matter the weather. Whether it’s sunny or snowing, she’s ready to teach. So bundle up, and be prepared to build a fire—adventure is always part of the lesson.
Colton Myers
Colton is a Paramedic and serves as the MIH Coordinator for a small rural hospital in Washington State. Deeply committed to his community, he volunteers his time with local remote EMS services. Throughout his career, Colton has gained experience in civilian tactical medicine, rope rescue, and wildland firefighting. When he’s not on duty, Colton pursues a variety of unique hobbies. He’s an avid falconer, enjoys crafting intricate leatherwork, and loves hitting the open road on his motorcycle. His passion for both service and adventure defines his approach to life, both professionally and personally.
Olivia Pells
Olivia began her journey in emergency medicine through a Remote EMT course in 2021. Since then, she has built a broad base of experience, working in prehospital care as a volunteer firefighter/EMT in a rural fire district, in private EMS performing interfacility transports, and as an ER Tech providing in-hospital support. She’s especially passionate about the unique challenges of remote EMS, with a strong interest in backcountry response and high-angle rope rescues. As an instructor, she brings enthusiasm, empathy, and a commitment to helping students gain confidence in emergency situations. She values the opportunity to learn alongside each group she teaches, constantly expanding her own understanding and skills. Her long-term goal is to become a critical care nurse with hopes of entering the field of flight medicine. Based in Bellingham, Washington, she’s an avid outdoorswoman who enjoys hiking, cycling, climbing, open-water swimming, and—most recently—surfing. She’s always on the lookout for hidden gems in Whatcom County and thrives on exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Steph Pierson
Originally from the Midwest, Steph slowly moved further west and north, ultimately landing in Mazama, WA. It was in Mazama, working for Northwest Outward Bound School and recreating in the remote North Cascades, that Steph recognized her passion for being deep in the mountains and the relevant responsibility to have a higher level of medical training in order to respond to emergencies in the backcountry. She pursued a Remote EMT certification through Remote Medical Training, and found a love for medicine and first responder work. Now based in Leavenworth, WA, she is a full-time Ski Patroller at Stevens Pass during the winter. Her specialities include trauma management, avalanche risk management and rescue, and backcountry rescue. Steph enjoys trail running, mountain biking, paddling, hanging with the dog, running her tea business, and cooking.
Rob Stevenson
Rob Stevenson is a highly experienced paramedic and firefighter with over 33 years of service. As a dedicated instructor, he has spent decades training EMTs and paramedics, leveraging his vast field experience and leadership within the Bellingham Fire Department.
Rob holds a National Registry/Washington State Paramedic certification and an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Since 2000, he has served as a Lead Paramedic Instructor, developing training curricula and delivering hands-on instruction. His teaching approach focuses on practical skills, safety, and patient care, informed by years of classroom and field experience.
Renowned for his approachable teaching style and dedication to student success, Rob seamlessly blends real-world experience with evidence-based practices, guiding the next generation of wilderness medicine practitioners.