After ditching the corporate 9-5 world I became a hiking, snowshoeing, and backpacking guide. That job paid for me to get my WFR. Before that course I never thought I would get into medicine, I get queasy when I get my blood drawn. But through that course I discovered a passion and interest in EMS. I continued to guide but simultaneously obtained my EMT-B and started working on a private ambulance to see if it was the right career for me. I eventually progressed and became a full time fightfire/EMT-B in an urban environment. After two years of working on the ambulance I wanted to elevate my knowledge by becoming an instructor. A mentor once told me 'anyone can pay for certifications, teaching shows mastery of a subject.' Additionally, I knew how important these introductory courses can be for one's trajectory. I can directly point to my initial WFR course and how that class turned me from a zero-medical background to now working on ambulances and wanting to teach others medicine.

I start every class with a pun. I strive to create a learning environment that is safe, fun, and directly useful for my students. The topics may be serious but I think growth and learning flourish in an environment that can be both professional and foster authenticity. Medicine is a practice, not perfection, and I hope to use my experience for my students to learn from my mistakes and be better providers than myself. Moreover, I try to mold my lessons into a context that is relevant to my students. Finally, while I love to geek out on the theory and bookwork of EMS, I push to get as much practical hands-on time for my students.