Head Instructor and Director
Felicia Gonsalez (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Lomita, CA
Living in: Simi Valley, CA
Other Work: Mom, Uber for my teenage daughters and volunteer @ Local EMT schools to support newly trained EMT’s
Quick facts: Mother of 3 (Gino, Madison & Taylor)
Pets: 1 Cane Corso (Colt), 1 Weimaraner (Benelli), 1 Chihuahua (Vanilla Bean) & 1 Shitzu (Chocolate)
For fun I like to: Go camping with my family, try new food spots, garden and play board games with family and friends
Why I teach CPR: I am passionate about empowering others to be confident and prepared when faced with an emergency.
I am passionate about training others and thrive in a team environment. One of the best parts of teaching others is hearing how our classes have empowered others to respond confidently and effectively to help during an emergency. This is a life skill that you will always have ready to use!
Managing Partner
Chris Joffe (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Saint Louis, MO
Living in: Santa Monica, CA
Other Work: CEO @ Joffe Emergency Services (A Safety Company)
Pets: 1 Dog, Dude
For fun I like to: Hang with Dude & Run Marathons
Why I teach CPR: I believe everyone has the power to save a life through training.
Chris is passionate about training in life-saving skills and eliminating denial at the onset of an emergency. He's seen firsthand, the value of a community of bystanders working together and confronted firsthand the impact of bystanders' unwillingness to take action. Turns out CPR saves lives and training is a small way that we can make a difference. For the patient, though, it might be the biggest difference in their life.
CPR/First Aid Instructor, Orange County Area
Sandra McClure (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Westminster, CA
Currently Living in: Westminster, CA
Other Work: Volunteer for West County CERT, Volunteer for Westminster Police Department, Retired from 30 plus years Retail owner/operator for Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream.
Quick Facts:
Pets: 2 Dogs. 1 German Shepherd, 1 Labrador Retriever. Both rescues. I have been married to my 1 st husband for over 40 years.
Sarcasm is my 2nd language.
For fun I like to: Decorate cakes, Go to concerts, Go to dinner with friends and
learn new things.
Why I teach CPR: I believe CPR is a skill everyone should learn to potentially save a life.
I began my journey in the field of CPR training after completing EMT training in 2013. I did this to train CERT members in CPR. I have learned a lot from retired physicians who are also on our CERT team. I am on the CERT medical team and teach disaster preparedness. I have trained Police Officers and other city employees where I live. I enjoy when I have students share their experiences and engage in learning. My goal is to make sure everyone feels confident of their skills by the time they leave my class.
CPR/First Aid Instructor, Los Angeles Area
Alexis Alvarado (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Monrovia, CA
Currently Living in: Los Angeles, CA
Other Activities: Incoming UCLA graduate with a B.S. in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology.
Quick facts: Pets: 1 Labrador/Weimaraner Mix ~ Lacey
For fun I like to: Cultivate house plants
Why I teach CPR: As a soon-to-be former university student, I love empowering others with knowledge! It cannot be understated just how powerful knowledge is - it can even equip you with the ability to save someone's life.
As a research-minded individual, Alexis finds her passion in training schools and organizations in CPR, AED, & First Aid because it is a powerful way to connect with like-minded people to share in her knowledge on the subject! We all have the same goal, and that's to have the power to turn the knowledge we learn in training into action in case of an emergency. In addition to having been an assistant trainer for two years at Get CPR Done, Alexis enjoys being a plant-mom to several houseplants and is currently finishing up her final year at UCLA. She plans to utilize her degree to pursue clinical research in gynecologic oncology where she will be able to support women with ovarian cancer undergoing clinical trials. Alexis is excited to help you get comfortable with the awesome responsibility of both learning how to save a life and applying that knowledge into hands-on practice, so book now if you'd like Alexis to help empower you with a lifelong skill!
CPR/First Aid Instructor, Northern CA
Branson Osakoda (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Lihue, HI
Currently Living in: Portland, OR
Other Work: Community Health Medic @ Portland Fire & Rescue
Quick facts: Pets: 1 Shih Tzu , Hoku
For fun I like to: Scuba Dive
Why I teach CPR: I know the importance of being able to do CPR in an emergency situation
Branson is a fun and enthusiastic teacher. Branson has been working as an EMT for over 9 years and is currently an EMT with Portland Fire and Rescue. Branson also volunteers as a Firefighter/EMT with the Cornelius Fire Department. Branson loves to spend time with his wife, daughter, and dog doing lots of fun activities like hiking and swimming. He also likes doing all kinds of water sports like surfing, scuba diving, and stand-up paddleboarding. Book a class and Branson just might be one of your instructors!
CPR/First Aid Instructor, Los Angeles Area
Juan Palacios (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Currently Living in: Los Angeles, CA
Quick facts: I’ve been an EMT for about 4 years and I first started my EMT journey at BMO stadium in LA. Since then I’ve grown to work as an EMT/ event safety specialist for Joffe Emergency Services
Why I teach CPR: I think it’s important to have people know the fundamentals of First Aid and CPR. When a crisis happens you have these skills to lean on and in return you can help save a life
I look forward to working with all of you and let’s Get CPR Done together!
CPR/First Aid Instructor, Los Angeles Area
Morgan Jesse (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Woodland Hills, CA
Currently Living in: North Hollywood, CA
Other Work: Administrative Assistant, Wilshire Boulevard Schools
Quick facts: For fun I like to: Hike, camp, and watch movies
Why I teach CPR: I love giving people the confidence and knowledge to be prepared for
Morgan's experience working with administrative school staff has shown that there is no greater power in an emergency situation than knowledge. She was a former Girl Scout for 12 years and lives by the motto, Be Prepared. In her free time, Morgan enjoys hiking, watching movies, and greeting all the neighborhood dogs. Book a class and Morgan could possibly be one of your instructors!
CPR/First Aid Instructor, Orange County Area
Stephanie Solomon (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Portland, OR
Currently Living in: Huntington Beach, CA
Other Work: Published Children's Book Author & Customer Relations with New Patient Group & WrightChat
Quick facts: Pets: 1 Russian Tortoise, Penelope Joy
For fun I like to: Golf and Travel
Why I teach CPR: It's the greatest gift to give someone-more time, more birthdays and being educated on how to properly save a life. It's a privilege to be able to empower others to save lives.
Stephanie's journey is a captivating narrative of diverse talents and a deep passion for saving lives. Beyond her role as a dedicated instructor in CPR and First Aid, she is a multifaceted individual with a heart full of compassion.
CPR/First Aid Instructor, Los Angeles Area
Priyanka Dave (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
Currently Living in: Pomona, CA
Other Work: Medical Student at WesternU COMP
Quick facts: Pets: 1 dog, cocker spaniel J
For fun I like to: Read and attend Muay Thai martial arts classes
Why I teach CPR: I think it is so important for everyone to know CPR as truly it is an extremely versatile tool that would help so many people in so many instances.
As an EMT for four years, Priyanka naturally became interested in pursuing emergency medicine and is doing so in Pomona, California. CPR is a priceless tool for doubling or tripling a person’s odds of survival outside of the hospital and she is so excited to be helping teach others with the skillset to handle an emergency. You’ll probably catch Priyanka listening to a true crime podcast while walking along the beach or fighting the urge to pet every dog she sees. She’s looking forward to seeing you all in class!
EMT
Renaye Gamson (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Fontana, CA
Currently Living in: Fullerton, CA
Other Work: EMT/Substitute Teacher/Softball Coach
Pets: 2 dogs Bella and Bear
For fun I like to: Try new recipes, it doesn't always work out but they’re fun to try.
Why I teach CPR: I think it’s a skill everyone should know. The best part about teaching CPR is seeing the confidence in someone’s face when they leave the class, knowing they can properly execute and help save a life.
Hi, I’m Renaye! I am a full time EMT, a full time substitute teacher, and a full time softball coach.
I’m sure people wonder how I fit everything into my schedule, and let me just tell you it runs like a well oiled machine. The great thing about being a CPR instructor is I get to explore training opportunities in all aspects of my work. When I’m not working I love to vacation, but who doesn’t. These getaways are anywhere from a tropical destination, to riding dirt bikes in the desert, to all types of camping. Get out and explore! I am excited to teach CPR to individuals eager to learn.
EMT- Support Instructor
Servando Chavez (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Los Angeles
Living in: North Hollywood
Other Work: Helicopter Crew member/Wildland Firefighter
For fun I like to: Work on cars
Why I teach CPR: It is rewarding knowing the training could help save someone's life.
Servando enjoys training schools and organizations in CPR & First Aid because it is a tool that can be used when you least expect it. In addition, Servando likes to compete in Spartan races, and work at Joffe Emergency Services. Book a class and Servando might just be one of your instructors.
EMT / Support Instructor
Rachel Haro (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Los Angeles
Currently Living in: Arcadia
Other work: EMT at dodgers stadium & transport technician at Huntington hospital
Pets: Scrappy Doo (dog) Princess Jasmine & Charlie Brown (Cat)
For fun I like to go hiking with my family and dog. I like to spend time outside watching my daughter play softball.
Why I teach CPR : I love helping people learn a life saving skill that they never know will save someone they love or a stranger. Knowing they have the knowledge to do that is the best.
Rachel loves working with the community and really impacting others with a breath of positive fun knowledge that is making a difference. Rachel started her journey within Ems by taking a simple cpr first aid class as a tutor for schools never thinking she would ever use her skills ! Children do the darndest things and in a second things can go wrong. The amount of times her skills from that class have helped throughout her career over the last 15 years is priceless. As a mother she strives to teach with love and patience and a dash of fun!
CPR/First Aid Instructor, Southeast Region
Alexander Leon (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Currently Living In: Atlanta, GA
Other Work: Advanced EMT with MetroAtlanta; Spanish Interpreter with LATN
For Fun I Like To: Play and watch soccer; I own 50 soccer jerseys and my collection keeps growing.
Why I Teach CPR: Far too often we feel powerless to do anything in an emergency, and I love the idea of training people to take more agency in their life so they contribute more to society and feel more helpful.
Alexander, you can just call him Alex. He will talk to you all day about CPR or his favorite soccer team, so feel free to ask!
Alex has a nephew with Down Syndrome named Noah, and Noah was the inspiration for Alex to teach CPR in schools to ensure that Noah would be able to help if something happened to him. When he’s not teaching, he’s working on the ambulance or translating at children’s hospitals in the Atlanta area. If you’re ever in the Atlanta area, Alex might be your instructor and he looks forward to meeting you!
CPR/First Aid Instructor, West Coast Region
Stephanie Orjiakor (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Currently Living in: Montebello, CA
Other Work: Health Education Assistant @ California State University, Los Angeles
Pets: 1 Shih Tzu Mix, Tigger
Fun Fact: I rescued him when I was 12 years old!
For fun I like to: Traveling/ Spontaneous Adventures always eager to try something new!
Why I teach CPR: I was introduced to CPR due to one of job duties within my role. I really enjoy making CPR fun and engaging.
CPR/First Aid Instructor, West Coast Region
Christian Khuzaie (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Downey
Currently Living in: Costa Mesa
Other Work: Rescue Technician/EMT at Baker Rescue Services
Pets: 1 Siberian mixed black cat named Salem
For fun I like to: Bike Ride
Why I teach CPR: To give back and to help others achieve what they want to accomplish!
Hello! My name is Christian Khuzaie, and I am a CPR Instructor to help those who have an interest in helping others. I have been involved with emergency services from my time as a Fire Explorer to a Volunteer Firefighter to my current Profession as a Rescue Technician. I look forward to meeting and helping those who want to make an impact on others!
A little about me is I love spending time with my partner and our cat, Salem. We are both huge cat lovers and if it was up to us, we would have a whole facility of them. I love rock music, bike riding, playing pickleball, and waiting in In-N-Out lines for food. I’m excited to meet you all and have fun teaching!
CPR/First Aid Lead Instructor, West Coast Region
Ian Ager (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Currently Living In: Los Angeles, CA
Other Work: Set Medic for Hollywood Studios
Quick facts: I have a great sense of humor!
For Fun I Like To: Cook and Bake! Always experimenting with new barbecue recipes
Why I Teach CPR: It’s an essential skill that I believe everyone should know.
I enjoy giving people the hands-on skills, training and confidence they need to help
save lives. I am also a former comedian and a pretty good cook in the kitchen. Looking forward to teaching your next class!
CPR/First Aid Instructor, West Coast Region
Brenda Villa (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Pico Rivera, CA
Living in: La Habra, CA
Other Work: Biomedical volunteer workforce for American Red Cross, Dog sitter and House sitter
Quick facts: My Boyfriend is a Veteran who I love and respect
Pets: 2 Chihuahua’s (Millie and Eddie)
For fun I like to: Go to the dog park with my dogs, have movie nights with friends and BBQ’s
Why I teach CPR: I really enjoy giving others the confidence and knowledge they need for life saving skills. I feel it is important for people to understand how to respond to emergencies anywhere.
CPR/First Aid Support Instructor, West Coast Region
Quinton Adams (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Inglewood, CA
Living in: Santa Fe Springs, CA
Other Work: EMT in Los Angeles County
For fun I like to: I love to read, workout, and try new foods
Why I teach CPR: I thoroughly enjoy the feeling of helping others gain the necessary confidence to learn a life-saving technique. Teaching others also allows me to grasp more understanding and refine my teaching techniques.
I am determined and an ambitious individual, setting my sights on a career in firefighting. Graduating with a B.S. in Kinesiology from California State University Fullerton an A.S. in Emergency Technology from El Camino College and Firefighter I from El Camino Fire Academy, I am dedicated to learning and personal growth. I am currently licensed as an EMT in Los Angeles County and I am always seeking opportunities to attain more knowledge. I also showcase leadership and community outreach skills through public speaking. To date, I have spoken at three commencement ceremonies at El Camino College, Cal State Fullerton, and El Camino Fire Academy. I am eager to support your CPR learning process and I am excited to meet you!