FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I was laid off from a training directors job at a foster care agency in late 2005, and decided that it was time to fulfill a lifelong desire to start my own business. While I was the training director, I became a certified CPR/FA, and AED Instructor for the National Safety Councils CPR program and had a chance to teach a few course to our foster parents and on behalf of the Chesapeake Region Safety Council in Woodlawn, MD. I enjoyed the experiences so much, that I felt I could offer CPR classes to the general public and make a living from it. I also, set up a web design business, so I actually am the owner of two businesses. Combined, both provide me enough income to make a living, and they both allow me to work in areas that I enjoy, so I'm blessed in that I get paid to do things I love!
- What types of customers have you worked with?
The most frequent trainings I do are CPR, FA, AED and BBP classes. There are a lot of industries and professions that require their employees maintain current certifications so they they will stay in compliance with local, state and federal regulations for their industries - i.e., health care, construction, human services, day care, first responders, police officers, etc. Beyond these classes, I'm called on frequently as a training consultant based on my years of training and education experience. I've consulted on setting up training programs for non-profits, responding to grant proposals that require providing trainings to difficult populations, and providing IT trainings to staffs with no or low skills on using office productivity suites.
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I trained approximately 22 employees at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) to become instructors of the National Safety Council's CPR/FA & AED program on behalf of the Chesapeake Region Safety Council. The training took place over three days at the Aviation Museum at College Park as a result of some unscheduled work at the originally planned training facility. Over the three days, we were required to move several times because of general activities conducted at the Aviation Museum, but through it all, I kept the class organized, on-time and focused. With all the changes, though, I felt that the students might not like the course as much as I'd have hoped. However, on the last day of the class after all the students had performed their instructor demonstrations, the coordinator took time to thank me for putting up with all the changes their organization had put me me through, and still providing a cohesive and enjoyable class. After he spoke, several course participants made similar statements and then the class gave me a standing ovation to close. It was a humbling moment.