About me:
I’m an NRA certified Instructor, CRSO and am TCCC Certified.
I believe that without safety, training can be a risk and incorrect training is similar to having no training at all. As an instructor, I’m dedicated to teaching Safety and Shooting fundamentals with a big emphasis on safety - and how to do it right.
In 2007, I held my CCW license but didn’t have the confidence or experience to draw from a holster safely or properly. I could make good shots but felt myself more as an average plinker. My shooting experience never truly began until I started to take training courses.
I took my first class in 2015 with Jorge Mercano, a Marine and Army Shooting instructor. Jorge was the first CCW instructor who taught me how to safely draw from the holster, engage threats and the importance of safety training. He planted the seed that led to my passion for safety and training.
I continue to be a student of the game and am still pursuing knowledge and training. Since my classes with Jorge, I have taken 30+ courses on varying disciplines in the skills and sets of shooting. Having completed so many, I’ve realized the importance of repetition and learning from multiple instructors. Repetition and consistently revisiting past courses I’ve completed has led me to a deeper understanding of the material. After taking a course more than once, I would have a better understanding then before. This opportunity to improve my comprehension is why I continue to train. Even taking same level courses from different instructors has proved beneficial. I would learn something different - even as simple as a better way to explain information. In my classes now, I use this past experience by adapting to a style that is most comfortable for my student.
I have plans to take a couple courses a year to continue my learning and practice under an instructor’s eye. I aim to use what I learn to provide value to my students and grow as an instructor. As stated previously, I am a student of the game and my hunger for knowledge is unquenchable.
Why did I become an instructor:
I had the privilege to gain my skills from great instructors who all had extensive military background also other experienced shooters in other disciplines such as competitive shooters and hunters.
However, my main instructor, Jorge Mercano moved away. I was sad to see him leave but I continued to go to the range and practice regularly.
I started to invite friends and family to teach them how to shoot. It came naturally to me and I witnessed how quickly they were able to learn the fundamentals of shooting. They were able to ring steel at 100 yards within a day of teaching which gave me a great sense of accomplishment.
The range owner witnessed this and dawned the question on me:
“Why are you not an instructor?”
At that time, I thought only former military, LEO or competitive shooters were eligible to become a certified instructor. This question asked by the range owner led me to do some investigating, so I reached out to former instructors and asked for their thoughts. Many had felt I had the skills and wondered why it took me so long to realize it!
So, with the encouragement, I researched the requirements of becoming an instructor with the NRA and passed all required certifications. I thank everyone who believed in me. They saw something in me that took time for myself to see - but here we are now.