Cadre / Instructors
Our cadre and consultants are subject matter experts.
Our team consists of seasoned professionals with years of experience and subject matter expertise. We are passionate about our ability to convey information and ensure maximum progression of our students and training programs. Full CV’s are available upon request.
Tim is the founder and owner of Soteria Defense, He has served in a variety of capacities at various organizations over the last 20 years.
He is a US Army combat veteran, former police officer, corporate consultant, and expert in violence and active shooter. He has engaged in contracting for military and law enforcement training programs, written proposals and developed student course materials.
Tim has served as range master and primary instructor on military, law enforcement, special operations, and private sector programs and courses, at various military, law enforcement, and private facilities across the United States. Tim has served as a guest instructor, guest speaker, publications author, and subject matter expert.
- 20+ years industry experience
- Director – Executive Protection / Risk Management
- Senior Instructor at Direct Action Group / www.dag-usa.com
- Certified Range Master / DOJ Firearms Instructor
- CQB / CQC Instructor (TEES Certified)
- CAEMSA certified TCCC Instructor
- LEMSA / Medical CE Provider
- Expert in Violence & Active Shooter Risk Mitigation
- Guest instructor / guest speaker
- US Army Infantry & Recon / Scout Platoon, Combat Veteran
- US Army CIB / SDM / CLS / PMI / BRM Instructor / MOUT / CQB Instructor
- 13 years law enforcement
- Henderson Defense Foreign Weapons course
- Certified Explosive Handler / Explosive Breacher (TEES)
Christina is the Medical Director for Soteria and works full time as a Physican Assistant. She has had a successful career as an expert in the outdoors serving in a variety of capacities. Christina was a Yosemite Trail Guide, Yosemite Search & Rescue, Ski Patrol & Ski Rescue professional.
She was a Sheriff volunteer Search & Rescue professional and has extensive training in addition to a number of rescue operations. Her outdoor medical experience includes Wilderness First Responder (WFR), high angle rescue, and additional experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and emergency room technician.
Christina is also versed in firearms skills, tactics, and tactical search and rescue / recovery operations.
- Soteria Defense Medical Director
- Physician Assistant
- CAEMSA certified TCCC Instructor
- LEMSA / Medical CE Provider
- Medical Instructor
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
- Yosemite Trail Guide
- Yosemite Search and Rescue
- Ski Patrol / Ski Rescue
- Extensive R&D of outdoor gear and equipment
Rick served 25 years as a Deputy Sheriff with a large agency. Rick spent 10 years on his agency’s SWAT team, and completed EMT school to become a team medic. He has served as a hostage negotiator, defensive tactics instructor, SCUBA / water rescue diver, field and jail training officer, and academy instructor.
After retiring, Rick served as the Program Director for a Criminal Justice program at a private college. He has worked as an executive protection agent and contractor for prisoner transport for the US Marshal Service.
Rick has competed in USPSA, IDPA and Steel Challenge pistol competitions, 3 Gun Matches and Cowboy Action Shooting.
- 25 years law enforcement
- 10 years SWAT
- SWAT Medic
- 4 years Hostage Negotiator
- SCUBA / water rescue certified
- Defensive tactics instructor
- EMSA Tactical Casualty Care Certified
- LEMSA / Medical CE Provider
- Tactical Casualty Care Instructor
- Academy Instructor / Program Director
- Critical Incident Response Instructor
- 4 years Warrant Service Unit
- Competitive Pistol Shooter
Stephen has over 17 years of experience in EMS serving as an EMT, Paramedic, Paramedic Supervisor, Administrative Supervisor and Senior Emergency Services Coordinator in California.
He is well versed in ICS, MCI management, DOC and EOC operations and has extensive operational experience. Stephen served as a Disaster Response Team Coordinator for FEMA deploying to hurricanes in addition to wildfire deployments to support EMS and evacuate medical facilities. Stephen continues to instruct and advise TEMS programs in California, and fire and law enforcement active shooter response and rescue task force operations.
Stephen serves as a Senior Emergency Services Coordinator and subject matter expert in Tactical EMS, Ambulance Strike Team Operations, and disaster medical coordination.
- 17 years EMS & Tactical EMS experience
- Senior Emergency Medical Services Coordinator
- AA, Paramedic, Tactical EMS Technician, TLO
- ICS, MCI Management
- DOC and EOC operations
- Ambulance Strike Team Leader
- EMS Overhead Team
- Law Enforcement Active Shooter response Instructor
- LEMSA / Medical CE Provider
- Rescue Task Force Instructor
- EMSA Meritorious Service Medal
- SME / Program Development for Tactical EMS
- SME Ambulance Strike Team Operations