Faculty

 ---- Administrative Staff ----
Gifford Saravia, Director ///EMS Since 1990///
Gifford has been actively involved in education for the past 5 years. He holds an Associate of Science Paramedic, and an Associate of Occupational Studies Electronic Technology. Gifford currently serves as the Director of the National EMS Academy.

Amos J. Batiste, Jr, Sales Director
Amos is a highly motivated Sales Director with over 10 years of experience, Revenue Management, Event Management, Ecommerce and Marketing.  Amos oversees sales of computer base training and virtual instructor lead training for NEMSA. Amos attended the University of Louisiana Lafayette, Marriott World Class Training, and Interstate Sales School and is currently serving on the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Center Board.

Richard Belle, Continuing Education Manager ///EMS Since 1996///
Richard has been actively involved in EMS education since 1998. He has an Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences. Richard is currently responsible for the development and implementation of continuing education offered by the National EMS Academy.

Greg Mullen, EMS Program Manager ///EMS Since 1980///
Greg has been teaching in EMS full-time since 1988. Previously he was affiliated with training paramedics in Denver Colorado. He currently is the EMS Program Manager and oversees all EMT and Paramedic training at the 9 NEMSA training locations in Louisiana and Texas. Greg holds an adjunct faculty position with the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in human biology and a master’s degree in cardiovascular physiology.

Jay Pierret, Business Manager
Jay is a dynamic business professional with over 19 years of experience in the analysis of business processes and development and implementation of practical business solutions. Jay oversees the day-to-day administrative operations of the Academy and provides management development training. Jay received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and his Master of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurship.

Brandy Beyer-Trahan, Admin. Assistant ///EMS Since 2007///
Brandy is Administrative Assistant over all NEMSA sites.  She handles the business side of the academy, and works closely with SLCC (South Louisiana Community College) on student enrollment. Brandy has been in an administrative roll since 1993.  She is a BLS Instructor / Training Center Faculty for Tulane Simulation Center, NREMT-B certified, and a State EMS Examiner.  Brandy is working towards an Associate Degree in General Studies.

Laura Duplantis, Admin. Assistant
Laura is Administrative Assistant over Continuing Education for Acadian Ambulance.  She manages the Learning Management System for both Online NEMSA and Acadian Ambulance. She is a BLS Instructor and maintains records for the NEMSA Training Sites.  Laura is working towards an Associate Degree in General Studies.

Stacy Healy, Admin. Assistant
Stacy is Administrative Assistant for the EMT and Paramedic programs of NEMSA.  She provides professional support to the managers and instructors at the NEMSA sites.  Her efforts help continue to improve productivity and the success of the program.  Stacy has been a dedicated employee with Acadian since 1989. 

Heidi Luquette, Part-time Clerical

---- Austin, TX ----
Martin Lee, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1990///
Martin comes from a medical military background serving over 8 years in the United States Army as a medic, including a deployment to an active war zone. His teaching and education curriculum is comprised of various medical related programs ranging from Military First Aid, AHA courses, and EMS courses. Martin is a paramedic, Texas Licensed Acupuncturist, and holds a Master degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Eric Rodgers, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1985///
Eric serves as affiliate faculty for the American Heart Association programs and as lead instructor in all AHA disciplines.  He also participates as affiliate faculty for the National Association of EMT programs of AMLS (Advanced Medical Life Support) and PHTLS (Pre-Hospital Life Support).  He lectures nationally and at state-level conferences with a focus on pediatric and trauma education.

---- Baton Rouge, LA ----
Jason Hunt, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1997///
Jason works as an Education Coordinator at NEMSA Baton Rouge.  He teaches everything from CPR to core content in the Paramedic curriculum. He actively works with local high school students interested in a career in EMS through our High School Liaison Program.  He has also been presented with several commendations including the 2004 Paramedic of the Year. Jason holds an Associate’s degree in Emergency Medical Technology and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

David Finley, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1989///
David has been involved in education and training since 2005. He is currently the EMT-Basic instructor and also assists with the paramedic program for the Baton Rouge NEMSA campus. David is an ACLS and CPR instructor and currently has an associate degree in Applied Science.

Rohit Adi, MD, Medical Director

---- Covington, LA ----
Jennifer Bonnet, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 2005///
Jennifer obtained Paramedic certification in 2005 after completing the Paramedic program at NEMSA in Covington. She joined the National EMS Academy in 2009 after working in the field as a critical care medic, field preceptor, and alternate supervisor.  Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Orleans.

Andy Bruch, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1974///
Andy began teaching in 1977. He earned his RN from Baton Rouge General School of Nursing, EMT-Paramedic from Marshall University, BS in Biology Magna Cum Laude from Bluefield State College, and MS in Health Services Administration from the College of St. Francis. Andy is a Certified Emergency Nurse.

Cindy Mitchell, Part Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1997///
Cindy has worked with Acadian Ambulance Service since 1997 and is currently part of the adjunct faculty at the Covington location of the National EMS Academy.

---- Gretna, LA ----
Debra Redfearn, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1985///
Debra holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of New Orleans, and an Associate Degree of Science in Allied Health- Paramedic from Delgado Community College. She became a DOT-Instructor in 1992. Debra has taught for Tulane University, the University of South Alabama and was the Director of the Department of EMS Education for Delgado Community College.

Ryan Hageman, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1994///
Ryan's career has led him all over the Americas. His experiences range from 911 in New Orleans, to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Chicago, to med-evac flights all over the Caribbean and South America. He's taught in Chicago, New Orleans, and Puerto Rico, both in the classroom and on the street. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in History, with minor degrees in History of Art and Architecture and Classical Civilization.

Dr. Ted Sikorski, MD, Medical Director

---- Hessmer, LA ----
Anita Lindsay, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1992///
Anita has been teaching for more than 10 years. She taught both paramedic and EMT-Basic classes in El Paso, Texas. She has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix and is currently working towards a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education and Training.

Kirk LaCour, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1995///
Kirk has been involved in education and training for the past six years. He taught at Our Lady of the Lake College and later acted as the Capital Area Field Training Officer for Acadian Ambulance. Kirk holds two Bachelor of Science Degrees; one in Biology and one in Human Medicine.

Rosemary St. Clergy, MD, Medical Director ///EMS Since 1987///
In addition to her ED experience, Dr. St. Clergy was the Medical Director of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette for several years. Dr. St. Clergy is currently the Medical Director for the Acadian Ambulance Critical Care Transport program.

---- Houma, LA ----
Robert Clement, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1984///
Rob Clement spent the last 10 years working in education and training. Rob is an Education Coordinator at the Houma campus teaching Paramedic and Basic classes, and is Administrative E.C. overseeing the clinical component of these classes. Rob has an Associates degree in Applied Sciences - Paramedic and is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science.

Stacey Blandino

Don Thibodaux, MD, Medical Director
Dr. Thibodaux completed his Emergency Medicine residency in 1982 from Charity Hospital at New Orleans. He has over 20 years of experience as a hospital based Emergency Medicine physician. He currently works as the medical director for Safety Management Systems who employs over 240 paramedics in the offshore environment.

---- Lafayette, LA ----
Josh Chamblin, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1992///
Josh is the Workforce Development Supervisor for Acadian Ambulance. Josh specializes in the procurement of training grant funds and the development of workforce pipeline initiatives, including the Acadian Ambulance High School Liaison Program. Josh stands on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana and the Health Occupations Students of America.

Paul Duplantis, Full Time Faculty, NEMSA; Adjunct Faculty, South Louisiana Community College ///EMS Since 1992///
Paul has been involved in teaching for more than 4 years. He teaches both EMT-Paramedic and EMT-Basic classes. He is a BEMS, PHTLS, AMLS, ACLS and BLS instructor. He obtained his Critical Care Transport Paramedic in 2007. He obtained his Associate Degree in Applied Science in the Summer of 2009. He will continue his academic career by pursuing his bachelor degree in the Fall 2010

Faith Garbett, Orientation Coordinator
Faith Garbett is the Orientation Coordinator for the Acadian Companies.  She is responsible for coordinating the education and training that new employees need to begin their careers at Acadian.  She is also responsible for evaluating the program and presenting some of the orientation topics. She currently serves on the CAAS accreditation committee and is the Vice-Chair of the ESOP Committee.  Faith received her Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

Zachary Guidry, Full Time Faculty
Zachary is a media developer who produces training materials for print, video, web and classroom delivery. Zachary has been authoring computer based training since 1998 and holds a degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Brad Indest, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 2005///
Brad has been teaching both EMS and Safety related courses since 2002. He has an Associates Degree in Emergency Medical Science and is a Safety Trained Supervisor. Brad is a BEMS, ACLS, and BLS instructor. Before he began instructing he functioned as a Critical Care Paramedic. 

Al Landry, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1980///
Al worked as a paramedic, a paramedic supervisor and for the last 18 years has been providing EMS education. Al served as the Education Manager, but went back to his true love of teaching. He finds great joy in molding the minds of our future paramedics. Al holds an Associates degree in Applied Allied Health Sciences - Paramedic and is currently working on a Bachelors degree in Unified Emergency Services Management.

Jennifer Melancon, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1999///
Jennifer began teaching in 2005 while working as a ground medic. In early 2010, she became a full time educator. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Education and an Associate of Emergency Health Science. Jennifer is responsible for coordinating and teaching continuing education classes, the recertification of medics and creating lessons for computer based training and on-line classes.

Nick Miller, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1995///
Nicholas is a decorated Critical Care Paramedic.  He has served as an instructor of EMS for the United States Air Force Pararescue School.  Nicholas coordinates all military EMS programs for NEMSA, and teaches NEMSA Paramedic courses.  He developed the curriculum for the first Military Medic to Paramedic Bridge Program in the United States that received approval from the US Military.  Nicholas has a BS in Health and Wellness from the University of Minnesota.

Chris Mixon, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1981///
Chris has been teaching in EMS since 1985. He currently works as an author for on-line training and as administrator for computer based and videoconference training at Acadian Ambulance. Chris has years of EMS experience, including over a decade as a Flight paramedic. He holds an Associate of Science in EMS.

Liz Mrak, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1981///
Liz has experience in education and training since 1998. Liz is an Education Coordinator and a Clinical Coordinator overseeing the clinical component of the paramedic classes. Liz holds an Associates degree in Applied Sciences - Paramedic and is currently working on a Bachelors of Science - Unified Public Safety Administration.

Harry Murphy, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1986///
Harry has been teaching in EMS and the fire service since 1994. He has participated in development of education and CAAS compliance programs for EMS systems in Virginia and Indiana. Harry currently works as a critical care paramedic and teaches at the National EMS Academy in Covington, LA.  

Tovah Privet, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 2003///
Tovah has experience as a ground paramedic and a critical care flight paramedic.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Tovah is responsible for coordinating and teaching the refresher program for EMTs, Paramedics and Critical Care Paramedics; also, writing for on-line educational programs.

Mitchell Trahan, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1992///
Mitch is experienced in Fire, EMS, and Death Investigation services. Mitch has multiple years of experience in ground operations as well as education. He holds multiple instructor certifications, and currently serves as affiliate faculty for the American Heart Association programs. He holds an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences – Paramedic, and is currently pursuing his Bachelors Degree.   

Leslie Greco, DO, Medical Director

---- Lake Charles, LA ----
Gene Salassi, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1976///
Gene has served as an EMS instructor since 1980 and is the senior educator on staff. He has been active on the state and national levels with the Louisiana Association of Nationally Registered EMTs, the National Association of EMTs, and serving as a founding member and original chair of the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Certification Commission. Gene holds a bachelor's degree in zoology (pre-med) from Louisiana State University.

Chris Bearb, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1993///
Chris spent 12 years working in ground and offshore operations. He has functioned as an EMS educator since 2002 and is currently the Basic Program Coordinator for the National EMS Academy. Chris holds instructor certification in multiple EMS related courses and holds an Associate degree in Applied Science in EMS.  He is currently pursuing a B.S. in EMS Management.

Rosemary St. Clergy, MD, Medical Director ///EMS Since 1987///
In addition to her ED experience, Dr. St. Clergy was the Medical Director of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette for several years. Dr. St. Clergy is currently the Medical Director for the Acadian Ambulance Critical Care Transport program.

---- Orange, TX ----
Kacey Sammons, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1988///
Kacey is a licensed paramedic and EMS instructor in Texas that has worked in EMS as a field medic, flight medic, operations director and educator for paid and volunteer departments. She received her associates degree in Emergency Medical Technology from San Jacinto College in Houston. She has instructor status in disciplines for AHA and NAEMT. Kacey has worked as a clinical instructor, and classroom instructor, and has taught as far away as South Africa, where she participated in bringing PTHLS to the South African Army in 2009.

Karri Douget, Full Time Faculty ///EMS Since 1991///
Karri became Acadian Ambulance's first female AirMed medic in 1998. Karri has held multiple EMS positions including Crime Scene Tech, Tactical SWAT Medic and Board Registered Death Investigator. She holds a degree in Criminal Justice with multiple certifications.

General information: 
National EMS Academy 
2916 North University Avenue 
Lafayette, LA 70507
1.866.459.3500

The National EMS Academy is a collaboration between Acadian Companies and South Louisiana Community College (SLCC).