About Me

I'm driven by a personal conviction to effect positive change wherever I am. I thrive on building collaborative and efficient teams, believing strongly in the collective power to overcome challenges through diversity. At heart, I am a problem solver, always eager to find creative solutions to the most intricate issues. This passion shapes not just my professional endeavors at Freecore Security & Risk Consultants but also my personal mission to create a safer, more inclusive world.

My Story

My career began in high school when I joined the Fire Explorer Program, volunteering at my local fire department. This early experience ignited a lifelong passion for public service. I was honored to receive a scholarship to attend the Florida State Fire College, where I graduated at the top of my class as a State-Certified Firefighter. I went on to serve the Key Largo community as a firefighter for nearly a decade, earning a Special Service Award from the Chief of Department and Board of Directors in recognition of my dedication and service. Driven by my commitment to public safety, community resilience, and advancing emergency services, I campaigned for a commissioner position on the EMS & Fire District in the General Election, fueled by a vision to make a lasting impact.

Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable experience across a range of roles that have shaped my leadership style, operational expertise, and approach to risk mitigation. At Office Depot, I focused on driving operational efficiency and strengthening team performance, which led to measurable improvements in store profitability and an enhanced loss prevention strategy. At Coach, I embraced my creative instincts, leading merchandise strategies that elevated customer experiences and amplified brand visibility. At Alliance Security, I managed increasingly complex projects, led cross-functional teams, and developed innovative solutions to safeguard and advance critical business operations. These diverse experiences have honed my ability to navigate dynamic environments, foster trust and accountability, and deliver operational excellence.

I am known for bringing people together around a shared vision that prioritizes innovation and efficiency in pursuit of meaningful goals. Whether leading business operations valued at hundreds of millions of dollars or designing impactful strategies, I focus on innovative solutions that drive success. Adaptable, empathetic, and humble, I prioritize people over processes, ensuring a balance of practicality and care. This people-centered approach has been a guiding principle throughout my career, where my unwavering commitment to improvement and collaboration consistently strengthens teams, organizations, and communities, leaving them safer than I found them.

As the founder and principal consultant of Freecore Security & Risk Consultants, I collaborate with small businesses to develop the culture, plans, and programs necessary to safeguard their organizations from risk. From crafting emergency response plans to conducting comprehensive risk assessments, I empower organizations and their teams to build and maintain resilience. By partnering closely with stakeholders at every level, I ensure that all plans are actionable, sustainable, and tailored to align with each client’s unique mission and objectives.

Beyond my professional achievements, my commitment to continuous growth is evident in my completion of leadership training with the American Management Association (AMA), as well as enhanced customer experience programs from The Disney Institute and the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center’s Culture of Excellence. These experiences have profoundly shaped my leadership approach, emphasizing innovation, service excellence, and a people-first mindset. I am an active member of ASIS International and hold certifications in Continuity of Operations (COOP), the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), and various OSHA safety disciplines. Outside of work, I am passionate about giving back to the community, exploring creative hobbies, and finding inspiration in the outdoors—a grounding reminder of the importance of balance in both life and leadership.

My Core Traits

Creative

Creativity drives my approach to leadership, allowing me to see beyond conventional solutions and envision new possibilities. By redefining challenges as opportunities, I consistently deliver innovative, impactful results that propel us forward.

Observant

My ability to notice what others might overlook gives me a strategic advantage. By focusing on the subtleties of any situation, I can navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities with precision, ensuring success in every endeavor.

Receptive

Openness to diverse perspectives enhances every decision I make. Embracing feedback and new ideas fosters collaboration and leads to more effective outcomes, strengthening both the process and the result.

Empathetic

Empathy is the foundation of the relationships I build and the teams I lead. By understanding others on a deeper level, I create an environment where trust and respect flourish, inspiring everyone to give their best.

Where I’ve Worked

Accreditations & Affiliations

  • 1.6 CEU

    Advanced Preparedness Training: Proficient in HSEEP, the standard for homeland security exercises, ensuring a comprehensive approach to emergency and disaster preparedness.

    Exercise Design Expertise: Skilled in designing and implementing effective security exercises, tailored to meet specific organizational and community safety needs.

    Scenario Development and Evaluation: Experienced in creating realistic and challenging scenarios to test and evaluate emergency response plans and procedures.

    Effective Facilitation and Leadership: Adept at leading diverse teams through complex exercises, ensuring efficient coordination and effective communication.

    Assessment and Improvement: Capable of conducting thorough evaluations of exercise outcomes, providing insightful feedback for continuous improvement in emergency response strategies.

    Commitment to Public Safety: Dedicated to enhancing community and organizational resilience through meticulous exercise planning and evaluation, contributing to heightened public safety and security.

  • 1.4 CEUs

    Strategic Resilience Planning: Proficient in developing and managing Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans, ensuring organizational resilience against disruptions.

    Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Skilled in identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities, and implementing strategies to mitigate impact on operations.

    Emergency Response Coordination: Capable of coordinating rapid and effective responses to emergencies, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.

    Training and Preparedness: Experienced in training teams on COOP procedures, enhancing organizational readiness for various contingency scenarios.

    Recovery and Restoration: Expertise in planning and executing recovery operations, ensuring timely restoration of critical functions post-disruption.

    Policy Development and Implementation: Adept at developing comprehensive continuity policies and procedures, aligned with industry standards and best practices.

  • 0.4 CEUs

    EOC Operations Proficiency: Trained in the fundamental operations of Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), playing a pivotal role in crisis management and response coordination.

    Incident Command System Integration: Expertise in integrating EOC functions with the Incident Command System (ICS) for efficient disaster response and resource management.

    Communication and Information Management: Skilled in maintaining effective communication channels and information management systems during emergencies, ensuring timely and accurate decision-making.

    Resource Coordination and Support: Proficient in coordinating resources and support services during emergencies, optimizing response efforts and resource allocation.

    Situation Monitoring and Assessment: Adept at continuous monitoring and assessment of emergency situations, providing critical insights for response strategies.

    Interagency Collaboration: Experienced in facilitating collaboration among various agencies and stakeholders, ensuring a unified and effective response to emergencies.

  • Expertise in Life-Saving Techniques: Certified to instruct in Basic Life Support (BLS), encompassing critical skills in CPR, AED use, and managing respiratory and cardiac emergencies.

    Healthcare Provider Training: Skilled in training healthcare professionals in the essential practices of Basic Life Support, ensuring high standards of patient care and emergency response.

    In-Depth Knowledge of BLS Protocols: Profound understanding of the latest BLS guidelines and protocols, ensuring the most current and effective training methods are imparted.

    Emergency Response Leadership: Equipped to lead and coordinate emergency response scenarios, instilling confidence and competence in healthcare teams.

    Skill Development Facilitation: Adept at developing practical skills among trainees, including effective chest compressions, airway management, and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

    Commitment to Patient Safety: Dedicated to promoting patient safety and survival through high-quality BLS education, contributing to better outcomes in critical care situations.

  • 0.1 CEUs

    Community Engagement in Preparedness: Trained in engaging and mobilizing community members in preparedness activities, fostering a culture of readiness and resilience.

    Simple and Effective Preparedness Strategies: Expertise in implementing straightforward and practical preparedness strategies that can be adopted by individuals and families.

    Educational Outreach and Training: Skilled in providing educational outreach and training sessions to diverse community groups, enhancing their ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

    Building Local Response Capabilities: Focused on building and strengthening local response capabilities through community participation and collaboration.

    Resource Identification and Utilization: Adept at identifying and utilizing local resources and networks to support preparedness initiatives.

    Inclusivity in Preparedness Planning: Committed to ensuring that preparedness activities are inclusive, catering to the diverse needs of all community members.

  • .2 CEUs

    Foundation in Incident Command: Completed ICS 100, providing me with a foundational understanding of the Incident Command System, crucial for effective emergency management.

    Principles and Structure of ICS: Gained knowledge of the key principles, history, and organizational structure of ICS, essential for coordinated emergency response.

    Integration with National Incident Management System (NIMS): Learned how ICS fits within the broader framework of NIMS, ensuring a unified approach to emergency management.

    Roles and Responsibilities: Acquired an understanding of various roles within ICS, including the Incident Commander and Command Staff, preparing me for collaborative emergency response efforts.

    Effective Response Planning: Developed skills for basic response planning, resource identification, and management in emergency situations.

    Targeted for Diverse Responders: This course is designed for a wide range of personnel involved in emergency planning, response, or recovery, enhancing my ability to work effectively in diverse teams.

  • .4 CEUs

    Initial Response Leadership: Completed IS0200.c, focusing on the roles and responsibilities within the Incident Command System during initial response to incidents.

    Incident Management Skills: Gained skills in managing incidents efficiently, particularly in the early stages of an event, which is crucial for limiting the escalation of the incident.

    Supervisory Role Preparedness: Prepared to assume supervisory roles within ICS, with an understanding of how to implement effective command, control, and coordination of initial response efforts.

    Integration with NIMS: Learned the importance of integrating ICS within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) framework, ensuring a consistent response approach across agencies.

    Resource Allocation and Management: Developed competencies in the allocation and management of resources during the initial stages of an incident to ensure an effective response.

    Applicability Across Disciplines: The course is designed for a wide range of emergency responders, enhancing my ability to work collaboratively with various agencies and departments during emergencies.

  • 2.1 CEUs

    Advanced Incident Management: Completed the ICS 300 course, focusing on the management of expanding incidents, which prepares me to handle more complex emergency situations.

    Strategic Operations Skills: Gained advanced skills in strategic planning and operations for incidents that extend beyond the initial response phase, ensuring effective and efficient management.

    Multi-Agency Coordination: Learned to coordinate effectively among multiple agencies, essential for managing large-scale incidents involving various stakeholders.

    Resource Management: Enhanced my abilities in managing resources, including personnel and equipment, during expanding emergency situations.

    Complex Problem-Solving: Developed proficiency in addressing and solving complex problems that arise during expanding incidents, ensuring a swift and effective response.

    Leadership in Emergency Situations: Strengthened my leadership capabilities, equipping me to lead and guide teams through the challenges of large-scale emergency responses.

  • Expertise in Complex Incident Management: Achieved proficiency in managing highly complex incidents through the completion of the ICS 400 course, equipping me for critical decision-making in challenging emergency scenarios.

    Enhanced Coordination and Leadership: Developed advanced skills in coordinating multi-agency responses and providing leadership in complex situations that require collaboration across different jurisdictions and organizations.

    In-depth Strategic Planning: Gained deep insights into strategic planning and management for incidents that span multiple days and involve numerous resources and teams.

    Advanced Command and General Staff Skills: Acquired specialized knowledge and capabilities in commanding and working within a general staff structure during large-scale, complex incidents.

    Crisis Communication and Problem-Solving: Enhanced abilities in crisis communication and innovative problem-solving, essential for addressing the dynamic challenges of complex emergencies.

    Incident Action Plan Development: Skilled in developing and executing comprehensive Incident Action Plans (IAPs) tailored to complex situations, ensuring a systematic and effective response.

  • The Google UX Designer Certificate program is a comprehensive course aimed at training individuals in the field of user experience (UX) design. It covers foundational concepts ranging from the basics of design thinking to prototyping and usability testing. Participants are equipped with practical skills to design user-friendly interfaces across various digital platforms.

    By the end of the course, graduates are expected to have a robust portfolio that showcases their proficiency in UX design, positioning them to embark on careers in this rapidly growing field. The curriculum, endorsed by Google, provides insights from top industry professionals, ensuring learners are abreast with current best practices.

  • 1.2 CEU, 12 CLP, 12 PDCs, 12 PHR, 12 SPHR

    Strategic Leadership: Developed the ability to transition from operational management to strategic leadership, enhancing my capacity to guide teams and projects with a forward-thinking approach.

    Advanced Decision-Making Skills: Acquired expertise in conducting comprehensive SWOT analyses, enabling me to make informed decisions that align with organizational goals.

    Innovation and Change Management: Trained in fostering innovation and effectively managing change, ensuring adaptability and competitiveness in rapidly evolving business environments.

    Effective Communication: Enhanced persuasive communication skills, essential for articulating and selling strategic visions within the organization.

    Strategic Planning and Execution: Gained proficiency in creating actionable strategic plans, directly contributing to organizational growth and success.

    Influencing Organizational Culture: Learned to inspire a strategic culture within teams, driving collective progress and aligning with broader organizational objectives.

  • Customer Focus: Participants learn about Disney's philosophy of putting the customer at the center of everything they do. This includes understanding customer needs and expectations and how to exceed them.

    Attention to Detail: The course delves into how meticulous attention to detail contributes to creating an exceptional customer experience. This can range from the design of the physical space to the interactions between staff and customers.

    Employee Engagement and Training: An essential part of the course is understanding how Disney engages and empowers its employees to deliver quality service. This includes training methods, employee motivation, and the importance of a positive work culture.

    Consistency in Service Standards: The course teaches how Disney maintains high service standards across its various branches and how consistency contributes to brand trust and customer satisfaction.

    Innovation in Service Delivery: Participants learn about how Disney continually innovates in its service delivery to stay ahead in the industry, including embracing new technologies and methods.

    Brand Management and Storytelling: The course may also cover how Disney's approach to storytelling and brand management contributes to its service quality, creating a unique and immersive experience for customers.

    Real-world Applications: The course often includes examples and case studies from Disney's operations, providing participants with practical, real-world insights into how these principles are applied.

  • Understanding Ritz-Carlton's Service Philosophy: I gained insight into the foundational principles and values that drive the Ritz-Carlton's renowned service excellence. This included learning how to create memorable and personalized guest experiences that reflect the brand's commitment to luxury and quality.

    Developing a Luxury Service Culture: I learned strategies for cultivating a service culture that consistently delivers luxury experiences. This involved understanding the importance of leadership in service, staff training methodologies, and building a team dedicated to upholding the highest service standards.

    Mastering Guest Engagement Techniques: The course equipped me with techniques for effectively engaging with guests. This includes understanding their unique needs, personalizing their experience, and consistently exceeding their expectations through attentive service.

    Brand Differentiation in the Hospitality Industry: I explored how the Ritz-Carlton differentiates its brand in the competitive hospitality market, focusing on unique service features that set it apart and create a distinct brand identity.

    Handling Service Challenges Gracefully: I learned about managing and resolving service challenges skillfully. This skill is crucial for maintaining high guest satisfaction even in difficult situations, turning challenges into opportunities to impress and delight guests.

    Elevating Guest Experiences: The course taught me methods to not just meet but exceed standard service expectations, aiming to provide extraordinary and memorable experiences that resonate with guests long after their stay.

    Applying Real-World Case Studies: Through studying real-world examples from various Ritz-Carlton properties, I acquired practical knowledge of how these service principles are implemented in different scenarios, enhancing my ability to apply these lessons in my own professional context.

    Embracing Continuous Improvement and Service Innovation: I learned the importance of continually innovating and improving service delivery. This includes staying abreast of industry trends and guest expectations to ensure the service remains relevant, competitive, and exceptional.