Lauren is the Owner and CEO of the CPR Center. She purchased the business in 2015 after being part of the team since 2009.

She is passionate about equipping others with life-saving skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

With a degree in business and years of hands-on experience, Lauren is dedicated to ensuring the CPR Center runs efficiently while creating a positive and engaging learning environment.

“I always told myself I would never settle for a job I dreaded going to each day. Through God’s grace, I found a career I truly love."

"Not only that, but I have the privilege of working alongside an incredible team that exceeds my expectations every day.”

While Lauren now works mostly behind the scenes, allowing her more time at home with her children, she still enjoys teaching the occasional class.

Outside of work, she enjoys serving at church, experimenting with new recipes, staying active, reading, and traveling.

Kristen has been with the CPR Center as an instructor since 2018 and became the Operations Director in 2021.

She keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes, but you can still catch her in the classroom teaching First Aid, BLS, ACLS, and PALS.

She worked as a critical care and travel nurse for 10 years before joining the CPR Center team.

In December 2020 she received her Master’s Degree in Nursing Education and utilizes that knowledge to constantly improve the learning experience for our students.

When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and being an officer in the Nurses Honor Guard of the River Valley. She especially enjoys crafting, gaming, and hiking with her partner, Joe.

Jennifer is an RN and holds a Masters Degree in Nursing Education and a Doctoral Degree in Higher Education. She has been a nurse since 1992 serving in both in-hospital and pre-hospital care.

Jennifer has been a BLS Instructor since 1987, an ACLS Instructor since 1996, and a PALS Instructor since 1997.

She is an avid baseball fan, and enjoys reading and spending time at the lake.

Jennifer enjoys sharing knowledge with the students who can then go out and touch so many more lives with the skills they have learned.

JoAnn is a Nurse Practitioner and holds a Master of Science in Nursing. She has served in the in-hospital emergency care field since 1993.

JoAnn is married with three children, five dogs, and a cat. She has been teaching advanced courses at the CPR Center since 2004. JoAnn foster's a relaxed, fun, learning environment in her classes and enjoys teaching.

Her healthcare knowledge runs deep, and her students benefit from that extensive knowledge. You will enjoy attending her classes and learning with her!

Justin has been a paramedic for over 13 years, with extensive experience in emergency medical services and high-pressure patient care. He also is a Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Representative in the Oil and Gas Industry.

He brings that realworld experience into the classroom, helping students understand not just the “how,” but the “why” behind life-saving interventions.

He teaches BLS, ACLS, CPR/AED, and First Aid, and enjoys equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations.

Justin values hands-on learning and strives to create an environment where students feel prepared to apply their skills both in and out of the workplace.

Justin is married and has three children. His wife is also an instructor with CPR Center, and they share a passion for teaching and helping others develop critical life-saving skills.

Ali has been with us for almost 3 years now, starting out as an intern in high school and then deciding to become an instructor a year later.

Ali is a nursing student at the local university here in fort smith. She will be graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in 2026, then plans to take the NCLEX to receive her nursing license shortly after.

“I love to learn why my students are taking the class whether that’s for a family member or for their future profession. It’s amazing to teach the skills and knowledge that one day could potentially save someone’s life!”

Whitley is a nursing student with a strong passion for patient care and community health.

She is dedicated to developing her skills in compassionate, evidence-based nursing while working to make a meaningful impact in the communities she serves.

Her husband is also an instructor with the CPR Center and they enjoy the opportunity to co-teach when they can.

Mike has been involved with the CPR Center since 2017. He teaches ACLS, PALS, and occasionally BLS.

Even though his Paramedic role keeps him very busy, he still enjoys spreading his knowledge to the students in our classes. It’s this vast knowledge that the students cherish and are able to apply during the class, out in public, and at their place of employment.

Mike brings a very fun and relaxed atmosphere to his classes, which ensures optimal satisfaction and learning.

Fun fact: Mike doubles as a race car driver in his free time!

Dacie is an instructor for BLS and Heart Saver at the CPR Center. She has a background as an EMT and is Currently attending nursing school to get her BSN.

She loves to read, sing, and star gaze. She joined the CPR Center as an intern after graduating high school and became an instructor during her first year of college.