Leadership Team

Justin

CEO & Founder

Justin is a visionary leader with a lifelong passion for water safety and education. His journey began at a young age, as he aspired to become a lifeguard, and his dedication led him to apprenticeship at a local day camp at just 12 years old. With over 15 years of experience in Aquatic Management and Human Resources, Justin has become a seasoned professional in his field.

As the founder and CEO of Certifications For Life Inc., LLC, Justin has propelled the organization to new heights. For the past seven years, his company has been recognized as a top American Red Cross Training provider, and in 2021, they received the prestigious award for being a top national licensed training provider across the United States. These accolades highlight Justin's commitment to delivering high-quality emergency training and his exceptional leadership in the industry.

Justin's accomplishments extend beyond emergency training. In 2017, he was honored with a Presidential award for Education and Community Service, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact. He actively engages with various communities, advocating for safety, drowning prevention, self-care, communication, risk management, and the importance of education in subjects like reading, math, and science. Additionally, he contributes to business development initiatives.

Justin's involvement in professional groups demonstrates his commitment to staying connected and contributing to his field. He is a member of NJEA, RRCNA, East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce, and several other organizations. Furthermore, he serves as the Creator/Administrator of the CPR and Lifeguard Training Instructor/Instructor Trainer Chamber Network, which connects over 800 instructors/instructor trainers worldwide.

His impressive list of awards and recognition includes being named NJ Governor Teacher Of The Year for the 2020-2021 school year and receiving the 2017 Presidential Educator Of the Year award from the Hamilton Twp Education Association. His business, Certifications For Life Inc., has been recognized as the Best Small Business For Education in East Brunswick Twp, NJ, in both 2015 and 2016.

Justin's educational background is extensive, with a Master's Degree from Rutgers Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. He holds certifications as an elementary teacher in grades K-6, a teacher of students with disabilities, and a reading specialist in Reading Recovery and Orton-Gillingham. Additionally, he is a certified Google Educator Level 1.

Justin's expertise as an instructor trainer and instructor covers a wide range of life-saving techniques and emergency response skills. He is an instructor trainer for American Red Cross and ASHI BLS CPR/AED courses, CPR/AED/First Aid courses, lifeguard training, lifeguard management, waterfront training, and various other certifications. He is also an instructor for American Heart Association courses.

Justin's diverse skill set, passion for education, and commitment to safety make him a respected leader in his industry. His dedication to empowering individuals and promoting lifesaving skills is evident in every aspect of his work.

Was this response better or worse?BetterWorseSameRegenerate response

Justin is a member of the following professional groups:

  • NJEA
  • RRCNA
  • East Brunswick Regional Chamber Of Chamber of Commerce
  • Creator/Administrator of CPR and Lifeguard Training Instructor/Instructor Trainer Chamber Network (800+ instructors/instructor trainers around the world)
  • Human Resources Professionals
  • NRPA Aquatics Member
  • PHTA (Pool and Hot Tub Alliance Member)

Awards and Recognition 

  1. NJ Governor Teacher Of The Year 2020-2021 School Year.
  2. 2017 Presidential Educator Of the Year by Hamilton Twp Education Asociation .
  3. 2015 and 2016 Best Small Business For Education in East Brunswick Twp NJ.
  4. 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 Top American Red Cross Training Provider.
  5. 2020 Top American Red Cross National Training Provider ( Top 200 Training Schools across the United States)
  6. 2021 Top American Red Cross National Training Provider ( Top 200 Training Centers across the United States).
  7. 2022 Top American Red Cross National Training Provider (Top 200 Training Centers across the United States).
  8. 2023- Distinguished as a Top National American Red Cross Training Provider ( Top 200 Training Providers Across the United States)
  9. 2024- Top National American Red Cross Training Provider.
  10. 2025- Top National American Red Cross Training Provider.

Education 

  • Masters Degree Rutgers Graduate School Of Education. 
  • Bachelor's Degree Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ
  • Certified Elementary Teacher in Grades K-6
  • Certified Teacher of Students With Disabilities K-12
  • Certified Reading Specialist in Reading Recovery and Orton-Gillingham .
  • Certified Google Educator Level 1.

Instructor Trainer / Instructor Certifications

  • American Red Cross Instructor Trainer in BLS CPR/AED Training. 
  • American Red Cross Instructor Trainer in CPR/AED/First Aid Training.
  • ASHI BLS CPR/AED Instructor Trainer. 
  • ASHI CPR/AED/ First Aid Instructor Trainer. 
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Instructor.
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Management Instructor. 
  • American Red Cross Waterfront Training Instructor.
  • American Red Cross BLS CPR/AED Instructor. 
  • American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Healthcare Providers Instructor. 
  • American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor.
  • American Red Cross Bloodborne Pathogens Instructor. 
  • American Red Cross Administering Emergency Oxygen Instructor. 
  • American Red Cross Epipen Training Instructor. 
  • American Red Cross Babysitters Training Instructor. 
  • ASHI BLS CPR/AED Instructor.
  • ASHI BLS CPR/AED Instructor.
  • American Heart Association Instructor Trainer Faculty 

Will

Director of Operations


Will has been with the company since it’s birth. Will is an Instructor Trainer in his own right, oversees all of our Instructor Trainers, our website, scheduling database, and everything IT based to make sure our customers have the smoothest experience with our registration and communication. Will brings humor that does not go unnoticed and the customers flock and beg to be in his training classes due to the comfort he provides. 

Tashaya

Director of Human Resources/Customer Support


Tashaya has over 18 years of Customer Support experience working for the State  of NJ.  Tashaya is amazing working with our clients and staff, that two years ago she was promoted to Director of Human Resources.  Tashaya is also our organization's Affirmative Action Officer. Tashaya works closely with every team member to ensure that Certifications For Life is compliant with all of Labor  laws. She also ensures that our work environment is warm, welcoming, and safe. 


Rob

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Rob has been with Certifications For Life for over 8 years. He teaches lifeguard training, CPR/AED/ first aid training, and many other courses. Rob provides rigorous training where our course participants feel confident and prepared! Rob earned his Masters Degree in Educational Design and has created integrated professional development trainings for our organization. Rob continues to develop our instructors professionally. 

Christine

Customer Support Specialist


We are lucky to have Christine join our team. Christine was originally a customer who has taken our classes. She loved it so much that she decided to join our customer care team to ensure that returning and prospective customers have an amazing experience.  Christine is an educator by trade.   She will be one of the voices behind the phone that will be helping customers register for classes and answering any questions that you may have about our classes or our organization. When she is not working, she is spending time with her family! 

Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Instructor

Kathleen

 Kathleen is well known in the health and safety training industry. She has served as the Director for one of the local chapter houses for well over two decades. Kathleen has trained a majority of our staff including our President and Founder in Lifeguard Instructor Training. Kathleen is known to our customers as our CPO instructor. Kathl

 Kathleen is well known in the health and safety training industry. She has served as the Director for one of the local chapter houses for well over two decades. Kathleen has trained a majority of our staff including our President and Founder in Lifeguard Instructor Training. Kathleen is known to our customers as our CPO instructor. Kathleen is currently a project manager and holds a Masters Degree. Kathleen brings knowledge unlike no other to our team and to our amazing customers. Kathleen holds the following instructor certifications:

  • PHTA CPO Instructor
  • AHA Faculty Member
  • AHA BLS CPR/AED Instructor
  • AHA Heartsaver Instructor. 

Instructor Trainers

Laurian

Samantha

Samantha

The proud owner of Safety Solved, LLC. Laurian is an innovator and a leader in the American Red Cross Training Industry. Laurian was chosen to teach many of the instructor level courses. Every participant that has come to our instructor academies raves about her teaching, guidance, and passion regarding American Red Cross Training. We are

The proud owner of Safety Solved, LLC. Laurian is an innovator and a leader in the American Red Cross Training Industry. Laurian was chosen to teach many of the instructor level courses. Every participant that has come to our instructor academies raves about her teaching, guidance, and passion regarding American Red Cross Training. We are so honored to have Laurian fly all the way from Colorado to teach. Laurian holds the following instructor certifications:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer 
  • American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer
  • American Red Cross CPR/AED Instructor Training
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Instructor.
  • AHA Training Site Coordinator
  • AHA Faculty Member
  • AHA BLS CPR/AED Instructor Certification
  • AHA Heartsaver Total Instructor Certification 

Samantha

Samantha

Samantha

Samantha has been an instructor for over a decade. Not only has she trained hundreds of lifeguards, she has over a decade of staff management experience with the most elite commercial pool companies in NJ, PA, DE, NY, and MD. When she is not training teams and lifeguards, she is spending time with her husband and her two children. We are 

Samantha has been an instructor for over a decade. Not only has she trained hundreds of lifeguards, she has over a decade of staff management experience with the most elite commercial pool companies in NJ, PA, DE, NY, and MD. When she is not training teams and lifeguards, she is spending time with her husband and her two children. We are honored to have Samantha a part of our team.

Samantha has the following Instructor Certifications:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer 
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Instructor.
  • Ellis Lifeguard Instructor Trainer 
  • Ellis Lifeguard Instructor 


Kim

Jamie

Jamie

Kim is very popular face in the Aquatic Industry. She has served as the Vice President for one of the most successful pool companies in NJ. Kim is not only an expert in risk management and health and safety training, she holds a Master's Degree as well. When she is not training and overseeing major projects with one of the largest commeri

Kim is very popular face in the Aquatic Industry. She has served as the Vice President for one of the most successful pool companies in NJ. Kim is not only an expert in risk management and health and safety training, she holds a Master's Degree as well. When she is not training and overseeing major projects with one of the largest commericial pool companies, she is having fun with her two children. Kim holds the following instructor certifications:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer 
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Instructor.
  • Ellis Lifeguard Instructor Trainer 
  • Ellis Lifeguard Instructor 
  • PHTA CPO Instructor .

Jamie

Jamie

Jamie

Jamie is an experienced Instructor Trainer with more than 20 years of experience teaching American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and HSI CPR, AED, and First Aid courses, as well as Lifeguard Training classes.

Throughout his career, Jamie has trained and mentored countless participants and instructor candidates, helping them develo

Jamie is an experienced Instructor Trainer with more than 20 years of experience teaching American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and HSI CPR, AED, and First Aid courses, as well as Lifeguard Training classes.

Throughout his career, Jamie has trained and mentored countless participants and instructor candidates, helping them develop the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to respond effectively during emergencies. His engaging, hands-on teaching style creates a supportive learning environment while maintaining the highest standards for safety, course quality, and certification compliance.

Jamie is passionate about preparing knowledgeable, confident instructors and lifesavers who are ready to make a meaningful difference in their workplaces and communities.

Instructors

Rikki

Rikki

Rikki

Rikki is a certified special education teacher and experienced CPR, AED, and First Aid instructor. Her background in education allows her to create an engaging, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for participants with a variety of learning needs.

Rikki uses clear explanations, hands-on instruction, and practical scenarios to he

Rikki is a certified special education teacher and experienced CPR, AED, and First Aid instructor. Her background in education allows her to create an engaging, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for participants with a variety of learning needs.

Rikki uses clear explanations, hands-on instruction, and practical scenarios to help participants build the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively during an emergency. She is passionate about making lifesaving education accessible, understandable, and empowering for everyone.

Meryl

Rikki

Rikki

Meryl is a certified Lifeguard Instructor and CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor with extensive experience overseeing aquatic facilities and promoting safe, effective aquatic operations. Her background includes lifeguard training, emergency preparedness, staff development, and aquatic safety management.

In addition to teaching lifesaving c

Meryl is a certified Lifeguard Instructor and CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor with extensive experience overseeing aquatic facilities and promoting safe, effective aquatic operations. Her background includes lifeguard training, emergency preparedness, staff development, and aquatic safety management.

In addition to teaching lifesaving courses, Meryl owns and operates her own swim instruction school, where she helps swimmers develop strong skills, confidence, and water safety awareness. Her combination of instructional expertise, leadership experience, and hands-on aquatic knowledge allows her to create engaging and practical learning experiences for every participant.


Kyle

Rikki

Kevin

Kyle is a certified Lifeguard Instructor and CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor with over a decade of teaching experience. His extensive background in aquatics, safety education, and hands-on instruction allows him to create engaging and supportive learning environments for participants of all experience levels.

Kyle recently completed the

Kyle is a certified Lifeguard Instructor and CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor with over a decade of teaching experience. His extensive background in aquatics, safety education, and hands-on instruction allows him to create engaging and supportive learning environments for participants of all experience levels.

Kyle recently completed the Lifeguard Instructor Trainer Academy and will soon begin teaching Lifeguard Instructor courses with Certifications For Life. He is committed to preparing confident, knowledgeable lifeguards and instructors who are equipped to maintain high standards of safety and respond effectively during aquatic emergencies.

Kevin

Anthony

Kevin

Kevin is a certified science teacher and former camp director with extensive experience in education, leadership, and youth programming. He is currently continuing his education to become a nurse, further strengthening his knowledge of health, safety, and emergency care.

Kevin is also a certified Lifeguard Instructor and CPR, AED, and Firs

Kevin is a certified science teacher and former camp director with extensive experience in education, leadership, and youth programming. He is currently continuing his education to become a nurse, further strengthening his knowledge of health, safety, and emergency care.

Kevin is also a certified Lifeguard Instructor and CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor. His background in science, education, camp operations, and aquatics allows him to provide engaging, practical, and safety-focused instruction. He is committed to helping participants develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to respond effectively during emergencies.

Evan

Anthony

Anthony

Evan has been a valued and consistent member of the Certifications For Life team. He is currently attending graduate school, where he is earning his master’s degree in Human Resources Management.

Evan is a certified Lifeguard Training Instructor and CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor who is deeply passionate about lifesaving education. His

Evan has been a valued and consistent member of the Certifications For Life team. He is currently attending graduate school, where he is earning his master’s degree in Human Resources Management.

Evan is a certified Lifeguard Training Instructor and CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor who is deeply passionate about lifesaving education. His enthusiasm, dedication, and engaging teaching style help participants develop the practical skills and confidence needed to respond effectively during emergencies. Evan is committed to creating a supportive learning environment and preparing capable, safety-conscious responders.

Anthony

Anthony

Anthony

Anthony is a certified physical education teacher and experienced CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor who has been teaching lifesaving courses for several years. His background in physical education allows him to provide clear, engaging, and hands-on instruction to participants with a variety of learning needs and experience levels.

Anthony

Anthony is a certified physical education teacher and experienced CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor who has been teaching lifesaving courses for several years. His background in physical education allows him to provide clear, engaging, and hands-on instruction to participants with a variety of learning needs and experience levels.

Anthony is committed to helping every participant develop the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to respond effectively during an emergency. His supportive teaching style creates a positive learning environment while maintaining high standards for safety and course quality.

Tricia

Tricia

Tricia

Tricia is a certified science teacher, Lifeguard Instructor, and CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor. She completed Certifications For Life’s instructor-development programs for both American Red Cross and American Heart Association courses, giving her firsthand experience with the organization’s training standards and instructional approa

Tricia is a certified science teacher, Lifeguard Instructor, and CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor. She completed Certifications For Life’s instructor-development programs for both American Red Cross and American Heart Association courses, giving her firsthand experience with the organization’s training standards and instructional approach.

With years of experience in the camping industry, Tricia brings extensive knowledge of aquatics, youth programming, emergency preparedness, and safety education to every class. She continues to teach Lifeguard Training and a variety of CPR, AED, and First Aid courses.

Tricia also mentors new graduates of our instructor-level programs, providing guidance and support as they transition from instructor training into independently teaching their own classes. Her mentorship helps create a smooth bridge from certification to confident, effective instruction.