Meet Our
Education Committee
David French, MD, FACEP, FAEMS Medical Director of NeoMASTER COURSE Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician, Charleston, SC
Dr. David French, MD, FACEP, FAEMS, is a board-certified emergency medicine and EMS physician who serves as the medical director for multiple prehospital agencies in the Charleston region. He is also the Associate Residency Director for the Trident Emergency Medicine Residency and an emergency physician within the HCA system. Dr. French previously held an academic appointment as Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where he was involved in physician and EMS education, curriculum development, and mentorship. His leadership extends across numerous EMS agencies, fire departments, and paramedic training programs, where he provides medical oversight and advances prehospital clinical practice.
Dr. French completed his Doctor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by an Emergency Medicine residency and EMS fellowship at Carolinas Medical Center. His career spans extensive clinical, academic, and administrative leadership roles across North Carolina, Texas, and South Carolina, including service as a system medical director, flight physician, and emergency department leader. He is actively engaged in research focused on prehospital care, telemedicine, resuscitation, and EMS education, with multiple peer-reviewed publications and national presentations. A fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, and National Association of EMS Physicians, Dr. French remains a recognized leader in advancing innovation and excellence in emergency and prehospital medicine.
Julie is currently a Battalion Chief for Charleston Fire Department serving as the Medical Coordinator since November 2022. Julie has over twenty-five years of experience in Fire and EMS and has been a Paramedic since 2001. She currently serves as the Secretary of the SC DHEC Training Committee in her capacity as an EMT Instructor, is a voting Board Member on the SC EMS Association representing non-transporting EMS Agencies, is the SC EMS Training Officer’s Group coordinator, and participates in numerous local and statewide EMS committees. Julie serves as the Chair of our education committee.
Julie is a certified instructor in basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), emergency pediatric care (EPC), tactical emergency casualty care (TECC), advanced medical life support (AMLS), prehospital trauma life support (PHTLS), and initial emergency medical responder (EMR) and emergency medical technician (EMT) programs. She has previously served as a National Registry of EMTs Advanced Examination Representative overseeing the validity and reliability of various regional EMT, AEMT, and NRP NREMT Certification Psychomotor Examinations. Julie earned her Associate Degree in Fire Science from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from Columbia College. When Julie is not at work, she spends her time with her husband, Patrick, and four children.
Julie McCabe Chair of NeoMASTER Education Committee Battalion Chief, Charleston Fire Department
Benjamin “Benji” McCollum Co Chair of NeoMASTER Education Committee EMS Director, Midlands Technical College
Benji McCollum is the Director of EMS Programs at Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina. A nationally registered paramedic and registered nurse, he brings more than 20 years of frontline experience in emergency care to his leadership in higher education. At Midlands Tech, Benji has guided the EMS programs to consistently surpass state and national certification pass rates, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and workforce readiness. His focus is on building strong educational pathways that meet community needs, expand access to healthcare careers, and prepare graduates to serve in high-demand fields. Benjamin serves as the Co-Chair of our education committee. Benji is one of the first-ever Paramedic NeoMASTER Instructors.
Beyond the college, Benji contributes his expertise through service on multiple local and state EMS committees, helping shape policy and strengthen emergency care systems. He holds degrees from the University of South Carolina and Clemson University and is currently pursuing a master’s in nursing education at USC. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medical Services. Benji is passionate about the role community colleges play in workforce development and is dedicated to advancing programs that connect education, healthcare, and community impact.
Patrick serves as the Deputy Chief of Operations for Fairfield County EMS and the Training Major for Carolina First EMS, where he leads clinical education initiatives, continuing education compliance, and quality improvement programs for field providers. He also serves as an EMT Instructor with Midlands Technical College, contributing to the education and preparation of future EMS professionals. Dineen earned his Bachelor’s degree in EMS Administration from Columbia Southern University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and holds an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Technology from Midlands Technical College. With more than fifteen years of experience across emergency medical services, fire service, and public safety communications, he has built a career centered on strengthening EMS education, supporting professional development, and developing systems that prepare providers for high-acuity, time-sensitive patient care. Patrick is our technology and implementation lead of our LMS, which he custom designed for our NeoMASTER COURSE™. Patrick is one of the first-ever Paramedic NeoMASTER Instructors.
Much of Patrick’s career focuses on developing and maintaining continuing education programs that help EMS providers reach their maximum potential while meeting state and national standards. His experience includes curriculum development, instructor coordination, program evaluation, and quality improvement processes designed to translate national clinical guidelines into practical field application. As an early supporter of NeoHERO Foundation initiatives within his agency, he has actively worked to integrate neonatal resuscitation training into EMS education to better prepare providers for high-risk, low-frequency events. Through his service on the Education Committee, his goal is to help ensure this education remains relevant, accessible, and widely adopted across EMS agencies so that providers in the field are better prepared to care for the most vulnerable patients.
Patrick Dineen Technology & Implementation Lead of NeoMASTER COURSE Deputy Chief of Operations, Fairfield County EMS
Sable Land is a South Carolina Native and a class of 2022 College of Charleston Alumna. Studying Public Health and Healthcare Management, Sable has a dedication for improving health outcomes on a statewide scale through healthcare system advancements. Sable started her career in 2022 at the Department of Public Health in the EMS and Trauma Division as the South Carolina Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Coordinator. During her time serving that role, Sable has been an advocate for hospitals and EMS agencies to being a part of the state’s Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program as the best way to begin improving the emergency care we provide to our pediatric populations. Sable also serves on the National Association of EMS State Officials Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator Council, representing South Carolina.
Sable has also been instrumental in advancing NeoHERO Foundation’s neonatal education and preparedness initiatives throughout South Carolina. She advocated for NeoMASTER to receive state accreditation, become a recommended Pediatric Ready course, and for components of the NeoPACK to be incorporated as required equipment for agencies participating in the state’s Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program. Sable also sourced, authored, and received the extraordinary grant that funded the launch of the statewide NeoMASTER Train-the-Trainer initiative, providing funding to develop 64 new NeoMASTER instructors and place 64 NeoPACKs in agencies across South Carolina. Her advocacy has helped create the infrastructure for sustainable neonatal education and improved newborn readiness across the state.
Sable Land Program Coordinator, EMS for Children South Carolina
Amaury was born and raised in Puerto Rico and relocated to South Florida in 2018. With over 32 years of experience as a field paramedic, his passion for emergency medicine was sparked early through time spent in the emergency department alongside his father, an emergency physician. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Medical Services Management from Springfield College and has held numerous leadership and educational roles throughout his career. His experience includes serving as the EMS for Children Coordinator for Puerto Rico, President of the Puerto Rico Paramedic Examining Board, State EMS Director, Senior Paramedic Instructor at the University of Miami, Ground Transport Director for the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, and CAMTS Program and Communications Center Manager for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital LifeFlight.
Amaury currently serves as adjunct faculty with Methodist University and Western Governors University. Academically, he holds a Master of Science in Critical Care from the University of Edinburgh (2023) and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from Virginia University of Lynchburg (2024).He remains actively engaged in national professional organizations, is an American Heart Association (AHA) and National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) instructor, and maintains certifications as a Flight and Critical Care Paramedic, Pediatric and Neonatal Transport Specialist, and Medical Transport Executive. Amaury will soon become one of NeoHERO’s first NeoMASTER Instructors, joining the inaugural group of educators who will help carry the program forward. As NeoHERO prepares to expand into Florida, Amaury will play an important role in supporting the statewide launch and advancing NeoHERO’s mission to improve neonatal readiness and education for first responders and critical care transport teams.
Amaury Hernandez CAMTS Program & Communications Center Manager Nicklaus Children’s Hospital LifeFlight, Miami, FL
Lisa is a highly experienced Doctor of Nursing Practice, serving as a pediatric trauma and emergency care professional with a career spanning nearly three decades in nursing, EMS, and clinical education. She currently serves as Pediatric Trauma Coordinator at Henry Ford St. John Hospital in Detroit, where she leads initiatives to improve pediatric trauma outcomes and system readiness. In addition, she is an Adjunct Faculty member at St. Clair County Community College, reflecting her long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare providers. Dr. Hill’s career reflects a unique integration of prehospital and hospital-based care, having progressed from paramedic and EMS instructor to leadership roles in clinical care management and academic program direction. Her background includes critical care nursing in both neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. She previously served as a Paramedic Program Director and Clinical Care Manager, where she played a key role in shaping EMS education and advancing clinical standards.
Her dual licensure as a registered nurse and paramedic, along with numerous instructor certifications in trauma and resuscitation programs, underscores her depth of expertise across the continuum of emergency care. A recognized leader in pediatric trauma, Dr. Hill is actively engaged in research, publication, and professional service at the state and national levels. She has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and national educational resources, with a focus on pediatric readiness, trauma care, and child abuse recognition. Her work has been presented at major conferences, including the Emergency Nurses Association and Pediatric Trauma Society. She is also an active member of multiple professional organizations and committees, including the Michigan Trauma Coalition and EMS for Children initiatives, and serves as a trauma site reviewer for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Through her clinical leadership, scholarship, and advocacy, Dr. Hill continues to advance pediatric emergency and trauma care systems. Lisa will become NeoHERO’s first ever Michigan NeoMASTER educator.
Lisa Hill Henry Ford St. Johns Hospital, Pediatric Trauma Coordinator, Detroit, MI
Richie holds the rank of Major and serves as Watch Commander with Lexington County EMS (LCEMS) in Lexington, South Carolina, where he leads the agency's Special Operations Command and oversees all of its special operations and specialty teams. He also supports the agency's field operations, training, education, and administrative functions. In addition, he leads SC RMAT-03, the Midlands Regional Medical Assistance Team, directing the team's equipment, training, and readiness for disaster and mass-casualty response. Richie began his public safety career in 2004 as a volunteer firefighter, became an EMT in 2007, and joined LCEMS in 2009. He has been a Paramedic since 2011 and is one of the first-ever Paramedic NeoMASTER Instructors.
Education has been a constant thread through Richie's career. He is an adjunct instructor at Midlands Technical College, where he teaches in the EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic programs. At LCEMS, he chairs the SOP Committee and serves on the Standing Orders Committee. He is also an instructor with SLED's Active Attack Task Force, teaching Active Attack Integrated Response (AAIR) and Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) courses that prepare both public safety personnel and civilians for active attack situations. Richie holds instructor credentials in ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, AMLS, AHDR, TECC, BLS, and Stop the Bleed. Through his service on the Education Committee, he hopes to help bring NeoMASTER training to more agencies across South Carolina, so providers are ready for the high-risk, low-frequency calls where preparation matters most. When he's not working, Richie enjoys time with his wife and two children, cheering on his son at lacrosse games and his daughter at dance competitions.
Richie Stevens NeoMASTER Instructor, Watch Commander, Lexington County EMS
Doug Mizic NeoMASTER Instructor, Pennsylvania UPMC Neonatal & Pediatric Transport
Doug is a neonatal nurse practitioner student, as well as a neonatal and pediatric transport clinician dedicated to improving access to timely, high-quality care for critically ill newborns. Based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he serves a Level III NICU referral center and leads high-acuity neonatal and pediatric transports across Central Pennsylvania. Through this work, he has seen firsthand how delays in access, gaps in regional resources, and system limitations can impact outcomes during the most vulnerable moments of a newborn’s life. With clinical experience spanning Level II through Level IV NICU environments, Doug brings expertise in neonatal stabilization, resuscitation, and inter-facility transport. He is also an active pre-hospital RN educator, teaching EMS providers in obstetric, pediatric, and neonatal emergencies and serving as a Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) instructor. His work focuses on strengthening frontline readiness and ensuring that providers across care settings are prepared to deliver life-saving interventions when seconds matter.
Doug is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)–prepared Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) and NeoHERO’s first NeoMASTER Instructor in Pennsylvania. His professional interests center on advancing neonatal transport medicine, addressing disparities in access to specialized neonatal care, and building systems that better support infants and families during critical transitions. Through NeoHERO, Doug aims to advocate for stronger regional networks, improved neonatal education, and innovative solutions that ensure every newborn has the best possible start.
Scott “Scotty” Carroll NeoMASTER Instructor Deputy Director, Saluda County EMS
Scotty serves as Deputy Director for Saluda County EMS in Saluda, South Carolina, a role he has held since April 2022. In this capacity, he oversees the department’s CEP program and is the Head Training Officer as well as the Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator. With over 18 year of EMS experience, Scotty is passionate about improving prehospital education and care across the state. Scotty also currently serves as the secretary for the SCEMSA Leadership Coalition and is on numerous boards and committees helping to advance EMS in South Carolina.
Scotty earned his Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University graduating Summa Cum Laude and also earned an Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Technology from Aiken Technical College. Scotty holds numerous instructor credentials, certifications and has been a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator since 2019. He found his passion for pediatrics when he became a father and he and his wife have three boys. He has made it his mission to expand pediatric education and make providers more comfortable dealing with the pediatric population. Scott is one of the first-ever Paramedic NeoMASTER Instructors.
Taylor Furnas NeoMASTER Instructor EMS Program Coordinator, Midlands Technical College
Taylor Furnas is the EMS Program Coordinator at Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina. A nationally registered paramedic, she brings a passion for advancing how EMS professionals are educated and prepared for the field. Taylor works across EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic education with a focus on curriculum development, clinical education, simulation, and instructional innovation. Taylor played an instrumental role in developing the curriculum for Midlands Technical College’s Advanced EMT program, helping create a hybrid educational model emphasizing active learning, clinical reasoning, simulation, and practical application. Her work in EMS education also includes developing digital learning resources, simulation scenarios, skills assessments, and clinical evaluation tools. Taylor is now one of the first-ever Paramedic NeoMASTER Instructors.
Before transitioning into EMS education full-time, Taylor worked as a Senior Paramedic and EMS Training Officer in a high-volume 911 system. Her field experience continues to shape her approach to education, particularly her emphasis on connecting classroom learning with the realities of prehospital practice and developing strong clinical reasoning. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Administration with a focus in EMS Education and is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and instructor in multiple American Heart Association and NAEMT disciplines. She has presented innovative teaching strategies at the South Carolina EMS Symposium Educator Preconference and is passionate about advancing EMS education through collaboration, educational technology, and evidence-informed teaching.
Lucas Gardner NeoMASTER Instructor Captain & Assistant Training Officer, Saluda County EMS
Lucas serves Saluda County EMS in Saluda, South Carolina as a Captain and Assistant Training Officer for the department’s CEP Program, and serves on the Quality Assurance committee. Lucas has 10 years of EMS experience across a variety of both rural and busy urban services. He earned the Associate of Science in Paramedicine degree from Southern Regional Technical College in Thomasville, GA in 2018 and completed a Bachelor of Science from Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire in 2022. Lucas is one of the first-ever Paramedic NeoMASTER Instructors.
Lucas credits his passion for public service to growing up in a firehouse with his father who served his hometown in Georgia as a volunteer for many years. He holds specialized licenses and certifications in the field, on top of holding instructor status in multiple disciplines. Lucas says that his goal for his career is to improve provider quality across the state and to help prepare young providers entering the field for the realities of the job in a compassionate way. Beyond work, Lucas is an avid outdoorsman, and along with his wife Ashlyn enjoy traveling with their dog, Lottie.
Daniel Martin NeoMASTER Instructor Lead EMS Educator, Midlands Technical College
Daniel L. Martin is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and EMS educator with more than a decade of experience spanning prehospital emergency care, hospital-based paramedicine, and EMS education. He currently serves as an EMS Professor and Lead Instructor for the Paramedic Program at Midlands Technical College, where he provides instruction across EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic programs and contributes to curriculum development, accreditation, clinical skills assessment, and continuous quality improvement. His clinical background includes service with Lexington County EMS and as a hospital-based paramedic in a high-acuity emergency department, providing him with extensive experience in advanced life support, airway management, cardiac care, and interdisciplinary patient care. Daniel is one of the first-ever Paramedic NeoMASTER Instructors.
Daniel is passionate about advancing EMS education through meaningful curriculum development, strong clinical competency assessment, and evidence-based educational practices. His professional interests include hospital-based paramedicine, certification examination development, psychometrically sound assessment design, certification standards, and workforce development. He is a South Carolina Paramedic Instructor and holds instructor credentials in ACLS, BLS, PALS, PHTLS, and AMLS, as well as certification in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program. Daniel is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction through Columbia Southern University, further strengthening his expertise in developing and evaluating high-quality educational programs for EMS professionals.