Meet the instructors behind the training

Five real instructors with backgrounds in emergency response, workplace safety, education, and CPR.

John DePaul, owner and instructor at Midwest Safety Group

John DePaul

John has owned Midwest Safety Group for 26 years. His bio lists 25 years as a firefighter and paramedic, 23 years as a safety professional, and 30 years as a CPR, AED, and first aid instructor.

He also served with local and county emergency management for 10 years. He spent 10 years as a storm chaser and weather spotter and 10 years as a CPR, AED, and first aid instructor trainer.

John has taught OSHA 10 and 30 courses for general industry and construction for eight years. He holds degrees in occupational health and safety and emergency response management.

Dale Penn Jr, Midwest Safety Group instructor

Dale Penn Jr

Dale has taught CPR for 17 years. He has worked as a firefighter and paramedic for about the same length of time.

He has seen what proper CPR can do. His goal is for each student to learn the right techniques and leave ready to perform CPR and use an AED.

Tom Schuld, Midwest Safety Group instructor

Tom Schuld

Tom is a retired safety director. He worked for a large electrical contractor, where he focused on reducing workplace injuries and accidents.

His work included employee training, industry safety standards, and job site safety audits. He now teaches CPR, AED, and first aid with Midwest Safety Group.

Tykenzi Steward, Midwest Safety Group instructor

Tykenzi Steward

Tykenzi is a mother of four and an experienced teacher. Her background includes work as a lifeguard, swim instructor, aquatics director, lifeguard instructor, and HSI instructor.

Her bio lists more than 60 classes taught since March 2021. She keeps learning from other instructors so she can help everyday people respond in an emergency.

Lisa Vaca, Midwest Safety Group instructor

Lisa Vaca

Lisa graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2012. She has more than 10 years of experience in education and has advocated for CPR and AED awareness since 2017.

She has taught CPR and first aid with Midwest Safety Group since July 2022. She is also a wife, toddler mom, and dog mom.

Train with this team

Tell us who needs CPR, first aid, or workplace safety training. We will help you choose the right class.