Our Experts
View our Tutors/Mentors below, and check out their bios to see what they're expertise is. If you are looking for a one-on-one session for some extra help in a certain subject or would like some guidance email us (support@120Compressions.com).
120Compressions only brings on the most knowledgeable and passionate educators to benefit you! Send us an email to get your educator's hourly rate.
Team
OUR TEAM
Board Members
MR. CANTOR IS THE FOUNDER OF 120COMPRESIONS.
Mr. Cantor is the Founder of 120Compressions. He is an active Paramedic, and instructor and has been working in the field for 15+ years. He holds his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Master's Degree in Emergency Services Management. He is a proud member of the NAEMT, and is recognized by two national honor societies for academia and career performance. He has also been inducted into the Marquis Who's Who. He is an expert in prehospital medicine, has experience in operations and disaster medicine, and has a passion to teach and share his knowledge and experiences. He is also a medical device inventor which he holds patents for and even a Master Diver. His goal is to build a worldwide network of healthcare educators to make learning easier, more efficient, and accessible for learners. He is eager to help you and would enjoy helping anyone looking for extra help or AHA certifications, ECG help, or other paramedicine and advanced studies.
Eric Cantor: NREMT-P, MS
Founder/Owner
Brent Arnold, MD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Arnold is a board-certified traveling Emergency Physician with over 14 years experience in the medical field. Throughout his career, Dr. Arnold has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in patient care and medical education. He has served as a mentor and teacher to many aspiring medical professionals and has been recognized for his contributions to the field of medicine. In addition to his work, Dr. Arnold frequently travels in his personal life to remote locations and has a passion for travel, tactical and wilderness medicine. Dr. Arnold's experiences have given him a unique perspective on medical emergencies and the importance of preparedness in high-stress situations, especially in remote and wilderness environments. As the new Medical Director, he is dedicated to ensuring that all healthcare professionals have access to the latest medical knowledge, techniques, and is committed to providing education that is both engaging, effective, and relevant.
William Tollefsen, MD
ASSISTANT MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Tollefsen is dual-boarded in Emergency Medicine and EMS Medicine and is the Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care for a Boston Massachusetts area trauma center where he works clinically as an Emergency Physician, in addition to his roles as a Massachusetts regional Medical Director serving 61 cities and towns of the Boston Metro Area and the service EMS Medical Director for eight municipal, three private and one health system based ambulance service with an MIH service line. Dr. Tollefsen interacts and provides direct oversight for over 400 Paramedics.Dr. Tollefsen graduated from New York Medical College and completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Harvard University, Brigham and Women's, and Massachusetts General Hospital. He completed a fellowship in Emergency Medical Services and Critical Care Transport at the University of Massachusetts, where he worked as an Emergency Physician and Flight Physician for UMASS LifeFlight...
Claudia DeBusk, NP
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Ms. Nichols is a Board-Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner currently working in Intensive Care. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and in Criminal Justice as well as a Master of Science in Nursing. Her previous experience includes working as a RN in Trauma, both ER and ICU. Prior to becoming an NP, she worked as a traveling RN for over 5 years which provided her the opportunity to work in a multitude of locations and hospital settings from large teaching hospitals to small critical access facilities. She has a passion for teaching and has been a preceptor throughout the years for
nurses, EMTs, and paramedic students.
Verónica Aquilino, MD
ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Dr. Aquilino, graduated in General Medicine by the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr. T. Popa, Iasi, in 2017, and is enrolled in the Portuguese Doctors Order, South Regional Section. She is the Secretary General of the European Council of Disaster Medicine (ECDM). Dr. Aquilino currently works as a general practitioner in the Center of Vaccination against COVID-19, in the emergency unit, under ARS Algarve, with a previous experience in general medicine consultations in several healthcare centers and emergency departments. She has a passion for disaster medicine. She is the Founder/CEO of the Curso Intensivo de Actuação em Emergência e Catástrofe (CIAEC) or Emergency and Disaster Intensive Course in Portugal, a project comprising several topics in trauma techniques and disaster medicine. Dr. Aquilino created disaster medicine workshops at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr. T. Popa, Iasi, and is an affiliated member of the European Council of Disaster Medicine, Brussels. She is an advocate in humanitarian...
Carl Dowling, BSC
CLINICAL PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR
Mr. Dowling is currently an active paramedic. Not only that but he also works as an educator in the United Kingdom delivering resuscitation training to healthcare staff for the NHS Trust. He has a background of 14 years in the Ambulance Sector, working on the frontline, event medicine, rapid response, emergency medical dispatch and training. He has achieved his bachelor’s degree in Paramedic Science and old various other certifications. He also volunteers in his spare time to help progress current research articles by peer reviewing upcoming manuscripts for international journals and he has published papers on Covid-19, Vaccines and
Health Education.
Stephen Blackburn, AS, APP
CRITICAL CARE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Mr. Blackburn is an active national paramedic and global advanced practice paramedic. He currently is an EMS Clinical Coordinator in higher education with over 14 years, experience in education. He has background over 24 years in emergency medical services. His background spans over hospital and pre-hospital medicine, as well as simulation. He has achieved his associates, as well as two honorary doctorates in Christian Worship/Music and a variety of other certifications. He volunteers his spare time serving on the board of directors for a local hospital, working during elections and serving on local community and EMS boards. He as been published in the community paramedic textbook and served on serval MIH committees.
INSTRUCTORS
OUR OTHER INSTRUCTORS
Our Educators Come From Around The World & Are Experts In Many Different Areas of Medicine.
Gary Whalen, BS
Paramedic
Mr. Whalen has dedicated over 15 years to the medical field, with the past 12 years serving as a paramedic in Connecticut. Throughout his career, he has cared for thousands of patients across both rural and urban settings that have shaped his versatile approach to prehospital medicine. His professional path has been deeply rooted in cardiology and critical care, where he excels under the pressure of complex cases, applying an analytical yet patient-centered approach. His commitment and expertise were formally recognized in 2018 when he received the Christopher Blackwell Award, a rare honor bestowed upon a single paramedic in the state for professional excellence and contributions to EMS. He has also served with respected organizations such as AMR, Vintech Management Group, and Nuvance Health, while sharing his knowledge as an EMS instructor to prepare the next generation of providers.
Beyond his fieldwork, Gary has continued to pursue advanced education with the same focus and determination. He has completed extensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, cellular biology, and medical bioethics, and will be starting PA studies by 2027. Mr. Whalen's career reflects a balance of hands-on patient care, teaching, and academic achievement, underscoring his dedication to advancing both emergency medicine and the broader future of healthcare.
Enes Gürses, MD
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Muhammet Enes Gurses is a neurosurgeon and academic with international clinical and research experience in neuro-oncology, microsurgical neuroanatomy, extended reality applications in neurosurgery, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. He earned his MD from Ataturk University and completed his neurosurgery residency at Hacettepe University, later serving as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Miami and Research Associate at the University of Southern California. He has also trained at leading institutions including the Barrow Neurological Institute and Yeditepe University under Prof. Ugur Türe. Currently a neurosurgeon at the University of Health Sciences Tatvan State Hospital, Dr. Gurses is also an editor for The Neurosurgical Atlas and associate editor for multiple international journals, while serving as a reviewer for top-tier publications such as Nature Scientific Reports, World Neurosurgery, and the Journal of Neuro-Oncology. Widely recognized for his contributions, he has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and presented at global congresses, receiving honors such as the Gazi Yasargil Young Neurosurgeon Award, Turkish Neurological Society Thesis of the Year Award, and the EUROSPINE Diploma. His pioneering work in 3D modeling, augmented and virtual reality for neurosurgical education, and robotic-assisted neurosurgery reflects his commitment to advancing surgical precision, innovation, and global neurosurgical training.
Murat Zaimoğlu, MD
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Zaimoğlu is a board-certified neurosurgeon and academic with extensive clinical, research, and teaching experience. He completed his primary and secondary education at TED Ankara College and earned his medical degree from Başkent University Faculty of Medicine. He trained as a Research Assistant in the Department of Neurosurgery at Ankara University (2012–2018) and, after compulsory service at İskenderun State Hospital, returned as a Specialist Neurosurgeon at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, where he continues to serve since 2021. He has authored and co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed national and international publications indexed in SCI, SSCI, and AHCI, contributing significantly to pediatric neurosurgery, spinal and cranial pathologies, skull base surgery, neuroanatomy, and novel surgical techniques, with more than 100 citations and an H-index of 7. He has presented his work internationally, participated in funded research projects, and co-authored academic textbooks, further reflecting his dedication to advancing neurosurgical science and education.
Kristen Walker
NREMTP
With over 22 years in EMS and 19 years as a practicing paramedic, Ms. Walker brings a wealth of experience and heart to every class she teaches. As a certified Paramedic Instructor/Coordinator and former National Registry proctor, she has spent decades mentoring, tutoring, and training the next generation of EMS professionals.
Ms. Walker is passionate about creating engaging and effective learning environments. She believes that education should be dynamic and approachable, blending real-world experience with innovative teaching methods that meet students where they are. Whether she's breaking down complex topics or finding new ways to make learning stick, her goal is always the same: to help students feel confident, capable, and ready for the field.
John Michalak
MSN, APRN, NRP
Mr. Michalak is a dedicated healthcare professional who began his career in emergency medicine at the age of 16, when he became an EMT. He went on to become a paramedic, spending over 12 years working in both urban and rural settings throughout Alabama. Building on that foundation, he spent 8 years as a CVICU/trauma and cardiac cath lab RN, caring for critically ill cardiac, traumatic and transplant patients.
John currently serves as an interventional radiology nurse practitioner in Connecticut, where he continues to expand his clinical expertise in advanced procedural care.
In addition to his clinical work, John has 9 years of teaching experience in both EMS and nursing education. His EMS instruction focuses on cardiology, trauma assessment, and hands-on skills development. In nursing education, he specializes in health assessment, cardiology, and respiratory system review.
John is passionate about patient care and equally committed to mentoring and educating future nurses, EMTs, advance EMTs and paramedics.
Elif Gökalp, MD
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Gökalp is a neurosurgeon at Tatvan State Hospital and former resident of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, with clinical and research expertise spanning neuroanatomy, neuro-oncology, and minimally invasive cranial surgery. She has served as a Research Fellow in microsurgical neuroanatomy at Ankara University and contributed to international research collaborations in genetics and radiology. Dr. Gökalp has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in leading neurosurgical journals, including studies on extended reality–based neuroanatomy education, minimally invasive approaches, and technical innovations such as Foley catheter–based brain retraction. She is also a co-author of a surgical video atlas chapter on anterior skull base anatomy and has presented at major scientific congresses, including the Turkish Neurosurgical Society and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in the USA. A dedicated clinician-scientist, her ongoing projects focus on advanced surgical techniques, robotic neurosurgery, and the integration of augmented and virtual reality into neurosurgical education and practice.
Murat Büyüktepe, MD
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Büyüktepe is a neurosurgeon and academic at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical Medical Sciences, specializing in neuro-oncology, microsurgical techniques, and advanced neuroimaging. He completed his medical degree at Ankara University (2008–2015) and his neurosurgery specialization at the same institution (2015–2021), with his doctoral dissertation focusing on the prognostic significance of MGMT methylation and VEGF receptor expression in high-grade gliomas. Appointed as an Assistant Professor in 2024, he has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications indexed in SCI, SSCI, and ESCI, particularly on gliomas, skull base surgery, cerebrovascular disorders, and microsurgical innovations. His work has been cited internationally, with contributions to both national and international congresses, book chapters, and collaborative research projects. Dr. Büyüktepe continues to advance neurosurgical science through research, teaching, and clinical practice, with a growing academic profile reflected in his Scopus and Web of Science author metrics.
Amanda Alexander
DNP, MSN-Ed, RN
Ms. Alexander is a dedicated nursing professional with a Doctor of Nursing Practice Executive Leadership. She has 16+ years of clinical practice experience specializing in critical care and perioperative services. She has worked in these environments as a leader and mentor to staff and patients. Her experience extends beyond the clinical environment into academia where she has taught in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Amanda currently serves as an adjunct instructor for Purdue Global University in their Masters in Science Nursing program and with the Associate in Emergency Medical Education as an AHA Certified Instructor.
Ms. Alexander's professional passion lies in preventing health related conditions through awareness, education, and evidence-based interventions. As a certified nutritional specialist, she engages in community events advocating public health education and initiatives. With her strong background in leadership, course development, and patient-centered care, Amanda plans to advance nursing initiatives that promote health literacy, wellness, and sustainable clinical outcomes.
Danielle Forgy
NREMTP, MS
Danielle Forgy is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and EMS Instructor with over a decade of experience in emergency medical services and clinical education. She holds a Master of Science degree and currently serves as the EMS Clinical Coordinator and Assistant Professor at Texarkana College, where she leads EMT and paramedic clinical instruction, curriculum design, and hands-on training.
Danielle is a certified instructor with both the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, delivering high-impact instruction in Basic Life Support (BLS), First Aid, and CPR. Her scenario-based approach blends real-world experience with student-centered engagement, creating a dynamic and effective learning environment.
She is committed to reaching all types of learners—not just traditional students—and seeks innovative ways to ensure that education is accessible, inclusive, and relevant. Whether mentoring future EMS professionals or teaching community CPR, Danielle strives to meet people where they are and help them grow with confidence and clarity.
Danielle is also a proud member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Psi Chi – The International Honor Society in Psychology, and the Golden Key International Honour Society, all affiliated with her doctoral studies at Walden University. Her work is grounded in leadership, compassion, and a lifelong passion for helping others thrive.
Damien Nelson
AEMT/Combat Medic
Damien Nelson is a dedicated healthcare professional with five years of experience as a Combat Medic and EMS provider. His journey began in the military, where he gained critical lifesaving skills in high-pressure environments, fostering a deep respect for resilience and compassionate care. Transitioning to EMS, he further honed his ability to assess emergencies quickly, implement effective treatment plans, and collaborate with diverse healthcare teams. Passionate about education, he enjoys mentoring and continuously expanding his knowledge to stay at the forefront of emergency medicine. Committed to empathy, integrity, and lifelong learning, he strives to elevate patient care and inspire others in the field.
AHA INSTRUCTORS
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