about us
about us
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our mission
our mission
Our mission is to build safer, more resilient communities by improving public understanding of emergency response and preparedness. C.O.R.E. aims to become a trusted educational partner for individuals, businesses, schools, churches, and community organizations seeking reliable and practical training that supports both personal safety and community readiness.
Our motivation comes from firsthand experiences living in and observing a variety of environments — from larger cities affected by violent crime to smaller towns with factories, farms, and industrial settings — where emergencies can have serious consequences. We’ve seen situations where proper preparedness and rapid response could have prevented injury or saved lives. These experiences inspired us to create Critical Operations Resilience Education LLC, combining our expertise and passion to equip others with the awareness, confidence, and practical skills needed to respond effectively when the unexpected occurs.
We strive to help individuals, families, and organizations develop the knowledge and competence to act decisively, while reinforcing the importance of responsible, realistic training. Preparedness should be accessible, grounded in practical instruction, and empowering — giving civilians the tools to stay safe without taking unnecessary risks.
meet your instructors
C.O.R.E. is operated by a husband-and-wife team who share a commitment to improving civilian preparedness and community resilience.
meet your instructors
C.O.R.E. is operated by a husband-and-wife team who share a commitment to improving civilian preparedness and community resilience.
Together they bring a combination of emergency services experience, military service, and a dedication to responsible safety education.
Together they bring a combination of emergency services experience, military service, and a dedication to responsible safety education.
Kevin J Smith
Kevin J Smith
Co-Founder / Instructor
Co-Founder / Instructor
Kevin is a co-founder of C.O.R.E. and focuses on developing practical emergency preparedness training for civilians, organizations, and community groups. His work centers on helping everyday people build the awareness, confidence, and decision-making skills needed to respond more effectively during unexpected emergencies.
Having participated in community disaster support alongside local outreach groups during natural disasters, Kevin has gained firsthand experience with the high-stakes challenges communities face in the early stages of a crisis. This field-tested perspective drives his belief that true readiness requires more than just a standard certificate.
Through C.O.R.E., he develops cutting-edge proprietary training systems that build upon industry-standard certifications by moving beyond the traditional pamphlet and slide-based learning common in the market. By replacing passive lectures with immersive, high-engagement instruction, he makes preparedness education accessible, responsible, and intensely practical. His approach emphasizes situational awareness and early lifesaving actions, empowering civilians to bridge the critical gap before professional responders arrive.
Toshanna M Smith
Toshanna M Smith
Co-Founder / Instructor
Toshanna is a co-founder of C.O.R.E. and brings extensive real-world experience from both the front lines of emergency services and dedicated military service. As a former firefighter and Army veteran, she has operated in high-pressure environments where split-second preparation, seamless teamwork, and decisive leadership are the baseline for success.
Her unique professional background provides a deep, lived understanding of how crises unfold. This specialized insight ensures that C.O.R.E.’s curriculum remains grounded in practical, responsible, and field-tested response principles rather than just theory.
At C.O.R.E., Toshanna is instrumental in developing and delivering comprehensive training programs tailored for civilians, workplaces, and community organizations. Her mission is to bridge the gap between professional response and community readiness, empowering every participant with the tactical knowledge and mental confidence required to act effectively when it matters most.
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