top of page
Medical Direction
HEARTLAND
EducatioN, Inc.
Medicina bona - Locis malis
As first responders, we are often called upon to provide medical care in some austere environments. Regardless of where we are called, we strive to provide
GOOD MEDICINE in BAD PLACES.
Meet the team
HLMD STAFF
In addition to practicing emergency medicine, Dr. Worden has been involved in pre-hospital care since high school. He currently serves as the Medical Director for about 50 Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Medical Response Agencies, and over 800 medics across Oklahoma. Providing medical direction to pre-hospital care providers for over 300,000 citizens in Oklahoma. Additionally, Dr. Worden is a commissioned Deputy Sheriff with the Logan County and Canadian County Sheriff's Office and provides medical direction to the agency’s tactical teams.
Education is very important to Dr. Worden, and when not in the emergency department, he can typically be found lecturing to EMS agencies or law enforcement agencies across the state. In 2018 Dr. Worden was instrumental in bringing active shooter training to both Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS agencies in Oklahoma. This training teaches first responders how to work together in an integrated fashion during an unfortunate active attack event. Also, very important is educating the general public how to respond to an active attack, so he frequently provides courses at schools, churches, or civic organizations.
Bill Worden
D.O., M.ED
Medical Director
B.S. in Biology & M. Ed. in Adult Education
UCO
D.O.
OSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine
Emergency Medicine Residency
Integris SW Medical Center
Board-Certified in Emergency Medicine
American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine
Bio Coming Soon
Carolina wales
D.O.
Associate Medical Director
D.O.
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Blake began his journey of prehospital medicine as a Senior in high school by joining Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department. His passion for firefighting and providing medical care to rural citizens grew into a career. While attending classes he continued the passion for rural EMS / Fire by joining Cashion Ambulance Service where he became the Assistant EMS Director and a Firefighter. He also gained additional experience at LifeNet EMS. Currently, he is employed with Guthrie Fire-EMS. Blake holds many instructor certifications including Fire Fighter, EMS, NAEMT, AHA, and ASHI. Blake has been Director of Operations for Heartland Medical Direction for over 2 years. He has a passion for teaching and continuing the advancement of rural police, fire, and EMS.
Blake Braden
Chief Operating Officer
EMT
Meridian Technology Center (Stillwater)
Associates of Science
OCCC
Certificate of Mastery in EMS Paramedicine
OCCC
Kinsley’s venture into the medical world first began in college where she studied veterinary medicine and participated in an international debate team, kindling her love of public speaking and education. During and after college, Kinsley worked in the veterinary field for 4 years before she made the switch to the human side of things.
Kinsley called Oklahoma home for 6 years and has worked with sheriff offices, police departments, and EMS agencies across the state where she had the opportunity to join the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training program, received her instructor qualification, and instructed first responder agencies throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Prior to joining Heartland,, Kinsley served as a dispatch supervisor with Jackson County EMS where she received her Advanced Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD-A) certification with the International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (IAEMD).
Kinsley has 3 children and now calls the Eastern Coast of North Carolina home. Kinsley enjoys assisting agencies to best meet their needs as promptly as possible, helping the Heartland team continue to serve and expand throughout the state, and flying back to Oklahoma for in-person tasks when needed. She truly loves working with Heartland Medical Direction, seeing the profound impact of hands-on medical direction, consistent and proper training, and is honored to be a part of that impact.
Kinsley Graves
Chief of Staff
B.S.
Union University
University of Maryland University College
Jaitton began his career in public safety directly after high school through his local volunteer fire department in 2012. Initially, uninterested in medicine, he reluctantly became a certified EMR and signed on to help his local volunteer ambulance service from closing its doors. Discovering a hidden passion, Jaitton continued his education advancing through EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic certifications which he completed in 2019.
Jaitton is passionate about rural medicine and the challenges that rural providers and patients face. He also has an interest in trauma medicine, first responder mental health, emergency/disaster preparedness, and quality education for EMS providers. In addition to holding several provider and instructor certifications in EMS and the fire service through AHA, IFSAC, NAEMT, NBFSPQ, and NFA, Jaitton is also a commissioned deputy with the Washita County Sheriff Department where he serves as a Tactical Paramedic on the tactical team.
Jaitton has spent most of his career in public safety serving the citizens in southwestern Oklahoma, but he is excited to join the HLMD team of instructor cadre, providing quality education state-wide. When he is not working in public safety, he can be found working on his family-owned honeybee farm. Once all the work is done, he enjoys spending quality time with his family or engaging in one of his many outdoor related hobbies.
Jaitton Balcom
Director of Training & Development
Certificate of Mastery in EMS Paramedicine
Kiamichi Technology Center
E.J. was born, raised, and started his prehospital medicine and fire career in a small community in southwest Oklahoma. As a senior, he enrolled in the Firefighter/EMT program at Great Plains
Technology Center. His small town roots made him want to make an impact in rural communities and holds an inborn fondness for rural prehospital care. E.J. has volunteered at Central High Volunteer Department, worked part-time at Kirk’s EMS, worked at CCMH helping with the overload of patients during the height of COVID, and teaches at OSU Fire Service Training Service. He currently works as the Fire Chief/EMS Director for the Anadarko Fire Department/EMS. Through his career, he has been able to see the effect prehospital care can have on patients.
"I have always placed the care of patients and rural EMS at the forefront with a “customer service” mindset for the fire/ems service of my communities."
EJ Sorrels
Director of Education
Paramedic
Great Plains Technology Center
Hannah's passion for medicine began in 2008 and has been the driving force in her life ever since. She started her career in medicine as a Medical Assistant at an orthopedic clinic in Stillwater while completing her undergraduate studies. Following graduation, she transitioned to the ER at Oklahoma ER and Hospital, where she continues to work.
Her dedication to the field led her to pursue further education, culminating in a master’s degree in physiology and pharmacology, with aspirations of attending medical school. As Hannah continues her journey in medicine, she is eager to make a meaningful impact in the field and embrace every opportunity for growth and learning.
Hannah Worden
Director of Compliance
B.S. - Zoology
OSU
M.S. - Physiology & Pharmacology
The University of Florida
Chris began his journey in a rural setting, serving on a volunteer fire department for five years. He honed his skills in environments that demanded resourcefulness and versatility. He later transitioned to a metropolitan area when he was hired as a full-time firefighter and went on to received his paramedic. Combined, Chris has over two decades of education and dedicated service. With this, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the EMS. As a paramedic for the past nine years, Chris has been at the forefront of emergency medical care, providing critical support and life-saving interventions. He also has had extensive training and experience as a Technical Rescue Specialist and Hazmat Technician, both spanning 14 years. These elective trainings underscore his commitment to mastering specialized disciplines that are vital in emergency scenarios. Additionally, his decade-long role as a rescue diver highlights his versatility and readiness to respond to the demanding and diverse rescue situations. Like many in this profession, Chris has a servants heart. He is dedicated to the community and is always striving to improve and excel in his duties. He thrives on the challenges of teaching, finding satisfaction in sharing his knowledge and skills with others. Affiliated with Heartland Medical Direction, he proudly embraces their motto "Medicina Bona Locis Malis," or "Good Medicine in Bad Places." This passion exemplifies his dedication to making a difference in the most difficult and critical situations. Chris is an invaluable asset in the field of emergency medical services.
Christopher Channel
Credentialing Manager
Paramedic
Jessica has been administrative assistant for 10 years working in various fields from education, to legal to EMS. She has a degree in Management Information Systems and loves creating a great spreadsheet.
Jessica Duggan
Administrative Assistant
B.B.A - Management Information Systems
UCO
Remembering
Chief Brian Zalewski
It was an honor to know him, it was an honor to serve with him, and it was an honor to learn from him.
Instructors
Sean began his career serving our nation as an Army combat medic, before transferring to an active-duty status in the United States Air Force as a military firefighter/EMT. He continued his education to become an EMT–Intermediate, and subsequently a paramedic level practitioner where he has continuously worked in the civilian EMS setting for over 15 years. Most recently, Sean has been selected to serve on the USAF EMS working group developing medical protocols, selecting equipment, and numerous other responsibilities for the entirety of the USAF.
Currently, Sean also serves as a part-time paramedic with SSM Health Critical Care Transport and is a tactical paramedic/commissioned deputy sheriff for the Oklahoma and Canadian County Sheriff's Department Tactical Units. Sean pursues his passion as an EMS educator by fulfilling a role as a paramedic adjunct professor for Oklahoma City Community College and holds multiple instructor certifications for a wide range of EMS disciplines. He serves as a full-time firefighter at Tinker Air Force Base and is very passionate about his current role with Heartland Medical Direction as the Director of Training.
Sean Barnette
Associate of Science
OCCC
Certificate of Mastery in EMS Paramedicine
OCCC
Jennifer began her EMS career in 1995 and has served with Tuttle EMS/Fire Department for 26 years. She became an EMS instructor and has taught Paramedic at OSU-OKC along with serving as Training officer for Tuttle EMS for over 20 years. She became a Registered Nurse in 2005 and worked as an RN in the Children's ER until 2019. She has a passion for rural EMS and loves being involved in the community of Tuttle. She is excited to join the HLMD team to provide quality education to other rural agencies across the state.
Jennifer Hamilton
B.S. - Biology
UCO
Associates Degree in Nursing
Excelsior College in New York,
Certificate of Mastery in Paramedicine OCCC
Fawn was born and raised on Maui, Hawaii. She has lived in several states, finally making her home in Oklahoma over 17 years ago. She began to seek interest in public service in 2003. She moved to Greeley, CO and attended AIMS Community College where she obtained licenses/certifications in EMT-Basic & Firefighter 1, along with HazMat Ops & Awareness. Immediately following fire academy, she joined Mountain View Fire in Longmont, CO as a volunteer firefighter. This was short lived as she ended up marrying her best friend in 2004 upon his USMC deployment return from Iraq. As a Marine wife, she moved to Southern California & eventually to his home state of Oklahoma. In Oklahoma Fawn attended EOC Tech Center in Choctaw to pursue EMS to the paramedicine level. Upon completing the NREMT-P licensure Fawn worked for the Edmond 9-1-1 dispatch center for 2+ years, while pursuing a career in the fire service. These plans changed with the growth of their family. Fawn has a passion for community service & currently serves the citizens of Luther as a Captain/Paramedic on the Luther Fire Department while homeschooling her children on their small Luther farm.
Fawn Tibbits
EMT-Basic
AIMS Community College
Firefighter I
AIMS Community College
HazMat Ops & Awareness
AIMS Community College
NREMT-P
EOC Tech Center
Jamie was born and raised in-between Georgia and Tennessee. He started his career in public safety while he was a sophomore in High School as a junior firefighter.
Over the next few years, Jamie obtained his Structural Firefighting and Firefighter 1 Certification and remained an active member of the Fire Department until he moved to Oklahoma in 2013. Jamie obtained his Firefighter 2 Certification and EMT license. Obtaining his EMT quickly sparked his passion for pre-hospital medicine. Jamie decided to further his career by receiving his AEMT and Paramedic. Jamie has spent his career in EMS working at fast paced EMS Agencies and with rural communities. He has served agencies in numerous different capacities and currently serves as a supervisor and educator.
Jamie also possesses a love of teaching and passing along knowledge to his fellow first responders. This passion encourages him to continuously seek certifications and education. When not in a classroom sharing his knowledge, you can find Jamie still very active on the ambulance for different agencies.
Jamie Sorrells
Paramedic
Chris began is career in education teaching a wide range of subjects from elementary PE to middle school math and technology education. Chris became a first responder and EMT while serving on his local volunteer fire department. Eventually he transitioned to EMS full time, first as an EMT, then progressing to an AEMT, and finally received an associates degree in paramedicine from OSU-OKC in 2021. Chris serves as an instructor and FTO for Woodward County EMS. Chris’ passion for education and training has led him to attend numerous conferences around the state and the country, and now joining Heartland Medical Direction where he serves as an instructor.
Chris Syms
Associates of Applied Science - Paramedicine
OSU-OKC
Bachelor’s Degree - Technology Education
SWOSU
M. Ed. - Education Administration
SWOSU
Tyler’s interest in EMS began in high school when he enrolled in an EMT course. After graduating, Tyler moved to Western Oklahoma to pursue further education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. During his time there, he served as a volunteer firefighter with Sweetwater VFD and his love for EMS began to evolve while assisting the local ambulances in the area. He obtained his EMR certification, EMT license, and Paramedic through the satellite program.
Tyler has primarily served in rural Oklahoma and developed skills adapting to the trials and tribulations associated with extended transport times and limited resources of rural EMS. He currently serves as a ground Paramedic and Regional Educator for Survival Flight EMS and instructs for Heartland Medical Direction. Tyler has exhibited a passion for education and training throughout his life and career, jumping on opportunities to learn new things or provide training for anyone seeking it.
Once all of the work is completed Tyler can be found with his daughter, with his dogs, or out exploring the roads on his motorcycle.
Tyler carey
Emergency Medical Responder
Western Technology Center
Emergency Medical Technician
Meridian/Western Technology Center
Nationally Registered Paramedic
Kiamichi/Western Technology Center
Amanda Bandy is a Paramedic in LeFlore County, Education Coordinator for EMS of LeFlore County and A Flight Paramedic for Air EVAC 149 in Fort Smith, Ark. Amanda is a State Licensed EMS instructor, AHA BLS,ACLS,and PALS Instructor. Amanda is a short term instructor for Kiamichi Tech in Poteau, OK. Amanda comes to us with 24 years of teaching experience. When Amanda is not working, she is at home enjoying her husband, kids and 5 precious grand girls. Amanda has a passion for pediatrics and has recently earned her PNCCT. Amanda brings her education back to her team and teaches others.
Amanda has joined the Heartland Team to help bring training and education across Oklahoma and Arkansas.
'I am so happy to be a part of a team that wants to take good medicine to bad places.'
Amanda bandy
Paramedic
Riley has been in EMS since 2013 and has served in a variety of settings and states since then. Riley relocated to Oklahoma in 2018 and started teaching a few years later. She is passionate about ensuring that new providers are equipped with the knowledge needed to go into the field and succeed. Riley also helps to put the sim competition on at the Heroes in the Heartland conference. Riley also serves on the Heartland Medical Peer Support team.
Riley Furman
Associates of Applied Science - Paramedicine
OSU-OKC
Bachelors of Technology - Public Safety Management
OSU-OKC
M.A. – Human & Health Services Administration
OU
Jared joined the Army after graduating from Davis High School in 2004. While in the Army, he deployed to Iraq in 2005-2006 and Afghanistan in 2009-2010. Upon returning from Afghanistan, He was assigned to Munson Army Health Center and the United States Disciplinary Barracks Health Clinic at Fort Leavenworth, KS where he finished his career in the military, leaving with an honorable discharge. Jared worked as a reserve, then full time deputy sheriff, completing his reserve academy, bridge academy, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice while working at Stephens County. Jared then worked at the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department until leaving to return to Stephens County Sheriff’s Office. He has been working in EMS since leaving the Army in 2013. He began working part time in EMS in 2019 and left full time law enforcement to pursue EMS in 2021. Jared was trained as an EMT at Fort Sam Houston, TX, AEMT at Red River Technology Center, and Paramedic at Great Plains Technology Center. He is currently employed by Survival Flight EMS as a Paramedic. Jared has certifications as an Oklahoma EMS, CLEET, AHA, Stop the Bleed, and NAEMT Instructor.
Jared Pollard
Paramedic
Great Plains Technology Center
Bio Coming Soon
Tyler lickliter
Instructor
Bio Coming Soon
Tristan Nelson
Instructor
Bio Coming Soon
Hunter Poston
Instructor
Bio Coming Soon
Konner Croft
Instructor
Jenny serves as a full time Paramedic & shift supervisor for Survival Flight in Duncan/Marlow, OK. Additionally, she is very excited about her role in education for Heartland Medical Direction. Jenny originates from the suburbs of Chicago but found her way to a rural residence as soon as possible. She has made her home all over the US, from a camper in the North woods of Wisconsin, to a tent in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota to a ranger station in Washington state.
Jenny is most at home when playing outside & insists on a jobs & hobbies that don’t confine her to a desk. Much of her adult career has been spent working for various government agencies in fisheries management/wildlife resources & veterinary medicine. Jenny found her way to the human side of medicine a bit later in life, but she is so glad she did. Paramedicine & education is where she is meant to be.
Jennifer Mason
B.S. - Biology
Northland College (Ashland)
M.S. - Nutrition
Northeastern University (Boston)
EMT
OSU-OKC
NRP
Great Plains Tech Center
Laurie started her EMS career in 2010 with Sperry Fire Department. In 2012, she was awarded the first EMS Success scholarship for Paramedicine and attended OCCC. She graduated OCCC in 2014 and received her Paramedic license that same year. She has been the EMS director for CCFD since 2014. Over the years, she discovered her passion for teaching and loves investing in the lives of her EMS family. She enjoys teaching skills and all the hands-on stuff. In her spare time, you'll find her in an antique or thrift store somewhere with her husband.
"I have a heart for rural EMS. Country Corner Fire District was the perfect fit for me and I have been here ever since! I love my community and getting to serve the people here."
Laurie Williamson
Certificate of Mastery in Paramedicine
OCCC
Bio Coming Soon
Kevin Frech
Instructor
QA Team
Bio Coming Soon
Dalton Askew
QA Team
Corey began his career in 1999 with his local volunteer ambulance service in Wakita, OK,. He received his EMT-B & EMT-I from Autry Technology Center his junior & senior year of high school. He later joined the fire department. Corey has experience in dispatch, jailer, prison guard, firefighting, EMS, hospital care, command, emergency management, and wrecker services.
Corey has served on several different fire departments and is currently with Drummond Fire Department. Corey is very active with the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, serving on several committees, including the Educational Advisory Committee, and the Volunteer Fire Service Committee. He is also a contributing writer for the “Oklahoma Firefighter” a quarterly publication for the OSFA. Corey is also a National Volunteer Firefighter Council member, a pastor at his local church, and works full-time at Enid Auto Body in Enid, OK.
“I love the rural volunteer departments in the State of Oklahoma, I love seeing the comradery of the local populations gathering together to achieve our life safety goals & seeing the combined ingenuity when it comes to accomplishing the task.”
Corey Conrady
EMT
Autry Technology Center (Enid)
Firefighter & Instructor Training
OSU
Officer Training
Kansas State University
Arson Investigation
International Assn. of Arson Investigators
Dive Rescue and Recovery
YMCA, PADI
Education:
B.S. in Biology, M. Ed. in Adult Education - UCO
D.O. - OSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine
Emergency Medicine Residency - Integris SW Medical Center
Board Certified in Emergency Medicine - American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine
Bio Summary:
In addition to practicing emergency medicine, Dr. Worden has been involved in pre-hospital care since high school. He currently serves as the Medical Director for about 50 Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Medical Response Agencies, and over 800 medics across Oklahoma. Providing medical direction to pre-hospital care providers for over 300,000 citizens in Oklahoma. Additionally, Dr. Worden is a commissioned Deputy Sheriff with the Logan County and Canadian County Sheriff's Office and provides medical direction to the agency’s tactical teams.
Education is very important to Dr. Worden, and when not in the emergency department, he can typically be found lecturing to EMS agencies or law enforcement agencies across the state. In 2018 Dr. Worden was instrumental in bringing active shooter training to both Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS agencies in Oklahoma. This training teaches first responders how to work together in an integrated fashion during an unfortunate active attack event. Also, very important is educating the general public how to respond to an active attack, so he frequently provides courses at schools, churches, or civic organizations.
Bill Worden, D.O., M.ED
Medical Director
bottom of page