Melissa Youngblood

Melissa is a certified instructor and an avid shooter. From competing in local competitions with USPSA, IDPA, Mid-Range Tactical Rifle Matches and placing top 10 in The Tactical Games, she has the skill and knowledge to teach with care and competence. She has been working to empower women who have experienced domestic violence and assaults for over 20 years as a full-time licensed therapist. She has worked at a local Sheriff's Department in Corrections and she provides trauma-informed teaching that emphasizes the comfort, autonomy, choice and safety of her students. She has been teaching groups of women and individuals how to shoot for several years and has a passion for empowering women to take control of their lives and protect themselves and the ones they love. She has found in her personal experience, there is discrimination and bias against women who shoot and traditional courses can be intimidating and even hostile. She became an instructor to give women a better option. She also currently teaches self-defense classes for women and is committed to creating a fun and safe learning environment for all her students. She is available to teach to small groups, provides private 1:1 training and offers concierge services helping women choose the right weapon for their protection. She also does home-based parties for women to learn about the fundamentals of shooting and wants to work with you or your organization to prepare for and be aware of dangers in our community. She is available for co-ed groups as well so if you have a group looking to train, please reach out. Additionally, she is certified in CPR, First Aid and Stop the Bleed.