Charity Willis
Instructor # 2868787 | Centered Fire ~ Ready for Life: Mentor & Firearm Trainer
Certified with the USCCA since 8/18/2022
Certification Renewal Date 8/18/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Women's Handgun & Self-Defense
- Range Safety Officer
- Children's Firearms & Safety Fundamentals
- Marksmanship Simplified: Foundations of Handgun Coaching
- AR-15 Fundamentals
- Non-Lethal Program - Certified Instructor
My Biography
Charity Willis | Firearms Instructor. Mentor. Fostering Skill, Confidence, and Personal Capability.
This is where hesitation ends and confidence begins.
Charity Willis is more than a firearms instructor, she is a force for transformation in the lives of women ready to take ownership of their personal safety, their awareness, and their power. Her work is rooted in a simple truth: every woman deserves to feel capable, prepared, and unapologetically strong.
As a devoted mother of three strong, independent adult children, Charity has entered a new chapter, one fueled by purpose. That purpose? Equipping women with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to protect themselves and those they love. Because for many women, the decision to learn self-defense isn’t hypothetical; it’s personal.
Charity understands that.
And she meets it with empathy, strength, and action.
With over sixteen years of instructional experience and an extraordinary list of credentials, Charity brings both depth and credibility to everything she teaches. She is a certified instructor through leading national organizations, including the USCCA (2022) and the NRA (2010), and holds certifications in everything from Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense, Concealed Carry, Home Defense, AR-15 Fundamentals and Less-Lethal options such as pepper spray, tasers, and Byrna systems.
She is also:
- A certified Range Safety Officer across multiple organizations
- A Marksmanship Fundamentals Coach
- A Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Police Certified Basic Firearms Safety Instructor
- USA Archery Level 1 Instructor
- USPSA Range Officer with Steel Challenge and Multigun Endorsements
- A certified Sig Sauer P320 Armorer
- Certified in suicide prevention and mental health awareness through QPR and Walk The Talk America
Refuse to be a Victim Instructor
Since 2023 Charity publishes a monthly article under the title “Hit Cha Target” in both The Evergreen and The Northfield News publications, covering all subject matters associated with personal safety and protection.
And notably, she achieved a perfect score (300/300) in the Massad Ayoob Group MAG40 Armed Citizen’s Rules of Engagement; a benchmark of both technical knowledge and critical decision-making under pressure.
But her impact goes far beyond certifications.
Charity is a founding Facilitator and was the Lead Instructor for A Girl & A Gun – Southern NH Chapter (2022-2025), and the visionary behind the PEARLS, a 2A Women’s Society at Pelham Fish and Game Club (2025); a rapidly growing community dedicated to empowering women in the shooting sports while building connection, confidence, and collaboration for ongoing skill development.
Her mission is clear: build women up, never tear them down.
Inside her classes, you’ll find something different. No ego. No intimidation. No pressure to “keep up.” Instead, Charity delivers patient, step-by-step, student-centered instruction designed to meet you exactly where you are. Every lesson is tailored with a blend of practical firearms training and mindset coaching to help you overcome limiting beliefs and build a strong foundation for lasting, meaningful growth. Every skill is built with intention. Every win is celebrated.
Because in her world, progress is personal.
Whether you’re brand new, returning after time away, or looking to refine your skills, Charity creates a space where you can learn, grow, and step fully into your capability.
Her philosophy says it all:
“Learn from where you’re at… because life never stops teaching.”
This isn’t just about firearms.
This is about awareness. Responsibility. Confidence. Ownership.
This is about walking through the world differently; stronger, smarter, and prepared.
So if you’ve ever thought, “I should learn…”
This is your sign.
Start today. Your strength is waiting
Request a Class
This course is designed for true beginners, those returning to the range after time away, or individuals who do not train regularly and want to rebuild a solid foundation.
Understanding firearm terminology and safe handling practices is the basis of all learning and developing that knowledge can be both grounding and confidence‑building.
Beginning with the Universal Safety Rules, you will learn core handgun fundamentals including grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger manipulation, muzzle awareness, magazine loading, and follow‑through.
Classroom discussion also includes personal protection concepts such as situational awareness (including the color codes of awareness), an overview of less‑lethal use‑of‑force options, and how holsters and equipment choices support safe, consistent handling.
At the conclusion of the classroom portion, you'll schedule a one hour of live‑fire session for a separate day, based on availability. This transition from classroom to range bridges education with practical application, allowing you to experience what you’ve learned in a controlled, supportive environment.
Join us and let your Capability Meet Your Confidence. We look forward to having you in class!
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
Special Private Group class. Must contact info@centeredfire.com to coordinate and schedule class.
Three-hour classroom learning with you and your girlfriends: minimum 5 participants required; maximum of 10.
This course is designed for true beginners, those returning to the range after time away, or individuals who do not train regularly and want to rebuild a solid foundation.
Understanding firearm terminology and safe handling practices is the basis of all learning and developing that knowledge can be both grounding and confidence‑building.
Beginning with the Universal Safety Rules, you will learn core handgun fundamentals including grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger manipulation, muzzle awareness, magazine loading, and follow‑through.
Classroom discussion also includes personal protection concepts such as situational awareness (including the color codes of awareness), an overview of less‑lethal use‑of‑force options, and how holsters and equipment choices support safe, consistent handling.
At the conclusion of the classroom portion, each lady will schedule a one hour live‑fire session for a separate day, based on availability.
This transition from classroom to range bridges education with practical application, allowing you to experience what you’ve learned in a controlled, supportive environment.
Join us and let your Capability Meet Your Confidence. We look forward to having you in class!
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
Why have a Personal and Home Protection plan? At its most basic level, a personal and home-protection plan is designed to help keep you physically, legally, financially and morally safe.
Your ultimate goal should be to avoid violent encounters in the first place by developing an acute awareness of your surroundings and by making intelligent decisions about your actions, behaviors and precautions.
In this class we'll discuss:
- Conflict Avoidance
- Gaining Seconds that Count
- Avoid / Escape / Defend
- Situational Awareness
- Not Looking Like a Victim - Be the Wrong Person
- Color Codes of Awareness
- Observing Your Environment
- Home Security and Home Defense
- Metal Exercises - scenarios & checklist
This is a non-shooting / no live-fire class.
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
Reserved for Centered Fire attendees.
For additional information and registration contact: info@centeredfire.com
This course is for real estate agents, home health providers, delivery personnel, estimators, contractors and anyone else working within someone else's home or other remote locations. Learn to tune into your environment, be more aware and identify activities that may put you at risk of an attack.
Topics include:
- Why Real Estate Agents (and other mobile professionals) are at risk *Situational Awareness *How Stress Affects the Body *Mindset and Defensive Strategies *Defensive Options
This is a non-shooting / no live-fire class.
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
This Guided Foundations course is designed for those who want a thoughtful, welcoming introduction to firearms, without live firing.
If you’ve never held or shot a firearm before, or if it’s been a long time and you’re looking for a safety‑focused reset, this course provides a clear and supportive starting point. Through guided instruction and open dialogue, you'll build comfort by learning:
Universal safety rules Basic mechanics of a firearm (revolver and pistol) How to check and clear a firearm Additional safety considerations Eye‑dominance determination Shooting fundamentals, including stance, grip, sight picture, trigger control, breath control, and follow‑through
Classroom practice is conducted using a SIRT (Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger) pistol, which closely replicates the look, feel, and balance of a real firearm. The weighted, removable magazine and dual‑indicator laser allow safe, hands‑on learning without live ammunition.
This is a "No Live Fire Course", designed to provide just enough exposure to develop familiarity and comfort. The natural next step after this course is enrollment in the Women’s Fundamental & Basic Handgun class, which includes live‑fire training.
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
Ladies Event with PEARLS: Intro to Shotgun and Clays ($4 per string). We'll review safety, equipment and how to participate in a Clays event. Bring your eye and ear protection. Wear weather appropriate clothing and a hat with brim.
This is a PEARLS activity; if you are not a member of Pelham Fish and Game there will be a guest fee of $10 plus additional $4 per string. If you have questions or would like information contact: info@centeredfire.com
Paying attention to the people, environment, and objects around you at all times, as well as not being distracted or complacent in your daily routines is the first step toward staying safe.
The goal of self-protection is to avoid danger before it happens. Predict. Prevent. Identify. Avoid.
Whether you plan to live on campus or commute, this class will provide safety tips to help you be proactive and have a plan.
- Creating an emergency plan
- Campus safety
- Dorm safety
- Personal safety and defense
- Understanding the predator profile
- Intro to pepper spray and tasers
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
Join us for an Introduction to Archery! Learn equipment, safety, stance and how to hit that target!!! Everything you need to get started. All equipment is being provided for this event, just bring a smile!
To attend, you must be a member or prospective member of PEARLS at Pelham Fish and Game. Pre-registration consultation required prior to registering for class. For questions or additional information contact: info@centeredfire.com
This event is free for current members of PEARLS
NO LIVE AMMUNITION ALLOWED
Whether or not you have your own firearm, this is a good opportunity learn the cleaning process. Come to clean or come to watch. We will go through the cleaning kit components and the cleaning process.
Bonus: Hanging with your 'Sister' for a couple hours!
For this event bring with you:
- UNLOADED firearm with chamber flag, in a case.
- Owner's Manual
- Cleaning supplies / gloves
Questions? Contact info@centeredfire.com
Designed as a smart starting point, this class delivers a clear and approachable introduction to the AR‑15 platform. You will learn how the rifle is designed to function, identify key components, and understand the critical principles of safe handling and storage.
The focus is on education and comprehension, building the confidence and knowledge needed for a safe, informed transition to live‑fire training.
Classroom only. No Live Fire.
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
OC spray, tasers, and pepper launchers are possible personal safety options for women during everyday activities, work, and time spent in public places.
In this class, you’ll be introduced to how these tools work, how to carry and store them safely, and important considerations for responsible, real‑world use. You’ll gain a clear understanding of when these tools may be appropriate, their limitations, and factors to consider before choosing one, so you leave with greater confidence, awareness, and preparedness for safety on the go.
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
This class helps you learn how to stay "switched on" to what’s happening around you, recognize potential concerns early, and respond with confidence when it matters.
You’ll learn how to identify warning signs, trust your instincts, and make smart, everyday decisions that support personal safety.
We’ll also explore practical options for handling situations that can’t be avoided, so you leave feeling prepared, capable, and confident in your ability to navigate daily life.
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
This is a focused class on making informed, responsible concealed carry choices for everyday life.
Emphasizing a safety‑first mindset, the course explores how equipment selection, placement, and daily habits contribute to safe handling and reliable concealment in public environments.
You'll learn how proper fit and functional design impact comfort, discretion, and consistency throughout normal activities such as walking, sitting, driving and working.
The goal is to help you evaluate carry options that align with your body, clothing, and lifestyle to support confident, responsible carry without disrupting your daily life.
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com
This ONLINE class offers a clear, supportive introduction to handguns for women preparing for live‑fire training.
Through guided instruction and open conversation, participants learn the basic components of a handgun, how it functions, and the essential principles of safe handling and storage in a low‑pressure, learning‑focused environment.
The intent is to develop familiarity and ease where your capability meets your confidence before arriving at the range. By establishing shared terminology and a strong safety foundation ahead of time, participants can step into live‑fire training with understanding, purpose, and assurance.
Questions? Contact: info@centeredfire.com