Candy S. Petticord
Instructor # 2747633 | Northpointe Training
Certified with the USCCA since 3/3/2022
Certification Renewal Date 7/7/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Defensive Shooting
- Women's Handgun & Self-Defense
- Countering the Mass Shooter
- Emergency & First Aid
My Biography
Northpointe Training's Chief Instructor, Candy Petticord, has been ecstatically married to her bestest bud, Jim, for 30+ years and they have twelve Pettipeeps, all of whom are skilled shooters.
Candy began her shooting journey when she received her CCW Permit and realized, with a ridiculously high amount of clarity and discomfort, that a day’s training and a plastic card from the Sheriff’s Office doth not a skilled and/or competent shooter make. Having been heavily influenced by her CCW Instructor on the critical importance of life-long training for CCW/CHL holders, Candy firmly believes that everyone using a firearm or carrying a firearm for self-defense must seek out and commit to engaging in quality and on-going firearms training. She also ardently believes that educated, trained, law-abiding, and skilled “good guys” with firearms make for safer communities. With this in mind, she has avidly pursued firearms and self-defense trainings for herself and her family, and she is enthusiastic about sharing with others the awesome trainings, wisdom, and guidance she has received.
Candy is a Certified NRA Training Counselor, an NRA & USCCA Certified Instructor in multiple disciplines, a Rangemaster Certified Pistol Instructor, the Training Coordinator for Buckeye Firearms Association, a Certified NRA CRSO and Refuse To Be A Victim® Instructor, a SABRE Pepper Spray Certified Instructor, a U.S. Law Shield Certified Firearms Instructor, an HSI Certified Medical Instructor in various fields, a Chapter Facilitator for three Ohio Chapters of A Girl & A Gun Women's Shooting League, an IBDD Certified Instructor, a MUNIO Self-Defense Certified Instructor, a former Chapter Leader for The Well Armed Woman, a board member for FASTER Saves Lives, the Ohio State Director for the DC Project – Women For Gun Rights, a member of the IDPA, a Life Member of the NRA, and a Life Member of Buckeye Firearms Association. She is also owner and Chief Instructor for Northpointe Training, LLC, and a dealer for Laser Ammo and MantisX firearm training systems and MUNIO Self-Defense Kubaton Keychains.
Besides traditional firearms training, Candy also has training in defensive knife, personal self-defense, tactical rifle & shotgun, impact weapons, non-traditional self-defense techniques, Image Based Decisional Drills, active killer response, church security team training, home defense strategies, first aid and tactical medical response, MUNIO keychain self-defense, and oc pepper spray use and she is a published author.
Northpointe Training, LLC is truly a family affair as Candy’s loving husband, Jim, and her amazing son, Michael, are also certified firearms instructors, and her son, Daniel, and daughters, Abby and Naomi, are exceptionally talented marksPettipeeps.
Request a Class
This lecture course will cover the implications of permitless carry. Topics that students will be introduced to include: relevant laws, use-of-force decision making, and next steps to take.
Many people think that fast, accurate, and effective shooters have some sort of “secret sauce” that magically provides them with their phenomenal firearm skills. Well, news flash - There is no secret sauce and no "new and improved" method to ensure that your rounds will be effective and fast. Whether they are speed or competition shooters, law enforcement, military, or simply awesome average Joes or Janes, effective shooters have one thing in common – They have mastered the foundations of shooting and are able to apply them consistently, effectively, and quickly. Ask yourself - Are you prepared to use your firearm properly and effectively in a defensive situation?? If you're not sure, how can you find out BEFORE your skills are called into question?? You can begin by attending this Introduction To Defensive Shooting Fundamentals training.
Northpointe Training, LLC welcomes you to begin your firearms training journey with us by joining us for our Women’s Basic Pistol course!! In this introductory course, you will learn the foundations of handgun safety and firearm basics through the exploration of topics such as the 4 Universal Safety Rules, understanding the similarities and differences between firearms, clearing semi-automatic handguns, eye dominance, stance, grip, trigger control, and a multitude of other skills that are necessary for the safe and proper operation of a handgun. This course begins with helping you discover your “Why” when it comes to personal defense and using this as the basis for your firearms training regimen. Once you have determined your “Why,” this will be the driving force that will keep you motivated and committed to continue learning, training, practicing, and improving when the trainings get difficult and will keep you diligent and focused when all your shots are in a tight group in the center of your target. The goal of this introductory course is to empower the new female shooter with the knowledge, skills, attitude, and support to help her begin her firearm journey with confidence and proficiency!!
Northpointe Training, LLC welcomes you to continue your firearms training journey with us by joining us for our Women’s Intermediate Pistol course!!
In this second module of the USCCA’s “Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals” series, returning students will revisit the foundations of handgun safety and firearm basics including the 4 Universal Safety Rules and proper shooting fundamentals. We will delve into revolvers vs. semiautomatic firearms, their advantages & disadvantages, and choosing the right firearm for concealed carry. We will also cover how firearms function, different ammunition types, firearm malfunctions, and different concealed carry methods for women. Lastly, we will study the significance of situational awareness, the importance of establishing boundaries, and the critical need for having a survivor mindset. On the live-fire range, we will practice loading, unloading, and reloading our firearms, properly addressing firearm malfunctions, and we will engage in live-fire exercises that will involve multiple shots, multiple targets, and one-handed shooting.
Northpointe Training, LLC welcomes you to continue your firearms training journey with us by joining us for our Women’s Defensive Pistol course!!
In this third and final module of the USCCA’s “Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals” series, returning students will revisit the foundations of handgun safety and firearm basics including the 4 Universal Safety Rules, and we will develop and build on shooting fundamental skills.
Although Women’s Defensive Pistol is the “finish line” for this specific curriculum series, it must not be seen as the end point for your firearm journey as a whole!! It is critical that you continue to build your firearm handling and usage skills and expand your education and understanding by adding advanced layers of knowledge to your training repertoire. In other words, if your intent is to carry a firearm for personal defense, your firearm training and practice cannot be seen as a short-term gig, but as a life-long commitment to safe, responsible, confident, and competent firearm ownership!!
In the classroom we will cover mindset, use of force, cover vs. concealment, using voice commands, marksmanship vs. defensive shooting, drawing your firearm from various positions & locations, the importance of practicing with a purpose, and being armed with children.
On the live-fire range, we will revisit properly addressing firearm malfunctions and introduce drawing from the holster, shooting on the move, using cover, shooting from retention, shooting from unconventional positions, and acquiring and maintaining the proper mindset for self-defense with a firearm.
The purpose of this class is to improve shooting performance through minimal classroom and maximum range time. This class will focus on skill-building drills as it relates to developing the fundamentals of handgun management and marksmanship. Individual assessments will take place as well as homework assigned for continued improvement. This is a low round count course with each round fired as a sniper shot. This is a customized course built specifically for A Girl & A Gun Members, but it is so awesome that LouKa Tactical is making it available to all female shooters!!
For many, the home is mistakenly considered an impenetrable fortress where guards can be let down and an awareness of surroundings is no longer necessary, but that is simply not the case. This class teaches you the importance of situational awareness through the color codes of awareness, how conflict avoidance benefits you at home, and how vital it is to be proactive versus the risks of living reactively.
Are you considering a concealed carry permit for personal defense? Maybe you’re a permit holder looking for a refresher course. Or, like many other Americans, you want to learn more about firearms before buying one to protect yourself or your loved ones. If so, this course is for you!!
This course teaches:
Handgun basics and shooting fundamentals Understanding how to avoid conflict and awareness of your surroundings The psychology of violent encounters The legal aspects of using deadly force (including knowing what to do in the aftermath) Home security and home defense This course includes a gear and gadget guide that can help students carry their concealed firearm more effectively. You will walk away from this class equipped with the knowledge and confidence you need to own and carry a concealed firearm.
MUNIO Self Defense is Fighting for Your Safety. Our mission is to empower individuals with the confidence and ability to fight back against the threat of victimization.
MUNIO Self Defense was born of the firm conviction that we can stand up for ourselves and avoid becoming victims. That then and there, we will face our fear, grasp our inner power, and unleash it upon anyone who dares threaten the value of our lives. We will not passively become another horrible statistic. Instead, we will fight back with all our power – and move on to another day with our loved ones.
DEFINITION OF SUCCESS: To quickly make ONE good FIRST decision based on visual stimuli & instantly act on it. Be confident, decisive, efficient, & explosive.
Decisions are more important than techniques. Our goal in IBDD is to supply an avenue to learn good decision and provide some simple, yet very effective techniques.
Image Based Decisional Drills is a well thought out dry practice or live fire exercise with a deck of 21 Image Cards (with and without additional "tools") that provide IMAGES that will help you to recognize danger and to make smart decisions ahead of time. Our image based learning system is another beneficial step on your way to making good decisions quickly.
Image Based Decisional Drills will help teach you to you access the situation using a mental simulation for a plausible course of action, allowing you to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies in the content of the scenario. You may experience Altered Perceptions, like Auditory Exclusion, Stalling, Embellishment and more. What a wonderful gift of knowledge, to KNOW that is possible and learn from it.
There are very few home training, self-protection training for professionals or students, dry-fire practice or live-fire range exercises for the private citizen that focus on making lethal, less than lethal, and non-lethal decisions quickly. Image Based Decisional Drills are intended to fill in the gap in learning how to make decisions using images to provoke a response, decide which TOOL to use, and then ACT on that decision.
In all scenarios the image is happening to YOU, in front of YOU, beside YOU or behind YOU. YOU are your first responder and decisions need to be made quickly.
Violent Encounters and the Aftermath is a course that examines the responses one can experience during a violent attack or a "critical incident." In this course, we will explore some of the "automated" responses that we would most likely experience, as well as some of the physical and physiological responses that will most likely occur as well. Students will be provided with training tips and we will cover the extremely difficult topic of exactly what you'll need to know if you have no other choice but to use deadly force to stop an attack.
This class will introduce students to a wealth of information on different types of self-defense firearms including handguns, home defense shotguns, and the AR-15 platform, where students will be provided with easy-to-understand explanations of common firearm terms. The goal of this lesson is to de-mystify what can sometimes feel like a topic reserved for experts.
Walk into any gun shop, and the variety of gear and gadgets available can be a bit overwhelming. Gun safes, holsters, lights, lasers—where do you start?? In this course, students will get to learn a bit about each of these pieces of gear and we’ll discuss the options that should be considered when purchasing gear for your firearm(s). Lastly, A-Team Member Dani will focus on different concealed carry options for women.
The USCCA’s AR-15 Fundamentals course is designed to introduce responsible gun owners to the safe handling, proper maintenance, and effective use of AR-15-style rifles and to bring awareness to the usefulness of this platform in the context of civilian home defense and defense of life. Classroom instruction covers topics such as basic AR-15 nomenclature and function, cleaning and maintenance, and accessorizing the AR-15. Live-range instruction will provide students with an understanding of how to safely and effectively operate their AR-15, confirm zero, and engage in practical and cumulative drills.
Northpointe Training's Private Lessons last for two hours and are designed to provide you with the very best we can offer of individualized personal firearms instruction. Typically, Private Lessons (PL) include approximately 1 hour in the classroom and approximately 1 hour on the range with live-fire practice. These times are flexible and are able to be modified based on your progress and your comfort level and skillset, so you will feel relaxed and self-assured before we progress to the next step.
We have many interactive and innovative training tools at our disposal for your training and we can guarantee you that you will definitely leave your Private Lesson feeling educated, confident, and ready to move to the next level of your training. Please note that live-fire shooting may not be introduced at our first lesson if your comfort level does not make it feasible.
Whoda thunk dry-practice could be so enjoyable?? How fun, you ask?? Well, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of our 1-hour dry-practice session featuring the MantisX Laser Academy dry-practice system, LaserAmmo electronic and interactive targets, Laserlyte Stand-Alone Units, and the Smokeless Range® Simulator.
The MantisX is a data-driven approach to mastery. While attached to ANY firearm (pistol, rifle, or shotgun), it analyzes every shot and generates actionable data you can use to improve.
Laser Ammo's reactive target systems improve shooting skills such as drawing, target acquisition and trigger squeeze while building a solid foundation for accuracy and speed. The reactive targets give immediate audio, visual and numeric feedback with unlimited training options without the need for a computer.
Lastly, the Smokeless Range® is a marksmanship and judgmental simulator for home, office or department use. It is by far the best training tool to train for use of force, concealed carry, personal protection and police qualification. It is also an amazing tool for competitive shooters to train for IPSC, Steel Challenge and more. Enhance your shooting skills with this cost-effective, state-of-the-art simulator.
In this USCCA class, students will spend three intense hours doing drills, both timed and untimed, that will help them hone the basic skills needed to accurately put rounds on target during a defensive critical incident. This time will be a combination of dry-fire and live-fire training and will include both semi-automatic pistols and/or the AR-15 platform.
This 8-hour course meets the requirements to complete the concealed carry course in the State of Ohio.
You’ve decided that it’s time to take your training to the next level because you’re tired of continually making holes to the low left (or to the low right, if you’re a lefty
This nine-hour, non-shooting certification course will be conducted both in a classroom and on a range and it focuses on preparing a student to become a Range Safety Officer through learning the fundamentals of range safety and safe range operation during live-fire events.
An objective-learning non-shooting classroom-only four-hour course for safe gun handling - Great training for families!!
This 4-hour, non-shooting, classroom only course will teach students the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for the safe handling of firearms & ammunition in the home.
Firearms discussed in this training will include semiautomatic pistols, revolvers, shotguns, & bolt/lever action rifles. Caliber sizes range from .22 – 7.62.
This class will give you a basic introduction to AR-15 fundamentals. From understanding the AR-15 platform in the classroom to grasping the fundamentals of employing the AR-15 in a defensive critical dynamic incident, you will have started your AR-15 journey with a solid foundational grasp of the basics.
The NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim program is not a firearms instruction course and does not include instruction in physical combat or self-defense. It is a 5-hour classroom seminar that teaches about common weaknesses that may be exploited by criminals and teaches a variety of corrective measures that are practical, inexpensive, and easy to follow. This seminar will help students (both male and female!!) improve their personal safety strategies and will provide them with valuable information that can be applied in every area of their life.
You’ve decided that it’s time to take your training to the next level because you’re tired of continually making holes to the low left (or to the low right, if you’re a lefty
This course is a mini-class combination of elements taken from the NRA's Refuse To Be A Victim® course combined with the MUNIO Self-Defense course.
Refuse To Be A Victim® is the NRA’s award-winning personal safety and crime prevention program. This program teaches the personal safety tips and techniques you need to:
1. Become aware of and be alerted to dangerous situations
2. To avoid violent and/or criminal confrontations
3. To refuse to become a victim of crime by becoming aware of what can and should be done to remain safe wherever you are
MUNIO Self Defense was born of the firm conviction that we can stand up for ourselves and avoid becoming victims. That then and there, we will face our fear, grasp our inner power, and unleash it upon anyone who dares threaten the value of our lives. We will not passively become another horrible statistic. Instead, we will fight back with all our power – and move on to another day with our loved ones. Our mission is to empower individuals with the confidence and ability to fight back against the threat of victimization. The specialized MUNIO Self Defense Workshops reflect our active commitment to creating safer lives and communities.
Northpointe Training, LLC is thrilled to host Defensive Training International for DTI’s Defensive Handgun Course featuring John Farnam!!
The DTI Defensive Handgun Course is designed to prepare the responsible, adult gun owner to handle, maintain, safely store, and use their firearm safely, responsibly, correctly, and effectively, so that they are able to successfully handle nearly any personal protection situation.
An increasing number of people are seeking to improve their defensive shooting skills and expand their knowledge about the use of firearms for personal protection.
Here in the United States, many states are currently expanding access to concealed carry permits. DTI classes offer permit holders and those who are considering applying for a permit an opportunity to learn how to properly and safely carry a concealed handgun and to understand the laws regarding the use of lethal force for personal protection.
The course will consist of classroom lecture / demonstration and live-fire exercises on the range.
Classroom instruction includes: Situation Awareness Threat Evaluation The Force Continuum Courtroom Savvy The Physio/Psychological Aspects of Lethal Encounters
Live-fire exercises on the range include: Threat evaluation Risk identification and reduction Lethal threat containment and management Precision shooting Discretionary shooting Low-light shooting (with and without a flashlight) Cover and movement Performing under stress
Tactical training is conducted in a realistic manner, stressing correct use of cover, movement, challenges, and other important individual tactics. In addition, students will practice close and extremely close encounters and weapon control.
This two-day course is usually offered on a weekend with a low light shooting session at the end of the first day.
Self-defense firearm basics should be an enjoyable topic for new and experienced shooters alike. In this course, we will begin by reviewing the “Universal Firearm Safety Rules” that are non-negotiable when it comes to safe firearm ownership, handling, and use. We will also cover a number of other safety considerations that are part of safe firearm ownership including topics associated with firearm maintenance, safety on the range and safety considerations when selecting a holster, proper clearance (unloading) procedures for both semi-automatics and revolvers, and we’ll touch on the home defense shotgun and AR-15 platforms. Lastly, we will look at some non-lethal self-defense options beginning with a discussion on situational awareness and covering non-lethal defensive tools such as pepper spray, tasers, and the MUNIO Self-Defense device.
It is important to understand the legal consequences of using your firearm. In this course we will review the legal definitions of “Reasonable Force” and “Deadly Force”, we will take a look at the “Use of Force Continuum” and the four pillars that justify the use of deadly force. Lastly, we will look at how defense in the home differs from defense outside the home and the best course(s) of action to take when defending your property.
This class is the foundation of armed self-defense training. Whether you want to reliably put rounds on target or you’re building your skills for rapid acquisition and engagement of multiple targets in a real-world scenario, you will find these skills and more in Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Level 1.
Purchasing a gun is part of the self-defense journey, but knowing how to use it safely and effectively is even more important. Education and training are critical methods to ensure students will be ready if they’re forced to use their firearms to defend themselves and their loved ones.
This class builds on the skills that were introduced in the Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Level 1 class.
Once you’ve developed competence and consistency with the basics of shooting, the next major challenge is to advance your accuracy and speed, two facets of shooting which will need to constantly be in balance. Many of the exercises in this class will work towards speed while others towards accuracy, and some will work towards a balance of both. This class is designed to increase your speed and accuracy, which will result in a higher level of enjoyment and satisfaction from your training sessions spent at the range. This class meets the training requirements for the USCCA Protector Academy Qualification.
You’ve decided that it’s time to take your training to the next level because you’re tired of continually making holes to the low left (or to the low right, if you’re a lefty
The intent of this course is to develop NRA Certified Instructors who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to conduct the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course.
This course includes three (3) full days of training covering the following courses: • NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting - Instructor Led Training (student level course, required pre-requisite) • NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) • NRA Pistol Instructor Training Course NRA Basics Of Pistol Shooting (BOPS) Instructor Candidates must attend and successfully complete all three (3) of these courses.
Hi! My name is Morgan and I am an Athletic Therapist and I have a deep passion for helping others achieve optimal health and live pain free.
What is an Athletic Therapist?? An athletic therapist is a professional who works alongside athletes or highly active individuals. I help athletes recover from and help prevent sports injuries through a variety of therapeutic and treatment methods. I have in-depth knowledge, education, and training in the human musculoskeletal system to provide exercise prescription, basic emergency care, manual therapies, and various modalities to work not only with athletes but with everyone from children to seniors.
I am also a professional who creates and delivers safe and effective exercise programs for healthy individuals and groups, or for those individuals with medical clearance to exercise. I assess my clients extensively to develop an effective exercise program and to support their attainment of their weight and/or fitness goals. I can also provide education on many other aspects of wellness, including general health and nutrition guidelines.
I have worked with Candy for over 7 years, and she has asked me to offer my specific skillsets to her A Girl & A Gun Chapter Members and their friends and family members. She has made this ardent request because she truly understands the critical relationship between a person’s attainment of physical health and strength and their ability to mentally and physically respond to a dynamic critical incident quickly, decisively, and effectively.
With this in mind, I would love to work with you to help you achieve your health and fitness goals!! I offer online personal training/coaching to those wishing to begin or improve their health and strength and I offer in-person therapy to active individuals in the form of injury rehabilitation or massage/manual therapy.
The purpose of this class is to improve shooting performance through minimal classroom and maximum range time. This class will focus on skill-building drills as it relates to developing the fundamentals of handgun management and marksmanship. Individual assessments will take place as well as homework assigned for continued improvement. This is a low round count course with each round fired as a sniper shot. This is a customized course built specifically for A Girl & A Gun Members, but it is so awesome that LouKa Tactical is making it available to all female shooters!!
Register for this class here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7u4rbbu/lp/66b3d6c4-01ee-4043-9931-c48330df9fac
Are you considering obtaining a concealed carry permit for personal defense?? Maybe you’re a permit holder looking for a refresher course or, like many other Americans, you want to learn more about firearms before buying one to protect yourself or your loved ones?? Perhaps you want to learn how to safely handle, store, and use a firearm “just in case”… Well, this is the class for you!! The Ultimate CCW Course is based on the USCCA’s Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals course, and it has a lot to offer new and experienced gun owners alike. This class will provide you with a deeper level of understanding when it comes to being your family’s first line of defense. This course will help you in four ways: Understand: If you choose to own or carry a firearm, you drastically increase your level of responsibility. This course will equip you with the knowledge and understanding that you need in order to carry confidently and safely. Plan: How would you react in a self-defense situation? Are you aware of your body’s natural physical and psychological responses? Planning for these realistic situations will give you the upper hand when the potential for a violent attack becomes real. Avoid: It is important to understand the legal consequences of using your firearm. You will learn how to properly de-escalate a situation, and what to do in the aftermath when the use of deadly force is the only option to keep you and your loved ones safe. Build a Home Protection Plan: For many, the home is mistakenly considered an impenetrable fortress where guards can be let down and an awareness of your surroundings is no longer necessary, but that is simply not the case. This class teaches you the importance of situational awareness through the color codes of awareness, how conflict avoidance benefits you at home, and how vital it is to be proactive versus the risks of living reactively.
This course includes: • Handgun basics and shooting fundamentals • Understanding how to avoid conflict and awareness of your surroundings • The psychology of violent encounters • The legal aspects of using deadly force (including knowing what to do in the aftermath) • Home security and home defense • A gear and gadget guide that can help students concealed carry more effectively. • The opportunity to engage in Virtual Reality Use Of Force Decision Making on our Smokeless Range • As a bonus to those who have yet to obtain their CCW/CHL, this 8-hour course satisfies the concealed carry training requirement for the state of Ohio.
A portion of your entry fee benefits Buckeye Firearms Association. Thank you for your support.
Building on the foundation of NPT’s Ultimate CCW Course, this class focuses on the practical, real-world application of concealed carry techniques and defensive strategies. Participants will also earn their Stop the Bleed (STB) Certification as part of the training.
This nationally recognized CPR/AED and First Aid certification course blends the core standards of HSI and the American Red Cross with selected medical emergency concepts from the USCCA Emergency First Aid Fundamentals course. It equips students with the critical knowledge and hands on skills needed to respond confidently to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies.
Whether at home, at work, or in public, training in CPR and basic life support can make the difference between life and death.
Participants will learn how to perform adult, child, and infant CPR, use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and provide immediate care for bleeding, burns, fractures, choking, and other common injuries and medical conditions until professional help arrives. This course also meets OSHA and workplace training requirements.
Upon successful completion, students will receive a 2-year CPR/AED and First Aid certification through either the American Red Cross or HSI, depending on the course offering, as well as a certificate of completion for the USCCA Emergency First Aid Fundamentals portion.
