Instructors

Our Skilled Instructors

Justin Raney

EMT-P, Education Director

My name is Justin Raney. I was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. After graduating from Nampa High School, I attended Boise State University. During college I knew that I wanted to help people and make a difference. The idea of a career based upon budgets, meetings, and deadlines did not resonate with me, so I sought an unconventional path and became a volunteer firefighter in Star, Idaho.

Four years at the Star Fire Department helped me discover purpose in my life. I loved helping others, and couldn’t see myself doing anything different. In 2003, I obtained my EMT-B certification in Bend, Oregon and continued my education at Idaho State University, graduating with an AAS in Paramedic Science in 2005.

After school I got hired with Ada County Paramedics in 2007 and have been serving multiple roles at the department since. I serve as a field training officer, tactical paramedic for the SWAT teams in Ada County and spent 3 years on the Special Operation team doing high angle rescues and backcountry rescues. I am also part of the Hazard Material Medical Team. I am passionate about education and have taught lectures on Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Basic Life Support. I’ve been teaching EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic classes for the past 8 years. I live in the Treasure Valley and enjoy what nature has to offer here. Some of my passions include fly fishing, camping, walking my golden retriever, skiing and playing the guitar. I love what I do and I’m looking forward to sharing my passion with you.

Zach Brown

EMT-P NRP, General Manager

My name is Zach Brown. I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. After high school I joined the USMC infantry and moved to California where I was trained as a combat lifesaver before applying my training during two combat tours in Iraq. Upon returning to the United States I got my EMT-B certification in Virginia and worked as an EMT for a 911 EMS service. After that I returned to Boise to raise a family. I got my EMTP in 2011 and continue to enjoy serving as a 911 provider in Ada County. For the last five years I have worked as an EMS instructor. I’m very proud that many of my previous students now work in the EMS community. My interests include kayaking, hunting, snowboarding. I love working and living in the valley and raising my four beautiful kids. I hold certifications in advanced cardiac life support, pre-hospital advanced trauma life support, pediatric advanced life support, neonate resuscitation program, and CPR.

Chris Herman

EMT-P, Director of EMS Education

Hi! My name is Chris Herman and I am the Director of EMS Education here at IMA. I started my EMS career as a basic EMT in 2011. I graduated paramedic school in the summer of 2015. That fall I got hired at Ada County Paramedics where I still work as a field paramedic. I started my teaching career in 2017 as a skills instructor, shortly after taking over lead instructor duties. Earlier this year I stepped into my current role. I truly love teaching, and being a mentor to the students I teach. Outside of work most of my time is spent with my wife and two kids. I also love to mountain bike and ride motorcycles.

Kate McFarland

AHA Director, Lead BLS Instructor

Hi, I’m Kate and I am excited to be a part of the IMA team. I graduated with a BS degree in Community Health Education in 2002 and have spent most of my professional life as an educator. I recently joined IMA and I am enjoying focusing on adult BLS certification and community education. I love being in the outdoors; especially mountain biking, paddle boarding and running in the foothills. I have three amazing kids and love spending time with my family.

Cody Wohner

EMT, Lead Instructor

Hello everyone, my name is Cody and I am a lead skills instructor at IMA. I have worked for Ada County Paramedics for the last three years, one of those years being a volunteer. Prior to that, I was a volunteer fireman in Willamina, Oregon. I’m originally from Boise, love the treasure Valley, and definitely love teaching! Outside of work my hobbies include hiking, camping, golfing, or really anything active! I love dogs and anything that can make me laugh. I love helping others achieve their dreams!

Mike Zinn

Paramedic, Lead Instructor

Hi my name is Mike. I am one of the lead instructors at IMA for the Basic EMT courses. I am a Paramedic and Field Training Officer for Ada County Paramedics. I have been a Paramedic since 2017 and was an EMT prior to that. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and worked for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for a few years prior to making a career switch. I grew up in the Boise area and enjoy all that Idaho has to offer, including hiking and mountain biking! My favorite thing about teaching for IMA is watching the progress of students from the first day of class until I get to work alongside them in the field!

Jeremy Thorndyke

EMT Lead Instructor, AHA BLS Instructor

Hey everyone! my name is Jeremy Thorndyke. I come to IMA with an extensive background in EMS. recently I retired from the United States Coast Guard after 22 years of service! I was a Police Officer here for almost 8 years. I did some Fire a fighting both a ship board and structure for a few years! I Started my Idaho EMS career by attending the original EMA (before IMA)! After graduating, I left Law Enforcement and did some Non-Emergent EMS Transport for a bit. I worked as an MA at Primary Health in the Urgent Care side, Family Practice the Pediatrics. I did some time in the ED at St. Als main as an ED tech. Went RN school for a few years then decided Nursing wasn’t my thing. My passion was teaching and EMS, so I came to IMA initially as a Skills Instructor then transitioned into a Lead Instructor role! Currently I am a Lead OMR (on-site medical rep) trainer at Amazon and Instruct here at IMA full time. I also do AHA and Red Cross Instructing as well! Lots of fun things!