


Meet The Team
At Ready Rescue Training, our instructors are the heart of everything we do. Each team member is a certified American Red Cross and American Health and Safety Institute instructor with extensive experience in response training and aquatic safety. They’re more than instructors—they’re passionate professionals who bring energy, expertise, and genuine care to every class. Committed to hands-on, engaging, and confidence-building instruction, they ensure every student leaves prepared to respond when it matters most. Together, we live the Ready Rescue mission: empowering you to act with confidence.

Caleb Nelson
Founder and Instructor Trainer
Email: Caleb.Nelson@readyrescuetraining.com
Caleb Nelson, Founder and Lead Instructor Trainer of Ready Rescue Training LLC, is dedicated to equipping others with lifesaving skills. As a certified Instructor Trainer with both the American Red Cross and the American Health and Safety Institute (HSI), he teaches a wide range of courses, including Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, BLS, First Aid/CPR/AED, and Advanced First Aid. With over five years of experience in the aquatics field, Caleb is also a Certified Pool Operator and serves as both a Lifeguard Instructor and Instructor Trainer for the American Red Cross and HSI.

Peyton Manor
Managing Director and Instructor
Peyton Manor, is a highly passionate and motivated individual with a strong commitment to leadership, education, and service. She takes pride in empowering others to respond with confidence. As the Managing Director and First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, she is driven by the belief that knowledge saves lives. She leads with purpose, clarity, and empathy, creating an engaging learning environment where students feel prepared to act under pressure. She brings a strong background in first aid and emergency response, with hands-on experience managing a variety of real-life medical situations. Through her teaching, she emphasizes quick thinking, effective communication, and proper care techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Anika Ruff
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor
Anika Ruff, an instructor with Ready Rescue Training LLC, with over six years of experience in aquatics. She began her career as a lifeguard, where she developed a strong foundation in water safety and emergency response. Anika proudly serves the Eastern North Carolina region, where she found her home in Pirate Nation while pursuing undergraduate studies. She is passionate about helping others and is dedicated to supporting your facility in creating a healthy, happy, and safe environment for all.

Slobodan Tadic
Finance Coordinator
Slobodan Tadic serves as the Finance Coordinator for Ready Rescue Training LLC, where he focuses on the organization’s financial planning and operational efficiency. With a strong interest in budgeting, forecasting, and financial tracking, Slobodan works to ensure resources are allocated effectively to support high-quality lifesaving training programs. He assists with budget development, expense monitoring, financial reporting, and long-term planning to help the company grow sustainably.

Matthew Mercer
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor
Matthew Mercer is a lifelong aquatics professional with extensive experience in lifeguarding, water safety, and aquatic instruction. He began his career in aquatics at a young age and has spent many years serving in a variety of roles, including Head Lifeguard, where he developed strong leadership, training, and emergency response skills. He is passionate about teaching and takes pride in preparing new lifeguards to be confident, capable, and safety-focused in and around the water. Matthew is committed to creating a positive learning environment and helping each participant succeed in their certification journey.

Armetrice Brannon
Basic Life Support Instructor
With over 10 years of experience in education and 5 years as a certified BLS First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, I am passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond in emergency situations. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse populations, creating engaging, supportive learning environments where participants feel comfortable asking questions and developing hands-on skills. My passion for emergency preparedness is deeply rooted in my own life experiences, which have reinforced the importance of being ready when every second counts. My goal is to make every training session interactive, approachable, and empowering, ensuring that each participant leaves not only certified, but truly prepared to respond with confidence when it matters most.
Who's chosen Ready Rescue Training as their provider?
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Babies and Beyond, Charlotte NC
"Caleb did an amazing job. Very punctual, professional and informative. Will definitely call him again for future events to renew certification and with new hires !!!!!"
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Kappa Delta Sorority
'A huge thank you to Caleb Nelson and Ready Rescue Training for the excellent instruction and hands-on learning experience. Grateful for the opportunity to build confidence and preparedness to help others when it matters most."
"Grateful to have the knowledge and confidence to step in during an emergency and help create a safer community. Thank you to Caleb Nelson and Ready Rescue Training LLC!"
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YWCA Greensboro
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Public First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Course
"I took the First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor curse through Ready Rescue on 3/7/26. Really great overall experience. Caleb clearly knew the material and presented it in a professional but approachable way. The class was engaging and well run from start to finish. I’d definitely recommend this provider. "10/10 would recommend. Amazing instructor and great material taught."
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Active Tracks Camp, Holly Springs, NC
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Bethelwoods Camp & Conference Center, SC
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Restaurant Constance, Charlotte, NC
"Caleb and his team are knowledgeable, professional, and great teachers. They come prepared with all of the necessary items/equipment to make hands-on learning easy. Our team got a lot out of the course and it instilled confidence to act quickly in a crisis."
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YMCA of Greater Charlotte North Region, Charlotte, NC - Lifeguard Training
"Amazing Course teaches very well"
"Great company, very knowledgeable, and would highly recommend to anyone wanting to be certified Lifeguard, CPR, etc."
"Both Caleb and Matt were amazing at their jobs!"
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Waverly Swim Club, Albemarle, NC- Lifeguard Training and CPRO
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Wendell Swim Club, Wendell, NC- Lifeguard Training
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City of Gastonia Parks and Recreation Aquatics Department, NC- Lifeguard Training

