Instructor Profiles
Ken Piercey BScN, MEd, EMRIT, WFRI 
Education: Algonquin College Registered Practical Nurse 2005-2007, McMaster University Bachelor of Science and Nursing 2007-2010, Brock University Master of Education 2013-2015
Professional Background: Ken has been working as a registered Nurse since 2010 in a variety of roles including Emergency room, Outpost, Flight Medevac, Outpatient clinic, Event Medicine, Camp Nurse, Tele-health, and Education.
Passions: Ken is an avid outdoor enthusiast with his wife and son enjoying hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing throughout Canada. Ken can also be found working in his wood shop or working on renovation projects at home or with friends and family.
Laura Palmer BA, BA, AEMCA, ACP
Education: Laurentian University Honours Bachelor of Arts Specialization in Gerontology 2013-2015, Laurentian University Honours Bachelor of Arts Specialization in Psychology 2015-2017, Cambrian College Primary Care Paramedic 2018-2020, Niagara College Advanced Care Paramedic 2021-2022
Professional Background: Laura has been working as a paramedic in Hamilton since 2020. Prior to this, Laura was a campus first responder on both LUCERT and TUEFRT.
Passions: In her spare time, Laura loves being outdoors from cycling rail trails to hiking and exploring new trails and waterfalls in the Hamilton area.
Tia Gayowsky, H.BASc
Education: Arts & Sciences & Anthropology, minor in Psychology from McMaster University (2019)
Professional Background: Tia has been an instructor with the Red Cross since 2017 and has been teaching professional response courses since 2019. She got involved in first response by joining the McMaster campus response team (EFRT) in 2016, and was a volunteer responder with EFRT for 5 years. Tia has been working as a project coordinator for the Hamilton Family Health Team since January 2021 improving the environmental sustainability of primary care.
Passions: Tia spends her free time rock climbing, hiking, reading, and cooking. She is currently learning German and how to stand up on cross-country skis.
Victoria Fedyk, BPHE, AEMCA
Education: Cambrian College Primary Care Paramedic Program 2019-2021, Laurentian University BPHE in Outdoor Adventure Leadership 2015-2019
Professional Experience: Victoria has been working as a Primary Care Paramedic in Sudbury since May 2021. Before becoming a Paramedic, Victoria spent her summers working as the Tripping Director at Camp Kawartha. She was also a volunteer first responder with the Laurentian Campus Emergency Response Team from 2017-2019.
Passions: Victoria is an avid outdoorswoman and enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, canoeing and backcountry camping. When she's not enjoying the outdoors she can be found reading horror novels and relaxing with her cat, Sebastian.
Aleksandar Andrijevic, BSc. Kin., AEMCA, ACP
Education: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – McMaster University, 2010 - 2014, Primary Care Paramedic Certificate – Conestoga College, 2014 - 2016, Advanced Care Paramedic Certificate – Niagara College, 2018 - 2019.
Professional Background: Aleks has been working as a paramedic since 2016 in Toronto, Hamilton, Brantford, and Halton Region. Aleks completed a degree in Kinesiology at McMaster University where he joined the McMaster University Emergency First Response Team (EFRT). He was also a volunteer field therapist with the Men’s Rugby team at McMaster. He continued to volunteer with EFRT while completing the Primary Care Paramedic program at Conestoga College. Aleks completed his Advanced Care Paramedic program at Niagara College in 2019 and began teaching for Hard and Fast CPR. Since then, he has been working as an Advanced Care Paramedic in Hamilton and will be starting a position with Ornge as a Critical Care Paramedic recruit.
Passions: Aleks loves being active and playing sports. He plays soccer and volleyball in local leagues. Aleks cycles regularly and has done the Paramedic Ride from Hamilton to Ottawa. He also enjoys the outdoors, portage trips, camping, kayaking, and rock climbing.