Built by Clinicians Who Get It

Adam Klaff

Educator & Curriculum Developer

Adam has been practicing as a Physician Assistant since 2004. He started in emergency medicine and moved into pulmonary/critical care medicine. He continues to serve in pulmonary/critical care medicine. Prior to his Physician Assistant training, Adam served as a paramedic in various places throughout the US. He draws upon his time in the back of the ambulance even today when resuscitating patients in the hospital. His passion continues to be airway management. In his spare time, Adam serves as Assistant Medical Director for multiple local fire departments/EMS agencies. He deploys with tactical teams providing TEMS support, as well. When not in the hospital, in the back of an ambulance, or in the back of the stack Adam enjoys rowing as well as writing poetry.

PA-C, Pulmonary/Critical Care, Assistant Medical Director

Nate Taylor

Medical Education Content Developer

From the battlefield to the classroom, Major (Retired) Nathaniel J. Taylor, or Nate, is a medical expert with a passion for teaching and service. Nate has provided emergency medical care and trauma stabilization in diverse settings such as Afghanistan, Thailand, and the remote northern shores of Alaska. As an adjunct faculty member at Northern Arizona University's Physician Assistant Program, Nate has trained over 120 Physician Assistants in clinical and emergency medicine. He has also served as an instructor for point of injury trauma management for Honor Health's Military Partnership program, teaching over 1,000 students across numerous classes. In his role as an Emergency Medicine PA, Nate has been responsible for the initial work and stabilization at various medical centers, including a Level II Trauma Center, Stroke Center, Heart Center, and Behavioral Health Hospital. Nate's dedication to the field has led him to train over 200 Emergency Medical Technicians and serve as Primary Care Manager for over 900 soldiers for four years.

PA-C, Major (Ret.), Adjunct Faculty NAU PA Program

David Axene

Executive Director & Health Consultant

David is recognized as a strategist and industry thought leader. He is a frequent speaker and writer on healthcare issues. He previously served as Chair of the Society of Actuaries Health Section Council and the Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section. He is a certified ARIAS-US arbitrator. David is the founder of the well respected actuarial firm Axene Health Partners. His professional designations include: Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst, Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries, and Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. In addition to his actuarial credentials, David earned a Master of Science in applied mathematics from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor of Science in physics and engineering from Seattle Pacific University.

FSA, CERA, FCA, MAAA, MS Applied Mathematics

Jason Touhy

Chief Operating Officer

Jason is a results-oriented and versatile strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in business operations across multiple sectors. He excels in product development, engineering, and manufacturing, inspiring innovation, and leading high-performing teams to achieve impactful solutions. Known for his critical thinking, program management, and team-building skills, Jason combines a strategic vision with strong business acumen and exceptional communication abilities. Through his dedication to excellence and forward-thinking approach, Jason is committed to revolutionizing EMS Continuing Education through fresh, engaging content that emphasizes real-world applications and delivers proven results. Together with the Axene CE team, Jason is excited to create extraordinary opportunities that resonate with the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.

20+ Years Business Operations & Product Development

Phil Coons

Vice President of Sales

Phil is a seasoned sales executive with 20+ years of experience driving growth and building strategic partnerships in the public safety sector. Renowned for his ability to align innovative technology and education solutions with the evolving needs of fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies, Phil has consistently delivered impactful results through his relationship-driven approach and industry expertise. He began his career with TargetSolutions/Vector Solutions, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the adoption of learning management and compliance platforms across public entities nationwide. He later joined Fire Engineering Training, where he led the launch of its online training platform. Now serving as Vice President of Sales at Axene Continuing Education, Phil leads national sales strategy and revenue growth, focusing on delivering high-impact, CAPCE-accredited continuing education to EMS agencies. His work helps departments improve clinical competency, engagement, and compliance through modern, evidence-based training. Driven by a passion for supporting first responders, Phil leverages deep industry expertise to ensure professionals are prepared to perform at their best when it matters most.

Deborah Axene

Director of Compliance & Support

Deborah is a retired dentist with a keen eye for detail, which is reflected in her role as Director of Compliance & Support at Axene CE. She ensures every course meets rigorous regulatory and accreditation standards while also delivering a seamless, user-friendly experience for departments and providers. Deborah oversees accreditation, compliance processes, and customer support operations, helping agencies stay on track with requirements without adding unnecessary administrative burden. Known for her thoroughness and reliability, Deborah plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and accessibility of Axene CE’s educational offerings. Working at the intersection of education, operations, and customer experience, she plays a key role in keeping Axene CE’s content both compliant and easy to access. Her focus on responsiveness and problem-solving helps first responders get the training they need, when they need it. Deborah earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) with honors from the University of Manitoba and completed her residency at the University of Southern California. She continues to apply her clinical precision and commitment to excellence to support high-quality, compliant online continuing education for EMS providers.

DMD (Honors), University of Manitoba, Residency USC

Devin LaFreniere

Media Director

Devin has over 25 years of video production experience and truly enjoys his craft. Devin received his Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications and started his career in Rhode Island. His career has taken him all over the country, producing video content for museums, the Big 3 auto industry and major network television stations. Devin has lived and worked in Detroit (home of Motown) and southern California (home of Hollywood). He has had the rare opportunity to be immersed in all aspects of video production. As Devin leads our media department, he brings a unique set of skillsets helping to deliver critical lifesaving teaching to our audience in a way that is visually stimulating, fun and entertaining. Devin currently lives in the North Dallas area with his wife and two kids.

B.S. Telecommunications, 25+ Years Video Production

AJ Matthew

Business Development Representative

AJ is an accomplished firefighter and paramedic who brings firsthand field experience to the world of EMS education. At Axene CE, he focuses on business development and building relationships with fire and EMS agencies nationwide, helping departments access engaging, scenario-based continuing education that supports real-world clinical decision making. He is passionate about delivering training that strengthens clinical decision skills, improves patient care, and keeps providers engaged through education that truly connects with the realities of the job. Married for 17 years with two children, he enjoys family time and riding motorcycles outside of work.

Paramedic

Doug VomSteeg

Business Development Representative

Doug has spent over 25 years in the education sector and is a seasoned entrepreneur with experience in building programs and businesses from the ground up. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, growth, and delivering impactful learning experiences. He is passionate about advancing high-quality education and partners with fire and EMS agencies to implement effective, relevant EMS CE. Known for his energy, curiosity, and approachable style, Doug builds genuine rapport with those he serves. He believes strong relationships are the foundation of effective training and meaningful outcomes, and he takes pride in helping departments implement the right CE solutions for their teams.

Danny Springer

Business Development Representative

Danny embodies the small-town values of teamwork, dedication, coachability, honesty, and pride. And it shows in his role of Regional Sales Director with ACE. As a natural athlete growing up, Danny pursued a career in sports and was drafted to the Kansas City Royals. But his passion for helping others ultimately led him to the fire service. He enjoyed serving in different parts of the country before finally deciding to join Prosper Fire Rescue, in what he considers easily one of the best decisions of his life. In addition to earning a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Danny earned an associate degree in both Fire Science and Paramedicine.

B.S. Business (ULM), Fire Science, Paramedicine