About Us
For the purpose of saving the lives of children we will put Individual First Aid Kits in every classroom in as many schools in America as possible.
Who We Are
We believe teachers are heroes — not only shaping futures but also standing on the front lines when danger enters a school. Teachers to the Rescue empowers them with training and first aid kits so they never face a crisis empty-handed. This is the foundation of our mission, goal, and values.
Our Mission, Goal and Values
Our Mission
Teachers to the Rescue is dedicated to stopping school-shooting-related gunshot deaths by equipping every teacher and every classroom in America with an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) and the training to use it. These lifesaving kits contain the same military-grade supplies used on the battlefield — empowering teachers to act when every second counts.
Our Goal
When schools go into lockdown during an active shooter event, teachers are often the first responders. Our goal is to ensure every teacher has the tools, training, and confidence to sustain life until first responders arrive - bringing children safely back home to their families.
Our Values
Leadership - Willing to take charge of the safety of our schoolchildren.
Courage - Accepting the responsibility of training teachers to save our schoolchildren.
Social Responsibility - Keeping all students safe and worry-free.
“Why doesn’t every school classroom have one of these Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK) in them? Even saving one life is worth it.”
— Matthew Quakenbush, Founder
How It All Began
From Matthew Quackenbush, Founder:
It was shortly after the Parkland, Florida school shooting that I became a Casualty Care instructor for the United States Air Force, training military members on how to treat gunshot wounds and other trauma experienced on the battlefield.
​
After becoming certified I came home and asked my wife a hypothetical question, “Why doesn’t every school classroom have one of these Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK) in them? Even saving one life is worth it.” She replied, “You should start a non-profit and make that happen.” Fast forward, I decided if I don’t do this then who will? Therefore, Teachers to the Rescue was born.
​
We are equipping and training America’s teachers to save our children after nearly everything else has failed. It is the teachers who are the heroes that will save our children.
The Team
Meet the passionate and dedicated individuals who are driving the mission of Teachers to the Rescue. Each member of our team brings unique skills and expertise to the table, united by a common goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of educators and students across the nation.
Matthew Quackenbush
Founder
San Diego State University graduate with a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration and a Masters in Public Administration.
Served as a Mission Commander on the RC-135 Rivet Joint, conducting Airborne Signals Intelligence Collection missions worldwide for the NSA, NRO, CIA, and ONI.
​
Currently a Master Air Attack Planner for the Illinois Air National Guard.
Samantha Quackenbush
Founder
B.S. Business Administration from University of Oklahoma.
Service dog trainer, Gooddog Autism Companions 501c3.
​
Homeschool mom of 5 boys
Austen Hesseling
Board of Director
T-Mobile, Director of Corporate Sales, Southern California Division.
Raymond Real
Board of Director
US Air Force - Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician
Bomb Squad Commander, SWAT Officer, Texas Rangers
Warren Basile
Board of Director
B.S. Psychology Vanguard University, Masters of Clinical Psychology Vanguard University, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, San Diego County Sheriff Psychological Evaluation Response Team Officer.
Laura Mack
Board of Director
Masters in Science of Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader, Heart Failure Management Certified