The Educators of Granite State EMS perform their duties as an advocate for student success through the guiding principles of being: Creative, Experienced, Inspirational, Patient, and Reliable.
Our educators are our greatest asset. Information about our educators who serve in leadership positions at Granite State EMS are highlighted below.
Eric W. Perry | President & Director of Education
Eric started his public safety career as a volunteer Firefighter in 1995. He is a twenty-five year veteran of public safety in New Hampshire. Eric has served in various career and volunteer public safety positions throughout New Hampshire, nearly all having education and training related responsibilities. Known for educational creativity and willingness to try something new in the classroom, Eric is passionate about education and enhancing the educational experiences of students.
Eric is a licensed Paramedic, licensed EMS Instructor/Coordinator, certified American Heart Association Instructor and a certified Firefighter II and Fire & Emergency Services Instructor. Eric holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Training from Granite State College and a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.
Eric is a founding partner of Granite State EMS, LLC, an EMS education and consulting firm, where he has served as the company’s Director of Education since the firm’s creation in 2010. Eric has also serves as the company’s President since 2016. In addition to his roles at Granite State EMS, Eric is a career and technical education center director and principal, having previously taught health science technology in the same school.
When not working or teaching Eric enjoys traveling, photography, collecting pens, volunteering for his local fire department, and spending time with his wife Darah and son Carter. Eric can be reached at the Granite State EMS office at (603) 715-1711 or by email.
Darah H. Costello | Registrar & Director of Administration
Darah’s first priority in life is to be a mom to her son Carter. When not chasing her son around or driving him to his many activities, Darah enjoys working with EMS students to refine and improve their technical skills. She also has expertise in public safety communications. Darah holds a degree in Behavioral Science and certifications in Early Childhood Education.
Darah has been involved in EMS since 2002 starting as a First Responder and moving up to the EMT level shortly thereafter. After over two decades working in emergency communications as a full time occupation, Darah now works in the private sector as an office manager.
Darah serves as Granite State EMS’s Registrar & Director of Administration managing the day-to-day student registration and administrative functions of the company. Darah is Granite State EMS’s primary contact for any employer-paid tuition. Darah can be reached at the Granite State EMS office at (603) 715-1711 or by email.
Michele A. Smith | Educator & Clinical Program Coordinator
Michele joined the Granite State EMS team in December of 2020. Since that time she has served as an Educator and EMR Program Coordinator. In the fall of 2022 Michele was promoted to Clinical Program Coordinator managing the clinical component of all of Granite State EMS’s programs.
Michele has 3o years of experience in EMS, mostly as a member of a non-transporting EMS agency. She is well known by Granite State EMS students to be a tough mon-like figure. Michele is constantly on the lookout for tools and techniques to expand her capabilities as an educator. Michele was recognized as the 2021 Granite State EMS Educator of the Year.
Michele is Granite State EMS’s primary contact for all clinical related questions or inquiries. Michele can be reached at the Granite State EMS office at (603) 715-1711 or by email.
Kyle M. Levesque | Senior EMS Educator & AEMT Program Coordinator
Kyle’s Fire & EMS career started in Danbury, NH when he joined the Danbury Fire Department as an Explorer in 2006. Since becoming involved in Fire & EMS Kyle has become a licensed EMT-Intermediate and trained to the Firefighter II level. In 2011 Kyle achieved certification as a Fire & EMS Instructor, level III. He is a licensed EMS Instructor / Coordinator. Kyle graduated from Lakes Region Community College in 2010 with two Associate of Science degrees, one in fire science and one in fire investigation.
Kyle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service Management from Granite State College. Kyle joined the Granite State EMS team in 2012 and is popular with students because of his easy-going nature and never-ending use of Kahoot at the end of each class. Kyle works full-time as a Lieutenant & Paramedic for the Hudson Fire Department. Kyle was recognized as the 2014 & 2017 Granite State EMS Educator of the Year.
Kyle serves as the Program Coordinator for the Advanced EMT Program. He manages the day to day operations of the AEMT program and is the primary contact for enrolled AEMT students. Kyle can be reached at the Granite State EMS office at (603) 715-1711 or by email.
Brian S. Clarenbach | EMS Educator & Program Coordinator
Brian is well known for his easy going demeanor and strong support of students. Don’t let his calm demeanor fool you, he’s a tough educator who holds students highly accountable while advocating for their success. Throughout his time at Granite State EMS Brian has served as an Assistant Instructor, Lead Instructor, and now also serves as the Assistant Program Coordinator for the EMT Program. He is also an American Heart Association CPR Instructor. Brian is a career firefighter and Advanced EMT serving as a Lieutenant for the Hudson Fire Department. He brings significant field experience to the classroom.
Brian was recognized as the 2020 and 2022 Granite State EMS Educator of the Year.
Andrew T. Howe | Senior EMS Educator
Andrew is a unique member of the team. He is known for his incredible mustache, hugs, and infectious enthusiasm. Starting his Fire & EMS career in Northern NH, Andrew has a deep-rooted sense of community and demonstrates that in his creation of a learning community in the classroom. Andrew served as a career Firefighter/Paramedic prior to his current full time position as a full time skiing coach and educator Waterville Valley, NH. Andrew regularly travels the world to any place he can find snow to ski on.
Andrew was recognized as the 2015 Granite State EMS Educator of the Year.
Michael J. Kennard | Senior EMS Educator
Mike has been active in EMS for over 30 years, starting as a First Responder then progressing through the certification ranks, achieving the Paramedic level. Mike has worked in many different environments, as a first responder, fire service, and private service, and spending 20 years in the hospital-based setting as a 911 paramedic.
Along Mike’s travels he has earned his Associate’s degree in Emergency Paramedicine. He has his BLS, ACLS and PALS instructor certifications. Mike previously worked for the NH Bureau of EMS as a Program Coordinator where he put together continuing education programs for the pre-hospital provider.
In his free time he enjoys being outdoors working on the family farm, camping, running, biking and attempting to hike the Appalachian Trail in sections. For several years Mike has been a participant in the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. This is a group of bicycle riders that ride along the eastern seaboard and from Kentucky, to finish in Washington, DC. This ride is to remember the fallen EMS providers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Mike is a retired Assistant Fire Chief from the town of Nottingham, NH and retired Paramedic from Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Mike has been married for 36 years with two daughters and six grandchildren. Mike was recognized as the 2019 Granite State EMS Educator of the Year and in 2023 was recognized by the NH Bureau of EMS with the EMS Achievement Award.