Instructors | Proactive Training Academy

INSTRUCTORS

Matt Schlenker, Owner/Instructor

Mark Schlenker - Instructor - Proactive Training Academy

Matt graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University while working as a police officer in 2013. Matt has been a police officer and EMT for over a decade.

Throughout his career, Matt has worked patrol, Special Operations, and as a school resource officer (SRO). During his time as an SRO, he worked with several schools, changing their Active Shooter protocols and training school staff and administrators to prepare for the possibility of a violent encounter.

During Matt’s time within Special Operations, he worked a plainclothes detail targeting violent crime, narcotics, and other problem areas within his local jurisdiction. He also assumed a major role in his department’s training program. Matt has certifications as an instructor in Use of Force, Active Shooter Response, firearms, less lethal options, and he is a member of a Mobile Field Force Team. Matt has also been an assistant instructor in Active Shooter Response at a local college for law enforcement students. Matt has completed several certificate programs through the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), including their investigative and leadership programs.

Matt is still an active law enforcement officer in a Minneapolis metro area police department where he is a Field Training Officer (FTO) and primary instructor in new hire academies.

Certified USCCA Instructor

Bob Stevens, Instructor

Bob recently retired after 30 years in law enforcement, he spent the last 24 years in a Minneapolis metro area police department.

Bob worked patrol, investigations, school resource officer (SRO), along with other specialty units. He has held various training positions including Range Master, Mobile Field Force instructor/member, Special Response Team (SRT) instructor/member, Defensive Tactics/Use of Force trainer, and instructed on multiple less-lethal weapon platforms. He holds several weapon armorer and advanced armorer certifications. Bob has led and organized several, multi-agency/multiple jurisdiction Active Shooter Response trainings. Bob has attended dozens of specialized training courses over the course of his career. He has been teaching college students in law enforcement skills programs for over a decade and continues to do so in retirement.

Ben Johnson, Instructor

Ben has dedicated over 26 years of his professional life to serving as a Law Enforcement Officer with a prominent metropolitan agency. His commitment to excellence is exemplified by his role as a certified Use of Force and Firearm Instructor, a credential accredited by the Minnesota BCA since 1998, showcasing his dedication to upholding the highest standards in training.

A true expert in various firearm platforms, Ben's proficiency is evident in his certifications as a Glock Armorer, MP5, Remington 700, and 870, as well as the Mossberg 500. With an impressive 25 years of experience in training law enforcement officers, Ben has been instrumental in advocating for scenario-based training, contributing significantly to the continuous improvement of law enforcement practices.

Ben's expertise extends to the critical area of Active Shooter Response, where his extensive knowledge and training make him a valuable asset in ensuring the safety and preparedness of individuals and communities.

In addition to his role as an instructor, Ben has served as a Police Sergeant, where he held responsibilities overseeing school resource officers, the Investigation Division, and Patrol Operations. His leadership skills and unwavering dedication to the community are apparent in the various roles he has undertaken during his tenure.

Ben's commitment to excellence is further highlighted by his specialized training with the DEA in entry tactics and SWAT operations. As a shoot house instructor and counter vehicle ambush instructor, he imparts crucial skills to law enforcement personnel, contributing to their preparedness and effectiveness in the field.

Beyond his law enforcement focus, Ben is certified to conduct youth firearms safety training through the Minnesota DNR, emphasizing his dedication to fostering safety and education within the community.

Ben's career is marked by a continuous pursuit of learning and a steadfast dedication to improving law enforcement practices. His respected standing in the field is a testament to his significant contributions to the safety and training of his colleagues and the broader community.

Certified USCCA Instructor

Ryan Dougherty, Instructor

Ryan Dougherty - Proactive Training Academy

I have 22 years in EMS including 18 as a paramedic in a high-volume 911 system. I spent 3 years as a paramedic on the Anoka County SWAT Team. In 2021 I graduated from the Tactical EMS School at the Camp Ripley State Training Facility. In addition I have 7 years of training and education in prehospital emergency medicine, basic and advanced life support, and trauma care. I hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, an associate’s degree in paramedic technology, and an associate’s degree in law enforcement.

I specialize in tactical emergency medical education. I’ve instructed dozens of first responders in active threat trauma care and how to make a difference in those situations. In addition, I have experience with developing and maintaining a public-access defibrillator project for a large Minneapolis-area County Library system. That project involved teaching CPR to 50+ library staff. Giving people the skills to act in critical situations is something I am very passionate about.