Meet Our Team: Get to Know Faces Behind Our Company
Welcome to our Meet Our Team page! Here, you'll get to know the faces behind our company. While this page doesn't include all of our employees, independent contractors, and instructors, you'll find photos and email information for our main staff members. Each team member has a short about them section, so take a moment to read and learn more about the amazing people who make our company great.
Dr. Edggar Frausto
Edggar Frausto, M.D., Medical Director efrausto@cordialems.com Dr. Edggar Frausto is a dedicated and compassionate physician specializing in Family Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, and Hospice & Palliative Medicine. After graduating from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina in 2006, Dr. Frausto completed his residency in Family Practice at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen from 2011 to 2014. He further specialized with a Geriatric Fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) from 2014 to 2015, followed by a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at UTHSCSA from 2015 to 2016. Today, he practices in San Antonio, Texas, at a freestanding emergency department, where he brings his expertise and compassion to each patient interaction. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Frausto is a devoted family man who spends his free time with his wife and two children. An avid soccer fan, he enjoys attending live matches and exploring the outdoors. Dr. Frausto's passion for medicine and his commitment to his family and community are the cornerstones of his practice, reflecting his dedication to improving the lives of those he serves.
William Whitney
William Whitney, Chief and Founding Partner wwhitney@cordialems.com William Whitney, was born and raised in Lexington, Massachusetts. From a young age, he was drawn to emergency services, beginning with basic first aid and CPR/AED training at age 12. This sparked a passion for emergency response and medicine that only grew stronger as he completed lifeguard training at 15 and pursued a major in health occupations at a vocational high school. There, he took a wilderness first responder course, which solidified his interest in EMS and firefighting. William holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Care with a concentration in Emergency Services Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Leadership with a concentration in Emergency Service Administration at the University of North Texas, Dallas. His extensive training includes certifications as a Fire Instructor 3, Officer 4, Fire Investigator, Fire Inspector, and many others. He is also a licensed paramedic and advanced coordinator in Texas and is certified in various specialized areas such as Critical Care Paramedic, Flight Paramedic, and Community Paramedic. As a leader, William has held roles from Field Training Officer to Assistant EMS Director and Training Coordinator. He embodies a mix of participative, learning, and managerial leadership philosophies, emphasizing growth for himself and others. He is guided by the belief that "the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy," as Martin Luther King Jr. stated. This belief is reflected in his dedication to his work and community, where he consistently asks himself, "what are you doing for others?" A dedicated family man with three children, William is driven by the understanding that "love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend" and that "faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the staircase." Whether he's leading his team or spending time with his family, William strives to "live together as brothers" in a way that combines altruism, integrity, and creativity. As a member of the National Association of EMTs, the National Association of EMS Physicians, and the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, William continually seeks opportunities for growth and service.
Peter Whitney
Peter Whitney, Chief Financial Officer and Founding Partner pwhitney@cordialems.com Peter Whitney, PhD, is an accomplished engineer, scientist, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in managing, financing, and administering small companies. With a strong technical background, Peter has developed a keen understanding of the business dynamics that drive innovation and success across various industries. His extensive experience has equipped him with the skills to effectively lead and manage organizations, ensuring their financial stability and growth. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Peter is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys exploring nature and has trained as a Wilderness First Responder. This training has not only enhanced his appreciation for the great outdoors but has also instilled in him a deep respect for the skills and dedication required by first responders. Peter is passionate about the mission of Cordial Fire/EMS Education, which aims to provide high-quality training to the broader first responder community, helping them keep the public safe and healthy. He believes that in today’s complex and ever-changing world, first responders carry a tremendous responsibility, and he is committed to supporting them in this vital role. Peter finds immense satisfaction in knowing that his work at Cordial Fire/EMS Education contributes to the safety and well-being of communities. He is proud to be part of a team that shares his commitment to excellence and innovation in training. As a founding partner, Peter plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of educational advancements and continues to meet the evolving needs of first responders.
Christopher Glass
Christopher Glass, Division Chief of Fire Training cglass@cordialems.com Christopher is a dedicated Firefighter Paramedic. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Chris was inspired by the local fire department's engagement with the community and the critical role of first responders during natural disasters like hurricanes. This environment fostered his passion for service and teamwork, leading him to volunteer at the Annaville Fire Department during high school. There, he discovered his love for firefighting and began his career journey, earning initial certifications that laid the foundation for his skills in emergency response. Chris pursued further education at Del Mar College, obtaining his paramedic certification and various Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certifications. His career has seen him excel in roles such as Fire Captain, where he led firefighting teams, and obtained instructor certifications for organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. Known for his dedication to community safety and education, Chris enjoys teaching and sharing his expertise, driven by a strong sense of duty and commitment to making a tangible difference in people’s lives. His professional philosophy emphasizes user-centricity, adaptability, continuous learning, empathy, and ethical responsibility, reflecting his deep commitment to serving his community.
Preston Mcgrew
Preston McGrew, Human Resources and Grievance Committee Chair pmcgrew@cordialems.com Preston McGrew is a strategic and innovative HR leader with a deep commitment to both business excellence and community service. With a strong background in human resources, Preston is skilled in a wide variety of employment-related laws and is an experienced people manager with expertise in employee relations, benefits, recruiting, investigations, payroll/timekeeping, and training. As the Human Resources and Grievance Committee Chair, Preston brings HR to the forefront, ensuring that both business needs and employee and student welfare are prioritized. In addition to his professional achievements, Preston is a paramedic in Texas and volunteers for a first responder organization, demonstrating his dedication to helping others both in HR and the broader community. He is currently in the process of becoming a foster parent, further highlighting his selflessness and commitment to others. Preston's leadership is further evidenced by his previous role as a CERT Director and as an American Red Cross Disaster Action Team Supervisor. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from Capella University and a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University, Preston has achieved several HR-related certifications, including Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional and Professional in Human Resources from HRCI. His favorite quote, "The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves," embodies his approach to leadership, which is a mixture of participative, learning, and managerial philosophies.
Emily Chase
Emily Chase, Clinical Coordinator echase@cordialems.com Emily Chase, a Texas native, has dedicated her life to emergency services, following in the footsteps of her father, who was a fire chief. Her passion for firefighting and emergency medical services began at a young age when she rode along with her father to calls, igniting a lifelong commitment to helping others. Emily's journey started as a volunteer firefighter, where she gained valuable experience and skills that would propel her into a successful career. As one of Cordial Fire/EMS Education's success stories, Emily completed her EMT and Advanced EMT programs with us at Cordial and went on to become a certified firefighter. Her dedication and passion for emergency services have led her to her current role as Clinical Coordinator, where she continues to make a significant impact. Emily is currently working on obtaining her EMS Instructor certification, further advancing her expertise and ability to teach and inspire others in the field. Outside of her professional life, Emily is a devoted mother to two children, with a third on the way. Her commitment to her family and community exemplifies her dedication to service and excellence in everything she does.
Michael "Jake" Kinnamon
Michael "Jake" Kinnamon, Instructor Jake is a dedicated Firefighter and EMT who began his career in 2011 and has since made a significant impact in the fire and EMS services by teaching a wide range of EMS and fire courses. Born and raised in Pettus, Texas, Jake holds several advanced certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Prevention, including Master Structure Firefighter, Instructor 1, Basic Wildland Firefighter, Driver Operator – Pumper and Aerial, and Fire Officer 2. He is also a certified field examiner, showcasing his commitment to training the next generation of first responders. Jake's passion for helping others extends beyond his professional life. As a family man, he cherishes spending time with his wife and two children. An avid sports fanatic, Jake enjoys the thrill of competition and the camaraderie it brings. He is deeply committed to his community and dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those he serves. His favorite quotes reflect his belief in hard work, perseverance, and character, capturing the essence of his approach to both life and his career. As Vince Lombardi once said, "The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success." Jake embodies this philosophy, consistently striving to achieve and inspire others along the way.
Michael Navalta Jr.
Michael Navalta Jr., Fire/EMS Instructor ​ Michael Navalta Jr. was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, and grew up with a childhood filled with frequent relocations, teaching him adaptability and resilience. Before beginning his military career, Michael worked as a stunt double, a unique experience that introduced him to high-adrenaline situations and prepared him for the challenges of emergency response. His career path took a significant turn when he joined the military, where he was introduced to the medical field and had the opportunity to cross-train with combat medics. This experience sparked his interest in emergency services and laid the foundation for his future career as a firefighter paramedic and instructor. After leaving the military, he was encouraged to explore fire and emergency medical services, which led him to enroll in the Del Mar College Fire Academy and Paramedic Program. His journey as a firefighter paramedic is driven by a passion for helping others and a commitment to excellence in his field. Michael believes in the importance of being a good clinician and patient advocate. His professional approach emphasizes continuous learning and the application of his skills to provide the best care possible. Known for his motto, "Embrace the Suck," he encourages others to face challenges head-on and learn from every experience. Outside of his professional life, Michael is a dedicated family man and father to a son, which inspires him to make a positive impact on the world. He is full of interesting stories and insights gained from his varied experiences. Despite not being involved in professional associations, his dedication to teaching and mentorship has made a lasting impression on those around him. Looking ahead, Michael aspires to continue honing his skills and making a positive impact in the field of emergency services.
Ruben Arce
Ruben Arce, Instructor ​ Coming Soon
Erika Sanders
Erika Sanders, Instructor Coming Soon