In A Heartbeat was founded in 1997 by owner Gretchen Nahkala. We offer training to all rescuers, including, but not limited to: healthcare professionals, EMTs, industrial companies, daycare centers, schools, scouting groups and babysitters. Based in central Massachusetts and operating throughout New England, we specialize in programs that are informative, insightful, and entertaining. Although these classes cover very serious subjects, we strive to make learning enjoyable and fun.
Gretchen Nahkala, RDH, EMT-B
Gretchen has been in the health field as a dental hygienist for over 25 years. She became a certified CPR instructor so that she could train her
coworkers, but
her outgoing personality and knowledge soon put her classes in demand. As a result, she created In A Heartbeat to meet the CPR and First Aid needs of the medical field and other vocations that require safety training. In 2006, she returned to school to become a certified EMT, and currently serves as the Ambulance Director with an on-call fire department. She wears many hats, but her favorite role is that of loving wife and mother. Her husband Jeff continues to support all that she does while Jake and Jane keep her laughing.
Jeff Nahkala, FF, EMT-B
Jeff has been a part of In A Heartbeat since the very beginning. As a co-owner of a successful dental lab, he was very helpful when Gretchen decided to launch her business. A third generation firefighter, Jeff is the Fire Chief for the Town of Oakham MA. He is also an EMT and CPR instructor. Jeff relaxes by playing trumpet and spending time with his family.
Monica Hamilton, BA
Monica joined the In A Heartbeat team in 2015 as the Marketing Director, and social media manager. She became a Heartsaver instructor in 2016 and a BLS Healthcare Provider instructor in 2017. Monica has a degree in English with a Humanities concentration from Providence College in Rhode Island, and is also a freelance writer and editor. Monica also volunteers as a fundraiser and special event planner for animal rescues, including the Cat Rescue of Marlborough and Hudson (CaRMaH).
Patrick McCarthy, BS
Patrick has been with the In A Heartbeat team since 2003. A graduate of The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Patrick worked in the mental health field for many years. He is also a musician and an avid outdoorsman.
Jake Nahkala, FF, EMT-B
Jake graduated with a Fire Science degree from Southern Maine Community College. He has completed training at the Fire Academy in ME and become a nationally registered EMT. Jake is also a certified lifeguard, Captain on the Oakham Fire Department, and is a training officer there. He also works full-time as a Firefighter/EMT at Worcester Regional Airport. He enjoys spending time outdoors and helping others.
Barbara Ruchala, EMT
Barbara first became a CPR instructor in 1974 and has been teaching regularly since 1992. Before joining the In A Heartbeat team in 2015, Barbara most
ly taught for the Rutland Fire Department and Girl Scout volunteers. She has been an EMT for Rutland for 20 years, where she has lived for 46 years. Born and raised in California, Barbara has two granddaughters.
Greg Davis, RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
A pediatric nurse at Boston Medical Center in their ICU, Greg joined the staff of In A Heartbeat in 2016. A graduate of Worcester State University, Greg is the Head U12 Ski Racing Coach for the Wachusett Mountain race team. He also spends time paddle boarding, fly fishing, and participating in shooting sports.
In A Heartbeat: CPR and First Aid Training 