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Our Leadership & Experts

Meet the team at CVPSD. Led by William DeMuth (30+ years combatives experience) and Melissa Dill (US Navy Veteran & 2025 NJ Governor's Award Honoree).

1. Safety Based on Science & Experience

  • Real-World Experience, Not Just Theory.

  • At CVPSD, we do not teach generic martial arts. We teach evidence-based violence prevention derived from over 30 years of field research, military service, and survivors' lived experiences. Our leadership team combines tactical expertise with academic rigor."

2. William DeMuth – Director of Training

 William DeMuth, Director of Training

 30+ Years of Conflict Management & Combatives Research

 

Bio Summary:

Will DeMuth is not just an instructor; he is a researcher of violence dynamics. With a background as a Co-Founder of an Inc. 500 technology company and extensive study in conflict management, Will bridges the gap between corporate risk management and physical self-defense. He is the architect of the ConflictIQ™ program.

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Training Lineage:  "Will's methodology is built on direct training under the world's leading authorities in violence dynamics, including:"

  • Lt. Col. Dave Grossman: On Combat Certification (Psychology of lethal force).

  • Craig Douglas (ShivWorks): Close-quarters combat (0-5 feet) and weapons integration.

  • Rory Miller: Violence dynamics and conflict resolution (Author of Meditations on Violence).

  • Kelly McCann (Kembativz): High-risk environment protective training.

 

Core Competencies:

  • Defendu & Close Quarter Concepts (CQC)

  • Verbal De-escalation & Crisis Intervention

  • Situational Awareness for Corporate & Healthcare Environments

3. Melissa Dill – Executive Director

Melissa Dill, Executive Director 

US Navy Veteran | Survivor | 2025 NJ Governor's Award Honoree

 

Bio Summary:

Melissa Dill brings a unique dual perspective to violence prevention: she is both a survivor of violent assault and a highly credentialed leader in male-dominated industries. A veteran of the United States Navy (2000-2006) with degrees in Nuclear Engineering Technology and Business & Science, Melissa ensures CVPSD's training is not just effective, but empowering and accessible.

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Key Achievements & Recognition:

  • 2025 Honoree: NJ State Governor’s Volunteerism Award (Founders/Innovators Category).

  • Academic: BAS, Nuclear Engineering Technology (Thomas Edison State Univ); Master of Business & Science (Rutgers University).

  • Certification: Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor.

  • Advocacy: Dedicated "Violence Interrupter" and advocate for trauma-informed training.

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4. Organizational Credibility

Vetted & Trusted 

  • Non-Profit Status: Registered 501(c)(3) Organization.

  • Government Vetting: United Nations Global Marketplace Authorized Supplier.

    • 2025-2026 GSA Contract Awardee

  • Compliance: SafeSport™ Training Certified (Abuse prevention compliance).

  • Memberships: GuideStar, Council of Nonprofits.

  • 98% Review Rating By Over 400+ Professionals

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