Our Leadership & Experts

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

Safety Based on Science & Experience

• Real-World Experience, Not Just Theory.

• CVPSD educates at risk communities evidence-based violence prevention derived from over 30 years of field research, and survivors' lived experiences. Our leadership team combines tactical expertise with academic rigor.

 

William DeMuth – Director of Training

 William DeMuth, Director of Training

 30+ Years of Psychology of Violence, Conflict Management & Combatives Research

​

William DeMuth is a recognized authority in violence dynamics and personal safety, with more than three decades of applied research and evidence-based instruction.

​

Will’s multidisciplinary expertise is grounded in over 30 years of research into the social dynamics of violence. By bridging the gap between cognitive psychology specifically threat detection and behavioral science and physical combatives, he offers a holistic methodology for safety. His training reaches a diverse professional population — civilians, law enforcement agencies, healthcare institutions, and corporate organizations — with a curriculum encompassing behavioral analysis, situational awareness, de-escalation methodology, and applied physical skills.

​

He is the Co-architect of the ConflictIQ™ program — a comprehensive, layered curriculum grounded in behavioral science and designed for real-world conflict resolution.  Will champions the philosophy that prevention is the highest form of self-defense. His training seamlessly integrates advanced avoidance strategies with practical, evidence-based physical techniques, ensuring students possess the mental and physical agility required for total preparedness. His academic foundation includes studies in Strategic Management at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  ​DeMuth holds advanced certifications across multiple disciplines and has studied under some of the field's most distinguished practitioners, including:

​

• Yousef Badou - Situational / Behavioral Analysis specialist for threat detection, USA

• Rory Miller - Former corrections officer with expertise in violence dynamics, self-defense, and conflict resolution. USA

• Dene Josham - Close protection specialist UK

• Lt. Col. Grossman - On Combat Certification USA

• Ed Calderon - Security specialist with operational experience along the US-Mexico border. Tijuana, Mexico.

• Geoff Thompson - Private security specialist UK

• Kelly McCann - Kembativz - High risk environment, protective training. USA

• IDAN ABOLNIK of Kalah a reality-based self-defense system, South Africa

• Craig Douglas - ShivWorks Close quarters (0-5 feet), integrated training with firearms, edged weapons, and empty-hand techniques. USA

• Bob Kasper - GHCA Close combat training organization USA

• Carl Cestari - Tekken Ryu Jujutsu USA

• Nigel Feberuary -  Specialist in South African violence, knife culture and endemic anti-crime tactics. Cape Town, South Africa.

• David Kahn- Israeli Krav Maga-IKMA

• IDAN ABOLNIK of Kalah a reality-based self-defense system, South Africa

• Lee Morrison- Urban Combatives UK

 

​
Melissa Dill – Executive Director

Melissa Dill, Executive Director 

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

​

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.

​

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.

​

Organizational Credibility

Vetted & Trusted 

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

• International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association (ILEETA) Member.

• International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Member

• ASIS International Member: Professional organization for security management. and  security intelligence

• 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.

• Rated 98% by 400+ Industry Professionals - Trusted by frontline workers across high-stakes fields:

  • Healthcare & Human Services: Nurses, Therapists, Frontline Caregivers, Direct Support Professionals, Behavioral Health Specialists.

  • Safety & Security: Law Enforcement, Active Duty Military, Private Security.

  • Education: Special Education Teachers, Adult Educators.