About April Skye-Parsons

April Skye Parsons is a certified firearms instructor in Tennessee, California, and Utah and has been teaching firearms and personal safety since 2014. She is passionate about helping responsible citizens develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for safe firearm ownership and personal protection.

A lifelong educator and communicator, April has worked as a Special Education teacher, radio on-air personality, firearms instructor, and community volunteer. 

Throughout her firearms instructor career, she has trained men and women from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels, from first-time firearm owners to experienced shooters seeking to refine their skills.

April previously served as the Women's Coordinator at the Visalia Sportsman's Association and has extensive experience introducing women and first-time shooters to firearms safety and responsible gun ownership.

Her certifications include instructor credentials through the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), The Well Armed Woman (TWAW), the National Rifle Association (NRA), and state firearms instructor certifications in Tennessee, California, and Utah. She is also an NRA Chief Range Safety Officer.

April graduated with honors from College of the Sequoias and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Organizational Development from Fresno Pacific University. Prior to entering the firearms training industry, she worked as a Special Education teacher serving moderate to severe students.

Committed to serving her community, April currently volunteers with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office as a Volunteer in Patrol (VIP), where she serves on the Board of Directors as Project Manager and assists with public safety and community outreach programs.

Through Blackthorn Defense Tactics, April focuses on providing practical, real-world firearms training in a safe, supportive, and professional learning environment.

She believes that knowledge, awareness, and training are the foundation of responsible firearm ownership and personal safety.