Paula began her firearms experience at 13 years old. She and her brother received their first Hunting License through the "Junior Hunter's Safety Course." Through the years she enjoyed shooting her shotguns, rifles, and handguns. Paula brings with her 35 years of educational experience as a school teacher and principal, including teaching adult ed and 5 years as a university instructor.

In 2012 she decided to pursue more advanced training with firearms.  From 2012 to 2016 she received certificates in Women's Tactical Handgun, Advanced California CCW, Firearms Safety and Familiarity, Home Protection and Knife Fighting from the Weapons Training School in California.  She then trained with Jan Morgan and Susan Hutchcraft at the Gun Cave in Hot Springs, Arkansas and received the honor of becoming a USCCA Certified Instructor.  After training with Insight Firearms Training in Arkansas she is also an NRA certified Range Safety Officer. Paula also successfully attended U.S. Combatives Close Quarter Counter Offensive Concepts and Firearm Training Camp at the Hard Target Training Facility in Lead Hill, Arkansas where she has been invited to instruct Tactical Handgun and Situational Awareness at the Hot Shotz Women's Shooting League Retreat. Paula also achieved the honor of becoming an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor at Get Trained Be Ready with Rob Jennings. She is AHA First Aid, CPR, & AED Certified and received Basic Trauma Response with Phil Robinson and John Miller at GTBR. She is also a USCCA Emergency First Aid Fundamentals, CPR Instructor.

She is an Arkansas State Police Basic and Enhanced CHCL Instructor, reg. #21-1499. Paula has helped several men and women, including beginners who have never handled a gun, achieve their qualifying target successfully to complete their concealed carry requirements and become safe, responsible gun owners.