When emergencies strike, every second counts. For Deanna Verbanic, Owner and Certified Instructor of White Lake CPR Training, LLC, the mission is clear: empower everyday people with the confidence and skills to save lives.
A Personal Calling
Deanna’s journey into CPR training began with a pivotal moment early in her career as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. During her internship, she witnessed a patient collapse and a “Code Blue” was called. At the time, CPR training wasn’t a requirement, and Deanna remembers feeling unprepared and helpless. That experience stayed with her, inspiring her to become certified and eventually to dedicate her career to training others.
“I started White Lake CPR Training, LLC because I saw a real need in our community,” she explained. “There were very few local options, yet so many people—teachers, daycares, healthcare providers—needed access to quality CPR instruction. I wanted to provide that resource for West Michigan.”
Personable, Confidence-Building Instruction
With over 30 years of medical field experience, Deanna brings both expertise and compassion to her classes. She follows American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines but adapts her teaching style to fit the needs of her students.
“Many people feel nervous when performing compressions or using an AED,” she said. “My goal is to create a calm, supportive environment where students leave confident and ready to act.”
Her personable approach sets White Lake CPR Training apart from larger, corporate-run programs. Every class is designed to be engaging, hands-on, and confidence-building.
Training That Meets Community Needs
White Lake CPR Training offers a variety of classes tailored to different audiences:
- Heartsaver CPR AED & First Aid – For non-medical participants such as teachers, daycare providers, and parents.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – For healthcare professionals.
- Hands-Only CPR Demonstrations – For those who want skills without certification.
- Stop the Bleed Certification – Teaching participants to control bleeding in emergencies.
- Instructor Certification and Renewal Courses – For current and aspiring CPR instructors.
Classes can be taken in two formats: blended learning (videos at home plus in-person skills) or fully in-person. Every certified course includes hands-on experience and an official e-card upon completion.
Deanna also brings her training directly to workplaces, schools, churches, and community organizations. Plans are in motion to add a babysitter certification course soon.
Real-Life Impact
The value of CPR training becomes most evident when former students put their skills into action. One story that stands out for Deanna involves a teacher she trained who later performed CPR while on vacation, saving a drowning man’s life.
Another former student, a mother, used her Infant CPR training when her baby began choking. Thanks to quick action, the baby survived.
“These stories remind me why this work is so important,” Deanna said. “It’s about empowering people to act in critical moments.”
Why Training Matters for Everyone
Cardiac arrest claims 436,000 American lives each year, with more than 350,000 occurring outside hospitals. In fact, over 73% of cardiac arrests happen at home. That means the person needing CPR is often a loved one.
“Emergencies are unpredictable,” Deanna emphasized, “but being prepared is your choice. Even hands-only CPR is better than doing nothing.”
A Safer West Michigan
Beyond training classes, White Lake CPR Training engages with the community year-round by sharing safety tips—whether it’s water safety during summer, sledding precautions in winter, or general emergency preparedness.
Deanna’s vision is to make CPR and First Aid education accessible to everyone, ensuring West Michigan becomes a safer place, one class at a time.
Learn More
White Lake CPR Training, LLC offers flexible in-person and virtual options throughout West Michigan, including Whitehall, Montague, Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and beyond.
📞 Contact: (231) 335-7399
📧 Email: dverbanic@whitelakecprtraining.com
🌐Social: White Lake CPR Training or use QR Code below
Takeaway: Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. With training from White Lake CPR Training, you can be the difference between life and death.
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