LEARN FROM OUR DECADES OF EXPERIENCE.

At AURA we draw from the experience of all of our team members, to create a custom-tailored solution for your particular situation. You can rest assured that with our team on your side, the end-result will be nothing short of best in class.

 

KEVIN MAHONEY

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Kevin Mahoney is a leader in emergency medical services, fire operations, and public safety education. Born in Queens, New York, raised in Brooklyn, and currently residing on Long Island. New York. Kevin has dedicated his life to serving communities through emergency response, training, and leadership.

His interest in emergency services began at a young age while earning the rank of Eagle Scout, instilling a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and preparedness. Kevin has served as an Emergency Medical Technician in volunteer agencies, private ambulance services, and within the Fire Department of the City of New York. He remains active in the field as a Lieutenant in an FDNY Engine Company in the Bronx, bringing real-world experience into every aspect of his leadership and instruction.

Kevin is actively involved in the EMS community and serves on the Advisory Board of the Public Safety Group, Fordham University EMS, and is on the Board of Directors for the Gotham Volunteer EMS.

JOSE PROSPER

Founder & Chief Development Officer

Jose Prosper, a native of Brooklyn, has been dedicated to emergency services for decades. He began his career with the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) assigned to Station 20 in the Bronx. He later served the North Bronx in Engine 38 before being promoted to Fire Marshal. As a Fire Marshal, Jose investigated fire causes and origins and served on the Commissioner’s Executive Protection Team.

Prior to joining the FDNY, Jose served in the United States Naval Forces, where he was deployed during the Gulf War. His military and public safety service reflect a lifelong commitment to protecting and supporting others.

Driven by a passion for empowering communities, Jose leads and operates numerous EMT certification programs throughout New York City through public and private partnerships, helping to guide the next generation into careers in emergency response.

A devoted father of three, Jose prioritizes family and community. He was actively involved as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 267 and is a longtime member of the FDNY Hispanic Society, where he has served on the Executive Board as President.

Lauren Hartnett

Chief Administrative Officer

Lauren Hartnett provides executive oversight of administrative strategy and the organizational systems that support the effective delivery of programs and services.

Ms. Hartnett has been active in emergency medical services since 2009 and achieved paramedic certification in 2013. Since 2011, she has served within one of the nation’s busiest municipal 911 systems. In 2022, she was promoted to Lieutenant, a leadership role in which she supervises field personnel and oversees complex, high-acuity emergency response operations.

Since 2019, Ms. Hartnett has also served as an EMS educator and holds certification as a New York State Department of Health Instructor Coordinator. In addition, she serves on the New York State SEMSCO Safety Committee, contributing to statewide initiatives focused on provider safety, operational excellence, and continuous EMS system improvement. Her professional background includes experience in high-risk, multi-agency response environments, including prior instruction in Rescue Task Force operations.

Beyond her work in EMS and healthcare education, Ms. Hartnett also provides instruction in firearms safety, situational awareness, and personal defense, with an emphasis on practical application and real-world preparedness. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time training and working with her German Shepherd, Aura.

Sean Graves

Chief Operating Officer

Sean Graves provides executive oversight of the operational and educational functions of the EMS training division of Rescue Training International, advancing the organization’s mission through strategic leadership and instructional innovation. He has played a key role in the growth of RTI and AuraPrep by championing blended learning models that strengthen both classroom and hands-on education.

Mr. Graves is committed to aligning educators with AuraPrep’s mission of delivering an exceptional client experience while driving strong learner achievement and measurable outcomes. His focus on patient-centered education has contributed to consistently high student performance on credentialing examinations, along with strong client satisfaction and feedback.

With more than 20 years of healthcare experience as an active Emergency Medical Technician, educator, and administrator, Mr. Graves has been widely recognized for his contributions to EMS education and service. His honors include the 2016 Educator of Excellence Award from NYC REMSCO, recognition by the United States Army in 2022 for support of Operation Sustained COVID, appointment as Regional Faculty for the New York State Department of Health in 2023, and the 2025 Richard W.O. Bebe Exemplary Educator Award.

He currently serves on the Quality Metrics Committee of the New York State Emergency Medical Services Council and is an active member of multiple regional EMS advisory and education committees.

Joe D’Agosto

Founder, Rescue Training Institute
Director of Corporate Programs & Compliance

Joe D’Agosto is a retired FDNY Paramedic with more than 30 years of experience in emergency medical services, patient care, and professional instruction. Over the course of his career, he spent half of his service as a frontline street medic providing emergency care in high-pressure environments, and the other half as an instructor and educational leader, advancing to Program Coordinator.

Throughout his distinguished career, Joe trained countless first responders, healthcare providers, and professionals in life-saving skills, emergency preparedness, and clinical excellence.

As the founder of Rescue Training Institute, Joe brings decades of real-world expertise to Aura’s corporate safety, CPR, AED, First Aid, and compliance training initiatives. He works with businesses, organizations, and institutions to create safer workplaces through customized training solutions that promote confidence, readiness, and regulatory compliance.

Joe’s hands-on experience, leadership, and passion for education make him a trusted resource in emergency response training and workplace preparedness. His role helps expand Aura’s reach into corporate partnerships while strengthening the organization’s commitment to safety, training excellence, and community impact.

Sara Moore

Director Central NY & Finger Lakes Region

Sara Moore is a paramedic, educator, and instructional designer based in Watkins Glen, New York. With nearly two decades of frontline experience in emergency medical services, she has developed a distinguished career centered on advancing the profession through education, leadership development, and innovative instructional practice.

She serves as the Regional Director for Central New York and the Finger Lakes at Aura Prep, where she supports the expansion of high quality EMS education programming while also fostering the development of local EMS instructor networks. Sara is also the founder and lead instructor of EmpowerHER, a sixteen-hour leadership course designed to promote mentorship, professional growth, and leadership capacity among women in emergency services.

In addition to her educational and administrative roles, she continues to practice as a critical care paramedic with Bangs Ambulance in Ithaca, New York. A frequent presenter at regional and statewide EMS conferences, Sara has also contributed to the field through her published writing on pediatric emergencies, with particular emphasis on pediatric mental health. She holds a Master of Education and a Master of Business Management, credentials that reflect her strong foundation in both pedagogy and organizational leadership.

Martina Bacarella

Director of New York State EMT Recertification Programs

Martina is the Director of New York State EMT Recertification, where she leads programs dedicated to helping Emergency Medical Technicians maintain certification and stay current with New York requirements, protocols, and best practices. With a strong commitment to professional development and high-quality training, she oversees recertification courses that combine updated clinical knowledge, hands-on skills review, and regulatory compliance. Martina is dedicated to supporting EMTs throughout New York so they remain prepared to deliver exceptional pre-hospital care to the communities they serve.

Shawn Gleason

Director of Logistics 

Shawn Gleason serves as the Director of Logistics for AURA Prep, overseeing all operational logistics that support the successful delivery of every program offered by the organization. He is responsible for coordinating equipment, training materials, facility readiness, transportation needs, inventory systems, and day-to-day operational support to ensure programs run efficiently and on schedule.

Shawn also manages warehouse operations, including procurement, inventory control, distribution, and storage of essential supplies and training resources. His leadership helps maintain seamless operations across multiple training sites and programs, ensuring instructors and students have the tools and resources needed for success.

With a strong focus on organization, reliability, and execution, Shawn plays a critical role in supporting AURA Prep’s mission of delivering high-quality education and workforce development programs.

Sarah Elbeyali

Director of Workforce Management

Sarah Elbeyali oversees workforce operations that help keep Aura running efficiently across multiple programs and locations. As Director of Workforce Management, she manages monthly payroll, supports staffing coordination, and helps ensure team members are scheduled and supported effectively.

Her role is essential to maintaining operational consistency, supporting employees, and aligning workforce resources with the organization’s continued growth. Through her reliability, organization, and attention to detail, Sarah helps strengthen the internal foundation that allows Aura to deliver a high-quality experience for students, staff, and partners.

Cakes

Company Mascot & Team Experience Coordinator

Cakes serves as Aura’s official company mascot and Team Experience Coordinator, helping bring energy, personality, and a strong sense of culture to our organization. Known for creating smiles and memorable moments, Cakes plays an important role in boosting morale, celebrating team achievements, and enhancing the overall student and staff experience.

From graduations and special events to community appearances and company celebrations, Cakes helps represent the fun, supportive, and people-first spirit of Aura. As our team continues to grow, Cakes remains a symbol of positivity, connection, and the unique culture that sets Aura apart.

Pioneer Mobile Applications

Technology & Systems Development Partner

Pioneer Mobile Applications works alongside the Aura executive and operations team to support our technology infrastructure, digital systems, and platform development. Their collaboration helps streamline internal operations, improve the student experience, and strengthen the tools our team uses to manage scheduling, communication, training delivery, and growth initiatives.

As Aura continues to expand, Pioneer Mobile Applications plays an important role in helping us build scalable solutions that keep our organization efficient, connected, and forward-moving.

Trisha Klein

Risk Management & Insurance Strategy Partner

Trisha Klein works alongside the Aura's executive and operations team to support organizational risk management, insurance planning, and long-term asset protection. Her collaboration helps strengthen internal safeguards, improve operational readiness, and help the company navigate evolving business risks with confidence.

As Aura continues to grow, Trisha Klein plays an important role in helping leadership build a stable, protected, and forward-looking foundation that supports continued expansion.

TrueLedger Advisors

Financial Management & Strategic Growth Partner

TrueLedger Advisors works alongside the Aura executive and operations team to support our financial systems, reporting, and long-term business strategy. Their collaboration helps ensure strong financial organization, accurate performance tracking, healthy cash flow management, and informed decision-making across the company.

As Aura continues to grow, TrueLedger Advisors plays an important role in helping our leadership team plan strategically, strengthen operational efficiency, and build a sustainable foundation for continued expansion.