Whether you’re brand new to firearms or ready to build on the skills you already have, Lake County, IL Facilitator Ann Marie Suter is ready to welcome you, challenge you, and cheer you on at A Girl & A Gun chapter events.
Ann Marie’s firearms journey began out of necessity. As a 38-year-old mom of four children, ranging in age from one to ten, she experienced an attempted home invasion that changed the way she thought about personal safety. The lesson was simple and lasting: when seconds matter, help may not arrive in time.
With her husband’s support, Ann Marie began seeking out quality firearms training from some of the best instructors she could find. What started as a serious responsibility quickly became something more—an important life skill that was challenging, empowering, and, surprisingly, a lot of fun.
In 2017, Ann Marie crossed the line from student to firearms instructor and hasn’t looked back.
“It is incredibly rewarding to watch a woman grasp a new skill. You can actually see the confidence build—not only in the look on her face, but in the way she carries herself and walks into a room.”
Ann Marie is passionate about helping women become safer, more capable, and more confident while continuing to sharpen her own skills in an ever-evolving industry.
Certifications and Training Include:
– NRA Range Safety Officer, Basic Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection Inside the Home, Refuse To Be A Victim and Concealed Carry
– USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals, Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals, and Emergency First Aid
– A Girl & A Gun Introduction to Holster Skills
– Vision Training for Firearms Instructors – Neurology and Vision Training Techniques
– Agile OC Instructor – Pepper Spray
– Armament Systems and Procedures Be Your Own Defender – Pepper Spray
– American Heart Association – Basic Life Support and Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED
– American Red Cross – Basic Life Support and First Aid/CPR/AED
– STOP THE BLEED®
– Play It Safe® – self defense/antibullying for ages 4-14
And the learning doesn’t stop there. Ann Marie continues to pursue additional education and training to keep her skills current and bring what she learns back to the women she serves.
