Dr. Ginger Swiderski, MD, Region 5 Medical Director

Christina Benson, Regional Coordinator

Christina started her EMS career in 2005, receiving her paramedic license in 2007, and later achieving her critical care certification and paramedic I/C. She holds 3 Associate's Degrees and a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry. Christina is currently finishing her Master's Degree in social work and would like to further her career working with first responder mental health. Christina has been apart of the Region 5 Healthcare Coalition since 2016, becoming the coordinator in 2021. In her free time she enjoys teaching EMS classes and runs a local Quick Response Team. 

Taylor Connell, Assistant Coordinator

Taylor comes from EMS and fire, starting her career as a paid- on call firefighter and then becoming a paramedic in 2017. She has received her Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University in Sociology and is working towards her Master's Degree in Emergency Preparedness. Taylor still works part time as a paramedic,  paid-on call firefighter, and lab technician for MFR, EMT, and paramedic classes. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, camping, and backpacking with her husband and dog.