Certified Instructors,
Real-World Experience
Our instructors are certified professionals β military veterans, NRA and USCCA trainers, licensed security officers, and specialists in defensive tactics. Every class is taught by people who live this work.
The Alliance Training Team
A coalition of certified instructors and security professionals united by one mission β providing the highest quality firearms, self-defense, and security training in Texas.
Steve Hopwood
Co-Owner, The Alliance Training Team
Steve Hopwood is a military veteran and the co-owner of The Alliance Training Team. As Training Director at North Star Arms, he leads curriculum development for beginner through advanced firearms courses. A certified USCCA and NRA trainer, Texas LTC instructor, and Level II/III/IV security officer, Steve brings real-world experience and a student-first approach to every class he teaches. He also specializes in church security reviews and audits, helping houses of worship develop comprehensive safety plans.
Certifications & Qualifications
- Military Veteran
- Certified USCCA Trainer β Home Defense Fundamentals
- Certified NRA Trainer β Pistol Shooting Course
- Texas License to Carry Instructor
- USCCA Range Safety Officer
- North Star Arms β Training Director
- Texas Security Officer Certification Level II, III, IV
- LTC Shooting Qualification Provider
- First Shots β Beginner Firearm Training
- Basic Handgun Fundamentals
- Church Security Review & Audits
Hilton Jackson
Co-Owner, The Alliance Training Team
Hilton Jackson is a co-owner of The Alliance Training Team and owner of Gideon Training Solutions. He serves as Co-Chair of the Aim For Safety initiative at Cook Children's, bringing a community-first approach to firearm safety education. A certified USCCA and NRA instructor, US Law Shield trainer, and Level II/III/IV security officer, Hilton is passionate about equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities.
Certifications & Qualifications
- Co-Chair β Aim For Safety, Cook Children's
- Owner β Gideon Training Solutions
- Certified USCCA Trainer β Home Defense Fundamentals
- US Law Shield Concealed Carry Instructor
- US Law Shield First Aid For Gunshot Wounds
- US Law Shield Personal Defensive Spray Instructor
- Certified NRA Trainer β Pistol Shooting Course
- Texas License to Carry Instructor
- USCCA Range Safety Officer
- North Star Arms β Assistant Training Director
- Church Security Review & Audits
- LTC Shooting Qualification Provider
- Texas Security Officer Certification Level II, III, IV
Dr. Casilda Maxwell
Co-Owner, The Alliance Training Team
Dr. Casilda Maxwell brings a unique and invaluable perspective to The Alliance Training Team. As a clinical psychologist and certified USCCA instructor, she bridges the gap between mental preparedness and physical defense. Owner of LowKey Defense, Dr. Maxwell specializes in women's self-defense, the R.A.D. System, and less lethal defense strategies. Her expertise in Krav Maga and firearms purchase consultations ensures students receive holistic, confidence-building training tailored to their needs.
Certifications & Qualifications
- Owner β LowKey Defense
- Clinical Psychologist, PhD
- USCCA Instructor
- Certified R.A.D. Instructor β RAD System of Self Defense
- Firearms Purchase Consultations
- Krav Maga Martial Arts
- Women's Self Defense
- Less Lethal Defense
Shannon Gulley
The Alliance Training Team
Shannon Gulley is a dedicated self-defense instructor and advocate committed to empowering individuals β especially women β with the skills and confidence to protect themselves. As a USCCA Certified Home Defense Instructor and certified R.A.D. Instructor through the RAD System of Self Defense, Shannon brings both technical expertise and genuine compassion to every class she teaches. She is the owner of Goody Box Self Defense LLC, a licensed FFL firearms dealer, and serves as Assistant-Program Director for the Anti-Tracking Organization. A passionate domestic violence advocate, Shannon specializes in women's self-defense and less lethal defense strategies, ensuring that students of all experience levels feel safe, supported, and prepared.
Certifications & Qualifications
- USCCA Certified Home Defense Instructor
- Certified R.A.D. Instructor β RAD System of Self Defense
- Owner β Goody Box Self Defense LLC β FFL
- Assistant-Program Director β Anti-Tracking Organization
- Domestic Violence Advocate
- Women's Self Defense
- Less Lethal Defense
- Firearms Enthusiast
Alliance Training Services
The Alliance Training Team offers comprehensive training across Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Wichita Falls. Group discounts available for classes of 10 or more.
Ready to Train With the Best?
Whether you're a first-time shooter or a seasoned professional, our certified instructors are ready to help you reach your goals.