Your Most Efficient Study Coach
We make education accessible for nurse anesthesia residents from all over the US. Our doors are open to residents of all ages and any levels of experience. We are on a mission to help individuals grow, inspire creative passion, and increase residents' self-confidence. In other words, all the tools you need to make you the best possible and most successful CRNA.
Our team
ProgramPrep Concierge Team
Matthew Zinder
DNAP, CH, CRNA
Matthew Zinderm, DNAP, CH, CRNA, has worked in healthcare for 30 years, starting as an EMT at a volunteer fire station.
Matthew owns and operates a Maryland-based mobile anesthesia practice that has been in business since 1984.
He speaks at many professional conferences, both nationally and internationally, involving topics such as stress management, wellness, business of anesthesia, and the practice of anesthesia. He is the host and producer of The Provider Wellness Podcast, where he speaks with experts on healthcare provider well-being and self-care.
Matthew is the immediate past President-Elect of the Maryland Association of Nurse Anesthetists and an appointed member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Health & Wellness Committee.
He is adjunct faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Georgetown University Schools of Nurse Anesthesia.
Matthew owns and operates a Maryland-based mobile anesthesia practice that has been in business since 1984.
He speaks at many professional conferences, both nationally and internationally, involving topics such as stress management, wellness, business of anesthesia, and the practice of anesthesia. He is the host and producer of The Provider Wellness Podcast, where he speaks with experts on healthcare provider well-being and self-care.
Matthew is the immediate past President-Elect of the Maryland Association of Nurse Anesthetists and an appointed member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Health & Wellness Committee.
He is adjunct faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Georgetown University Schools of Nurse Anesthesia.
Michael Storm
DNAP, CRNA
Michael graduated from anesthesia school in 2005 and immediately joined the staff at a level 1 trauma center in Columbia, SC.
In 2006 he and his two study mates from anesthesia school started a teaching business, Nurse Anesthesia Review Course 4U, because they felt there was a need for more review courses than was available at that time. In 2013 Michael started Storm Anesthesia on the ashes of NARC 4U to continue his passion for teaching and writing.
In 2020 Michael decided to extend his writing and teaching skills to CRNAs in need for continuing education, and in 2021 he launched recertCRNA with the goal of becoming the premier continuing education website for CRNAs. Michael has now partnered with Peter Strube and Matthew Zinder in helping struggling nurse anesthesia residents succeed in becoming the best possible CRNAs.
When you will not find Michael in front of his computer he can often be found sailing on Lake Murray with his wonderful wife Annette. His love of the outdoors also brings him to the ski-slopes in the Rockies or in Europe. Michael has been a professional fully certified alpine ski instructor for almost 30 years and taught in Vail, CO, Livigno (Italy), Avoriaz (France), and Hemsedal (Norway). One day he and Annette would like to get back into playing golf, which before anesthesia was a major passion of both Annette and Michael.
Annette Storm
MNA, CRNA
Annette Storm, MNA, CRNA has been a CRNA for 12 years and has been teaching for Storm Anesthesia since 2013 when the company launched. Annette's expertise is within cardiac and electrophysiology.
Annette became an RN in Denmark in 1987 and in 1990 decided to explore nursing in the US. She convinced her boyfriend, Michael, to come along, so they would not one day be sitting in a rocking chair and wonder what if?
Annette is a very strong patient advocate and did not see herself become a CRNA when Michael decided to go back to school. No, she liked her bedside patients. Well, the best plan sometimes changes and Annette obtained her BSN in 2008 and became a CRNA in 2012. And not just graduated, but graduated with the program's highest honor, the Agatha Hodgins Award for Clinical and Academic Excellence. So much for not becoming a CRNA!
Annette enjoys her garden, although, she can often be seen sailing on Lake Murray, skiing in the Alps with family (she is an alpine ski instructor), hiking in the mountains, or just laying on the beach.
Annette enjoys the outdoors!
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a personalized, supportive environment that will allow every student to succeed.
Our Mission
Our mission is to assist a student or resident achieve success in advanced practice nursing and medical training through customized coaching and strategies to increase health and wellness through the entire academic process.
Our video learning adheres to the microteaching concept
- Short videos, often 8-12 minutes
- Mini-Quizes to check for understanding
- Full exams to facilitate and consolidate the learning
A thriving community
500+ Students and Counting
I had a traumatic year and wasn’t in the right mindset—constantly battling high anxiety, guilt, feelings of failure, shame, and severe depression. At that point, I had attempted the NCE four times, using APEX, APEX Boot Camp, Prodigy, and Valley. Despite all the studying and memorization, I still couldn’t pass. I felt completely defeated. That’s when I realized it was about more than just regurgitating information—it was about connecting the dots and achieving a deeper understanding. That finally happened after completing this program, thanks to the help of Michael and Annette.
I reached out to Matt—honestly, a bit skeptical at first. I wondered, how was this program any different? And if it was really so successful, why wasn’t it more widely known? But we had a raw, honest conversation. I told him I needed help, I wanted to succeed, and asked how he could support me. Matt didn’t even hesitate. He didn’t question my ability to succeed when I told him my story. I took comfort in knowing that even though my situation wasn’t ideal, it was still possible. They had helped others in similar—or even worse—situations.
//
Let me be clear: this program is not a quick fix. You have to put in the work. But what sets it apart is the level of guidance and the clear, structured roadmap provided by people who genuinely care about your success.
//
The Storms have a gift for teaching. They just have a way of making things click. Their ability to break down complex topics and teach from a “teach me like I’m a fifth grader” perspective was exactly what I needed.
//
If there’s one piece of advice I could offer, it would be: trust the process, no matter how long it takes. I didn’t truly master my test-taking technique until the week before the boards—but I stayed consistent, practiced it daily, and made it second nature.
//
If you’ve made it this far and resonate with any part of my story, please—reach out for their help. My only regret is not finding them sooner.
I hope my story inspires you to keep going. Imposter syndrome is very real—but you are not an imposter (Michael Storm).
//
To the stranger reading this:
Take it one step at a time. One concept at a time.
You will get there. DO NOT GIVE UP.
Sincerely,
A once stressed, hopeless, anxiety-ridden student with poor test-taking and study habits—
who made it through.
Life does get better. I promise.
I reached out to Matt—honestly, a bit skeptical at first. I wondered, how was this program any different? And if it was really so successful, why wasn’t it more widely known? But we had a raw, honest conversation. I told him I needed help, I wanted to succeed, and asked how he could support me. Matt didn’t even hesitate. He didn’t question my ability to succeed when I told him my story. I took comfort in knowing that even though my situation wasn’t ideal, it was still possible. They had helped others in similar—or even worse—situations.
//
Let me be clear: this program is not a quick fix. You have to put in the work. But what sets it apart is the level of guidance and the clear, structured roadmap provided by people who genuinely care about your success.
//
The Storms have a gift for teaching. They just have a way of making things click. Their ability to break down complex topics and teach from a “teach me like I’m a fifth grader” perspective was exactly what I needed.
//
If there’s one piece of advice I could offer, it would be: trust the process, no matter how long it takes. I didn’t truly master my test-taking technique until the week before the boards—but I stayed consistent, practiced it daily, and made it second nature.
//
If you’ve made it this far and resonate with any part of my story, please—reach out for their help. My only regret is not finding them sooner.
I hope my story inspires you to keep going. Imposter syndrome is very real—but you are not an imposter (Michael Storm).
//
To the stranger reading this:
Take it one step at a time. One concept at a time.
You will get there. DO NOT GIVE UP.
Sincerely,
A once stressed, hopeless, anxiety-ridden student with poor test-taking and study habits—
who made it through.
Life does get better. I promise.
XX (2025)
Words truly cannot express the depth of
my gratitude for the incredible support and dedication Annette and Michael Storm made in helping me prepare for, and ultimately pass, the Nurse
Anesthetist NCE board exam. Their determination to see me succeed was evident
in every session, and I am so thankful for their guidance. Matthew Zinder’s
techniques also helped me tremendously. For years, I have struggled with
standardised exams and had immense anxiety over taking the NCE; but the
accumulation of the knowledge and test-taking strategies from the Storms, and
the meditation techniques I used by Matthew Zinder, helped me overcome these
fears and eased my trepidation, making passing boards on the first try seem
possible.
Their assistance with studying strategies, along with insightful explanations of how to approach and answer challenging questions were invaluable. They both had a knack for breaking down complex concepts in a way that truly clicked for me, and the use of their own textbooks was very easy to read and follow, which offered different perspectives from Apex Anesthesia/Nagelhout/Barash, and was incredibly helpful in solidifying my understanding of complex topics.
The Storm's really went above and beyond what I would have ever expected from tutors. Their belief in me, even when I doubted myself, made all the difference, including the positive talking to myself. This greatly impacted my mental wellness in a positive way and made me believe in myself in something, that at times, felt almost impossible. I truly could not have achieved this success without their expertise, patience, and compassionate support.
Their assistance with studying strategies, along with insightful explanations of how to approach and answer challenging questions were invaluable. They both had a knack for breaking down complex concepts in a way that truly clicked for me, and the use of their own textbooks was very easy to read and follow, which offered different perspectives from Apex Anesthesia/Nagelhout/Barash, and was incredibly helpful in solidifying my understanding of complex topics.
The Storm's really went above and beyond what I would have ever expected from tutors. Their belief in me, even when I doubted myself, made all the difference, including the positive talking to myself. This greatly impacted my mental wellness in a positive way and made me believe in myself in something, that at times, felt almost impossible. I truly could not have achieved this success without their expertise, patience, and compassionate support.
Ben (2025)
"Before meeting the Storms and Matt, I felt lost trying to figure out my next steps. I was approaching my 4th attempt at the NBCRNA. I used Apex for most of my schooling, and it did help ground some ideas, but I felt something was missing. I took an online course, hoping that it would help me. It was a waste of my money and another failed attempt. I was on a Facebook page looking for advice and was directed to Matt. After talking to Matt, I realized that trying out this program sounded like a great idea. I met with Michael and Annette initially to go over things and make sure that this was a good fit. I initially felt skeptical because of my prior failed attempts, and this was my final attempt before I had to wait a year. The storms analyzed my prior scores and used those scores for the test plan on how I was to approach this as a successful attempt. I utilized all the material they provided and used the additional ones that I had access to, like the smart bank from Apex, to test my knowledge. They also set up weekly phone meetings and a few Zoom meetings that I felt really helped me stay on track. The Zoom meeting helped me realize that I was adding words to my questions that were not there. They helped me slow down my reading, and with that slight improvement, my scores were drastically improving. I met with them a few days before my exam. They helped me shake off my jitters. I texted them both a picture of me passing. Michael and Annette pushed me to achieve my best. I would not be where I am without the guidance and support that they have given me."
Serg (2025)
"I never imagined that failing my boards would
shake me to the core — but it did. After years of fighting to get into a nurse
anesthesia program, pushing through clinicals, and graduating with pride, I
thought the hardest battles were behind me. But with each failed attempt — five
of them — my confidence took another hit. I stopped feeling like the person I
had worked so hard to become. I carried shame, doubt, and a deep sense of
loneliness.
I had tried everything: books, apps, courses, medications, and advice from everyone under the sun. Nothing helped.
Then I found the Storms.
With the Storms, Annette and Michael, something finally shifted. They were honest, kind, and incredibly supportive. From the very first session, I could feel how much they truly cared. They didn’t just see me as another student — they saw me. They listened, they guided, and they stood by me through every wave of self-doubt.
Their belief in me never wavered — even when mine did.
And on my 6th attempt, I passed, in 100 questions!
The Storms were halfway across the world in Denmark when I called them to share the news, and hearing their excitement, their joy — it was unforgettable. In that moment, I knew just how deeply invested they had been in my success all along. If you’re feeling broken, defeated, or unsure of how to face this test again, please know: there is still hope. The Storms helped me find my way back to myself — and helped me become the CRNA I was always meant to be."
I had tried everything: books, apps, courses, medications, and advice from everyone under the sun. Nothing helped.
Then I found the Storms.
With the Storms, Annette and Michael, something finally shifted. They were honest, kind, and incredibly supportive. From the very first session, I could feel how much they truly cared. They didn’t just see me as another student — they saw me. They listened, they guided, and they stood by me through every wave of self-doubt.
Their belief in me never wavered — even when mine did.
And on my 6th attempt, I passed, in 100 questions!
The Storms were halfway across the world in Denmark when I called them to share the news, and hearing their excitement, their joy — it was unforgettable. In that moment, I knew just how deeply invested they had been in my success all along. If you’re feeling broken, defeated, or unsure of how to face this test again, please know: there is still hope. The Storms helped me find my way back to myself — and helped me become the CRNA I was always meant to be."
Sydney (2025)
“I am so appreciative of the assistance Michael, Annette, and Matt have given me in guiding me toward success with my NCE. I had first heard about this program from a friend who had been working with them and said they had helped with their progress. Studying for the NCE wasn’t giving me the results that I was looking for and I needed another perspective. Reaching out to them helped me ensure my success and it was a huge weight off my shoulders. I fully embraced the methods and strategies provided to me. Was it hard? Yes. I have gone through this information so many times with other review programs but with Michael and Annette’s support, I was able to meet my goals. They listened to what I said and reinforced my feelings to help me get back the confidence I was struggling to find. I recommend to anyone, who is feeling overwhelmed with the process or just needs a boost, to contact them. I have passed the NCE because I asked for help from people who cared.”
Jess (2024)
Storm Anesthesia Review vol.I+II
Storm Anesthesia Review vol. I+II is a premier nurse anesthesia review book. The second edition was published in 2022, fully updated with all references to the most current anesthesia textbooks available. Furthermore, all images are now redrawn and owned by Storm Anesthesia. Among the many options available to any nurse anesthesia resident, these books are among the best researched and referenced you can find. Storm Anesthesia keeps these review books up-to-date frequently and uses all the approved references when writing.
Physics & Chemistry for Nurse Anesthesia
Physics & Chemistry for Nurse Anesthesia is now in its third edition. In 2022 the book was updated with all new redrawn images and references to the most current edition of the anesthesia textbooks.
This book is a must for any serious nurse anesthesiologist or nurse anesthesia resident that want to master the physics and chemistry behind doing anesthesia. Other books are available but none are written by a CRNA with a passion for physics and chemistry. This book makes physics and chemistry seem easy, simple, and straightforward.
This book is a must for any serious nurse anesthesiologist or nurse anesthesia resident that want to master the physics and chemistry behind doing anesthesia. Other books are available but none are written by a CRNA with a passion for physics and chemistry. This book makes physics and chemistry seem easy, simple, and straightforward.
ProgramPrep online review course
Outstanding Videos, Activities, Lessons, and Quizzes. The ProgramPrep course is fully accessibly online and through the free app 'recertCRNA'.
This course contains more than 21 hours of video lectures in 149 videos and 460+ test questions; 12 major anesthesia topics are covered and include a downloadable PDF file with all the slides and images, along with space for note taking, and an additional 1100+ test-yourself questions. 11 additional topics are covered with text and PDFs. Also included in the ProgramPrep course is a significant number of the documents written by Dr. Strube covering multiple aspects of nurse anesthesia.
This course contains more than 21 hours of video lectures in 149 videos and 460+ test questions; 12 major anesthesia topics are covered and include a downloadable PDF file with all the slides and images, along with space for note taking, and an additional 1100+ test-yourself questions. 11 additional topics are covered with text and PDFs. Also included in the ProgramPrep course is a significant number of the documents written by Dr. Strube covering multiple aspects of nurse anesthesia.
Control your anxiety
ProgramPrep acknowledges that passing the NCE or SEE is about more than just content knowledge. Many students have terrific content knowledge but need help to pass these exams. When the stakes get high, some students could do better. Matthew specializes in wellness and anxiety control, and Matt will guide you with exercises and techniques to control your anxieties about test-taking.
Storm Anesthesia | ProgramPrep is dedicated to providing high-touch academic support, personalized coaching, and holistic preparation for nurse anesthesia residents.
Through evidence-driven didactic instruction, mental wellness integration, and individualized performance strategies, we enable residents to optimize learning and successfully transition into practice.
Through evidence-driven didactic instruction, mental wellness integration, and individualized performance strategies, we enable residents to optimize learning and successfully transition into practice.
