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Faculty



Frank Avila    Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration

Educational Background:  A.A.S., Universal Technical Institute, Phoenix, AZ

Work Background:  Weber Refrigeration - 6 years, Owned and operated Northwest

Refrigeration Heat and Air, Inc., Colby, KS - 3 years, and a NWKTC technical

educator since 2004.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Enjoy the outdoors and spending time with family,

especially nieces and nephews.
    
 

Christa Bergsma    Cosmetology

Educational Background:  Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland, KS

Work Background:  Cosmetologist-9 years and a NWKTC technical educator since 2006.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Spending time with family, attending sports events,

scrap booking, anything with my kids.
    
 

Jake Conger    Welding

Educational Background:  Missouri Welding Institute

Work Background:  I have worked in the welding field for 9 years including fabrication shops

and manufacturing. I have my own custom trailer building company and a NWKTC technical

educator since 2006.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Farming and draft horses.     
 

Candee Cottam   Electronics and Computer Technology

Educational Background:  B.S. Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS

A.A.S., Highland Community College, Highland, KS

A+ Certification

Cisco Certified Instructor

Work Background:  15 years experience in Information Systems, including Novell, Windows,

Unix and various application software suites. I have instructed Computer Repair Technology at

Northeast Kansas Technical College from 1999-2003, A+ certified, Cisco Instructor Certified

and a NWKTC technical educator since 2003.

Special Interests/Hobbies:   Enjoy training and riding my horse (trails and competitive).     
 

Leona Evans    Respiratory Therapy Clinical Director

Educational Background:  B.S., California College Health

A.S., California College Health Sciences

A.S., Excelsior College

Registered Respiratory Thereapy (RRT-NPS), National Board of Respiratory Care

Registered Nurse

Asthma Educator Certifed (AE-C)

BLS & ACLS Certified

Work Background:  Domincan Hospital, Santa Cruz, CA - Staff Therapist - 3 years, Salina

Regional Health Center, Salina, KS - 13 years and USAF - 8 years.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Gardening, quilting, hiking, home improvements, cooking, and

spending time with family and friends
    
 

Brian Freeman    Carpentry

Educational Background:  2 Years at University of Denver
    (Emphasis on Fine Arts & General Study Courses)

Work Background:13 Years as an Independent Contractor in Denver, CO & Goodland, KS.

Focus has been on Historical Restorations, Custom Woodworking, Project Design &

Renovation. He is a Licensed Commercial & Residential Contractor

Special Interests/Hobbies:   Enjoys spending time with family, which includes a wife and

"children" (2 retired racing grayhounds). He is active at the Word of Life church and he is also

restoring their 1922 Bungalow home. He will never stop creating art.
 

Wes Gerrans    Electrical Technology

Educational Background:  B.S., Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI

Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland, KS

Work Background:  35 years in construction and maintenance as follows: 12 years

industrial maintenance for ADM, 9 years high school maintenance , 14 years general contractor

including commercial and residential electrical work, 4 years high school vocational education

teacher and a NWKTC technical educator since 2003.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  10 seasons of commercial fishing in Alaska, cabinet building

and auto rebuilding of totaled vehicles.
    
 

Curt Goodwin    Automotive Technology

Educational Background:  B.S. Pittsburg Statue University, Pittsburg, KS

A.A.S. Colby Community College, Colby, KS

Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland, KS

ASE Master Certification

Work Background:  Auto technician at Vince's Motor Car Company, Auto technician at J and J

parts and repair. NWKTC technical educator for the automotive electronics and drivability block

1984 - 1994 and returned in 2005. Owner and operator of Auto repair shop 8 years. Service

manager for Vince's GM center.

Special Interests/Hobbies:   Vintage cars, Motorcycles, Photography and Community

Theater. With two young children at home most hobbies are in a holding pattern and the

focus is on their activities.
    
 

Erica Harlan    Computer Graphics Technology Para

Educational Background:  Graduate from NWKTC Computer Graphics Technology and soon Associates of Applied Science

Work Background:  2 Years - Goodland Star News, Goodland, KS

Special Interests/Hobbies:  APhotography - Erica's Photography     
 

Bonnie Hawks    Business Technology

Educational Background:  Executive Secretary Diploma, Parks Community College,

Denver, CO

Work Background:  NWKTC technical educator since 1984, Goodland Regional Medical

Center, Coordinator of Special Services, 1972 and 1984.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  American Cancer Society Volunteer-Relay for Life Team Leader;

American Heart Association Fundraising Volunteer; Beta Sigma Phi Member/Officer; 20-year

Selective Service Board Chairman.
    
 

Daryl Hoss    Collision Repair

Educational Background:  Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland, KS

ASE Master Certification

3M Respirator Fit Certified.

Work Background:  I spent 4 years in the Navy in Aircraft maintenance and painting. I was a

construction foreman for sales for 13 years, and owner and operator of a body shop for 6 years.

NWKTC technical educator since 1999.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Auto Restoration and Drag Racing.     
 

Scott Hubbell    Respiratory Therapy Program Director

Educational Background:  B.A., Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS

A.A., Colby Community College, Colby, KS

A.S., California College for Health Science

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT-NPS), National Board for Respiratory Care,

Licensed Kansas State Board of Healing Arts

BLS & ACLS Instructor

Work Background:  Apria Health Care, Colby, KS, 11 yrs., Senior RT

Citizens Medical Center, Colby, KS, 9 yrs., Staff Therapist

Goodland Regional Medical Center, Goodland, KS, 2 yrs., Staff Therapist

Special Interests/Hobbies:   Spending time with my family, music and mixed martial arts.     
 

Tanya Jarrett    Medical Assistant

Educational Background:  A.A.S., Pikes Peak Health Career School, Colorado Springs, CO

AAMA-Certified medical Assistant

American Red Cross CPR/AED Certified

NCA-Certified Phlebotomy

Work Background:  12 years at Goodland Regional Medical Center in the laboratory

department and a NWKTC technical educator since 2006.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  My children are my pride and joy, I enjoy gardening

and reading books.
    
 

Rick Jorgensen    Automotive Technology

Educational Background:  Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland, KS

Diploma, Denver Institute of Technology, Denver, CO

ASE Certification

Work Background:  Grew up in Automotive Dealership, owned and operated auto parts

and repair facility - 8 years, General Motors line mechanic and shop foreman -1 year, NAPA

service center automotive technician - 8 years and a NWKTC technical educator since 1991.

Special Interests/Hobbies:    I enjoy trap and pistol shooting and also all types of casino

games which I am a trained casino games dealer.
    
 

Ron Kaus    Diesel Technology

Educational Background:  Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland, KS

Work Background:  Jan. 1979-82 Martin Tractor Company, Jan. 1982-2006 Central Power

System Inc. in Colby, KS and a NWKTC technical educator since 2006.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Fishing, hunting, and boating.     
 

Jim Kennedy    Automotive Technology

Educational Background:  Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland,KS ASE Master Certification

Work Background:  Anderson Motors, McCook, NE - 6 years line technician and a NWKTC

technical educator since 1994.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Family, hunting and shooting sports.     
 

Larry E. Koon    Ethics in the Workplace
                                                 Human Relations in Life & Work

Educational Background:  M.S. - Wichita State University

B.S. - Emporia State Teacher College

AA - Arkansas City Junior College

Work Background:  1 Year at Pomona High School

3 Years at Greely Country High School

39 Years at Colby Community High School

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Special Olympics, Older American Activities, Camping, Golf, History (Civil War)     
 

Gary Kickler    Electrical Technology

Educational Background:  Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland, KS

Master and Journeyman License from Kansas and Colorado

Work Background:  25 years experience in commercial, residential and ag electrician work,

10 years experience in industrial work, 10 years of safety training and 5000 hours working

safety awards and a NWKTC technical educator since 2003

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Enjoy church, sports, fishing, stained glass church

windows and other projects.
    
 

Karen Lucas    Medical Assistant

Educational Background:  A.A.S., Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland, KS

Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland, KS

Licensed Practical Nurse, CPR Certified, IV Certified & AED Certified

Certified Medical Assistant, AAMA

Work Background:  Goodland Regional Medical Center, Good Samaritan Center, Rural

Health Ventures - Clinic Nurse, 13 years, and a NWKTC technical educator

since 1998.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Family - 2 grown children, walking, Beta Sigma Phi, College

Football - K-State fan. Go, Wildcats!
    
 

Larry McLemore    Collision Repair

Educational Background:  Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland, KS

ASE Master Certification

Work Background:  Self employed Auto Body and Collision Repair for 22 years.

NWKTC technical educator since 2005.

Special Interests/Hobbies:   Playing Bluegrass and Gospel music with my 14 year old

daughter and anyone else willing.
    
 

Daniel Ordonez    Engineering Technology

Educational Background:  Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland, KS

ASET Certification

Work Background:  6 years at Transystems Corporation, a civil engineering firm, 3 years

management experience, and a NWKTC technical educator since 2003.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Spending time with my wife and children.     
 

Derek Reilley    Communications Technology

Educational Background:  M.S., Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS

B.S., Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS

A.A.S., Colby Community College, Colby, KS

A.A.S., Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland, KS

Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland, KS

Certified Online Instructor (COI)

Work Background:  Northern Telecom - 5 years as Senior Technician responsible for

turnkey operations in cellular communications and NWKTC technical educator since 1996.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  My children, fishing, hunting, motorcycles, and Taekwondo.     
 
Gloria Ribrardy

Gloria Ribordy     Cosmetology

Educational Background:  NWKTC Graduate

Work Background:  35 Years of experience in the field

Special Interests/Hobbies:  She likes to spend time with her daughter & two grandchildren. She also designs her own jewelry.    
 
Vanessa Rinehart

Vanessa Rinehart     General Education

Educational Background:  Teaching Degree at University of Nebraska

Work Background:  Taught at Elementary & High School Levels

Worked as a Pre-GED instructor

Special Interests/Hobbies:  I enjoy helping others who are seeking to better themselves through self discipline and determination.  
 

Gaylene Shank     Technical Math/College Algebra

Educational Background:  B.S. in Mathematics, FHSU, Hays, KS

M.S. in Mathematics Education, KSU, Manhattan, KS

Work Background:  High school mathematics instructor at Bison High School, Solomon High School, Salina South High School, and Goodland High School.

Graduate teaching assistantship in college algebra at KSU.

Registrar at Goodland High School and Grant Junior High School in Goodland, KS.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Family activities and to relax, I do Sudokus!     
 

Jeremy Skrdlant    Computer Fundementals/Applications

Educational Background:  B.S., Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

A.S., Colby Community College, Colby, KS

Work Background:  Tech Support for Gateway Computers and an Independent Consultant

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Computer programming and riding motorcycles.     
 

Jarod Smades    Automotive Technology

Educational Background:  Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland, KS

ASE Master Certification

Work Background:  Smades Manufacturing and Repair, Leoti Kansas for 8 years, Corner

Garage Line Technician for 2 years, and a NWKTC technical educator since 2000.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Dirt track racing, motorcycles, performance engines,

transmission building, fabrication of chassis and welding.
    
 
Jason Smith

Jason Smith    Computer Graphics Technology

Educational Background:  Bachelor's Degree From Fort Hays State University

Work Background:  Computer Graphics design for over 8 years working for an advertising and marketing corporation and as a freelance designer.

Special Interests/Hobbies:   
 

Greg Unger    Diesel Technology

Educational Background:  A. S., Barton County Community College, Great Bend, KS

Work Background:  14 years at JD Diesel Tech and a NWKTC technical educator since

2006.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Farming, ranching, golf, hunting, and anything mechanical.     
 

Linda VanLoenen    Technical Writing

Educational Background:  A.B. in English, Southern Nazarene University, Bethany, OK

Graduate work since then has been from several colleges and universities in Kansas.

Work Background:  37 years as English teacher at Goodland High School. In addition, I have taught as an outreach instructor for Colby Community College for the past 20 years.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Finally, my husband and I have two grandchildren: a boy and a girl; both are 2 years old. My hobbies are reading, scrapbooking, needlework, and interior design.     
 

Scott Waugh    Communications Technology

Educational Background:   A.A.S., Northwest Kansas Technical College,

Goodland, KS

Technical Certificate, Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland, KS

Work Background:  MCI Customer Service Technical Representative and Central Office

Technician - 11 years and a NWKTC technical educator since 1997.

Special Interests/Hobbies:  My family, community involvement opportunities, motor sports,

firearms, and astronomy.
    
 

Jeff Wolski    Engineering Technology Instructor

Educational Background:  M.S.Ed., University of Tennessee at Martin

B.S., University of Tennessee

Work Background:  College Math Instructor - 4 Years

High School Math Instructor -1 Year

Special Interests/Hobbies:  Mathematics, Photography, and Website Building

    
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1-800-316-4127
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