News / Instructor Spotlight

Gia Brachtenbach is the Computer Graphics Technology instructor. She hopes to inspire and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to thrive in the creative industry. Through a diverse range of creative disciplines, including graphic design, photography, web design, animation, and videography, students will explore their interests and develop their creative talents. Her ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset to pursue their passions, whether it be launching their own business ventures or thriving in a design-oriented workplace. She has a bachelor's Degree of Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design, 10+ years in the creative industry, and Design and technician experience!

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Josh Simmons has a combined total of 24 years of experience in the Diesel Industry. He has worked in Ag (John Deere, CNH) and On-Highway Diesel (Peterbilt, Kenworth, International). For the past 8 years, he has been an Instructor in the Diesel Program at Northwest Tech. As a fellow graduate, he enjoys teaching the trade to your youth so the diesel industry can continue to thrive. Josh also has an Associate of Applied Science, a Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education, and is ASE Certified.

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Shea Vrbka has over 20 years of experience in the welding and custom fabrication industry! Most of his work has been for the Ag industry, where he specialized in building Grain trailers, Equipment trailers, Custom truck beds, and general repairs. He also holds an AAS in Welding from NWKTC, a BS in Career and Technical Education from PSU, and is a NC3 Certified Welding Instructor from Lincoln Electric.

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Butch Knapp has over 45 years of experience in the plumbing industry, specializing in residential & commercial service. For 35 years, he has owned and operated Knapp Plumbing and Heating, located in Burlington, CO. He holds a Colorado Master Plumber License and a Colorado Plumbing Contractor License.

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