Employee Directory

Megan graduated from FHTC with her Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Arts Technology degree in 2017 and began her teaching career as an adjunct instructor. As the production side Graphic Arts Instructor, she also manages the college’s in-house printing and finishing operations, as well as screen printing projects. Megan has taught community arts classes in the area for the past five years and also serves as a volunteer to several local organizations.

Harlan began at FHTC in 2012 as an adjunct welding instructor and became a full-time instructor in 2015. Prior to that, he worked for Sauder Custom Fabrication for 40 years and was also a member of the Army Reserve for 29 years. Harlan is a Certified Welding Educator and holds Associate Welding Inspector certificates from the American Welding Society.

Joe began teaching Automotive Technology at FHTC in 2019. He has over 23 years of experience in automotive repair, including owning and operating his own auto repair shop. Joe received his automotive education from Manhattan Area Technical College and holds several certifications including ASE Certifications of Master Automotive Technician and L1-Advance Engine Performance.

Dave is a graduate of the Industrial Engineering program and began his instructing career at FHTC in 2008. Prior to teaching, he worked at Martin Marietta rock quarry as lead man, then as an electrician. Dave also worked at Camso, a local production company, as a maintenance technician where he held positions of shift supervisor and team leader.

Ron began his teaching career at FHTC in 1995. Prior to that, he worked for 12 years as a machinist for several companies in the Emporia area. Since Ron began as an instructor, the program has continued to evolve with new equipment and techniques to meet the standards of the industry.

Sue has lived in Topeka all her life, graduating from Topeka schools. She has been in the dentistry field since 1975 completing an Associate Degree in Science in 2009 and graduated from Flint Hills Technical College in 2011 with an AAS in Dental Hygiene. Since then, Sue has been working as an RDH in private practice. She will be an adjunct faculty and assisting in clinical instruction.

Amy graduated from Flint Hills Technical College Dental Assisting in 2011 and Dental Hygiene Program in 2012. She has worked in the dental field since 2003. Amy completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Emporia State University, Emporia, KS in 2010. Amy began as adjunct faculty at Flint Hills Technical College in 2015 and became full time in 2016. She is responsible for teaching Pre-Clinic, Clinic II, Embryology-Histology and Oral Anatomy, Periodontics and assist in Clinic III, Clinic IV and Local Anesthesia.

Brice, a graduate of the Welding Technology program, began as a full-time instructor at FHTC in 2019 having previously served as an adjunct. His prior work history includes working as a welder/fabricator for Mitchell Markowitz Construction. Brice is also a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Jeff began as a Power Plant Technology instructor at FHTC in 2009. Prior to that, he spent 12 years at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard serving as a Nuclear Shift Test Engineer where he overhauled, repaired, and tested the propulsion plant equipment, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Don began teaching at FHTC in 2008. Prior to that, he spent 25 years as a real estate broker, and also taught continuing education courses for the Kansas Association of Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors®. Don holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvey Mudd College.

Barb, a 2004 graduate of the FHTC Practical Nursing program, has worked at Flint Hills Technical College since 1997. She has been an EMS volunteer for 25 years, FHTC Instructor/Coordinator for 20 years and also serves as the area Training Center Coordinator

Monica graduated from Flint Hills Technical College, formerly known as Flint Hills Area Technical School, in 1975 as a Certified Dental Assistant. She worked in private dental practice until becoming an adjunct faculty member at FHTC in 1995. Monica began as the Dental Assisting Program Director in 1997 and continues to serve in that capacity. Monica graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1995, and a Master’s Degree in Business Education in 1997. She is responsible for teaching a variety of Dental Assisting courses as well as Dental Materials and Dental Radiology for the Dental Hygiene program.

Deb graduated from Flint Hills Technical College, formerly known as Flint Hills Area Technical School, in 1979 as a Certified Dental Assistant. Beginning in 1979, she worked in the oral surgery field as a surgical assistant and assistant practice manager. In 1991, she received her DANB certification in Dental Practice Management and served as the oral surgery practice manager from 1990 – 2008. She began teaching at FHTC in 2010 in the Dental Assisting Program. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree of Health Science from Washburn University. She is responsible for teaching several Dental Assisting courses as well as Nutrition for Oral Health for both dental assisting and dental hygiene students.

Dr. Karr graduated from Kansas State University in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1994 with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. He has taught General Science courses since 1998 and began teaching at Flint Hills Technical College in 2000. He teaches physical science, chemistry, and biology courses as well as Pharmacology and Oral Pathology for Dental Hygiene and Human Anatomy for Dental Assisting.

Kayla has been a Registered Nurse since 2013. She graduated from Emporia State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Before becoming a nurse educator, Kayla was employed at Newman Regional Health in Emporia for five years and on the Medical/Surgical/Telemetry floor. Kayla has been with FHTC since 2017.

Kim has been a Registered Nurse since 2004. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Emporia State University in 2004, and from Fort Hays State University in 2017 with a Master’s of Science in Nursing Education. Prior to becoming an educator, Kim worked at Newman Regional Health in Emporia for over four years on the Medical/Surgical/Pediatric floor. She has been a nursing educator at Flint Hills Technical College since 2008.

Lori began teaching in the Business Technology program at FHTC in 2012. Prior to this position she worked as a victim advocate, corporate trainer and a non-profit community relations director. Lori holds a bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University.

Katherine graduated from Flint Hills Technical College in Dental Assisting in 2009 and from the Dental Hygiene program in 2012. Since 2010, she has worked in an area dental office as a dental assistant, scaling assistant and dental hygienist. Katherine assists in clinical instruction.

Alberto is an alumni from FHTC’s Hospitality/Culinary Arts program, graduating in the Honor Society, and began as an instructor in 2018. He has studied under Chef Lance Nitahara and Evelyn O’Connor. Alberto has extensive experience in food truck operation and has catered events ranging from private dinner parties to groups up to three hundred. He has over five years of management experience including leading a kitchen team in Colorado Springs. Alberto has extensive knowledge in Latin American Cuisines as well as Dietary Restrictions and Nutrition and teaches several courses, among those are Culinary Techniques & Theory, World Cuisine and Modern Gastronomy.

Kenda has been a teacher for over 20 years and began teaching at FHTC in 2013. Her prior work experience includes health education teacher, business corporate training supervisor and Project TEEN coordinator. Kenda is a NBEA Member and Phi Beta Lambda Business Advisor. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University.

Tom began as an instructor at FHTC in 2019. Previous job history includes teaching photography, design and digital humanities courses at four-year universities and as a freelance graphic artist/art director. Tom is an artist, photographer, designer, public historian, educator, and archivist and has worked on projects that range from web and interactive design to branding and exhibit design. His artwork has been displayed in many regional galleries and he’s been awarded commissions from major galleries and museums as well as a major grant from the Kansas Humanities Council. Tom earned both his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography and Digital Art from Kansas State University.

Tricia graduated from Emporia State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and from Fort Hays State University in 2019 with a Master of Science in Nursing Education degree. Before becoming a nurse educator, Tricia was employed at Newman Regional Health Women’s Life Center. She also worked at Tyson Fresh Meats: Holcomb as the occupational health nurse and in school nursing for North Lyon County school district. Tricia has been with FHTC since 2014.

Bret began teaching Automotive Technology at FHTC in 1999, prior to that, he worked as an automotive technician at an auto dealership. Bret, a graduate of FHTC, holds an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology degree. He also has several certifications including ASE Master Technician, L1 ASE Advance Engine Performance Specialist Certification, G1 ASE Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification, and NATEF Evaluation Team Leader.

Janice has been in the dental field for twenty-seven plus years. After graduating in May 1990 from FHTC with a degree in Dental Assisting, she continued her education at Allen County Community College and graduated May 2007 Phi Theta Kappa with an Associate of Arts Degree. Janice completed her Dental Hygiene degree at FHTC in May 2009. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Dental Hygiene at Wichita State University. In 2016, Janice was an FHTC Distinguished Alumni and is an adjunct faculty member while continuing to work in private practice.

Robert began teaching Automotive Technology at FHTC in 2010. His prior automotive industry work experience includes parts store manager, automotive technician, fleet manager, service advisor and as a high school automotive instructor. Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Service Management and a master’s degree in Technical Education, both from Pittsburg State University. He also has several certifications including A1-A8 ASE Master Certified Technician, A9 ASE Light Duty Diesel Certification, G1 ASE Maintenance and Light Repair Certification, P2 Automobile Parts Specialist Certification, and ASE Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Section 609 Certification.

Kendra began teaching in the Hospitality/Culinary Arts program at FHTC in 2019. Prior to this position, she worked as a counselor and educator. Kendra has worked several positions in the restaurant including Pastry Chef and Corporate Chef. She worked with celebrity chefs in the Fort Worth, Texas area to keep them up to date on market trends and helped them manage restaurants in general. Kendra has also owned her own restaurant in the hospital district in Fort Worth. Kendra holds a Master’s Certificate in Addiction Counseling from Montana State University, a Bachelor’s in Education from Texas Wesleyan University and an Associate of Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Dallas.

Tonya received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree from Emporia State University in 1998 and was employed at Newman Regional Health in Emporia for 20 years on the Women’s Life Center floor and in Same Day Surgery. She began as an instructor at Flint Hills Technical College in 2018.

Adam received his Associate of Applied Science in Electronics Technology degree from FHTC in 1994. That same year, he began his career at FHTC as technical support for the college’s computers and networks and teaching classes for the Electronics Technology program. In 1998, Adam became a full-time instructor and FHTC’s Network Engineer. Since then, he has continued to stay current in the industry with numerous certifications and licensures including Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+, March 2000; CompTIA Network+, March 2001; Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Level 1 Certification, March 2002; Certified Novell Administrator, March 2000; Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radiotelephone Operator License, Feb 1992; Kansas State Board of Education – Certification in Electronics, Fall 1994.

Kyle received his Associate of Applied Science in Network Technology degree from FHTC in 2011. In 2012, he began his career at FHTC in the IT department and oversaw the installation of the network infrastructure in the college’s downtown campus. Kyle became a Network Technology instructor in 2014 and a full-time faculty member in 2015.

Russell began his teaching career at Flint Hills Technical College in 2018. Prior to that, he worked as an Inside Plant Engineer for a telecommunication company. Russell holds an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Program Design & Development degree from FHTC and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Emporia State University.

Lori graduated in 1980 from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her career history includes Medical/Surgical nursing and OB/Postpartum and Level II Skilled Newborn Nursery at Shawnee Mission Medical Center and Shawnee Mission OB/GYN Associates, as well as being a school nurse with the Olathe School District. Lori also worked in OB/Postpartum at Newman Regional Health in Emporia and as a Public Health Nurse for Lyon County for eight years. She began as a nurse educator with Flint Hills Technical College in 2003-2004 and again in 2014.

Sondra has been a Registered Nurse since 1981 after graduating from Newman School of Nursing, she also holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Healthcare Administration/Management from FHTC. Her experience in the healthcare field includes med/surgical unit, ICU and telemetry, charge nurse, as well as serving as Director of Nursing at a long-term care facility for 26 years. Sondra taught part-time at FHTC before becoming a full-time instructor in 2014.

Rick began as a Power Plant Technology instructor at FHTC in 2013. Prior to that, he worked at Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Company for 27 years, holding positions as an Instrumentation and Control Technician, I&C Training Instructor, and 15 years in training management. Rick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Ministry from Manhattan Christian College and a Technical Certificate in Airframe and Power Plant from Kansas Technical Institute. He also has several certifications including: Institute of Nuclear Plant Operators Instructor Certification; Institute of Nuclear Plant Operators I&C Technician Certification; Certified Flight Instructor; Certified Airframe and Power Plant Instructor; Certified Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic; and FAA Authorized Aircraft Inspector.

Chris Wilson has been teaching Industrial Engineering Technology at FHTC since 2012. Before that, he was maintenance supervisor at Camso, a manufacturer of rubber tracks in Emporia. Chris holds a bachelor's degree from Emporia State University as well as an MT1 (Manufacturing Technician Level 1) Certification from the Manufacturing Skills Institute. Chris has led several summer workshops in the past, including Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Residential Wiring, and Industrial Wiring.

Casey began his career with Flint Hills Technical College in 2018 as the Multimedia Design Instructor. His prior work experience includes Walt Disney Archives in Photoshop retouching and as a photographer covering NFL, MLB, and NCAA sporting events. Casey also holds an unmanned aircraft (drone) license that he utilizes for his video and photography businesses. His fine art landscapes and wildlife images have won national awards and can be seen displayed in local businesses. Casey holds a degree from the Art Institute of Colorado.