Employee Directory

Rhiannon graduated from FHTC in 2018 with an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Arts Technology degree and began her teaching career in 2021. With five years of experience in the graphics industry, her prior work roles include production artist, photographer, graphic artist, art director and marketing director. Rhiannon has also volunteered as an art teacher for Chase County Schools since 2018.

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.

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.

Corryn began as a Welding Technology instructor at FHTC in 2021. Prior to that she spent four years in the welding industry, two working for L&M Ethanol Maintenance as a traveling combination welder and two years at Sauder's Custom Fabrication in Emporia as a welder. Corryn completed the Nevada Regional Technical Center Welding Technology program as a high school student. She then attended Missouri Welding Institute in 2018 and completed a Master Pipe Welding and Fitting course. She is a certified Pipe Welder per ASME Section IX/ All Positions and a certified Structural Welder under AWS D1.1.

Shannon graduated from FHTC in 2009 with an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Arts Technology degree and began her teaching career in 2021. She has 12 years of experience in the graphic arts industry in a wide array of areas including digital sheet-fed presses, wide and grand format printing, vinyl graphic production and installation, screen printing, finishing and binding processes and graphic design.

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.

Nicole graduated from FHTC's Practical Nursing Program in 2007. She worked at Newman Regional Health for the Telemetry unit until 2010 when she graduated with her Associate Degree in Nursing from Butler Community College. Upon graduation, she worked for the Women’s Life Center at NRH and later for Same-Day Surgery. While in Same-Day Surgery she earned her Certified Ambulatory Per-Anesthesia Nursing Certification (CAPA), and was chair of the education council for NRH. In 2018 she joined the staff at Home Town Health Care and began pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through Emporia State University. She graduated with honors in leadership from ESU in 2019. Nicole has been with FHTC since 2020.

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.

Natalie began as a Power Plant Technology instructor at FHTC in 2021. Her work experience includes roles in quality assurance across several manufacturing areas and as a high school chemistry and physical science instructor. Natalie has a focused interest in sustainability, the circular economy and renewable technologies and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Emporia State University.

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.

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.

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 also held several positions in the restaurant industry including Pastry Chef and Corporate Chef. She’s worked with celebrity chefs in the Fort Worth, Texas area, assisting with market trends and restaurant management and also owned her own restaurant in Fort Worth. Kendra is a Certified Culinary Educator (CCE), Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC), holds a Master’s in Health and Human Performance from Fort Hays State University, 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.

Daniel is a graduate of both FHTC’s Computerized Machine Tool Engineering and Welding Technology programs, he also holds a Mazak Hands-On Training Certificate. Daniel began teaching at FHTC in 2021. Prior to his teaching role, he spent 14 years in local industry as a CNC machinist.

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.

Larry began at FHTC in 2019 as the Parts and Service Supervisor for Automotive Technology in Garnett and began teaching as an instructor of the program in 2020. He has over 40 years of vehicle repair experience including owning and operating his own automotive repair shop for 14 years and seven years of repairing aircraft in the military. Larry holds numerous certifications related to the automotive industry.

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.

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.

Roger began as an Industrial Engineering Technology instructor at FHTC in 2021. He has over 20 years of experience in all engineering sub-disciplines including design, service, validation testing, project, and troubleshooting and five years of teaching in the mathematics/science/engineering fields. Roger is a certified Engineer Intern for the Florida State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and holds a bachelor's degree in Ocean Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical).

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.