Expert's Corner Technical Education

Curt Nemechek - Carpentry Instructor

Dr. Clint Alexander Faculty

Dr. Clint Alexander - Animal Science Instructor / Meat Judging Coach

Dr. Clint Alexander started at Garden City Community College in August of 2000. During his tenure, he has assisted in acquiring several grant funding opportunities including building the GCCC Meat Lab, which opened in August of 2013. Over the last couple of years, the departments' online program has become the largest food science and safety provider in the country to the USDA-FSIS. He is HACCP certified by the International HACCP Alliance, including instructor and program status approval, and BQA Certified. He brings a broad knowledge of agriculture and the livestock industry to this department with his education and industry experiences. His meat judging teams have won six National Championships (2003, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020), seven Reserve National Championships (2001, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2018, 2019), the Australian Championship (2014), and has coached 33 All-Americans in meat judging since 2002.

Dr. Alexander resides in rural Finney County with his wife, Paula, and their daughter Paxton.

A.S. - Garden City Community College - Animal Science
B.S. - Texas Tech University - Agricultural Education
M.S. - Texas Tech University - Meat Science & Muscle Biology
Ph.D. - Texas Tech University - Meat Science & Food Microbiology/Safety

Travis Fulton Auto Tech Instructor

Travis Fulton - Auto Tech Instructor

Served Five Years in the US Navy as a Jet Engine Mechanic, after my military service I attended and graduated from Wyotech.  Worked as a Diesel Mechanic at John Deere for Five Years.  After John Deere I opened and operated my own Automotive repair shops in two separate towns for 15 years, and also was the Transportation Director for the Scott City School District before accepting the job as an automotive Instructor at GCCC.  As an instructor I hope that my years of experience in the automotive and Diesel industry can help some young adults attending the GCCC automotive program realize and achieve

Caroline Bradshaw Faculty

Caroline Bradshaw - Allied Health Instructor

Caroline received her associate degree in Nursing through DCCC. She loves working in the healthcare fields of Home Health and Long-Term Care. She also loves participating in medical missions outreach to underserved areas. Caroline currently teaches for GCCC Allied Health Department and teaches C N A, C M A, and Home Health Aide. She believes learning holistic, quality care is an essential foundation for a successful and meaningful career in healthcare. She continues to work part-time with home health clients, long-term care, and participate in mission outreach.

Ryan Connolly - Automotive Instructor

Ryan Connolly is an instructor for the GCCC Automotive program. He comes to GCCC after working for Weatherford International for 8 years and Powder River Hydraulics for 3 years. Ryan studied at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. The reason Ryan wanted to become an instructor was because he enjoys training people for tasks that will help them become a contributing member of society and give them the best opportunity to be able to support their families.

Shellie Emahizer Faculty

Shellie Emahizer - Nursing Instructor

Shellie graduated from Garden City Community College with AS/RN in 1995. In 2010 she graduated with her BSN from Southwestern College out of Winfield, Kansas. She then graduated with her MSN with an emphasis in Administration and Leadership in 2017 from Aspen University, Denver, Colorado.

Having worked in various areas in health care for over 20 years, Shellie now enjoys sharing her love of nursing with the next generation of nurses.

Cory French - Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Program

Cory French attended the US Navy's Nuclear Power and Ballistic Missile training program schools, along with attending Grand River Technical School in Chillicothe, Missouri. He has trained maintenance personnel on the job for over 20 years. Ever since attending technical school, Cory has had the desire to become an instructor. This role allows him to teach in an academic setting and pass on his knowledge and experience in a controlled environment dedicated to training the next generation of maintenance personnel. Cory joined GCCC in 2020 and said the thing he appreciates most is GCCC's dedication to providing the necessary tools and environments for the students to receive their training as well as the administration and staff who understand the need for skilled labor in industry and fully support provide anything that is needed to ensure students receive the best training possible.

Ryan Grubbs Faculty

Ryan Grubbs - Automotive Technology Instructor

GCCC Automotive Instructor, Ryan Grubbs has over 10 years of experience in the automotive industry. Grubbs is an ASE Master Certified Technician, ASE Maintenance and Light Repair Technician, ASE Certified Undercar Specialist, ASE Parts Specialist and MAC Section 609 Certified. He received his training at Northwest Kansas Technical College, completing his education in 2006. He has worked in various repair shops, parts stores and has several years of experience as an instructor. Grubbs brings his passion for both education and the automotive industry into the classroom and lab settings.

Bret Haire - Automotive Instructor

Bret graduated from GCCC with an Associate in Applied Science Degree and a Certificate C in Automotive Technology. He began working at GCCC in 2018 as a Lab Assistant and then started his full-time position as an Automotive Technology Instructor in 2020. Bret wanted to become an instructor for two reasons. The first is his passion for all things Automotive, particularly Engines and Engine Performance. The second reason is his joy in sharing that passion with others. His favorite thing about GCCC is the fact that students of all backgrounds are able to come together and find common ground in an area that interests them. Not just in Automotive, but all areas of study.

Jim Boy Hash Faculty

Jim Hash - Ag Instructor / Rodeo

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Mia Horn - Cosmetology Instructor

Mia Horn has been among the beauty professional industry, of Cosmetology, since 1984

A local resident of Garden City, Mia is a graduate from Garden City High School and an alumnus of Garden City Community College, where she received both her cosmetology license and her instructors training and licensure.

In the years of licensure, she has worked in a Shop, 1984-2002 behind the chair.  While working behind the chair, in 2000, she went back to school to receive her License, as an educator.  Her educational training was obtained through Miladys Master Educator and further education through, Pivot Point International.

Mia began teaching in the Fall of 2002 Through Dec of 2007.  In the same month, of December in 2007 she started working as a sales representative at a local graphic design company, INKT Graphics. With only a year into sales, she realized that cosmetology was her passion.  Taking her sales experience, into the beauty shop, she opened in 2008-2014, her own beauty shop, Mia H Salon and Spa.

Since 2014 up to the present, she has been an Instructor at, Garden City Community College, teaching Pivot Point curriculum.  Pivot Point is an International company that trains educators to be at a premier level, of teaching how to train others, in the areas of Hair, Skin, and Nails.  Going to Chicago, every year, for up to date educational training, she is a seasoned educator for teaching fundamentals and advanced education, to students.

She goes to hair shows and keeps up to date on trends and techniques which in turn, helps students to learn educational skills in an exciting way.  She loves promoting cosmetology education for all those who sit in her classroom.

Lawrence Jenkins Faculty

Lawrence (Larry) Jenkins - Nursing Instructor 

Larry's nursing career includes 25 years in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City working as a staff RN, supervisor, and the last eight years as Director of Critical Care, Cardiopulmonary and Flex team. He started at Garden City Community College as faculty in January 2018 and also works PRN at St. Catherine Hospital. Larry's interests in nursing include treatment of sepsis, patient safety, outcomes management, and developing high-reliability systems at the microsystem level.

Larry earned his Master of Science in Nursing at South Dakota State University with an emphasis in Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) in 2017. In 2018, he presented a poster on quality improvement surrounding teaching of the diabetic patient in the ICU microsystem at the 2018 AACN CNL Summit. In 2019 he completed a Post Master's Certificate in Nurse Educator through South Dakota State University. Larry is faculty for the ADN program. His professional memberships include the Clinical Nurse Leader Association, National League of Nurses, and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

Lalani Kasselman Faculty

Lalani Kasselman - Nursing Instructor

LaLani began her nursing career in 1995 as an LPN, then in 2000 as an R.N. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2019. LaLani shares more than 25 years of experience in surgery, behavioral health, long-term care, and medical-surgical nursing with students. She has been teaching at GCCC since 2010 and is dedicated to sharing her love of the nursing profession with her students.

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Eve Kwiatkowski - EMT Instructor

Eve comes to Garden City as a native of Colorado. She worked as a park medic and park ranger for 13 years and got to do some amazing work in beautiful places. She has a passion for teaching, EMS, rural health care, science, and people with a whole lot of humor and fun! Since 1987 she has worked in EMS and then as a paramedic since 2003. Her dogs, nature, husband, patients, and students make life super fulfilling. Eve has an M.Ed. in adult education, a B.S. in Biology, and an A.A.S in paramedicine. She is finishing another master's in biology and a certificate in human patient simulation. Working in rural, major trauma and cardiac emergency departments, and 911 urban, tribal and wilderness areas have been all wonderful life experiences she has learned from.

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Tracy Lamb - Nursing Instructor

Tracy's nursing career began in 1988 after receiving her associate degree in nursing through GCCC. She has 30+ years of nursing experience, ranging from medical/surgical to critical and emergency care, from nursing supervisor in acute care to home health nurse and director. She joined the GCCC nursing program team in 2011 and has completed a BSN and MSN through Fort Hays State University since becoming a nursing instructor. Tracy is able to relate disease process and nursing care to experiences that help each student see holistic care in action. She brings the love and respect of the nursing profession to the classroom through her thoughts and actions. Tracy's philosophy is that nursing is more than treating an illness; it focuses on delivering holistic quality patient care that individualizes the needs and values of each patient. Nursing incorporates the knowledge of medicine with compassionate care, respecting the dignity of each patient.

Lorilynn Landgraf Faculty

Lorilynn Landgraf - Nursing Instructor

Lorilynn is a Garden City native and graduate of the GCCC nursing program. She has been employed at St. Catherine Hospital Maternal Child 1996 to present. Lorilynn is also a full-time faculty at Garden City Community College Department of Nursing since 2009 to present. She completed a BSN and MSN in Nursing Education from Fort Hays State University and obtained Certified Nurse Educator in 2019.

Daisy Mastin Cosmetology Instructor

Daisy graduated from Holcomb High School and later attended GCCC, receiving her Cosmetology Certificate in 2019. She worked at Main St. Salon & Spa for two years and joined GCCC as a Cosmetology Instructor in August 2021. Daisy always dreamed of becoming an instructor and was very excited to join GCCC to help students find their passion in the industry. She is proud that GCCC is a growing college filled with dedicated staff and faculty.

Diana Ortiz - Nursing Instructor

Diana attended school at both GCCC and DCCC and currently serves as an Allied Health Instructor. She began working for GCCC in August 2021 and previously worked at Garden City Davita Dialysis for 15 years. She enjoys teaching and being a role model and sharing the knowledge she has acquired through her nursing career. She enjoys the opportunities and diversity offered by GCCC for students as well as instructors on an educational level.

Glenda Owens Faculty

Glenda Owens - Allied Health Coordinator

Glenda Owens has worked in the public service and healthcare industry for over 25 years in multiple roles from EMS/Fire/Rescue, nursing, and healthcare education. Glenda is a KS Licensed Nurse and received her B.S. in Health Promotion & Human Services and a master's degree in Gerontology. Her primary focus is gerontology and ADRD (Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementia) where she is active with legislative work at both state and national levels to advocate and educate about brain health, promoting memory-friendly communities, and sharing her firsthand experiences of losing her father to Alzheimer's.

Glenda is a member of the American Society on Aging, a national ambassador for the Alzheimer Association, AIM (Alzheimer's Impact Movement) national member and a board member for the Kansas Public & Policy Committee for the Kansas Alzheimer chapter and board member for Kansas University Alzheimer's Disease Center, The Experience League. Glenda is also a nationally certified Dementia Care instructor and along with her duties as Nursing & Allied Health Program Coordinator, she adjunct teaches for GCCC.

In her spare time, Glenda volunteers with Blue Star Mothers, The Patriot Guards, and Vets for Veterans. Glenda enjoys spending time with her husband, children & grandchildren, riding her motorcycle across the US, and volunteering for multiple military charities.

Brad Sisk Faculty

Bradley Sisk - EMT Director 

Bradley started out on a volunteer service in Thomas County in the early 80s, received his RN in 86 and his Paramedic in 89. He started teaching in the early 90s as an adjunct for GCCC teaching EMS classes in Finney, Kearny, Hamilton, Scott, Wichita, and Greeley counties while working full time for Finney Co EMS. During this time, he also worked as an RN and supervisor in Guymon and St Catherine's, provided care as a home health nurse, flew with Eagle Med as a flight nurse/medic, and worked part-time as the program director for the Paramedic program. After 23 years with Finney Co EMS, Bradley came to GCCC as the full-time Program Director and Instructor.

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Nathan Steinle - JDAT Instructor 

Nathan was Engine Service Association certified in two and four-stroke engines before he graduated high school. While in high school he had his own small engine repair and lawn care business. His skills have been demonstrated in a competitive environment at many vocational events with multiple state championships and two national finalist medals including world runner-up in small, air-cooled gas engines. Nathan was president of the collegiate Vocational Industrial Clubs of America at Pittsburg State and was maintaining a 3.4 GPA and working approximately 30 hours per week as an

automotive technician while attending college. He has a knowledge of most computer systems and excellent customer relations and organization skills.

Nathan graduated from Pittsburg State University, Kansas Technology Center, in May 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Automotive Technology with an emphasis on Service Management. Among other industry certifications, he is certified as a master repair technician by the Automotive Service Excellence Association (ASE) with an advanced level certification in engine performance and drivability. Nathan is also an advanced-level instructor for John Deere University. His sixteen years as a vocational and technical education instructor have been a positive experience.

Brandy Unruh

Brandy Unruh - Criminal Justice Instructor

Brandy graduated from Cimarron High School and was a student in the Criminal Justice Program at GCCC. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Central Missouri. After college, she worked at the Garden City Police Department for 17 years. During her time there, she was a Field Training Officer and School Resource Officer. Brandy also served on the Street Gang Unit, Honor Guard, Bicycle Team, and the Community Response Division.

Brandy is a certified PPCT Defensive Tactics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor, and A.L.I.C.E. Instructor.

Cindy Venjohn

Cindy VenJohn - Ag Instructor 

Cindy's agriculture and teaching background are many-faceted. She grew up in the livestock world and continued it into her adult life. Cindy and her husband live on an operation and have been running Ven John Cattle since 1981. She has served the 4-H and FFA programs for over 30 years. Her educational experience started in 1992. In her 27 years, she has taught both high school and college.

Cindy's love for both agriculture and teaching has become a major goal in her life. She feels that we in the agriculture world have a duty to educate Americans young and old about agriculture. There are many false statements out there and we must spread the true ones.

Devin Wackerla

Devin Wackerla - Welding Instructor 

Devin Wackerla started his tenure with GCCC in 2011 as a Welding Instructor. Devin attended Missouri Welding Institute in 2006, gaining his certification in their Master Pipe Welding and Pipe Fitting Course. His welding career has taken him to various industries in various states including shutdowns, turnarounds, and new construction in power plants, oil refineries, chemical plants, sanitary plants, pipeline fabrication, and oil field repairs. Devin is also a Certified Welding Inspector, a NCCER Craft Trainer for Welding, Pipefitting, and Core Curriculum, and carries numerous welding certifications in various processes.

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Alberto Veyza - Welding Instructor 

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Amy Waters - Nursing Instructor

Amy graduated from the University of Kansas with a BSN in 1992, and MSN in Nursing Education from FHSU. She began her nursing instructor career at Pratt Community College from 2004-2008, then at GCCC from 2008-2016. Amy returned to GCCC as a nursing instructor in 2020.

Amy has worked in several areas in her nursing career, including Labor/Delivery and NICU, med surg ICU, physician's clinic, and virtual NCLEX prep coach. She has also served as a medical mission nurse in Haiti twice.

Sherri Williams

Sherri Williams - Simulation Lab Coordinator

Sherri received her associate degree in nursing through GCCC in 2003, and after coming into education completed her BSN and MSN through Tabor College. She has years of nursing experience in labor and delivery, newborn intensive care, pediatrics, and outpatient specialty clinic. Sherri is able to relate the experience she has obtained in nursing care to experiences that assist all students to develop methods to provide holistic care.

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Christian (Gabe) Winger JDAT Instructor

Graduating from the John Deere program at GCCC in 2006, Gabe went on to be a field technician for several dealerships in southwest Kansas while earning his Master's in JD Education. He worked as a technician until 2014 when he started his teaching career at Salina Area Technical College and started working on his bachelor's degree. In March 2018, Gabe was able to come back to Southwest Kansas and become a John Deere instructor for GCCC. Since then, he has worked to increase the program's awareness at numerous events, while going back to John Deere School for further management training. In January 2019, Gabe completed his bachelor's degree in Science Technology and will continue his education for several years to come.

Norman Wyatt

Norman Wyatt Welding Instructor

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Patrica Zeller - Director of Nursing

Licensed as RN in 1978 and APRN FNP 2010. Acute Care Nursing from 1987-2005 to include Medical/ Surgical nursing responsibilities with roles as floor nurse, supervisor and House Supervisor. Nursing faculty position starting in 2005 with additional responsibilities as Director of Nursing Education and Allied Health in 2011 - present. Currently in addition to director responsibilities for Garden City Community College, continuing work with nursing regulatory issues with appointment to the Kansas State Board of Nursing for a term of 4 years.