Expert's Corner Technical
Dr. Clint Alexander - Technical Division - Animal and Food Science
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. He has developed several new courses during this time including online courses in food science and safety. He is HACCP certified by the International HACCP Alliance, BQA Certified as well as ServSafe 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 five National Championships (2003, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017), six Reserve National Championships (2001, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2018), the Australian Championship (2014) and has coached 29 All-American’s in meat judging since 2002.
Dr. Alexander resides in Garden City with his wife, Paula, and their daughter Paxton.
Shellie Emahizer - Practical Nursing Instructor
Graduate from Garden City Community College with AS/RN in 1995. In 2010 I graduated with my BSN from Southwestern College out of Winfield, Kansas. I then graduated with my MSN with emphasis in Administration and Leadership in 2017 from Aspen University, Denver Colorado.
I have worked in numerous areas in nursing from Long Term Care, Home Health, Health Department, Acute Care, Surgery, Pharmacy, Infection Control. This is not my first foray into teaching, I was an adjunct instructor teaching C.N.A and C.M.A classes. I have been a floor nurse, and MDS Coordinator and Director of Nursing.
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.
Guillermina Hinde - Cosmetology Director/ Instructor
Guillermina Hinde has been a licensed Cosmetologist since 2001 until present.
A Graduate of Garden City Community College, a Pivot Point School.
A Pivot Point International trained Educator, and Licensed as an Instructor since 2004 until present. Guillermina started her employment at Garden City Community College as a Temporary/Substitute Instructor in 2005 until she became a full time Instructor in 2009. From 2009 until present, Guillermina is the Director/Instructor at Garden City Community College.
Guillermina also worked at Main St. Salon and Spa from 2001-2006, and from 2005-2009 she worked at Illusions Hair Salon.
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 Milady’s 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.
Larry Jenkins RN M.S. CNL - Nursing Faculty
My nursing career included 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. Started at Garden City Community College as faculty in January 2018 and also work PRN at St. Catherine Hospital. Interests in nursing include treatment of sepsis, patient safety, outcomes management and developing high reliability systems at the microsystem level.
I completed my M.S. in Nursing at South Dakota State University with emphasis in Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) in 2017. In 2018, I presented a poster on quality improvement surrounding teaching of the diabetic patient in the ICU microsystem at the 2018 AACN CNL Summit. I am faculty for both the PN and ADN programs. Currently I am pursing a Post Master’s Certificate in Nurse Educator through South Dakota State University projected completion December 2019. Professional memberships include the Clinical Nurse Leader Association and American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
LaLani Kasselman - Practical Nursing Instructor
My nursing career began in 1995 as an LPN, then in 2000 as an R.N. Recently, I have attended National American University for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This will be completed in May 2019 and I will pursue a master degree following this. I have experience in surgery, behavior health, long-term care, and medical-surgical nursing. I have been teaching allied health and nursing at GCCC since 2010. Nursing has been my life passion and I enjoy sharing that with students.
Gary Kuenstler - Criminal Justice Instructor
Gary comes to GCCC with over 20 years of public service experience. His back ground includes Patrol, Street Gang Unit, Investigations, K-9 Handling, School Resource Officer, Hostage Negotiation, Bicycle Unit, Field Training Officer, and Private Security. Most recently he worked at Garden City Police Department for 10 years – 2 ½ of those years as a Patrol Sargent.
Kuenstler is an NRA Firearms Instructor and has served with the Kansas Gang Investigators Association since 2012. He is currently working towards his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Tracy Lamb - AND Nursing Instructor
I received my associate degree in nursing through GCCC, and after coming into education completed my BSN through Fort Hays State University. I am currently working on my MSN through FHSU. I have 29 years of nursing experience, ranging from medical/surgical to critical care, from nursing supervisor in acute care to home health nurse and director. I am able to relate disease process and nursing care to experiences that help each student see holistic care in action. I bring the love and respect of the nursing profession to the classroom through my thoughts and actions. My 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 - Nursing Faculty
Garden City native and graduate of GCCC nursing program.
Employment at St. Catherine Hospital Maternal Child 1996-present.
Full time Faculty at Garden City Community College Department of Nursing 2009-present.
Glenda Owens - Nursing and Allied Health Program Coordinator
Glenda is a member of the American Society on Aging, a national ambassador for the Alzheimer Association and a board member for the Kansas Public & Policy Committee for Alzheimer Association. 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 provides public service for Red Cross National Disaster Services. Glenda enjoys spending time with her husband, children & grandchildren, riding her motorcycle across the US and volunteering for multiple military charities.
Larry Pander - Fire Science Program Director/Instructor
Larry has been with GCCC for 13 years, after retiring from the Houston Fire Department after 27 years of service. He was also an instructor with College of the Mainland for 9 years. Currently appointed by the governor’s office to the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Commission, and serves as Chair. Larry served in the Air Force as a Firefighter.
Roman Simon - Paramedic Instructor
Roman comes to GCCC with 18yrs experience ranging in emergency services. Roman is also RN with experience in Flight medicine and level 1 pediatric trauma. He has worked in rural and urban settings throughout the Midwest.
Roman is a graduate of GCCC paramedic program and holds an AAS in Emergency Medical Services technology as well as graduating from GCCC Paramedic to RN bridge program.
Roman is a AHA Instructor for ACLS, PALS, and BLS
Bradley Sisk - EMT Director
Started out on a volunteer service in Thomas County in the early 80’s, received my RN in 86 and my Paramedic in 89. I started teaching in the early 90’s 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 as well I worked as a 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, came to GCCC as their fulltime Program Director and instructor.
Nathan Steinle - John Deere Agricultural Technology Instructor
I was Engine Service Association certified in two and four stroke engines before I graduated high school. While in high school I had my own small engine repair and lawn care business. My skills have been demonstrated in a competitive environment at many vocational events and I have multiple state championships and two national finalist medals including world runner-up in small air cooled gas engines. I 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. I have knowledge of most computer systems and excellent customer relation and organization skills. I 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 I am certified as a master repair technician by the Automotive Service Excellence association (ASE) with and advance level certification in engine performance and drivability. I am also currently an advanced level instructor for John Deere University. My twelve years as a vocational and technical education instructor have been a positive experience, but I cannot ignore the possibility that my skills and experience may be of greater benefit elsewhere.
Brandy Unruh - Criminal Justice Instructor
I graduated from Cimarron High School and was a student in the Criminal Justice Program at GCCC. After college, I worked at the Garden City Police Department for 17 years. During my time there, I was a Field Training Officer and School Resource Officer. I also served on the Street Gang Unit, Honor Guard, Bicycle Team and the Community Response Division.
I am a certified PPCT Defensive Tactics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor and A.L.I.C.E. Instructor.
Cindy Ven John - Production Agriculture Director
My agriculture and teaching background is many faceted. I grew up in the livestock world and continued it into my adult life. My husband and I live on an operation and have been running Ven John Cattle since 1981. I have served the 4-H and FFA programs for over 30 years. My educational experience started in 1992. In my 27 years I have taught both high school and college.
My love for both agriculture and teaching have become a major goal in my life. I feel 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 - Welding Instructor
Devin Wackerla started his tenure with GCCC in 2011 as a welding instructor. Devin attended Missouri Welding Institute, gaining his certification in their Master Pipe Welding and Fitting Course. His welding career has taken him to various industries including shutdowns or new construction in power plants, oil refineries, chemical plants, sanitary plants, pipeline fabrication, and oil field repairs. Devin is also a Certified Welding Inspector.
Elizabeth Wampler - Nursing Instructor / ADN Coordinator
I have worked in a variety of nursing settings, but continue to have a passion for surgical nursing and orthopedics. I started working at GCCC in 2004 when the Practical Nursing Program was begun. I continued working with the PN program for several years. Since then, I have helped transition from a stand-alone PN program and an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program to a 1+1 nursing program, where there is a PN program and a LPN-RN completion program. Currently, I teach primarily in the LPN-RN Completion program (ADN). I enjoy teaching and love watching students enter into one of the most fulfilling professions!
Gabe Winger - John Deere Agricultural Technology Director
Graduating from the John Deere program at GCCC in 2006, I went on to be a field technician for several dealerships in southwest Kansas while earning my Masters in JD Education. I worked as technician until 2014, when I started my teaching career at Salina Area Technical College and started working on my bachelor’s degree. In March 2018, I was able to come back to Southwest Kansas and become a John Deere instructor for GCCC. Since then I have worked to increase the programs awareness at numerous events, while going back to John Deere School for further training in management. In January 2019, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Science Technology and will continue my education for several years to come.
Patricia (Patsy) Zeller - Director of Nursing Education and Allied Health
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.