NEW STAFF MEMBERS

For fall 2007, RMCTC welcomes the following new staff members:

Melisa Diehm, early childhood education teacher; Mark Dietrich, public safety and security teacher; Leiko Feltenberger, curriculum support specialist; Andrew Klein, machine shop technology teacher; and Allison R. Larson, supervisor of curriculum and professional development.

New for December 2007; Lisa Hughes, Learning Resource Center Para-Professional; and Rick Moore, Instructional Assistant, Transportation Cluster.

Mrs. Lisa Hughes

During the past month, Mrs. Lisa Hughes joined the team at RMCTC as a Learning Resource Center Para-Professional. 

Lisa was born in Reading and graduated from Fleetwood High School.  She went on to Kutztown University where she obtained her BS in Accounting.  Later she attended Alvernia College and earned her teaching certification in MS Math and K-12 Business/Computers.  She is also certified in CPR and First Aid. 

Lisa is married and has two children who are 19 and 13.  Lisa is very involved with her church, she teaches Sunday School, and helps with a youth group.  In her spare time she is the leader of Boy Scout Troop 538, she helps with the Oley Valley Band Association, and she tutors students in Math.  Currently, she is the treasurer of a church Preschool and serves on the board of directors.  Lisa says she was looking for a position in which she could help all students learn math basics. 

She likes the ability to be able to create math activities to match a student’s ability and she really enjoys working one-on-one with students.  It is important to her that she helps every student, regardless of his or her abilities.  She is very happy that RMCTC has given her this opportunity. 

Lisa has a message she would like to pass along.  “The students here at RMCTC are very hardworking and kind.  The teachers in the various shop areas are dedicated to helping the students develop to their full potential.  As a support teacher, the students who come to me for help and they work hard to accomplish their goals.  RMCTC is a great place to work and learn.”

Please read the biographical information below and extend a warm welcome to these new team members.

Rick Moore

RMCTC would like to welcome Mr. Rick Moore as an Instructional Assistant in the Transportation Cluster. 

Rick has worked in the automotive, diesel, and small engine industry since 1991.  For some time he owned and operated a small equipment shop in Ephrata, PA.  Rick brings valuable experience to share with the students. 

Rick was born in Lancaster and attended Hempfield High School and Brownstown Vo-Tech.  He is ASE certified and has his PA Inspection License.  Rick is a two time World Champion in the All Harley Drag Racing Association where he also holds two national records.  He also has a Top Fuel Harley 5.90 License and a NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle License. 

At home, Rick has a nine year old daughter and two dogs.  Rick’s passion for engines will help him guide the students to becoming excellent mechanics.  This passion for working with engines and helping students fits right in with what RMCTC is all about.  Welcome a board Rick!

Melisa Diehm - Early Childhood Education Teacher

I was born in Allentown and moved to Lancaster in the second grade. I currently live in Lancaster with my daughter, Brooke.

I am a graduate of Immaculata University with a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science. I hold a current teaching certification with the state of Pennsylvania. I am also a licensed Nail Technician.

I was employed at Lancaster County Career and Technology Center as the disciplinarian for six years before coming to RMCTC. I enjoy spending my free time with my daughter cooking and making crafts. I also enjoy interior decorating and entertaining.

Early childhood education is extremely important in the development of a young child. My students will have a wonderful opportunity to learn the skills they need because of the Head Start program located within RMCTC.

Mark Dietrich - Public Safety & Security Teacher

I am a graduate of the Fleetwood Area High School and the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. I was born and raised in Berks County. I am married, have one daughter, twin sons, and a grandson.

I have obtained the following certifications: PA Municipal Police Act 120, Practical and Tactical Handcuffing Instructor, Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol Instructor, Monadnock Baton Instructor, Self-Defense Tactics and Control Instructor, Terrorism Awareness Instructor, Vocational Education Interim Certificate for Criminal Justice. I am also a retired sergeant with Berks-Lehigh Regional Police, a police forensic artist, and a former volunteer firefighter and ambulance technician.

I was the Law Enforcement instructor at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute and a substitute for the Protective Services instructor at Berks Career and Technology Center. In my spare time, I am the assistant junior varsity baseball coach at Fleetwood High School and the head baseball coach for the Fleetwood Junior Legion Baseball Team. I have interests in motorcycles, football, hockey, and golf. I am also the activities director for the Berks County Harley Owners Group. This program provides an excellent foundation from which to pursue college and ultimately a career in public safety.

Leiko Feltenberger - Curriculum Support Specialist

I am a graduate of Muhlenberg Senior High School. Currently I work part-time as a receptionist at the Leesport Animal Hospital and prior to that I worked for 15 years as a payroll specialist.

I am married and I have one daughter. Away from work I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter. We go out on our Harley for long rides with friends. I really enjoy the work environment at RMCTC; it’s like a big family.

Andrew Klein – Machine Shop Technology Teacher

I am a graduate of Antietam High School and Berks Career and Technology Center – West. I took Electro-Mechanical technology at BCTC. After high school I went on to earn associate degrees in Machine Tool Technology and Automated Manufacturing from Pennsylvania College of Technology, which is a division of Penn State. Additionally, I have completed a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Alvernia College.

I have more than 13 years of direct work experience in the machining and manufacturing industry and have substitute taught previously at the Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center.

I am a life-long resident of Berks County and I am married with a daughter. I have coached little league and youth basketball for my township and volunteered for swim meets at the Camp Fire USA. Additionally, I have supported the United Way of Berks County through the years, including direct service projects. I enjoy hunting, camping, ice hockey, auto racing, antiques, and traveling.

Allison R. Larson - Supervisor of Curriculum and Professional Development

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Shippensburg and a master of education degree in counselor education from Temple University. I am a Certified Guidance Counselor for Kindergarten through 12th grade and I have my Director’s Certification through Penn State.

I was a guidance counselor at RMAVTS from 1998-2001 and then I worked for Berks Career and Technology Center-East as a guidance counselor and Tech Prep coordinator. I have returned to RMCTC to the position of supervisor of curriculum and professional development.

At home, I have two wonderful children that are 12 and 14. Most of my time away from work is spent at their sporting events. I also enjoy reading, cooking, walking and hiking. Spending time at the beach and on a boat is always fun too. On Sundays, I’ve been teaching 5th and 6th grade Sunday school for 10 years and I am involved in many community service projects with my church.

It is great to be back at RMCTC! The changes to the building, as well as the plan for improvement, will create many new and exciting opportunities for our students.