Staff

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2019 Full-time Med Prep instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor
2018 Half-time Med Prep Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING BACKGROUND:

Career Tech Education Teacher Certification, University of Toledo, Toledo

Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Columbus, 2011

Attended University of Findlay

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

RN-Case Manager, 2+ years
Registered Nurse - Med/Surg and ICU departments, 5 years
Nurses Aide throughout high school and college, 4+ years

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR: 2015

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Master's Degree in Education - Wright State University

Bachelor's Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences - University of Toledo

Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science with concentration in Exercise Physiology - University of Toledo

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRISTAR:

• 2013-2015 - St. Marys Memorial High School - Intervention Specialist
• 2011-2013 - Greenville City Schools - Intervention Specialist

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:

• Career Based Intervention Endorsement
• Minor in Chemistry

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2019 Graphic Communications Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

• Completed Tri Star’s two-year Graphic Communications program
• Graduated from St. Henry High
• Attended the Modern College of Design for design and photography graduating in 2015
• Currently attending the University of Toledo for career technical education certication

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

• Worked at Globus Printing (Minster, OH) as a layout designer while in high school
• Worked as a designer and character animator for online learning courses at KIM Learning (two years).
• Worked as a designer for the Ohio State Fair and Expo Center creating ad campaigns, promotional spots, and shot photography for upcoming events held at the Expo. (3 years)

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2019 Career Pathways Instructor

Wendee Bertke's information can be found by visiting the Mercer County ESC's website here: https://www.mercercountyesc.or...

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2000 Director
1998 Assistant Director

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Master's Degree in School and Sports Administration from Loyola University, Chicago

Bachelor's Degree in Education from Ohio Northern University

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

• Coldwater High School – 1 year special education teacher, 2- years as physical education teacher, 3 years as athletic director and one year as assistant principal
• Fort Recovery High School – 6 years special education teacher, 5 years athletic director and coached junior high volleyball and boys and girls basketball

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2020 Engineering Technology Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING BACKGROUND:

Bachelor's Degree in Technology Education from Ohio Northern University
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in STEM from the University of Cincinnati

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

Substitute teacher for Van Wert and St. Marys City Schools

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
August 2022 Early Childhood/Teaching Professions Instructor and FCCLA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Bachelor's of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Wright State University

Master's Degree in the Art of Teaching from Wright State University

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

• Teacher at Coldwater Schools (Special Education K-12, 5th Grade, 2nd Grade, Title Reading, and 4th Grade) - 24 years
  
• Special Education Teacher at Fort Recovery - 1 year

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2022 Administrative Assistant

EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

Celina Schools Central Office/Treasurer's Office - 9 years
Celina Elementary - 5 years
Celina Middle School - 3 years
Mercer County Head Start - 13 years

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
January 2021 Information Technology/Cybersecurity Instructor and BPA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING BACKGROUND:

• Career Technical Education Certification with University of Toledo
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University
• Completed multiple on-line Information Technology courses

TECHNICAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MSCE)
• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

• Chair of the Engineering and Information Technology Department at Rhodes State College
  
• Assistant Professor of the Information and Emerging Technology Division at Rhodes State College for 22 years
• Network Support Analyst at Lima Technical College for nine years

PROFESSIONAL GROUPS:

• State of Ohio’s - State Committee on Computer Science (SCCS)
• Rhodes State College Faculty Association
• International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
• Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association

OTHER:

Assistant Varsity Girls Fast Pitch Softball Coach, Two years

Head Varsity Girls Fast Pitch Softball Coach, Five years

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
July 2024 - Manufacturing and Machining Technologies Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING BACKGROUND:

Career Tech Education Teacher Certification, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH (currently attending)

Celina High School Graduate

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

9.5 years at Pax Machine Works, Inc. Worked a majority of those years as a CNC machinist but finished as a Tool and Die Maker

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:

2019 Half-time Technology Coordinator

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:

2020 Part-time Career Development Coordinator and Adult Education Coordinator
2000 Career Development Coordinator
Fall 1996 - Career Development Coordinator and Vocational Evaluator
Fall 1987 - Full-time vocational evaluator for Tri Star's Adult Education Division
Fall 1986 - Sub for Tri Star's Adult Education Division

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Certified Vocational Evaluator, Kent State University

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Bluffton University

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

Four years - social worker, 648 Mental Health Board/Youth and Family Services

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: (all experiences while employed by Tri Star and Celina Schools)

• Wright State University Lake Campus—Teacher Mentor Program
  
• Director of Mercer County Alternative Education Program (Drop-Out Prevention)
• G.E.D. Alternative Chief Examiner for Mercer and Auglaize Counties
• Tri Star Adult "New Frontiers" Program Director and Teacher

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2020 Automotive Technology Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING BACKGROUND:

Currently attending the University of Toledo for career technical education certification
Completed the Mercedes Benz Elite Factory Training Program
Graduate of Universal Technical Institute majoring in auto and diesel
Graduate of Tri Star Career Compact's Automotive Technology program

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

Diagnostic Technician for Brinkman Service, Minster (6 years)
Mercedes Benz Master Certified Diagnostic Technician / Team Leader for Mercedes Benz of Easton, Columbus, OH (almost 10 years)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:

ASE Certified

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2016 REC Tech (Robotic, Electronic, and Computer Technologies) Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor
2013 Biomedical and Electronics Technology Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor
2001 Electronics Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Career Tech Education Teacher Certification, University of Toledo, Toledo

Associate’s degree in electronics from ITT

Journeyman in Electronics from IBEW

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

15 years in Electronic Engineering at Philips Display Components

• troubleshoot, repair, maintain, calibrate and design electronic equipment

• troubleshoot, program and repair Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Robotics.

OTHER:

Associate Certification from ISCET ( International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians)
FANUC Certified Instructor

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2002 Marketing and Distributive Education Instructor and DECA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Master's degree in Marketing Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

Four years teaching Marketing Education - two at Apollo Career Center (computers and business) and two at Lima Senior High School (marketing education)

Prior to working in education - Inside Sales Representative for Perry Corporation in Lima, Ohio

YEAR STARTED:
2019 Career Based Intervention and P3 Instructor - Celina High School (P3=Personalized Professional Pathway)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

• Master's Degree in Teaching - Marygrove College
  
• Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with concentration in Mathematics - Bluffton University
  
• Intervention Specialist Degree - University of Dayton
  

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

• 1999-2019 - Celina City Schools - Intervention Specialist
  
• 1996-1999 - Botkins Local Schools - Intervention Specialist
  
• 1999-2000 - Copeland Corporation, Sidney - Machinist/Grinder
  
• 1995-1996 - Plastipak Packaging, Jackson Center - Blow Mold Operator/Technician
  
• 1994-1996 - Bergman Drywall, Botkins - Drywall

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE/OTHER:

• Highly Qualified Teacher Status in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English - Bluffton University
  
• Career-Based Intervention Endorsement - University of Toledo
  
• Resident Educator Mentoring Training

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2018 Construction Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING BACKGROUND:

Career Tech Education Teacher Certification, University of Toledo, Toledo

Tri Star Career Compact, Construction program graduate, 1989

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

Twenty years working for Shinn Brothers Construction, Celina

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2019 Ag. Industrial Technology Instructor and FFA Advisor
2017 Ag. Mechanics Instructor and FFA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Career Tech Education Teacher Certification, University of Toledo

Associate Degrees’ from University of Northwestern Ohio in Automotive/Diesel/Alternate Fuel Vehicles & Agricultural Equipment

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

15+ Years on-the-job experience:

Ohio Department of Transportation - Technician

Wabash Garage - Mechanic

Platfoot Construction - Mechanic and General Carpenter/Job Foreman

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE: (not mentioned above)

ASE Certified in Automobile & Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician

Level 3 International Navistar Body & Engine Control Module Programmer

Certified with the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium in Propane & Natural Gas Vehicle Systems Inspection & Service

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2020 Welding Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING BACKGROUND:
University of Toledo - Career Technical Education classes (currently attending)
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology - Certified Welding Inspector, Magnetic Particle/Dye Penetrant Inspection
Vantage Career Center - Adult Basic and Advanced Welding - AWS SMAW D1.1 Certified
Celina High School Graduate including Tri Star's Career Based Intervention program

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:
Journeyman Welder at Nidec Minster Corporation for 8.5 years, also worked as Quality Assurance Coordinator - Machine/Fabrication Dept.
Welder/Fabricator at Monterey Fabrication, Coldwater
General Laborer at Vantilburg Farms

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:
Certified Quality Management System Auditor
Certified Quality Management System Administrator
Various Blueprint reading, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and Metrology classes/certifications
Statistical Quality Analysis

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:

1996 Recruitment/Placement Coordinator
1989 Transitions Coordinator/Financial Aid Advisor for Tri Star's Adult Education Division

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Master's Degree in School Counseling, University of Dayton

Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Homemaking and Vocational Education, Bowling Green State University

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

• Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Celina High School and New Knoxville High School
• Transitions Coordinator/Financial Aid Advisor for Tri Star Adult Education
• Substitute teacher
• Bookkeeper for Allan Nott Honda Kawasaki

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2019 Animal Health Instructor and FFA Advisor
2010 Vet Tech Instructor and FFA Advisor
2007 Horticulture Instructor and FFA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Master's degree in Administration Leadership from Bowling Green State University

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture Education from The Ohio State University

Associate's of Arts Degree from The Ohio State University - Lima

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

Farmer

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2006 Interactive Media and BPA Advisor
2003 E-Commerce Instructor and BPA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Master’s degree in Education Administration from Bowling Green State University

Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business (Major in Marketing) from Wright State University

21^st Century Learning Certificate with Specialization in Media and Information Resources

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

11 years:

Tri Star Adult Education Division – Computer Instructor

Community First Bank & Trust -Marketing Assistant

Classic Delight – Marketing Assistant

OTHER:

Additional graduate credit hours in Financial Literacy, Web Design, and Flash

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:
2015 Med Prep Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Career Tech Education Teacher Certification, University of Toledo

Associate of Science, Kettering College of Medical Arts, Kettering, OH

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

30 years on-the-job experience working as a registered nurse in hospital, doctor's office, and private duty nurse settings and as a charge nurse. Also, most recently, was Director of Nursing at The Gardens at St. Henry

OTHER:

• Certified instructor for State Tested Nurse Aide Program

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:

2024 VOSE (Vocational Special Education)
2014 Assistant Director (Retired Summer 2024)
2000 Computer Network Support and CBI Teacher

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Master's degree in Special Education from University of Findlay

Bachelor's degree in Secondary Business Education from Wright State University

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

• Assistant Principal – Celina High School
  
• Computer Network Support and CBI teacher – Tri Star Career Compact
  
• Ten years teaching at Celina, New Knoxville & Minster High Schools
• Business Teacher – New Knoxville & Minster High Schools
• Special Education Teacher - Celina High School
• Business Owner

YEAR STARTED AT TRI STAR:

2024 Assistant Director

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Administrative Licensure, University of Findlay

Master of Arts Degree in Teaching and Learning, Nova Southeastern University

Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, Bowling Green State University

St. Marys Memorial High School Graduate

WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE TRI STAR:

• Career Technical Supervisor , Vantage Career Center, 7 years
• Career Techical Instructor, Vantage Career Center, 4 years
• Business and Career Tech Teacher at Central Crossing High School/South-Western City Schools, 10 years