Meet Our Instructors

Kylie Dykema

I’ve been a freelance artist since 2005 and have more than 20 years of training and professional experience in graphic communications. I spent over four years at ICON Sign in Grand Rapids, where I worked as an office manager, project manager, marketing specialist, and graphic artist, and one year at Amway Global in the paper printing department as a process trainer. I’m ASPA certified through the American Screen Printing Association, and I earned an associate degree in digital imaging and printing and a bachelor’s degree in technical education, both from Ferris State University. 

My favorite thing about being a teacher is giving students an alternative career path that follows their creativity and lets their passion grow through their successes. I also love how many resources and how much support KCTC has access to, and I’m proud of how the tech center provides students with anything and everything they need to be successful.

Kylie Dykema
616.802.3623

Allen Kaatz

I began my career at Grandville Printing Company, where I was part of the installation crew for a prototype printing press. I also worked in the press room and in pre-press, where I served as both a platemaker and a film assembler.

What I enjoy most about teaching is watching the majority of my students reach a level of success where they feel comfortable and confident in what they are doing. I especially value seeing them become willing and able to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities to help classmates who need assistance.

The Kent Career Tech Center is a special place where students from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic environments come together. The education process in our classes is not what most students are accustomed to. Learning here is more hands-on and practical rather than the fundamental, textbook-based education found in a traditional classroom.

Allen Kaatz
616.364.8421 x2699