Meet Our Staff
Brian Jefts, Instructor
Background prior to Teaching
- Technician at Toyota and Scion of Grand Rapids MI
Industry Credentials
- ASE Master Certified Technician
Education
- Ferris State University - Associates in Automotive Service
- Ferris State University - Bachelors in Career Tech Education
Mike Pekrul, Instructor
Background prior to Teaching 
- Master Lexus Technician Harvey Lexus Grand Rapids MI
- Automotive Technician Sharpe Buick Grand Rapids MI
Industry Credentials
- ASE Master Certified Technician
Education
- Kent Skill Center Automotive Technology Graduate
- A.A.S. Automotive Service Technology Ferris State University
- B.S. Technical Education Ferris State University
- M.A. Career and Technical Education Western Michigan University
Nathan Vannest, Instructor
Background prior to Teaching
- Jaguar & Land Rover Silver certified Technician; Shape Collection Grand Rapids, MI
- Ford Senior Master Technician; Keller Ford Grand Rapids, MI
Industry Credentials
- ASE Master Certified Technician
Education
- A.A.S. Automotive Service Technology Ferris State University
- B.S. Technical Education Ferris State University
- M.A. Career and Technical Education Western Michigan University
Chris Yetzke, Instructor
Background prior to Teaching
- 25 years in the Automotive Industry as an Automotive Technician and Service Manager
Industry Credentials
- ASE Master Certified Technician
Education
- Universal Technical Institute - certificate in Automotive Technology
- Ferris State University - Bachelor of Science, Pro-Mo-TEd Technical Education
Josh Denhof, CTES
Background prior to Teaching
- 19 years as a General Motors Automotive Technician.
Industry Credentials
- ASE Master Certified Technician
Education
- KCTC Automotive Graduate
- Grand Rapids Community College- A.A.S Automotive Service Technology
Mike Kiekover, Instructor
Background prior to Teaching:
- 30 years in Automotive Industry as Technician
- Vehicles, generators, water and security systems servicing, Nigeria, West Africa
- Toyota Technician, Clearwater, FL
- Lead Technician, Hilltop Auto Service
- Lead Technician, Houskamp Auto Service
Industry Credentials
- ASE Master Certified Technician
Education
- A.A.S. Automotive Service Technology, Grand Rapids Community College
- B.S. Technical Education, Ferris State University
Joe Plowman, Tool Crib Attendant
Background:
- Retired from the Kent County Correctional Facility
- Former AJA National Supervisor of the Year
- Former Kent County Deputy of the Year
Other details:
- Works with students in all eight automotive classes.
- Son and daughter are both graduates of KCTC (Auto Tech and Criminal Justice)/
Holly Nichols, CTES
Background: 
- 27+ years at Kent ISD
- 7 years at Kent Occupational High School, Wyoming Public Schools
- 34+ years of Special Education experience
Industry Credentials
- Employment Training Specialist - MSU/Michigan Association of Rehabilitation Services
Education
- A.A. - Grand Rapids Community College
- A.A.S. - Ferris State University
Marshall Lystra, Instructor
Background:
- 10+ years as an industry technician
- Service Engineer for Ford Motor Company
Industry Credentials
- Nationally-certified ASE Technician
- State-licensed Automotive Service Technology Instructor
Education
- M.A. Career and Technical Education - Curriculum and Instruction - Ferris State University
- B.A. Automotive Industry Management - Ferris State University
- A.A.S. Automotive Technology - Muskegon Community College
Joseph R. Plowman, CTES
Background: 
- 5 years working in the automotive field
- 2.5 years working as Salvage Yard Dismantler
Credentials
- ASE certified technician
Education
- Graduate of KCTC Auto Tech
Nick Swanson
Parts & Service Aide
Nick is the father of identical twin boys and loves the outdoors. And go Lions!
