Franklin Technology Center, Adult Education

 Dave Rockers - Director

Dave Rockers received his A.A. from NEO A & M in Mid-Management and Marketing.  He received his B.S.E. from Emporia State University in Business Education, Majoring in Marketing and Distributive Education.  Dave received his Masters (M.S.E.) from Pittsburg State University with a Major in Vocational Education and Administrative Program in Secondary School Administration.

Dave has 12 years of classroom teaching in:

Marketing Education at McAlester High School in McAlester OK; Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, KS; Garden City High School in Garden City KS; Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, MO; and Cooperative Education at Cornerstone Alternative School in Galena KS.

Dave served for 6 years as the Technical Center Director and the Associate Dean at Crowder College in Neosho, MO.  He has also completed 16 years as the Director at Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, MO where he is still the current Director.

Dave has received the Outstanding Professional Award in 2012 from the Missouri Council of Career and Technical Administrators. 

 Penny Williams - Assistant Director of Adult Education

Email: pennywilliams@joplinschools.org

Phone: 417-680-0004 Ext. 2061

Penny Williams began her career at Franklin Technology Center as an adjunct adult computer teacher in 1997, with an undergraduate degree from Pittsburg State University in Vocational Education.  In 1998 she was promoted to coordinator of FTC's Adult Business and Computer Technology Program.  During that time, she continued her professional education and obtained a Master's Degree from MSU/MSSU.  After her degree completion and several years in the classroom, in 2011 she moved into recruitment and coordination of FTC's Adult Trade and Technology programs.  After working in that capacity for seven years, in 2018 she accepted the position as FTC's Assistant Director of Post-Secondary Education and is still in that position. 

 Lori Clouse - Financial Aid Coordinator

Lori Clouse serves as the Franklin Technology Center's Financial Aid Coordinator.  She has served as FTC's Staff Accountant for 13 years and recently moved into the Financial Aid Coordinator's position.  Lori's mission is to assist students in pursuing their educational goals and employ ability by helping the student and their families seek, obtain, and make the best use of all financial resources available to them. 

In Lori's spare time she enjoys time with her family as well as crafting and reading.

 Shawn Fowler - Staff Accountant

Shawn Fowler began working for Franklin Technology Center in February 2019 as the Effectiveness Coordinator.  She was promoted to Staff Accountant in July of 2019 and is currently still in that position. 

Shawn is also the Owner and photographer of Fowler's Fotos.  She enjoys spending time with her family, especially at her kids sporting events.  She loves to go on bike rides and hikes with her family and visit her daughter at college at Mizzou.

 Nikki Medley - Effectiveness Coordinator

Nikki Medley started with Franklin Technology Center in March 2020 as the Effectiveness Coordinator.  She has over 15 years of administrative and management experience.

She has been married for 15 years and has 2 children.  In her spare time she enjoys volunteering, singing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

 Leisa Nivens - Medical Assistant Program Coordinator

Leisa joined Franklin Technology Center in 2001 as an instructor and the Externship Coordinator for the Medical Assistant program.  She has been the Medical Assistant Program Coordinator for the past fifteen years.  In addition to being the coordinator, she is also an instructor for some of the courses.  Her primary areas of teaching are coding, administrative medical procedures, and insurance and billing

Leisa holds numerous professional certifications.  She is a Registered Medical Assistant, Certified Professionals Coder, and a National Certified Medical Assistant.  She also has a teaching certificate from the State of Missouri.

One of Leisa's favorite duties as the program coordinator is meeting with prospective students and informing them about all of the great things FTC has to offer.  One of the most rewarding aspects of her job is hearing from past graduates and learning how Franklin Tech has changed their lives for the better.

A life-long native of Southwest Missouri, Leisa is married and has one adult son.

  LeAnn Cummins - Program Coordinator for CNA and Phlebotomy Technician                                                                   Instructor for Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy Technician

LeAnn teaches the daytime Medical Assistant program and is the Coordinator for both the CNA and Phlebotomy Technician programs.  Her primary areas of teaching are Anatomy and Physiology, Clinical Procedures, Pharmacology, and Phlebotomy.  She holds National Certifications in Phlebotomy Technician and Medical Assistant.

LeAnn enjoys training the students to draw blood, take vitals, and give injections.  When students graduate from the program, she takes pride in knowing her students can perform the duties in the medical field.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband doing outdoor activities.  She has four children and two grandchildren.

  Gayla Roper - Surgical Technology Coordinator/Instructor

Gayla Roper has been the Coordinator of Franklin Technology Center's Surgical Technology program since 2005.  She is a Certified Surgical Technologist, bringing with her 12 years of field experience prior to teaching.  She successfully completed NEO's Surgical Technology program and is also a Certified Vocational Teacher.  Her vast experiences range from working as a private scrub for a retinal specialist to working with numerous areas specialty surgeons.  She is well-versed and extremely knowledgeable in her field, and is able to effectively relate classroom theory to practical application.

  Crystal Meadowcroft - Surgical Technology Instructor 

My name is Crystal Meadowcroft and I went to Baker University in Flint, MI, where I obtained my associates degree in applied sciences as well as my certification. I worked for Detroit Medical Center in MI, then moved to Colorado Springs, working for a level 2 trauma center called Penrose Main. Now I am living in Joplin, MO, employed with Mercy Hospital now for 6 years. Working in this profession has not only allowed me to develop my skills in robotics, GYN, ortho, neurology, general surgery, plastics and many others, but it has opened the door for me to join medical mission trips with some wonderful urologist (as urology is my true passion). I have been doing mission trips for 5 years now helping the people of Guatemala. Being an ongoing preceptor at medical facilities gave me a lot of exposure to students, as well as always being a surgical coordinator. I love teaching! I heard about an opportunity with FTC and it has been a wonderful blessing and experience for me. Shaping students and seeing their enthusiasm joining this profession is why I enjoy doing this so much. 

  Paula Webb - Dental Assistant Coordinator

The dental field has been a large part of my life and career; as a dental assistant for 25 years and a dental hygienist for 9 years. I have applied my skills and knowledge to teaching and coordinating the Dental Assistant program for FTC for the past 10 years. 

Throughout my career I have compiled an AS in Dental Hygiene and licensed as a RDH in the stat of Missouri, a DANB and EFDA certification and earned a post-secondary teaching certification with the Missouri Department of Education. 

I have been married for 30 years and have 2 married daughters. We also have 2 dogs and 2 cats who keep us being parents at home! In my spare time I like to ride my motorcycle, golf, sew, and do yard work. 

  Diana Warden - Dental Assistant Instructor and Clinical Coordinator

Diana is a Certified, Registered, and Expanded Functions Dental Assistant.  Her educational experience allows her to treat patients by performing certain procedures for the dentist, just as a physicians' assistant performs certain procedures for the physician.  Diana's education has been tested and approved by the American Dental Association and the Dental Assistants National Board.  She has assisted in general dentistry for over twenty-five years.  Her genuine care for the patient is one of her strong attributes.

Diana has been teaching the Dental Assistant Program at Franklin Technology Center at Missouri Southern State University since 2006, and she is also the Clinical Coordinator of the program.

Diana attended Missouri Southern State University and Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO.  She received her teaching certificate from DESE.  Diana became a certified dental assistant from DANB in 2000.  She received her Expanded Functions in Prosthodontics and Direct Restorative from the American Dental Association in 2003.  Diana received her certification to Monitor Internal Conscious Sedation from UMKC School of Dentistry in 2005, and she received her certification to monitor Nitrous Oxide Sedation from Steven Skoch D.D.S. at the Maxillofacial Surgery Center in Fayetville, AR in 2006.  She received her Registered Dental Assistant Certification from American Medical Technologists in 2007.  She receved her certification to monitor Internal Conscious Sedation from DOCS Education in Minneapolis, MN in 2011.  She received her Expanded Functions in Orthodontics from the American Dental Association, and certification in Single Dose Sedation and Nitrous Oxide from DOCS Education in Dallas, TX in 2012.  Her continuing education keeps her current on all phases of new technology in dentistry.

 Katie Bozarth - Practical Nursing Coordinator

Katie Bozarth, RN, has been a nurse for 18 years.  After graduation, Katie served as an ICU nurse for a short amount of time before discovering her love for school nursing.  As a school nurse, she cared for students, families, and staff.  She was also an Instructor for the American Heart Association teaching BLS/first-aid.  She graduated from Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College with her associate degree in nursing and then later graduated with her  BSN from Northeastern State University in  Tahlequah, OK.  Katie discovered that she had a passion for teaching while providing instruction to her students and staff.  She serves as the coordinator for the Practical Nursing program and provides instruction to Practical Nursing Students in the practical vocational concept course.  

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching her boys participate in various activities, as well as singing, reading, and crafting.

 Jodi Stewart - Practical Nursing Instructor

Jodi Stewart has been a Registered Nurse since 2009.  Her experience in nursing includes Medical/Surgical, Ortho/Neuro, wound care, post-partum, home health and hospice, and most recently being a school nurse.  She discovered her love for teaching early in her nursing career after being asked to precept for nurses in clinical rotations and train new nurses to the facilities she worked. Jodi graduated with her ADN from Sort Scott Community College in 2009, with her BSN from MSSU in 2017, and with her MSN with education emphasis from Pittsurg State University in 2019.  Jodi is the instructor for the Fundamentals/IV Therapy, and Nursing of the Adult Nutrition classes.

Jodi and her husband have seven children between them and she loves spending time with their kids.  They enjoy traveling and exploring new places.  Their family moved to Joplin in 2015 from Southeast Kansas and continue to love it here.  Her hobbies include reading, dancing with the kids, and singing along to the radio.

  Amy Price - Practical Nursing Instructor

Amy Price, RN has been a nurse for 19 years.  Throughout those years she has worked in critical care, pediatric, home health, and school nursing.  Growing up she always knew she would either be a nurse or a teacher. She now has the best of both worlds.  She has always enjoyed learning and is excited to share her love of nursing with her students. She graduated from Pittsburg State University and will be instructing pharmacology, maternity, and pediatrics.

Amy has been married for 18 years and has 2 children.  In her spare time she enjoys attending their activities, reading, and traveling.

 Amanda Jones - Practical Nursing Instructor

Amanda is an RN with 9 years of experience.  She started her medical career as a student assistant in the Intensive Care Unit, where she then went on to work as an RN after graduating with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Pittsburg State University.  Amanda then went on to work as a Cardiology RN in a fast-paced cardiology clinic.  While working as a Cardiac Nurse, Amanda was trained to both interrogate and program pacemakers and defibrillators.  Amanda's career as a cardiac nurse is where she discovered her love for teaching others.  Amanda is excited to share her nursing knowledge and teach future nurses. 

She is married and has one daughter and one son.  In Amanda's spare time she enjoys living on a hobby farm, spending time outdoors with her children, and gardening.  Amanda also enjoys photography and is in the process of training her Goldendoodle to become a therapy dog.

  Glenda Pippin - Respiratory Care Coordinator

Glenda Pippin has been a Respiratory Therapist since 1983.  She has her Certification and Registry along with specialty credentials in Pulmonary Function and Neonatal/Pediatrics.  Glenda has worked as a staff therapist in both acute and long term care facilities and has also worked in the home care industry.  Diagnostics, including stress tests, holter monitors, EEG's, intraoperative EEG's and PFT's has been a favorite part of her career. Glenda has been the Respiratory Care  Coordinator since 2000.  

She has been married to her husband Perry for 40 years.  They enjoy traveling and attending car shows and street meets in their 56 Ford Pickup.  She has one daughter Valerie, who she spends most Saturday mornings in the Spring and Summer months with "junking".  She also has one spoiled grand-daughter, Shelby and one great-grandson Maverick who is a little wild man.  

  Sherry Whiteman - Respiratory Care Instructor

Sherry Whiteman is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with 12 years of adult critical care experience.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in 2007, a Master's of Career and Technical Education Leadership in 2015, and is currently earning an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration.  Sherry serves in numerous roles for her state and national societies, such as Immediate Past President and Delegate for the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care and the National Sputum Bowl Committee Chair.  She joined Franklin Technology Center in 2011 to teach both clinical and didactic courses in respiratory care.

 Janice Dunaway - Respiratory Care Clinical Coordinator 

Janice Dunaway is the Clinical Care Coordinator for the Respiratory Care program at Franklin Technology Center at MSSU.  Her primary responsibilities include classroom and lab instruction as well as managing the day to day operation of the clinical portion of the program.  It is her goal to make sure that all students receive a meaningful clinical experience while they are enrolled into the program.

Mrs. Dunaway has worked in a variety of areas in her field including, Adult Critical Care, Diagnostics, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Home Care.  She started teaching Respiratory Care at Franklin Technology Center in 1995. She received her Associate and Bachelor Degree from California College for Health Sciences and her Master’s degree from Independence University.  Recently she has co-authored a simulation text for Respiratory Therapists titled “Respiratory Simulation Toolkit” from Health Educator Publications.  Janice lives in Joplin on 50 acres with her husband and enjoys country living, cooking, gardening, and canning.

  Darren Sill - Collision Repair Instructor

Darren Sill has been in the auto body industry since 1981; he started at Covey & Poe auto body shop in 1985.  Darren brings over 40 years of auto body experience to the Four State area. He has worked at Steve’s Frame and Body and R & S Chevrolet.  Darren also owned his own business for 6 years. Darren currently works at Covey & Poe during the day and teaches the Collision Repair night class at Franklin Technology Center.

Darren is a family man, he has 3 daughters, 1 stepson, 2 grand-kids, and 1 step grandchild.   Darren’s hobbies are working on cars and spending time with his family.

  Chuck Sexson - Welding Instructor

Chuck Sexson has worked for thirty-eight years at Thermal Engineering International and has over twenty-five welding certificates.

Chuck has lots of practical experience in the welding industry. Chuck is a Certified Welding Educator and Certified Welding Inspector through the American Welding Society. He has taught at Franklin Tech for twenty-five years while still working full-time at TEI.

Chuck and his wife have raised two sons in the rural Diamond area. When he has spare time, he enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and going to NASCAR races.

  Steven Schneickert - HVAC Instructor 

Steven C. Schneickert has been an instructor at FTC for 11 years.  After completion of the HVAC/R program in high school, I installed heating and air conditioning systems locally until I joined the US Army in 1990.  While in the Army, I was the distinguished graduate of the US Army Air Conditioning and Refrigeration School at Ft Belvoir VA.  I served in Ft. Carson Colorado and on the Island of Okinawa, Japan. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the intricate heating and Air Conditioning systems in the military.  They were rather complex and elaborate, as they needed to be operable in any climate on the planet.  I found the experience gained by working with these systems to be an excellent segway when I transitioned to the civilian world in the mid-1990’s.

Upon leaving the military,  I found myself working as the sole refrigeration mechanic for a chain of over 40 convenience stores and several restaurants.  This was the prime-time for retrofitting existing refrigeration systems from CFC refrigerants to HFC refrigerants and upgrading obsolete systems to either HFC or HCFC systems depending on certain criteria.

I have also worked in the printing industry for a number years as an HVAC/R technician on large chillers and HVAC systems as well as process refrigeration relative to the needs of the printing industry.

Along with teaching adults at night, I have for the last 15+ years, been working in the health care industry as a refrigeration maintenance technician.  I have experienced many different applications of the trade during my tenure in health care including building automation systems, and large gas-fired steam producing boilers for both heating and sterilization.

Along my journey, I have attended much training all across the nation for many different aspects of the trade.

As an instructor, my goal is to encourage the students to relax and to realize that the skill they are going to learn can be done if they put their heart into it.  Although it can seem bewildering at times, if Steven Schneickert can do it, then certainly they can too!  I do my best to break their learning down first into smaller components where they can see, touch, hear and measure what is going on inside of a bench-top training machine.  From there, we move off to larger systems- All the while referring back to the simple bench top trainer where the student realizes that it truly is the same process, just in a larger package.

I experience great joy watching a student change from uncertainty and bewilderment- maybe even fear, to a technically competent and confident worker in the trade!  It truly warms my heart to see a person change from a wide-eyed student to a worker in the trade.  A person who sees you in town, calls you up sometime or stops in during class to let you know they are doing well in the trade and have a satisfying career.  As an instructor, there is no better feeling!

  Doug Ritchie - HVAC Instructor 

Doug Ritchie teaches HVAC to adult night students who are interested in learning a new career.  He has worked amongst numerous maintenance trades and has a wide array of knowledge, but heating and air has been his calling and his career.  He actually received his certificate and certifications from FTC’s HVAC program several years ago and wanted to impart his knowledge and experience to new students.

Besides teaching, he maintains and repairs over 300 units at Carl Junction Schools. He left Carl Junction Schools and got the opportunity to go to Carthage R-9 School District.  Where he maintains Chillers and Boilers along with  their units.   He is hands-on, loves his work, and eager to help those who want to learn.

He enjoys living in Carl Junction with his family, enjoys camping, fishing, and home-grown tomatoes.

  Joe Flynn - Automotive Technology Instructor

My name is Joe Flynn. I have over 30 years experience as an ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician. I am starting my 4^th year of teaching Automotive Technology. I started my own business  over 20 years ago. My wife, Marla, and I have been married for 30 years.  We have 3 children.  I enjoy fly fishing and working in my machine shop and spending time with my family. I have enjoyed my automotive career and look forward to passing on the tools of the trade to my students.