Faculty and Staff Directory

A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting at Western Dakota Technical Institute

B.S. in Technical Occupations at Chadron State College

Bio: 
Todd Anderson is a Computer-Aided Design Program Director. He received his A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting at Western Dakota Technical Institute and a B.S. in Technical Occupations at Chadron State College. Anderson has worked in Architectural Design and Drafting since 1996. His experience spans multiple disciplines, including work in the casino industry, and in both residential and commercial building design. His experience includes design work on over 100 casinos across the US, Canada and Mexico. He has also worked on several local design projects in and around Rapid City including Black Hills Community Bank, Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino, The Lodge at Deadwood, and many others. In addition to teaching Architectural CAD at Western Dakota Tech, Todd continues to work part time as a design consultant for several casinos in the state of California.

B.S. in Marketing at University of Wyoming  

A.A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology at Mitchell Technical Institute  

B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science at South Dakota State University

Bio:
Megan Ball has worked as a Medical Lab Technician since graduating from Mitchell Technical College in 2005. She later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from South Dakota State University. In addition to being an MLT, Ball has been employed in various leadership roles including Lead Tech, Credentialled Trainer, Education Specialist, and Medical Laboratory Scientist. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

Certification from Black Hills Beauty College for Cosmetology

Diploma from Western Dakota Tech for Office Tech – Medical

B.S. in Nursing at University of Arkansas for Medical Science

M.S. in Nursing at University of Cincinnati

Doctor of Nursing Practice at Frontier Nursing University

Dr. Jennifer Bonner joined the faculty at Western Dakota Technical College in March 2022. She received her B.S. in Nursing from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2009, M.S. in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 and M.S. in Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in 2017, then her DNP in 2019 from Frontier. She has spent most of her nursing career in L&D and Postpartum, then as a Certified Nurse Midwife she enjoyed providing care for the women of the Black Hills and surrounding areas at Rapid City OB/GYN. She currently serves as the Program Director for the Medical Assisting program and teaches within the RN and LPN programs. 

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

B.S. in Secondary English Education at BH State University  

M.A. in English Literature at Colorado State University

Bio:
Timmi Bubac has a Bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from Black Hills State University and a Master’s degree in English Literature from Colorado State University. She taught English in the public schools in Colorado and College Composition courses for Colorado State University while attending graduate school. Most recently, Bubac taught English at Stevens High School.

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting at San Joaquin Valley College

Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University

Bio:
Rachael Burchell earned an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from South Central College in Minnesota and an Associate’s degree in Dental Assisting from San Joaquin Valley College in California. She is a Certified Dental Assistant with more than 10 years of experience in that role and most recently as an Office Manager.

B.S. in English and Education at University of South Dakota
Axis Cameras Certified Network Video Professional
Genetec Security Systems Omnicast and Synergis Technical Certification
CompTIA Network+ Certified

Bio:
Bryon Christian is a Computer Science Instructor. He began teaching at WDTC in August 2022. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English from University of South Dakota. He spent 24 years as a high school English teacher and Technology Director.

A.A.S in Registered Nursing at Western Dakota Technical College

M.S. in Nursing Education at Northern Kentucky University

A.A.S. in Electronics Technology at Western Dakota Technical College

Bachelor of General Studies at Black Hills State University

A.A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant at San Juan College

B.S. in Business Administration at University of New Mexico

M.S. in Higher Education at Walden University

M.B.A. in Business Administration at American Public University School

B.S. in Business Administration, Tourism, and Hospitality at Black Hills State University

A.S. in Computer Technology at Black Hills State University

B.S. in Accounting at Southwest State University

C.P.A.

Bio:
Mary R. Duncan, CPA, CGMA, has been an Adjunct Accounting Instructor at  Western Dakota Tech since 2018.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southwest Minnesota State University and has been a Certified Public Accountant for more than 33 years. Duncan worked in public accounting for 15 years, where she did auditing, tax preparation and financial statements.  She was also the CFO of a non-profit community mental health center for 10 years, prior to becoming the Accounting Manager for the Rapid City Area School District - a position she has been in for the last 12 years. Duncan is a member of the South Dakota CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Certificate for Sheet Metal Technician at Mitchell Technical College

Bio:
Dave Eckmann completed sheet metal training at Mitchell Technical College and spent 20 years in the sheet metal trade. He has also worked as a certified air and water balancer for 10 years. Locally, he worked at Rapid City Regional Hospital maintaining HVAC and refrigeration equipment and most recently worked at the Black Hills State University Center in the Maintenance department.

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

M.L.I.S. in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University
B.A. in General Studies at Dakota State University
A.A.S. in Respiratory Care at Dakota State University

B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing at Slippery Rock University

M.B.A. in Business Administration at National American University

Diploma Administrative Services at Western Dakota Tech

B.A. in Industrial Technology with emphasis in Drafting at Chadron State College

Master in Cyber Security, Maryville University

Bio:

John Geiman is the Computer Science Program Director. He has worked at WDTC since February 2016. He has a Bachelor’s degree, Composite Major in Industrial Arts with an emphasis in Teaching Methods, Electronics and Drafting, from Chadron State College. Geiman recently earned a Master’s degree in Cyber Security from Maryville University. He has 24 years of experience in the Computer Science field.

B.A. in Human Services & Sociology at Black Hills State University
M.A. in Psychology at University of the Rockies
M.A.  in Business Administration at National American University

B.A. in Music Education at Black Hills State University

B.S. in Sociology at SD State University

M.S. in Agency and School Counseling at SD State University 

A.A.S. in Engineering Technology Southwestern Illinois College – Benton LA

Essentials in Clinical Simulations Certificate -George Washington University

CHSOS – Certified Healthcare Simulation Operation Specialist

B.A. in General Studies at Southern New Hampshire University

A.A.S. in Pharmacy Technician Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

Bio:
Chanin Hartnett is the Director of the Dental Assisting program. She has register dental assisting certification in California and South Dakota, is a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Hartnett has been teaching in the Business and Dental programs since 2011 and brings five years of work experience in Dentistry.

B.S. in Education at Black Hills State University

M.A. in Educational Administration at University of South Dakota

Bio:
Krista Kirst has a Bachelor’s degree in secondary history education from Black Hills State University and more than five years of high school teaching experience. She also has a background in health care working at Rapid City Regional Hospital/Monument in their OB Unit. Kirst is certified in CPR, CNA, First Aid, Medication Aid and Prevention Intervention.

A.A.S. in Electronics at North Dakota State College of Science

B.A. in Business Administration at Minot State University

M.A. in Administration at Central Michigan University

Doctorate in Education Administration at University of South Dakota

A.A.S. in Business Management at University of Phoenix

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

B.S. in Interdisciplinary Sciences at South Dakota School Mines and Technology

M.A. in Interdisciplinary Sciences at The University of South Dakota

A.A.S. in Registered Nursing at WDTC

B.S. in Nursing at Chamberlain University

A.A.S. in Environmental Engineering Technology at Western Dakota Technical College

A.A.S. in Practical Nursing at Dickinson State University

B.S. in Nursing at Dickinson State University

M.S. in Nursing Education at Western Governors University

Bio:
Lydia Nemec is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Dickenson State University and a Master’s degree in Nursing Education from Western Governor’s University. Most recently, she worked as a clinical resource nurse in the Oncology department at Monument Health, as well as working as an Infusion RN at Rapid City Medical Center. Nemec has also worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Long-Term Care. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

B.S. in Mathematics at University of Wyoming

M.A. in Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

A.A.S. in General Studies at Black Hills State University

B.S. in Education at South Dakota State University

M.A in Education at Concordia University

A.A.S. in Practical Nursing from Western Nebraska Community College

A.D. in Nursing from University of South Dakota

B.S. in Nursing from Walden University

Bio:
Cozy Petersen began her nursing career in 1991 as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then advanced through LPN and ADN to BSN. Her nursing experience includes Geriatrics, Home Health, Labor and Delivery, New-Born Nursery, Med/Surg, Ortho/Neuro, Operating Room, Dialysis, Clinical Instructor and Outpatient clinics. Petersen has also worked in leadership positions including Director of Nursing, Charge Nurse, and Preceptor. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

B.S. in Criminal Justice at Ferris State University

M.S. in Administration – Criminal Justice Studies at University of South Dakota

Bursars Lite Professional Certificate

Olimpia Tilles has been teaching at Western Dakota Tech since 2017. She started her educational leadership career at Tallahassee Community College, Florida in 2013. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Tilles progressed from a Human Resources Specialist to a Business Analyst of Human Capital Management, in the Information and Technology Department. Tilles has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She has worked as an instructor at Tallahassee Community College and Bryant and Stratton College - Online, and Black Hills State University. Tilles is a recipient of the National Association of African American Studies and Affiliates National Conference Award (2017), Florida A&M University Graduate Studies and Research Poster Competition (2015), Golden Key International Honor Society (2015), and the Holmes Scholars Organization Membership (2015). She  is currently an affiliate of several national educational and research organizations.

With more than 25 years of machining and fabrication experience, Urban has owned and operated his own business providing custom machining, fabrication, and manufacturing services to several industries. He has manufactured products for the Homestake Mine, as well as for the agricultural, logging, aviation, motorcycle, and advanced metal processing industries. His experience spans the spectrum of conventional and CNC machining and the use of CAD/CAM systems.

B.B.A. in Mass Communications at Morningside College

M.S. in Library and Information Science at Wayne State University

A.A.S. in Sociology at Gainesville State College

A.A.S. in Intelligence Operations Support at Cochise College

B.A. in Sociology at University of Georgia

M.A. in Theological Studies at Liberty University

CompTIA Security+ Certified

A.A.S in Registered Nursing at Western Dakota Technical College

A.A.S. in Electronics Technology at Western Dakota Technical College

M.B.A. in Business Administration at American Public University School

B.S. in Business Administration, Tourism, and Hospitality at Black Hills State University

A.S. in Computer Technology at Black Hills State University

B.S. in Accounting at Southwest State University

C.P.A.

Bio:
Mary R. Duncan, CPA, CGMA, has been an Adjunct Accounting Instructor at  Western Dakota Tech since 2018.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southwest Minnesota State University and has been a Certified Public Accountant for more than 33 years. Duncan worked in public accounting for 15 years, where she did auditing, tax preparation and financial statements.  She was also the CFO of a non-profit community mental health center for 10 years, prior to becoming the Accounting Manager for the Rapid City Area School District - a position she has been in for the last 12 years. Duncan is a member of the South Dakota CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

M.L.I.S. in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University
B.A. in General Studies at Dakota State University
A.A.S. in Respiratory Care at Dakota State University

B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing at Slippery Rock University

M.B.A. in Business Administration at National American University

B.S. in Sociology at SD State University

M.S. in Agency and School Counseling at SD State University 

A.A.S. in Electronics at North Dakota State College of Science

B.A. in Business Administration at Minot State University

M.A. in Administration at Central Michigan University

Doctorate in Education Administration at University of South Dakota

B.S. in Interdisciplinary Sciences at South Dakota School Mines and Technology

M.A. in Interdisciplinary Sciences at The University of South Dakota

A.A.S. in Registered Nursing at WDTC

B.S. in Nursing at Chamberlain University

B.S. in Education at South Dakota State University

M.A in Education at Concordia University

B.S. in Criminal Justice at Ferris State University

M.S. in Administration – Criminal Justice Studies at University of South Dakota

Olimpia Tilles has been teaching at Western Dakota Tech since 2017. She started her educational leadership career at Tallahassee Community College, Florida in 2013. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Tilles progressed from a Human Resources Specialist to a Business Analyst of Human Capital Management, in the Information and Technology Department. Tilles has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She has worked as an instructor at Tallahassee Community College and Bryant and Stratton College - Online, and Black Hills State University. Tilles is a recipient of the National Association of African American Studies and Affiliates National Conference Award (2017), Florida A&M University Graduate Studies and Research Poster Competition (2015), Golden Key International Honor Society (2015), and the Holmes Scholars Organization Membership (2015). She  is currently an affiliate of several national educational and research organizations.

B.B.A. in Mass Communications at Morningside College

M.S. in Library and Information Science at Wayne State University

A.A.S. in Sociology at Gainesville State College

A.A.S. in Intelligence Operations Support at Cochise College

B.A. in Sociology at University of Georgia

M.A. in Theological Studies at Liberty University

CompTIA Security+ Certified

A.A.S. in Business Management at University of Phoenix

Bursars Lite Professional Certificate

B.A. in Music Education at Black Hills State University

B.B.A. in Mass Communications at Morningside College

M.S. in Library and Information Science at Wayne State University

B.S. in Marketing at University of Wyoming  

Certification from Black Hills Beauty College for Cosmetology

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

B.A. in Human Services & Sociology at Black Hills State University
M.A. in Psychology at University of the Rockies
M.A.  in Business Administration at National American University

B.S. in Education at Black Hills State University

M.A. in Educational Administration at University of South Dakota

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

B.S. in Mathematics at University of Wyoming

M.A. in Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting at Western Dakota Technical Institute

B.S. in Technical Occupations at Chadron State College

Bio: 
Todd Anderson is a Computer-Aided Design Program Director. He received his A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting at Western Dakota Technical Institute and a B.S. in Technical Occupations at Chadron State College. Anderson has worked in Architectural Design and Drafting since 1996. His experience spans multiple disciplines, including work in the casino industry, and in both residential and commercial building design. His experience includes design work on over 100 casinos across the US, Canada and Mexico. He has also worked on several local design projects in and around Rapid City including Black Hills Community Bank, Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino, The Lodge at Deadwood, and many others. In addition to teaching Architectural CAD at Western Dakota Tech, Todd continues to work part time as a design consultant for several casinos in the state of California.

A.A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology at Mitchell Technical Institute  

B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science at South Dakota State University

Bio:
Megan Ball has worked as a Medical Lab Technician since graduating from Mitchell Technical College in 2005. She later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from South Dakota State University. In addition to being an MLT, Ball has been employed in various leadership roles including Lead Tech, Credentialled Trainer, Education Specialist, and Medical Laboratory Scientist. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

B.S. in Nursing at University of Arkansas for Medical Science

M.S. in Nursing at University of Cincinnati

Doctor of Nursing Practice at Frontier Nursing University

Dr. Jennifer Bonner joined the faculty at Western Dakota Technical College in March 2022. She received her B.S. in Nursing from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2009, M.S. in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 and M.S. in Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in 2017, then her DNP in 2019 from Frontier. She has spent most of her nursing career in L&D and Postpartum, then as a Certified Nurse Midwife she enjoyed providing care for the women of the Black Hills and surrounding areas at Rapid City OB/GYN. She currently serves as the Program Director for the Medical Assisting program and teaches within the RN and LPN programs. 

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

B.S. in Secondary English Education at BH State University  

M.A. in English Literature at Colorado State University

Bio:
Timmi Bubac has a Bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from Black Hills State University and a Master’s degree in English Literature from Colorado State University. She taught English in the public schools in Colorado and College Composition courses for Colorado State University while attending graduate school. Most recently, Bubac taught English at Stevens High School.

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting at San Joaquin Valley College

Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University

Bio:
Rachael Burchell earned an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from South Central College in Minnesota and an Associate’s degree in Dental Assisting from San Joaquin Valley College in California. She is a Certified Dental Assistant with more than 10 years of experience in that role and most recently as an Office Manager.

B.S. in English and Education at University of South Dakota
Axis Cameras Certified Network Video Professional
Genetec Security Systems Omnicast and Synergis Technical Certification
CompTIA Network+ Certified

Bio:
Bryon Christian is a Computer Science Instructor. He began teaching at WDTC in August 2022. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English from University of South Dakota. He spent 24 years as a high school English teacher and Technology Director.

A.A.S in Registered Nursing at Western Dakota Technical College

M.S. in Nursing Education at Northern Kentucky University

M.B.A. in Business Administration at American Public University School

B.S. in Business Administration, Tourism, and Hospitality at Black Hills State University

A.S. in Computer Technology at Black Hills State University

B.S. in Accounting at Southwest State University

C.P.A.

Bio:
Mary R. Duncan, CPA, CGMA, has been an Adjunct Accounting Instructor at  Western Dakota Tech since 2018.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southwest Minnesota State University and has been a Certified Public Accountant for more than 33 years. Duncan worked in public accounting for 15 years, where she did auditing, tax preparation and financial statements.  She was also the CFO of a non-profit community mental health center for 10 years, prior to becoming the Accounting Manager for the Rapid City Area School District - a position she has been in for the last 12 years. Duncan is a member of the South Dakota CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Certificate for Sheet Metal Technician at Mitchell Technical College

Bio:
Dave Eckmann completed sheet metal training at Mitchell Technical College and spent 20 years in the sheet metal trade. He has also worked as a certified air and water balancer for 10 years. Locally, he worked at Rapid City Regional Hospital maintaining HVAC and refrigeration equipment and most recently worked at the Black Hills State University Center in the Maintenance department.

M.L.I.S. in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University
B.A. in General Studies at Dakota State University
A.A.S. in Respiratory Care at Dakota State University

B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing at Slippery Rock University

M.B.A. in Business Administration at National American University

B.A. in Industrial Technology with emphasis in Drafting at Chadron State College

Master in Cyber Security, Maryville University

Bio:

John Geiman is the Computer Science Program Director. He has worked at WDTC since February 2016. He has a Bachelor’s degree, Composite Major in Industrial Arts with an emphasis in Teaching Methods, Electronics and Drafting, from Chadron State College. Geiman recently earned a Master’s degree in Cyber Security from Maryville University. He has 24 years of experience in the Computer Science field.

B.S. in Sociology at SD State University

M.S. in Agency and School Counseling at SD State University 

B.A. in General Studies at Southern New Hampshire University

A.A.S. in Pharmacy Technician Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

Bio:
Chanin Hartnett is the Director of the Dental Assisting program. She has register dental assisting certification in California and South Dakota, is a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Hartnett has been teaching in the Business and Dental programs since 2011 and brings five years of work experience in Dentistry.

A.A.S. in Electronics at North Dakota State College of Science

B.A. in Business Administration at Minot State University

M.A. in Administration at Central Michigan University

Doctorate in Education Administration at University of South Dakota

B.S. in Interdisciplinary Sciences at South Dakota School Mines and Technology

M.A. in Interdisciplinary Sciences at The University of South Dakota

A.A.S. in Practical Nursing at Dickinson State University

B.S. in Nursing at Dickinson State University

M.S. in Nursing Education at Western Governors University

Bio:
Lydia Nemec is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Dickenson State University and a Master’s degree in Nursing Education from Western Governor’s University. Most recently, she worked as a clinical resource nurse in the Oncology department at Monument Health, as well as working as an Infusion RN at Rapid City Medical Center. Nemec has also worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Long-Term Care. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

A.A.S. in Practical Nursing from Western Nebraska Community College

A.D. in Nursing from University of South Dakota

B.S. in Nursing from Walden University

Bio:
Cozy Petersen began her nursing career in 1991 as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then advanced through LPN and ADN to BSN. Her nursing experience includes Geriatrics, Home Health, Labor and Delivery, New-Born Nursery, Med/Surg, Ortho/Neuro, Operating Room, Dialysis, Clinical Instructor and Outpatient clinics. Petersen has also worked in leadership positions including Director of Nursing, Charge Nurse, and Preceptor. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

B.S. in Criminal Justice at Ferris State University

M.S. in Administration – Criminal Justice Studies at University of South Dakota

With more than 25 years of machining and fabrication experience, Urban has owned and operated his own business providing custom machining, fabrication, and manufacturing services to several industries. He has manufactured products for the Homestake Mine, as well as for the agricultural, logging, aviation, motorcycle, and advanced metal processing industries. His experience spans the spectrum of conventional and CNC machining and the use of CAD/CAM systems.

A.A.S. in Sociology at Gainesville State College

A.A.S. in Intelligence Operations Support at Cochise College

B.A. in Sociology at University of Georgia

M.A. in Theological Studies at Liberty University

CompTIA Security+ Certified

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting at Western Dakota Technical Institute

B.S. in Technical Occupations at Chadron State College

Bio: 
Todd Anderson is a Computer-Aided Design Program Director. He received his A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting at Western Dakota Technical Institute and a B.S. in Technical Occupations at Chadron State College. Anderson has worked in Architectural Design and Drafting since 1996. His experience spans multiple disciplines, including work in the casino industry, and in both residential and commercial building design. His experience includes design work on over 100 casinos across the US, Canada and Mexico. He has also worked on several local design projects in and around Rapid City including Black Hills Community Bank, Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino, The Lodge at Deadwood, and many others. In addition to teaching Architectural CAD at Western Dakota Tech, Todd continues to work part time as a design consultant for several casinos in the state of California.

A.A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology at Mitchell Technical Institute  

B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science at South Dakota State University

Bio:
Megan Ball has worked as a Medical Lab Technician since graduating from Mitchell Technical College in 2005. She later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from South Dakota State University. In addition to being an MLT, Ball has been employed in various leadership roles including Lead Tech, Credentialled Trainer, Education Specialist, and Medical Laboratory Scientist. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

B.S. in Nursing at University of Arkansas for Medical Science

M.S. in Nursing at University of Cincinnati

Doctor of Nursing Practice at Frontier Nursing University

Dr. Jennifer Bonner joined the faculty at Western Dakota Technical College in March 2022. She received her B.S. in Nursing from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2009, M.S. in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 and M.S. in Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in 2017, then her DNP in 2019 from Frontier. She has spent most of her nursing career in L&D and Postpartum, then as a Certified Nurse Midwife she enjoyed providing care for the women of the Black Hills and surrounding areas at Rapid City OB/GYN. She currently serves as the Program Director for the Medical Assisting program and teaches within the RN and LPN programs. 

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

B.S. in Secondary English Education at BH State University  

M.A. in English Literature at Colorado State University

Bio:
Timmi Bubac has a Bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from Black Hills State University and a Master’s degree in English Literature from Colorado State University. She taught English in the public schools in Colorado and College Composition courses for Colorado State University while attending graduate school. Most recently, Bubac taught English at Stevens High School.

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting at San Joaquin Valley College

Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University

Bio:
Rachael Burchell earned an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from South Central College in Minnesota and an Associate’s degree in Dental Assisting from San Joaquin Valley College in California. She is a Certified Dental Assistant with more than 10 years of experience in that role and most recently as an Office Manager.

B.S. in English and Education at University of South Dakota
Axis Cameras Certified Network Video Professional
Genetec Security Systems Omnicast and Synergis Technical Certification
CompTIA Network+ Certified

Bio:
Bryon Christian is a Computer Science Instructor. He began teaching at WDTC in August 2022. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English from University of South Dakota. He spent 24 years as a high school English teacher and Technology Director.

M.S. in Nursing Education at Northern Kentucky University

Certificate for Sheet Metal Technician at Mitchell Technical College

Bio:
Dave Eckmann completed sheet metal training at Mitchell Technical College and spent 20 years in the sheet metal trade. He has also worked as a certified air and water balancer for 10 years. Locally, he worked at Rapid City Regional Hospital maintaining HVAC and refrigeration equipment and most recently worked at the Black Hills State University Center in the Maintenance department.

B.A. in Industrial Technology with emphasis in Drafting at Chadron State College

Master in Cyber Security, Maryville University

Bio:

John Geiman is the Computer Science Program Director. He has worked at WDTC since February 2016. He has a Bachelor’s degree, Composite Major in Industrial Arts with an emphasis in Teaching Methods, Electronics and Drafting, from Chadron State College. Geiman recently earned a Master’s degree in Cyber Security from Maryville University. He has 24 years of experience in the Computer Science field.

B.A. in General Studies at Southern New Hampshire University

A.A.S. in Pharmacy Technician Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

Bio:
Chanin Hartnett is the Director of the Dental Assisting program. She has register dental assisting certification in California and South Dakota, is a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Hartnett has been teaching in the Business and Dental programs since 2011 and brings five years of work experience in Dentistry.

A.A.S. in Practical Nursing at Dickinson State University

B.S. in Nursing at Dickinson State University

M.S. in Nursing Education at Western Governors University

Bio:
Lydia Nemec is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Dickenson State University and a Master’s degree in Nursing Education from Western Governor’s University. Most recently, she worked as a clinical resource nurse in the Oncology department at Monument Health, as well as working as an Infusion RN at Rapid City Medical Center. Nemec has also worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Long-Term Care. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

A.A.S. in Practical Nursing from Western Nebraska Community College

A.D. in Nursing from University of South Dakota

B.S. in Nursing from Walden University

Bio:
Cozy Petersen began her nursing career in 1991 as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then advanced through LPN and ADN to BSN. Her nursing experience includes Geriatrics, Home Health, Labor and Delivery, New-Born Nursery, Med/Surg, Ortho/Neuro, Operating Room, Dialysis, Clinical Instructor and Outpatient clinics. Petersen has also worked in leadership positions including Director of Nursing, Charge Nurse, and Preceptor. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.