To bring new professional industry experience to the culinary and nursing programs, two new instructors were hired at the start of the second semester. Both instructors are introducing hands-on learning and fresh teaching approaches to prepare students for real-world careers in their respective program areas.

Nicolai joined staff after more than 30 years working in a variety of culinary environments, including hotels, country clubs, and small family-owned restaurants.

“I’ve spent my life learning and experimenting in the kitchen,” Nicolai said. “Cooking defines me. I love creating and working with food. It’s what I’ve done my entire life.”

Although Nicolai had never taught before, he explained he was motivated to step outside his comfort zone and apply his industry skills in a new way after years of working in kitchens.

“I wanted to try something I’d never done before and see if I could make an impact in a different setting,” Nicolai said. “Teaching was a new challenge for me.”

Nicolai joined staff with a focus on giving students practical experience in professional kitchens.

“I want to give students real-world scenarios,” Nicolai said. “Showing them how things really work in the lab is the best training.”

Starting mid-year brought its own challenges as he adjusted from professional kitchens to a classroom environment.

“It was difficult at first,” Nicolai said. “I had to figure out how to organize a classroom, manage time, and get students engaged, it’s not the same as being in a kitchen, but with a little preparation, it got easier than I expected.”

The nursing program welcomed Yvonne Ramos this semester, a registered nurse with a Master’s in Nursing Education and experience in trauma, maternal-child critical care, and perioperative nursing. She has worked in inpatient, outpatient, and administrative roles and brings that professional expertise into the classroom.

“I have always been a lifelong learner who loves academia and strives for academic excellence,” Ramos said. “I was motivated to join the staff because I enjoy teaching and helping individuals learn, achieve their academic goals, and develop professionally in the career fields. Teaching at the high school level is meaningful because my students will be the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

Ramos focuses on bridging medical theory with practice, giving students hands-on experience through classroom labs and case studies.

“We apply what we learn in the classroom to real world clinical scenarios,” Ramos said. “I also emphasize professional ethics and communication as preparation for the healthcare field, because being successful goes beyond just knowledge and skills.”

Even in her first few weeks, Ramos has found it rewarding to see students begin to develop critical thinking and apply their learning in meaningful ways.

“Helping students achieve these early milestones in their career path has been the most rewarding aspect of my transition to the classroom,” Ramos said. “I am proud of my students, and it is rewarding to be a part of their journey so that they feel confident and prepared for their future careers.”