Ben VanWye has served as the Director of Adult Education at MVCTC since July 2003.  His first experience in adult education began in 1995 as the director at Mid-East CTC in Zanesville.  Ben began his career in public education at Vinton County High School in 1976 as the government/civics teacher.  He later served seven years as the principal at Maysville High School in Zanesville before switching from traditional to career-technical education.  Ben has been active in the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) since 1992, ultimately serving as President of Ohio ACTE in 2009.

Joan has been at MVCTC since July 2007.  She graduated with honors from Sinclair Community College in 1978, where she received an Associate’s degree in Nursing.  She brought thirty years of diverse nursing experience to her position as Program Coordinator for the Nurse Aide Training Program in the Adult Education Department.  Her responsibilities include supervision, training, maintaining compliance with the Ohio Department of Health, and accreditation.  She has recently become certified to be a state test evaluator for D and S Technologies, the third party administrator for the nurse aide state exam.  She is a member of the local council of the MS society.

Her philosophy:  “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance.  That principle is contempt prior to investigation.”  (Herbert Spencer)   In other words, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Joel has been at Miami Valley CTC for 27 years.  He holds a Bachelors degree in Education from Wright State University, a Masters degree in School Counseling from the University of Dayton, and a Masters degree in Economics from the University of Delaware.  His job responsibilities include Leadership/Supervision training, curriculum development, accreditation monitoring, and community relations.  He is the Adult Education representative for several area Chambers of Commerce, and is involved in numerous outreach activities and committees.  Through a partnership with Darke County Job and Family Services and MVCTC, Joel provides free workshops for unemployed workers.  In addition, Joel serves on a local school Board of Education.

His philosophy:  "You learn the most when you have fun and you see how things fit in your life.  I'm a storyteller, and I believe there is no better way to get a point across then through a good story."

Martha has been employed as a nursing faculty member since 2003. She has a diploma in nursing from Good Samaritan Hospital, an associate degree in business from Edison State Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Miami University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Wright State University (with a focus on Community Health), and a Masters of Business Administration from Wright State University.

Martha’s preparation for the classroom and clinical education setting includes 41 years experience in a variety of nursing settings - including emergency, intensive and coronary care units, post anesthesia care unit, hospital nursing administration and clinical house officer, and community health. In addition, mission nursing experiences in Haiti and Appalachia and as a Red Cross Volunteer following Hurricane Katrina (as the clinic manager in a convention center shelter), have prepared her for anything in the classroom and have proven that you can give nursing care in any setting without supplies or equipment. Martha teaches most quarters at the Brethren Retirement Community satellite campus of MVCTC.

Martha’s philosophy, although not original, is “Plan what you teach, teach what you have planned, and test what you have taught.”  She also believes that professionalism is best taught by example.

A member of the Darke County YMCA board, Martha is committed to wellness thru healthy nutrition and believes that exercise throughout the lifespan is the key to graceful, healthy aging.

Pam joined Miami Valley CTC in 2002.  She holds an Associate’s degree in Nursing from Kettering College of Medical Arts, a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Andrews University, and a Masters degree in Nursing Education from Wright State University.  Her thesis was on Depression in the Elderly, a population she served previously and continues to serve in her current role as educator.  Her job responsibilities include educating throughout the LPN curriculum, and supervising students in the clinical arena.  She is a member of Ohio Organization of Practical Nurse Educators (OOPNE) and is involved in their planning committee.  She has hosted a round table discussion on clinical paperwork for OOPNE. 

Her Philosophy:  “Learning is not an automatic download. You learn best when actively looking for answers to questions posed.  Learning should be based on future employee expectations and needs.”

Sandi has been at Miami Valley CTC for 22 years.  She holds a Bachelors degree from West Virginia University and a Masters degree in Counseling Education from the University of Dayton.  Sandi is a member of the Ohio Association of Career and Technical Education.

Susan has been at Miami Valley CTC for 16 years.  She holds a Bachelors degree in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University.  Her job responsibilities include classroom and clinical instruction for the Practical Nurse Program, Medical Assisting Program and Nurse Aide Training Program.  She also coordinates the medical externships for the Medical Assisting Students.  In addition, Susan serves on a local school Board of Education and is a Client Advocate for a county board of mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

Her philosophy:  “Believing in God will provide you with the foundation necessary to build a happy and successful life.”