Richard Pernice - Maintenance - Light Repair - Oneonta Job Corps Center

Richard Pernice

Automotive instructor at Oneonta Job Corps Center, has worked in the industry for over 30 years. He attended Hudson Valley Community College, where he earned an associate degree in automotive technical services, and holds several Automotive Service Excellence and dealership certifications. Richard also previously operated his own automotive shop, where he worked with local students.  

David Simmons - Advanced Electrical- Overhead Line Construction - Oneonta Job Corps Center

David Simmons

is an Overhead Line instructor at Oneonta Job Corps Center. He joined the program in 2017 and has nearly 50 years of career experience. He has Associate of Operational Studies degrees in electrical technology and fire sciences and is a registered paramedic and New York state fire instructor. David has also volunteered at his local fire department and emergency squad as a paramedic and firefighter for over 45 years.

Cori Wright - Medical Administrative Assistant - Oneonta Job Corps Center

Cori Wright

is the Medical Administrative Assistant instructor at Oneonta Job Corps Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human services and a master’s degree in community and human services, as well as several industry certifications. Cori’s passion is guiding youth to be productive and accommodating their various learning styles to best support them. When she isn’t working, Cori loves hiking, exercising, kayaking, playing video games and exploring new places.

Laken Shaffer - Medical Administrative Assistant - Blue Ridge Job Corps Center

Laken Shaffer

teaches several health care topics at Blue Ridge Job Corps, including Medical Administrative Assistance, Electronic Health Records, and Billing and Coding. Laken graduated from Blue Ridge JC in 2009 with Medical Administrative Assistant and Certified Medical Assistant certifications, as well as billing and coding credentials. She gained 10 years of experience before joining the Blue Ridge JC team in 2019. Off campus, Laken enjoys camping and spending time outdoors with her husband and 13-year-old child.

Bruce Hultman - Advanced Electrical Smart Meter and Instrumentation Technician - Oneonta Job Corps Center

Bruce Hultman

is the Smart Meter and Instrumentation instructor at Oneonta Job Corps Center. He has an Associate of Operational Studies degree from SUNY Delhi in plumbing/heating and electrical construction/maintenance. He spent eight years in an electrician apprenticeship through a local electrical company and later started his own electrical company. Bruce originally joined Job Corps as an Electrical instructor before assuming his current position. 

Robin Buchanan - Certified Medical Assistant - Blue Ridge Job Corps Center

Robin Buchanan

is the Certified Medical Assistant instructor at Blue Ridge Job Corps. Robin joined the Blue Ridge JC team in 2018 and has over 33 years of nursing experience. When she isn’t working, Robin enjoys spending time with her family, which includes three children and two grandchildren. 

Brandon Davis - Career Journey - Oneonta Job Corps Center

Brandon Davis

joined the Oneonta Job Corps Center team in 2019 as the High School Diploma substitute teacher and now serves as the Work-Based Learning coordinator. Prior to Job Corps, he worked in various administrative and accounting jobs. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Houghton College and his MBA from Alfred University. In his spare time, Brandon volunteers at his local church, and he also enjoys reading, cubing and playing board games with family.

Shelby Neikirk - Clinical Medical Assistant - Blue Ridge Job Corps Center

Shelby Neikirk, LPN, RHIA

has taught Medical Terminology, Phlebotomy and Electrocardiography at Blue Ridge Job Corps since 2021. Before joining the Blue Ridge JC team, Shelby earned her degree in health information management and worked as an LPN in long-term care, pediatrics and family practice. She loves teaching at Job Corps and having the opportunity to watch her students grow and learn. 

Christian Vasquez - Electrical - Oneonta Job Corps Center

Christian Vasquez

is the HBI Electrical instructor at Oneonta Job Corps Center. He is an electrical engineer, has experience in maintenance management and worked at the Electricity Corporation of Ecuador for seven years in a variety of positions. After working in Ecuador, he came to the United States and worked as an instructor for several different programs before joining Job Corps.