New staff and teachers at Mid-America Technology Center for the 2024-2025 school year include Nicole Barlow, Cody Barnes, Chelsi Cooper, John Driscoll, Paul McKay, Joshua Price, Shelbi Striplin, Steven Vines, and Kim Waite.
Nicole Barlow has filled the position of MATC’s counselor and will start her duties on August 1st.
Barlow received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cameron University, her Master’s Degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from Southwest Oklahoma State University, and her certification in school psychology through the University of Central Oklahoma.
Barlow holds licenses in: Oklahoma LPC and Oklahoma Certification as School Psychologist and School Counselor.
Before joining MATC, Barlow’s most previous employment was Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) at Tinker Air Force Base, where she provided individual and group counseling for military children attending Midwest City Middle and High Schools.
Cody Barnes is the Small Business Coordinator in the Business and Industry Services Department. Barnes and his wife Jacey have two small boys and reside in Lexington.
Barnes is a graduate of Lexington High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma.
He came to MATC from Farmers Insurance where he was employed for 13 years.
His reasons for working at MATC align with his values as he believes that being part of a workplace that prioritizes both internal culture and external community engagement offers a fulfilling environment where he can contribute meaningfully and grow professionally.
Barnes states, “In my spare time, when I’m not with my kids, I enjoy spending time at the golf course and reading. I also enjoy tinkering with things, so you can often find me on my spot working on my latest project!”
Chelsi Cooper is the newest member of our Practical Nursing team of instructors.
Cooper graduated from Lindsay High School and attended East Central University where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Her most recent employer was the South Central Medical and Resource Center in Lindsay.
John Driscoll will be joining MATC as a Security Guard.
Driscoll graduated from Maysville High School and then attended MATC’s Unarmed Security Course which prepared him for his CLEET license.
His previous employment history includes Express Personnel.
Paul McKay is a new Pre-Engineering teacher in MATC’s STEM department.
He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma and is certified in: Math, Mid-Level Math, U.S. History, Geography, and PTLW – certificates in Design & Modeling and Flight & Space.
McKay was previously employed at Washington Public Schools in the athletic department, as a math teacher, and taught PLTW Design and Modeling.
Joshua Price is the Healthcare Trainer in the Business and Industry Services Department. Price and his wife Shelby have a son, Stetson, and reside in Cole.
Price is a graduate of Washington High School and Mid-America Technology Center’s Practical Nursing program. He then attended Oklahoma City Community College and graduated with an Applied Science Degree in Diversified Studies. He is currently planning on pursuing his RN degree.
He was previously employed at Moore Public Schools and Sunset Estates in Purcell as a LPN Charge Nurse.
Shelby Striplin is MATC’s new Health Education Teacher. Striplin graduated from Newcastle High School and Mrs. Curry’s Health Careers Explorer program at MATC. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Her most recent place of employment was at Integris Canadian Valley in Labor and Delivery.
Steven Vines, MATC’s new Industrial Training Coordinator in the Business and Industry Services Department, resides in Paoli. Vines is engaged and has four children, two boys and two girls.
Vines is a graduate of Lone Grove High School and the Small Engines program at Southern Technology Center. Vines obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from East Central University and a Master’s Degree in Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Vines came to MATC from Whitebead Public Schools where he was a teacher, coach, and bus driver.
He states his reason for seeking employment at MATC as, “I want to use my knowledge and skills to help my workforce community become a safer and more productive place.”
In his free time, he enjoys trout fishing, tinkering with go-karts and bikes, and spending time with family and friends.
Vines also has a fun fact – he is a twin and he has twins!
Kim Waite is the new Food Service Assistant.
She is a graduate of Lindsay High School and was previously employed at Super C.
In addition to MATC’s nine new staff members, MATC announces the promotion of three current employees.
Dr. Amanda Cummings, a resident of Pauls Valley, has been promoted to the Assessment Center Coordinator. Cummings has been employed at MATC for five years where she served as a teacher in the Pre-Engineering department.
Amy Cornforth has been promoted the Director of Instruction. She has been employed at MATC for 11 years serving for eight years as a math teacher, and three years as the Assessment Coordinator.
Karen Hemmerling, a resident of Lexington, was promoted to the newly formed position of Director of Federal Programs.
She has been at the technology center for 10 years, where she was previously a teacher in the Pre-Engineering Department, was MATC’s Academic Instructor, and most recently served as Director of Instruction.
