Chef Judy Lyon - Culinary Arts - Cascades Job Corps Center

Chef Judy Lyon

is the owner of J Marie’s Catering & Cakes and brings over 30 years of experience in the food industry to Cascades Job Corps Center. She worked with top-tier chefs at Walt Disney World; is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu of Las Vegas, where she mastered in culinary and baking/pastry; and holds a master’s degree in nutrition from Northeastern University. As the Culinary Arts instructor, Judy is excited to teach and train students at Job Corps and prepare them to enter the culinary profession.

Jennifer Mott - Computer Technician Network+ - Cascades Job Corps Center

Jennifer Mott

Before joining Cascades Job Corps Center as an Information Technology instructor, Jennifer Mott worked for 15 years as an information technology specialist at Western Washington University. Her educational background is in information technology, and she greatly enjoys sharing her love for technology and learning with others. Jennifer is passionate about her students’ success, and outside of Job Corps, she and her family provide IT support to low-income families in their community. 

Xavier Murray - Cement Masonry, Pre-Apprentice - Oneonta Job Corps Center

Xavier Murray

began his career journey as a graduate of Oneonta Job Corps Center’s Cement Mason program. He worked for 13 years for a construction company, where he continued to master his craft. Now, Xavier serves as a Cement Masonry instructor, where he is able to use his personal experience to shape his students and guide them in their careers. When Xavier is not training his students, he enjoys working in real estate, creating spaces and opportunities for young adults to enjoy fellowship in the Binghamton area, being outside, cooking, and fishing with his three daughters.

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.