Jessica Johnston - Clinical Medical Assistant - Talking Leaves Job Corps Center

Jessica Johnston

works as a certified Clinical Medical Assistant instructor for Talking Leaves Job Corps Center. She received her Associate of Business degree from the University of Phoenix and certification in phlebotomy from Indian Capital Technology Center, and she studied nursing at Bacone College. Jessica enjoys teaching and training in skills achievement and sharing new techniques with students.

Lorrita Anderson - Certified Nurse Assistant - Talking Leaves Job Corps Center

Lorrita Anderson

Lorrita Anderson graduated from the Nebraska School of Nursing, where she received her registered nurse designation. She graduated from Northeastern State University, where she received her Master of Science degree. Lorrita has been a dedicated nurse for over 30 years and finds great satisfaction in motivating and educating students in classroom studies and demonstrating clinical skills.

Lauren White - Office Administration - Talking Leaves Job Corps Center

Lauren White

Lauren White brings 14 years of teaching experience to Talking Leaves Job Corps. She is certified in Microsoft Office Suite and has multiple other certifications. Lauren teaches her students Microsoft applications as well as Google Workspace. She motivates her students, holds them accountable, and helps them to succeed both academically and professionally.

Kindle Spry - Academics and Life Skills - Talking Leaves Job Corps Center

Kindle Spry

is a Reading and High School Diploma instructor at Talking Leaves Job Corps Center. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Northeastern State University and holds a teaching certificate from Oklahoma State University. Kindle is proficient in all Microsoft programs, inventory software and order processing systems. She maintains a classroom environment conducive to effective learning and works with her students to succeed both professionally and academically.

Joe A. Lopez - Security and Protective Services - Laredo Job Corps Center

Joe A. Lopez

has served as a Security and Protective Services instructor at Laredo Job Corps Center for five years. He has been in law enforcement for over 28 years. He enjoys teaching and challenging students to do their best and to always take one step further. Joe is proud of the fact that he has successfully passed 99.9% of students who have taken his class.

Candelario Alonzo - Welding - Laredo Job Corps Center

Candelario Alonzo

Candelario Alonzo brings 50 years of welding experience to Laredo Job Corps Center. He has previously worked in oilfields, Laredo Junior College, Laredo Independent School District and shipyards in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he learned to be a structural welder and pipe welder. Candelario enjoys seeing his students continue welding and making it into a career. He is also proud to be a veteran of the Marine Corps. 

Pedro Guerrero - Electrical - Laredo Job Corps Center

Pedro Guerrero

Pedro Guerrero has been an electrician for over 40 years and worked for 3G Electric, UISD, Webb County and City of Laredo, as well as independently. Seeing past students working in the field and making careers in electricity is what brings Pedro joy. 

Simon Armendariz - Facilities Maintenance - Laredo Job Corps Center

Simon Armendariz

has served as a Facilities Maintenance instructor for over 10 years at Laredo Job Corps Center. He has worked for Laredo’s homebuilders WestWind Homes and D.R. Horton-America’s Builder. He enjoys passing on his experience and wisdom in this training area as well as teaching hands-on processes. Simon is proud of his students and the 30-by-50-foot palapa they are building from scratch that all students will soon be able to enjoy.

Karen Martinez - Culinary Arts - Laredo Job Corps Center

Karen Martinez

has served as a Culinary Arts instructor at Laredo Job Corps Center since 2012 and has been a proud alumna since 2008. Her 14 years of experience in the food service industry and being a ServSafe instructor and proctor allows her to train her students with fervor in this field. Karen enjoys teaching employability skills and helping her students to follow their passion and dreams. She loves the idea of returning something back to the program that helped her grow as an individual and a professional.