Chief Executive Officer: Steven W. Blume

Mr. Steve Blume holds a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, specialization in power, a Bachelor of Science Degree in EE specialization in Telecommunications and a Post Graduate Minor Degree in Managerial Sciences.  He has over 35 years experience in Telecommunications, Electric Power and Renewable Energy industries.

Chief Operations Officer: Michael S. Blume

Mr. Michael S. Blume holds a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering from UCLA.  Michael provides leadership support in operations functions as well as overseeing our institution compliance standards.  Michael is instrumental in providing new methods for efficiency, control, student services and technology enhancements for the benefit of both the school and the student.

Executive Director Telecommunications Education: Mark Mellinger

Mr. Mellinger is a 39 year veteran of the telecommunications industry with an extensive background in technology and management.  His experience includes positions as key account executive development leader, mentor and team builder.  Mark oversees the Telecommunications Education Representatives and their Assistants.

Telecommunications Education Representatives and Assistants

  District 1 & 2: Vacant

  District 3: Jeff Self, Rhonda LaPorte, Michelle Holyfield

  District 4: Tom Schatz, Aram Jalili (AJ), Parisa Homara

  District 6 Houston: Mohamad Hishmeh

  District 7: Sheryl Kinzel

  District 9 No. Cal: Angela Weber, Gerry Chiulli, Steven Nakamura

  District 9 So. Cal: Jim Jansma, Keith Stephens, Kingsley Vargas, David Mauberis, Wilson Tan

Telecommunications Instruction Director Support: Deb Cruickshank

Ms. Deb Cruickshank holds several industry certifications in telecommunications “Fast Packet” Data and Voice Communications with emphasis in Wide Area Network planning, design, construction, maintenance and tech support.  Deb has a strong background in course development and is very knowledgeable with several manufactures’ equipment.  Deb assists APT with instructor training and support.  As an instructor, Deb adds real life experiences, practical applications and discussions on emerging technologies.

Electric Power Instruction Director Support: Vacant [Steve Blume; Interim]

This position is responsible for the continuous development of high quality instructors in the electric power and renewable energy industries.

Electric Power Smart Grid Development and Account Executive: Chuck Keller

Mr. Chuck Keller has a Master's of Science degree in Wireless Communications, Master's in Business Administration, Bachelor's in Liberal Arts and several industry certifiations with 30 years experience in all aspects of telecommunications for electric utilities. Mr. Keller retired from San Diego Gas & Electric after being responsible for engineering and operations for all of SDG&E's fiber, microwave, radio and copper facilities.  He was also responsible for their Smart Grid and their Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).  He now works with key company customers and is developing Smart Grid and other new power related technical courses.

Electric Power Education Manager: George Choquette

Mr. George Choquette has a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with extensive experience in high voltage power systems, alternative energy sources, futuristic electric vehicles and high-tech simulators. His education and experience will be used towards education program development and customer support services.

School HQ Supervisor and Events Controller: Kristin Alles

Ms. Kristin Alles holds a Bachelors degree from CSU San Marcos, with multiple years of professional experience providing first level supervisory oversight on both office and school functions.  Ms. Alles is the primary point of contact for oversight of all student enrollment programs, school relationships and general event operation functions.

Financial Affairs Assistant: Irina Tatarenko

Ms. Irina Tatarenko holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from CSU San Marcos and has multiple years of experience in general accounting and managing Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable. Combined education and work experience enables Irina to provide a strong knowledge base to her position and the company. Ms. Tatarenko aids in the oversight and functions of payroll, AR/AP and Human Resources.

Academic Accountant Assistant: Aliesha Walencikowski

Ms. Aliesha Walencikowski holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from CSU San Marcos.  Ms. Walencikowski’s educational experience paired with previous work experience, has allowed her to gain a strong ability to understand and work well with people.  Aliesha is responsible for maintaining students’ funding, where she is the primary point of contact for students’ cancellations, withdrawals, authorizing vouchers, invoicing, and student payments.

School Admissions and Registrar: Monica Hofmann

Ms. Monica Hofmann holds a Master’s Degree in Human Relations and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Business Law and Public Policy. Monica has been working in higher education since 2000 and joined APT in the Fall of 2009. She is responsible for admissions and records including degree applications, transcripts, industry certifications, course catalog and credit evaluation worksheets.

Academic Operations Coordinator: Lindsay Rhinehart

Ms. Lindsay Rhinehart holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Texas A&M University. Lindsay’s previous work experience and strong organizational skills provide a necessary asset to the position and the daily functions of the overall management of beginning and ending of courses. Her main responsibilities include enrollments, printing course materials, instructor needs and closing out classes.

Academic Events Coordinator: Nicole Gurney

Ms. Gurney is responsible for class request handling, rate sheets, instructor scheduling and travel arrangements.

Academic Institution Associate: Kim Watson

Ms. Kim Watson holds a Bachelor’s of Science and Technology degree from California Polytechnic State University Pomona. Ms. Watson’s previous work experience in customer service and customer relations allows her to contribute to our students overall satisfaction and completion of classes and programs. Ms. Watson’s primary responsibilities include course grading and completion documents, student progress oversight and general student support.

Instructors: Applied Professional Training (APT)

APT has several highly qualified industry professionals teaching classes in electric power systems, renewable energy and telecommunications technologies.  They average over 25 years experience, with formal degrees, industry certifications and understand APT's valued corporate philosophies and commitments to our customers.  They teach from a basis of hands-on, real-world knowledge that can’t be equaled by someone with a purely academic background.  Several of APT's instructors frequently make presentations at industry conferences and professional seminars.  Several instructors write technical papers and publish articles for other industry professionals.