For Erica McIntyre and Samuel Rew, coming back to Olathe Advanced Technical Center (OATC) as instructors felt like the natural next step in their journeys, which began as students in the same halls. McIntyre and Rew both were students in the programs that they now teach. Though their paths to teaching were different, their shared passion for their trades and their desire to give back to the program that shaped their careers brought them back home to OATC.  

Erica McIntyre is the Culinary Arts facilitator at OATC. Her journey at OATC began as a student with a love of cooking and a desire for a career that offered both creativity and a family-friendly schedule. As a student, she earned a scholarship to the Culinary Institute of America in New York, which led to a successful career in the kitchen, including time working in Napa, California. However, as Erica advanced in her career, she realized she wanted to give back by teaching the next generation of culinary students.  

"I didn’t initially plan to come back to teach, but my experiences led me to realize how much I wanted to share what I had learned," McIntyre said. "It’s incredible to see my students grow in confidence and skills, just as I did.  

Now, as a culinary instructor at OATC, McIntyre brings the same passion and intensity to the classroom that inspired her as a student. She focuses on teaching students why what they’re learning matters and helping them make real-world connections to the industry.   

"I want my students to understand the purpose behind every lesson and feel confident as they move forward in their careers,” McIntyre said. “I really focus on bringing relevancy, intensity, and intentionality into my teaching. These elements resonate with my own experiences and help create a lively learning environment that gives students a real sense of the industry.” 

Samuel Rew, Welding Technology facilitator, initially was drawn to welding at OATC to build skateboarding rails, Rew didn’t expect to discover a deep passion for the craft. It wasn’t until a fellow student and his instructor, Mr. Pommier, encouraged him to pursue welding professionally that Rew began to realize the career potential.   

“Mr. Pommier said, ‘You did that?’ I said, ‘Yes,’ and he replied, ‘You could make a good living welding.’ At that moment, I realized that’s exactly what I was going to strive to do. It was like the art I did on my skateboard — difficult, what some might call dangerous, but fun and challenging. The same way I learned how to skateboard, I learned how to weld: by trying over and over again, not giving up, and making small tweaks along the way. It’s a lot like being a teacher.”  

After working in the welding industry for 12 years, Rew’s wife pointed him to a welding instructor position at OATC. He recalled when Mr. Pommier told him that he could take his place today, and that had stuck with him. Now, as the welding instructor, Rew brings a hands-on approach to teaching.   

"I give my students plenty of time to work on projects, ensuring they’re familiar with all the techniques they’ll need in the industry," he said. " I make sure to give them constant positive and helpful feedback so that when they go out to the industry, they feel prepared and confident in the work that they can do. But the most rewarding part is hearing from students after they graduate and seeing them succeed in their careers."  

Both McIntyre and Rew find that their experiences as OATC students help them connect with their current students.   

"I know what it’s like to be in their shoes," McIntyre said. " When they see someone who’s walked the same path and ended up where I am now, it makes everything feel more relevant. I like to share my experiences to highlight the real-world applications of what they’re learning, which helps make the lessons more meaningful for them.”   

Rew agreed and said, "When students see that I graduated from the program, it helps them feel more connected to what we’re doing. I’ve been through it all. They know that I draw memories from that experience to help make the program better. I use it in my teaching, by mentioning it every so often when I’m teaching a certain lesson. Some of my students said that it helps in my relationships with them because I can relate as I’ve been in their shoes."  

Together, McIntyre and Rew are proof of OATC’s lasting impact. They didn’t just learn trades—they found careers and mentors that changed their lives. Now, as instructors, they’re proud to pass the torch to the next generation of students, helping them take their first steps toward a successful future, just as they did years ago.