CENTER OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY SOUTH
Turning Passions into Professions

#TBT Spotlight on CTE Ms. Kyllonen, a former student of the Dental Assisting Program at CAT-South, is now the Honors Dental Instructor there. “I returned to CAT-South because my mentor, Ms. Hubbard, reached out to me. After 20 years in dental assisting, I was looking for the next step in my career, and this opportunity came at the perfect time. I never imagined I’d have the same job as someone who influenced me so much in high school, and now I get to do that for others. The certifications and experience I gained at 14-17 years old laid the foundation for my rewarding career. I’m so grateful." “I love teaching dental assisting because I’m a total tooth nerd—I could talk about teeth all day! But the best part is the students. I have four daughters of my own, but every year, I get 30+ new ‘kids’ who feel like family. It’s incredible to see students from different backgrounds come together and grow. Watching them earn their dental assisting certifications is such a proud moment. I’m honored to be part of their journey and see them succeed." “My students constantly impress me. Many go beyond dental assisting, aspiring to become dentists or hygienists. Some have participated in dental mission work and research, which I never imagined at their age.” “I love working at CAT-South. Some of my best memories were made here as a student. We have a tradition where students paint a brick in our bathroom during graduation to leave their mark. I still see my own brick with ‘Lacy Shannon’ and think about how I once felt like I ran the place as a student—and now, I’m part of running it! The work I put in as a student shaped my career and life. I hope my students feel the same way one day. I truly believe we’re building something special at CAT-South, and the more people know about it, the better.” Photos: Ms. Kyllonen with her mentor Ms. Hubbard, and with her student at SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta, where they won second place in Dental in the entire nation! Ms. Kyllonen also held this honor as a student.