Intro to Hospitality
The Kent Transition Center programs so many families know and love are now part of Kent Career Tech Center as our Intro to Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs.
In these year-long courses, students learn what it means to be successful employees and gain valuable skills they can use in work and life. Like our traditional programs, students learn in the classroom and then apply their knowledge through hands-on projects in our labs. Small class sizes, plenty of support and a just-right pace help students thrive and prepare for life after high school.
Following a successful year, students have a selection of opportunities for their next step based on their needs and goals.
If you can handle the heat in the kitchen, come sizzle with us! Join our energetic and fast-paced team in the Hospitality Program.
Meet the Instructors
Ryan Marklevitz, Instructor
Hello! My name is Ryan Marklevitz, and I am the Intro to Hospitality/Culinary Instructor. I have been at Kent ISD since 2009, working at both KCTC and KTC. Being a culinary instructor at Kent ISD has been a gift that I have enjoyed very much. Helping students succeed through hands-on experiences is one of the best parts of my job. Along with my education and many years of experience in the culinary field, I am also a veteran of the United States Navy where I served on a submarine.
- 18 years of cooking and serving in numerous Michigan restaurants
- 4 years cooking on the USS Scranton
- Adjunct Professor for Grand Valley State University
- Master's in Educational Technology from Central Michigan University
- Bachelor's in Technical Education from Ferris State University
- Associate in Culinary from Grand Rapids Community College
Cindy Saltzman
Hi! My name is Cindy Saltzman. I work as the Career Technical Education Specialist in the Intro to Hospitality program. The best part of working here is being able to work with such a caring staff, and of course, seeing my students' smiling faces every day!
I have an Associate's Degree in Child Development, specializing in children with special needs. I did my student teaching and subbed at a school devoted to students with special needs of many different kinds, ranging in age from 4-26.
In my free time, I love to read, plan parties, and go camping and fishing with my family.
