STI's Training Services Team
STI Electronics Inc. Staff
STI's Training Services team stands out with master instructors who have over a century of combined experience in both commercial and military sectors. Their extensive knowledge and dedication provide students with exceptional learning experiences. Choose STI for unparalleled training excellence.
Training Services Manager
Jason Appleton, MIT
Jason Appleton joined the STI Electronics, Inc. Training Team in March 2024. Prior to STI, Jason was a Manufacturing Supervisor for Lockheed Martin. In addition, he was also a Senior Analyst (Training and Development) for Lockheed Martin. He was a Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) for IPC/WHMA-A-620 and 620 Space, and J-STD-001 and 001 Space. He was also a NASA Level B for NASA Polymerics. He taught NASA Cable Harness, J-STD-001 and 001 Space, Torque, Connector mate and de-mate, Solderless Wrap, IPC-A-620 and 620 Space, etc.
Jason is currently certified as a Master IPC Trainer (MIT) for IPC/WHMA-A-620, and a Certified IPC Trainer for IPC-A-610, J-STD-001 and IPC-7711/7721.
Master IPC Trainer
Jenny Taymon, MIT
Jenny Taymon joined the STI Electronics, Inc. Training Team in December 2023. Jenny has over 20 Years of experience in the electronics Industry. Prior to STI, Jenny was a Senior Supervisor Rework/Repair, for SCI, Inc. She was a Ball Grid Array (BGA) Supervisor, Solder, and Program Specialist. Additionally, Jenny was a Training Coordinator. She was certified as Certified IPC Trainer for IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC-7711/7721 and J-STD-001 including Space Addendum. Jenny was also a Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Supervisor which included production scheduling with planners for multiple SMT lines based on line availability, customer needs and demands, etc.
Jenny is currently certified as a Master IPC Trainer (MIT) for J-STD-001 and 001 Space Addendum, and a Certified IPC Trainer for IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620 and IPC-7711/7721.
Master IPC Trainer
Brian Tharp, MIT
Brian Tharp joined the STI Electronics, Inc. Training Team in August 2023 as a Master IPC Trainer/Certified IPC Trainer. He has over 10 years of experience as a Quality Process Auditor/Trainer and Logistics Administrator. Brian was certified as a Lead Auditor under AS9100 Rev. D and ISO 9001:2015 standards. He performed process auditions collected analytical data to provide process improvement and developed and revised standard operator procedures and policies for all plant operations. He was certified as an IPC-A-610 Certified IPC Trainer.
Brian is currently certified as a Master IPC Trainer (MIT) for IPC-A-610 and a Certified IPC Trainer for J-STD-001, J-STD-001 Space, and IPC/WHMA-A-620.
Lead Master Instructor
Frank Honyotski, MIT
Frank Honyotski joined the STI Electronics, Inc. Training Team in May 2000 coming from Pace Inc. as a Training Manager where he was involved in the development and teaching of rework, repair and production techniques and education of customers and industry representatives on how to utilize these techniques. Frank served as an Instructor and as a Senior Electronics Technician for the Navy’s Miniature/Microminiature Repair (2M) Program from 1993 until 1997.
Frank is currently certified as a Master Instructor for IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, 620 Space, IPC-7711/7721, J-STD-001, and J-STD-001 Space. He conducts IPC Certification Training at the STI training site located in Madison, Alabama. He is also responsible for conducting on-site training classes for our customers and coordinating the materials and equipment needs and shipment of equipment when required by the customer.
Master Instructor
Travis Wease, MIT
Travis Wease joined STI’s Training Services Staff in June 2015. Mr. Wease will be based at STI’s Indiana facility.
Travis has more than 18 years of experience in electronics rework/repair and technical training and is a tremendous asset to STI and the students who will have a chance to attend one of his classes. He previously worked at ModusLink (formerly PTS Electronics) as both a Lead Technician and as Training Coordinator. Mr. Wease was responsible for training/certifying all rework/repair personnel to J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, and IPC-7711/21 standards. He was also responsible for all other training for all personnel including ESD Awareness, GHS Awareness, R2 Awareness, ISO overview and all other Health and Safety training that was required. Travis is currently certified as a Master IPC Trainer (MIT) for IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, J-STD-001 Space, IPC 7711/7721 and IPC/WHMA-A-620.
Master Instructor
Robert Fornefeld, MIT
Robert Fornefeld joined the STI Training Team in October 2018 as a Master Instructor.
Robert brings years of experience in electronics manufacturing, technical, and corporate education. Prior to STI, Robert was the Technical Training Team Supervisor and Senior Coordinator for Technical Training Activities for L3 Technologies (Formerly L-3 Communications).
Robert also served as the co-chair for the IPC-A-610 technical committee (7-31 task group) and has represented STI Electronics on many other technical and training committees for IPC.
Robert is currently certified as a Master IPC Trainer (MIT) for IPC-A-610, IPC-A-600, J-STD-001, J-STD-001 Space, IPC 7711/7721 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 and 620 Space.
Michelle Morring
Michelle Morring joined STI in May 2007 as a Master Instructor and transitioned to the Customer Service team in February 2020. With over 30 years of experience in electronics manufacturing, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
Michelle holds multiple Certified IPC Trainer certifications, including IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-620, and IPC J-STD-001, with additional certification for Space-level standard of the J-STD-001.
Before joining STI, Michelle served as a pick-and-place machine operator and trainer at ADTRAN. In that role, she excelled at training new hires and machine operators, showcasing her strong technical knowledge and commitment to skill development.
In her current position, Michelle leverages her deep technical background and training expertise to deliver exceptional customer service and support for STI’s training resources. Her dedication and industry knowledge make her a valuable asset to the organization.
Customer Service Represenative
Melissa Huffman
Melissa Huffman joined STI in March 2019 as a Mechanical Assembly Operator and quickly transitioned to the Customer Service team later that year. Her hands-on experience in mechanical assembly provides her with a unique perspective and technical understanding that enhances her ability to serve customers effectively.
In her role as a Customer Service Representative, Melissa is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction by providing prompt and reliable support. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an integral part of the STI team.
