About us

Meet the team

The People Behind JATC

Meet the team helping prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Michael Larson

Executive Director

Michael Larson serves as the Executive Director for the Area 1 Inside Electrical JATC, where he provides leadership and strategic direction for the organization. In his role, Michael oversees the overall program, with a focus on building a strong culture, maintaining state compliance, creating value for apprentices and training agents, and continually improving the apprenticeship experience.

With more than three decades of leadership experience, including multi-unit management, Michael brings a broad perspective and a strong commitment to developing people and organizations. Since joining the JATC three years ago, he has focused on creating a positive environment where apprentices are supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to build successful careers.

  • Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and has completed numerous leadership development courses throughout the country. He is passionate about creating opportunities for others and finds the greatest reward in watching apprentices grow throughout their time in the program. Seeing the transformation from where an apprentice begins to where they finish is what he enjoys most about his work.

    Outside of work, Michael enjoys traveling with his wife, watching movies, and spending time around cars.

Chelsea Ortiz serves as the Education Director for the Area 1 Inside Electrical JATC, leading curriculum development, instructional staff, and educational initiatives to ensure the apprenticeship program meets state and federal requirements.

Since joining the JATC in 2015, Chelsea has dedicated her career to helping apprentices reach their full potential and become skilled, confident, and well-rounded electricians. She began as an Administrative Assistant and has since held leadership roles including Assistant Director and Interim Program Director, gaining extensive experience in apprenticeship administration, program operations, compliance, and apprentice success.

  • Chelsea holds degrees in Political Science and Early Childhood Education from Scottsdale Community College, Texas A&M University–San Antonio, and Oregon State University. She also completed the Emerging Leaders Certificate through Clackamas Community College.

    Her expertise includes curriculum development, regulatory compliance, instructor development, and student services. Chelsea believes there are no failures—only results to learn from and is passionate about creating learning environments that build confidence, technical excellence, and long-term career success.

    Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two sons, reading, playing board games, and watching The Office.

Chelsea Ortiz

Education Director

Shantel Lambert serves as the Operations Manager for the Area 1 Inside Electrical JATC, where she works with the program’s financial operations and day-to-day building management. She plays an important role in ensuring the organization’s financial systems operate efficiently and effectively.

With 16 years of experience at the JATC, Shantel has grown alongside the organization, beginning her career as an Administrative Assistant before advancing to Office Manager and ultimately into her current role. Her extensive experience gives her a strong understanding of the program and the needs of apprentices and training agents.

Shantel is committed to accuracy, organization, and maintaining high standards across all aspects of program operations. She takes pride in providing reliable information, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the resources and support needed to keep the apprenticeship program running smoothly are always in place.

Outside of work, Shantel enjoys creative crafting and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Shantel Lambert

Operations  Manager

Emily Domina serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Area 1 Inside Electrical JATC, where she builds partnerships with electrical contractors, community colleges, high schools, workforce agencies, and community organizations to promote the four-year journeyman apprenticeship program.

Through outreach and education, Emily helps individuals understand the apprenticeship application process and the many benefits of a career in the electrical industry, including earning while learning, hands-on training, and long-term career opportunities.

Emily is passionate about connecting the next generation of electricians with rewarding careers and helping strengthen the skilled workforce. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with family, and practicing hot yoga.

Emily Domina

Community Outreach Coordinator

As the Administrative Assistant for Area 1 Inside Electrical JATC, Hailley Vaughan serves as the main point of contact for students, training agents, and visitors. She is passionate about helping people, building meaningful connections, and making a positive difference in every interaction. Whether assisting with questions, navigating processes, or providing day-to-day support, Hailley enjoys guiding apprentices throughout their journey and helping connect people with the resources they need to succeed. 

With six years of administrative experience and one year in the electrical industry, Hailley brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a customer-focused approach to her role. Her professional background also includes three years as a barista, as well as five years as a Childcare Assistant Director, where she developed leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that continue to serve her today. She also proudly served as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army until 2018.

Outside of work, Hailley is a proud mom to one son who enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, staying active through sports and strolling the aisles of target.

Hailley Vaughan

Administrative Assistant

Katie Eschweiler serves as the Administrative Assistant at the Area 1 Inside Electrical JATC Vancouver Campus, where she supports the daily operations of the apprenticeship program. She enjoys assisting apprentices and instructors, working with training agents and staff, and helping create an organized and welcoming environment where everyone can succeed.

With more than 10 years of experience in administration, office management, and customer service, Katie brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for improving processes to her role. She enjoys finding ways to make things more efficient and helping make the day a little easier for those around her. Katie is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at DeVry University.

Katie is proud to be part of a team that helps apprentices build successful careers in the electrical industry. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and trying new recipes in the kitchen.

Katie Eschweiler

Administrative Assistant