Our mission is to create a culture of excellence through productive and progressive training practices to improve the opportunity for the community through education and training.

OUR HISTORY

New Reflections Technical Institute (NRTI) began as an entrepreneurship, business, and socialization program. In 1996, our initial focus was on youth in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area. We pride ourselves on exemplifying a diverse and innovative Institution dedicated to providing skills training and education, cultural enrichment, and life skills support to our students. Beginning in 2011, NRTI graduated nearly 3,011 students through its' then-GED program. Those initial programs spawned a new purpose past a high school/GED education and highlighted the need for a skilled workforce. Keeping that in mind, the Founder and Owner of New Reflections Technical Institute, Mark Byrd, spearheaded the drive to close the skills gap created by a workforce no longer qualified for the slate of jobs and careers available to earn a living. In 2015, New Reflections Technical Institute announced the addition of new courses in an attempt to do its part in bridging the gap. This introduction included the addition of the following courses: CDL Class A, Bookkeeping & Accounting, Computer User Support, Secretaries & Administrative Assistants, Carpentry Fundamentals, and Call Center Representative. These courses were an early attempt to begin to create a new skilled workforce in in-demand industries. Since then, we continue to provide excellent training opportunities with an eye on the future.

Meet the Team

  • Mark Byrd, President & CEO

    Mark Byrd, President & CEO of New Reflections Technical Institute, has been a pillar in the KC community for over 20 years. Through his construction program, he recognized that many people in the community had not completed high school or obtained a GED. He started a General Education Degree Program (GED) to address the problem. This program started with 4 students and grew to an astonishing 3,011 graduates. Mr. Byrd recognized the importance of laying a firm foundation of education to begin building the futures of the youth in the community. Still not satisfied, Mr. Byrd applied for certification by the Department of Education and Secondary Education to begin providing classes that would allow people to get a foot inside the door of hiring companies.

    Mr. Byrd has worked tirelessly to provide more opportunities through education and employment and has also created new partnerships with local employers to ensure that when courses are completed and certifications are received, jobs are waiting for NRTI students.

    By providing these certifications, young people now have an answer to the lack of experience response from current employers. Once the approval was received he continued to certify with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA), the Veterans Administration (VA), and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and partnered with a number of community groups to assist their targeted demographics with education.

  • Camille Martinez, Director of Admissions

    Camille Martinez has been a valued member of the New Reflections team for over nine years, serving as the Director of Admissions and Student Services. As the face of enrollment, she plays a vital role in determining the funding options available to students and leads weekly orientations to help them acclimate to the program.

    Camille's responsibilities extend beyond enrollment, however. She is also the go-to person for students who may have grievances or issues during their training and works closely with instructors to ensure a seamless learning experience. As the Director of Student Services, Camille is committed to helping students achieve their goals and providing a second chance to those who may have struggled in other career paths.

  • Willa Byrd, Heart of NRTI

    Meet Willa Byrd, our receptionist and the heart of New Reflections Technical Institute. With over 13 years of experience at NRTI, Willa has been an integral part of our team since the beginning. She has a wealth of knowledge about the organization and assists with anything from administrative tasks to helping students with enrollment. Willa is also known as Mama Byrd, and has a background as a chef and a 30-year career as a flight attendant with TWA. Willa is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students and visitors at NRTI. Her warm and friendly demeanor is sure to make anyone feel at home.

  • Andrea Porter - Intake and Recruitment Specialist

    Andrea Porter is the Intake and Recruitment Specialist at New Reflections Technical Institute. As the first point of contact for students, she is responsible for collecting their documents and helping them through the enrollment process. Andrea also assists with job placement for students once they complete their training. She has previous experience as a student at New Reflections, where she completed the accounting and bookkeeping course and went on to work in accounting with Constantinos. Andrea values the opportunities that New Reflections provides to help individuals find a new career path and is grateful for the knowledge and skills she gained through the institute's programs. Additionally, she has started her own T-shirt company and credits her accounting training from New Reflections for helping her manage her books.

  • Cedric Williams - Marketing Instructor

    The internet is Cedric's creative canvas where he masterfully crafts narratives that breathe life into brands and inspire action.

    Cedric has employed innovative strategies and campaigns to generate millions of online views and develop brands from inception to success. His company, Evolving Digital Media, has proficiently managed over 250 businesses spanning 9 states, which include schools, non-profits, churches, politicians, and a range of other organizations.

    Backed by an academic foundation in business management, marketing, and accounting, Cedric's talent lies in marketing strategy, content creation, and digital platform development, amongst other areas. At NRTI, he channels his broad expertise to promote the institute's mission and programs while educating the next generation of leaders.

  • Michael Enriquez - CDL Instructor

    Meet Michael Enriquez, our dedicated instructor at New Reflections.

    Michael is a force of motivation and guidance for our students, preparing them for testing and fostering an environment of learning and growth. His story is one of transformation and resilience; he joined us as a student just a year and a half ago, eager to advance his skills and secure his CDL. Harnessing his hands-on experience with semis, he seamlessly transitioned into an instructor role, leveraging his journey to inspire others.

    In Michael's words, New Reflections is an inviting environment, committed to uplifting each member of our community. His advice to those seeking their CDL or looking to further their education is simple yet powerful – Join New Reflections. Let us guide you, support you, and celebrate your success.

  • Clarence Barton - CDL Instructor

    Clarence Barton is a dedicated instructor at New Reflections Technical Institute, specializing in on-the-road training and restriction removal for automatic transmissions. With over four years of experience working with Mark, the founder of New Reflections, and over a year as an instructor, Clarence is committed to helping students achieve their goals and better their lives by obtaining a CDL.

    Clarence's dedication to his students is evident in his focus on ensuring their success. His lighthearted approach to teaching, as evidenced by his playful warning "don't kill me when you're in a truck," adds a touch of humor to the learning experience. Clarence's expertise and passion for teaching make him an invaluable asset to the New Reflections team.

  • David Clarke, CDL Instructor

    David Clarke is an instructor at New Reflections Technical Institute and a past student of the New Reflection Driving School. With his CDL and two months of experience as an instructor, he primarily focuses on preparing students for their pre-trip examination and ensuring they have a strong understanding of how the vehicle operates. Mr. Clarke is passionate about higher learning and helping students achieve their goals, whether it's building a career in the world of trucking or pursuing other opportunities. He believes in equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and create a constructive life for themselves.

  • Al Boggess - CDL Instructor

    Introducing Al, a dynamic instructor here at New Reflections. Al's journey with us started in 2021 as a truck driving school graduate. When he returned for a refresher course, his exceptional pre-trip teaching skills caught our attention, and we knew he belonged on our team. As an instructor, Al brings a wealth of knowledge to our students, teaching them the ins and outs of truck driving, from pre-trip inspections to everyday maintenance. But Al's contribution to New Reflections goes beyond his technical expertise. His dedication to transforming lives and his commitment to student success sets him apart. He views his role not just as a job, but as an opportunity to see our students cross their personal finish lines with pride and confidence. Al's message to anyone considering furthering their education or getting a CDL license is compelling: Stop working, start a career. This journey has the potential to change lives, turning students into business owners, masters of their own hours, and creators of their own destinies. Join us at New Reflections, and let Al guide you on the path to a rewarding career and a brighter future. Let's cross that finish line together.

  • Tarcell Bowen - CDL Instructor

    Meet Tarcell Bowen, our experienced and dedicated instructor here at New Reflections Technical Institute. With over seven years of experience in the industry, Tarcell teaches pre-trip in the cab, brake tests, maneuvers, and more. He started his career as a yard hustler, backing up trailers and teaching people how to hustle at his old job. Originally from Alabama, Tarcell has been in Kansas City since 2019. He is a level-headed person and a good dude, always willing to share his knowledge to help the next person. Tarcell brings his expertise and passion for teaching to our students every day, helping them become successful in their new careers.

  • Mr. Pool, Maintenance Supervisor

    Edgar Eugene May, also known as Mr. Pool, has been working with New Reflections for the past eight years. As the maintenance supervisor, his duties include cleaning the property, floors, and grounds, as well as moving objects and completing any tasks assigned by the boss. He encourages potential students to consider New Reflections for obtaining a CDL license and pursuing their career goals in the driving industry.

6122 Troost Ave,

Kansas City, MO 64110

Hours
Sunday - Saturday

Closed

Monday - Friday

9 AM–5 PM
(816) 361-5239
info@newreflectionstechnicalinstitute.org