Moorefield, W.Va. – The Workforce Education Department at Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College (Eastern WVCTC) has welcomed two new staff members: Lacey Koontz as student services coordinator for Workforce Education and Rachael Hyre as an Allied Health instructor.
Lacey Koontz, a Moorefield native, joins Eastern WVCTC as the student services coordinator for Workforce Education. She is married and has two daughters, Anna and Natalie. Koontz earned her Associate in Applied Science in individualized career studies from Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College. She later earned a Regent Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University in December 2014.
This marks Koontz’s return to Eastern WVCTC. She previously worked there for thirteen years, from 2007 to 2020, holding multiple positions across departments, including the Business Office, Student Services, and Workforce Education. After leaving Eastern, she worked for the Hardy County Schools system.
Outside of work, Koontz stays busy with her daughters’ activities. “My girls keep me busy with all their activities, so I don’t have too many hobbies!” she said. She also serves as co-president of the Moorefield Women’s Club and assistant coach for the Moorefield Middle School volleyball team.
When asked what she enjoys most about being back at Eastern, Koontz said, “I’m excited to be back at Eastern. I love working with students and am excited to help them achieve a new goal through Workforce trainings!”
Rachael Hyre has been hired as the Workforce Education Allied Health instructor. She is from Cumberland, Maryland, and resides in Old Fields with her husband, Bryan. Hyre is a proud stepmom to her son, Jason, and a doting “Nana” to her granddaughter, Laura Elizabeth. She graduated cum laude from Allegany College of Maryland, earning two Associate of Applied Science degrees, one in social science/education and the other in medical assisting, with a certification in medical billing and coding.
Hyre is a Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) with over 27 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She is also a longtime member of the American Association of Medical Assistants. She comes from a family of healthcare professionals and started her healthcare journey as a teen volunteer in Cumberland, MD. She has worked in many different areas in the industry, from administration and care management to clinical patient care.
When asked what she enjoys most about Eastern, Hyre said, “I have enjoyed interacting with students to help facilitate their future goals in Allied Health. I also love the friendly atmosphere that Eastern provides.”
About Eastern’s Workforce Education Department
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s Workforce Education Department, based in Moorefield, offers a variety of affordable short-term training, in-person, hybrid, and online, that allows quick certification and entry into the workforce. Choose from areas such as agriculture, CDL Class A, B & more, healthcare, industrial, and welding. To learn more about training programs, email WorkforceED@easternwv.edu or call 304-434-8000 ext. 9413.