Meet Our ITSM Instructors
At Benchmark Learning, we value quality education....and quality instructors. Our ITSM instructors are some of the best in the business. Read more about our stellar educators:
Mark Vickerman
Certified in ITIL v3 Foundations, ITIL v3 Operation Support and Analysis, ITIL v3 Service Operations and ITIL v3 Continual Service Improvement
With a Bachelor of Science degree and Masters in Education degree from the University of Minnesota, Mark has been delivering education to various audiences for over ten years. He has a passion for education, especially when delivering SQL Server and ITIL classes which makes Mark one of our most diversified yet relevant instructors to our students today. What further makes Mark unique is his business acumen stemming from his real estate business that he has co-owned for five years. Being responsible for the operation of a business allows Mark to share stories with his various IT and business students on how IT and “business” interface through strategy, service, perceived value and results. While Mark is one of Benchmark Learning's SQL and ITIL leads, he also has many other strengths and competencies in teaching, including Crystal Reports, Microsoft Excel VBA and Microsoft Access.
Gail Sterr
Certified in ITIL v3 Foundations, ITIL v3 Operation Support and Analysis, ITIL v3 Service Operations and is a Project Management Professional (PMP)
Gail joined Benchmark Learning in 2007 as a Business Software Educator. Before coming to Benchmark Learning, Gail worked in IT with Target Corporation for almost 10 years as a Systems Analyst where she gained experience in Business Analysis and Project Management. She also spent 3.5 years running her own business. Project Management is a passion of Gail’s and she is a member of the Minneapolis Chapter of Microsoft Project User Group (MPUG) and attends meetings when she’s not teaching. 2011 will be a big year as Gail continues to take on a larger role with ITIL and Project management pursuing further certifications in ITIL. She is passionate about helping students understand how both Project Management and ITIL are both complimentary and valuable skills in the workplace.
Lu Patrick
Certified in ITIL v3 Foundations, ITIL v3 Operation Support and Analysis, ITIL v3 Service Operations
Before coming to Benchmark Learning, Lu provided desktop software support, implemented software solutions and was a systems manager. In addition, she spent four years as an independent consultant and trainer, specializing in assisting companies with their SMS 2003 and MOM 2005 deployments. Her focus is on the System Center product line, operating system deployment, and tools for automating daily tasks such as PowerShell and VB scripting. Lu co-authored the course
PowerShell for Administrators and in 2010, wrote the course
PowerShell v2 for Administrators. The System Center product line supports the concepts defined by ITIL, especially those focused on service management.
Matthew Teegarden
ITIL Foundations Certified, Senior Technical Instructor
Matthew Teegarden has become a solid member of our ITIL Instructor group. He approaches each class with technical detail and know-how but also with humor. Previously, he worked on designing numerous solutions for SMS infrastructures for over eight years. He currently teaches courses covering SCCM 2007, Server 2008 Administration, WMI, VB Scripting, SQL 2008 Administration, SharePoint 2012 Administration, ITIL and PowerShell.
Eric Goodoien
ITIL Foundations, Practitioner and Master Certified and Senior Technical Instructor
Eric is a true expert in the field. But if you think that's good, wait until you see his excitement when talking about ITIL. With over 17 years experience in the industry, Eric is a skilled instructor, customizing his training to the goals and abilities of his students. He has achieved his ITIL Manager Certification and has written and delivered several custom classes for our clients in this area. His talents in the classroom are further intensified by his customer service oriented attitude and approach. He truly puts his students needs first, and they in turn, have shown their appreciation in their class evaluations.