Instructors Group Photo
Instructors Group Photo

Our Team of Instructors

The collective experience and knowledge of the instructors at Miami Lakes Learning Center (MLLC) touches on almost every area and aspect concerning Cat® engines. But their knowledge and experience aside, it’s their passion for teaching and sharing the knowledge that guarantees we will get you empowered.

TIFFANY VELA

Area of expertise: Small and medium Gas engines, Electronics, Electric Power (Gensets), Diesel engines (from C4.4 to 3500).

As a technical instructor I like the satisfaction of knowing you are helping someone to grow professionally. I’m objective-oriented, dedicated and organized to offer great training. And as a young professional who likes teamwork I enjoy being around students.

I have an Electrical engineer degree from UPC (Peru) class of 2010. Before joining the team at MLLC I worked for 7 years at a Peruvian Dealer (Ferreyros), 6 months as a trainee and 6.5 years as an Instructor (Gas, Marine and EPG).

TIFFANY VELA
TIFFANY VELA
OMAIRA GONZALEZ

Area of expertise: Applied Failure Analysis.

I like to help others grow and develop themselves. I’m authentic, loyal and transparent – and I strongly believe in being who you are not who the world wants you to be.

In my professional life, I’ve had many positions before becoming a technical communicator, supervisor and coordinator. My last position before joining the team at MLLC, I was with Caterpillar Latin America Support Services S de R.L.: Project manager, Logistics coordinator, Process equipment installation coordinator & Instructor; Miami Lakes Learning Center, AFA Instructor.

OMAIRA GONZALEZ
OMAIRA GONZALEZ
ANDREA JULIANA MEDINA AHUMADA

Area of expertise: Electronic Troubleshooting in G3600s, Well Service & Frac Transmissions, and Mining machines.

I love teaching and giving students the tools to do their job way easier and more efficient. And it’s so rewarding to see them leave empowered.

I’m an electromechanical engineer with 7 years of experience with Cat® machines such as G3600 engine electronic systems, power train and hydraulic systems of mining machines. I worked as on-the-job trainer in an open-pit coal mine (Cerrejon). I also worked at the Cat® dealer for the mining industry in Colombia.

JUAN HURTADO

Area of expertise: Cat Engines – Marine, Oil & Gas (Diesel & Natural Gas), Electronics.

Teaching has been a part of my career path since my first day of work at the Dealer. I started sharing my knowledge, it was appreciated, and I was promoted to the next level for this behavior. It’s also something I enjoy.

In my work I always keep my focus on the needs of my customer, and I believe in the importance of being organized.

In total I have 41 years of experience working with Cat® engines, with a trajectory of trade school from the Dealer (27 Years) and 14 years with Caterpillar.

JUAN HURTADO
JUAN HURTADO
NICK CHRISTIAN

Area of expertise: Electronics Troubleshooting, 3500 Diesel Engine Systems, Remote Fleet Vision.

Taking complex concepts and breaking them down into easy to understand bits of knowledge I can share – is something I enjoy and feel good at.

During more than 21 years with Caterpillar I have developed and taught many courses. Prior to my current role as a technical instructor, I was a DSN Tier 2 Analyst for engine electronics, Drivability Technician for on-highway trucks, software tester, and lab technician.

NICK CHRISTIAN
NICK CHRISTIAN
LEONARDO DIAZ

Area of expertise: Gas Engines, Instructor Developer.

As an instructor with Miami Lakes Learning Center I love to see people grow in their profession. Students arrive here with a lot of questions and go back home empowered with new knowledge and new abilities. It’s a great feeling, and I am committed to the development of new instructors and technicians.

Mechanical Technician, 7 years with CAT Dealer in Colombia, 16 years with Caterpillar as a Commissioning Engineer and 2 years as an Instructror.

LEONARDO DIAZ
LEONARDO DIAZ
HASHIM MARZUQ

Area of expertise: Marine Industry (Commercial and Pleasure Craft).

The more knowledge is passed on, the better your product is utilized and desired.

During my 20 years in the business I’ve been good at passing on my experience as well as creating several A&I manuals for the Caterpillar Marine team. Overall, I’m passionate about teamwork.

I’m educated at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. I shipped out on Oil tankers and Research Vessels for several years, then joined Caterpillar to be a service engineer in the Philippines and Cayman Islands prior to joining the Marine Team as an application engineer.

HASHIM MARZUQ
HASHIM MARZUQ
AUGUSTO APARICIO

Area of expertise: Cat® engines (Industrial, Marine, Oil & Gas), Well Service & Frac Transmissions, 3500 / C175 / 3600 engine platforms.

Sharing knowledge on how systems work and must be serviced is vital for the performance of Cat® equipment. I’m a senior technician who have worked on Cat equipment for 33 years. I have held roles such as technician, technical communicator, and instructor at the CAT Dealer in Venezuela. I’m certified a Certified G3600 Commissioning Technician and a Marine Analyst.

AUGUSTO APARICIO
AUGUSTO APARICIO
BRANDON MILLIKAN

Area of expertise: Gas Engines and Pressure Pumping (FRAC).

I am a “gear head” guy, and I enjoy talking with people. So, what better job than being an instructor and teacher talking gear head stuff to other gear head people! It’s the perfect fit. And it feels great to see people grow in their profession. That’s why I enjoy my work at Miami Lakes Learning Center so much – I get a lot in return.

I have worked at the dealer level as a Field Service Tech and as an Instructor. Before I join the team at MLLC I taught at a Vocational Tech (VOTECH) in Oklahoma for 5 years.

BRANDON MILLIKAN
BRANDON MILLIKAN
CHOOSE YOUR OWN LEARNING PATH

Check out our learning solutions – from e-learning and virtual instructor-led courses to onsite training that covers a full range of equipment, situations and development needs. And use the filter tool to find the right path for you.

Find your Course
Start your Route to Empowerment 

We can help you meet your training needs.

Contact Us
Contact us
Contact us