December 2024 Getting to Know...

...Krystle Roherty, Fredericton High School

I have a picture of myself from when I was about 5 years old. Blond hair, 80’s big bangs, barbie clip-on earrings, standing beside a black Firebird at a car show. My father and I used to tour the local car shows together checking out engine sizes and my personal obsession, finding out how fast they would go! I was a solid mix of everything princess with a love of fast cars. Voted least likely to be a technician!

Growing up my family didn’t know much about cars and I was encouraged to have other interests as automotive didn’t align with the “girlie” image. I would see my parents frustrated with spending money on expensive car repairs or finding themselves stranded on the side of the road, and knew I wanted to know more. I set my sights on being a teacher, the next best thing, thinking I could make change by challenging ideas and changing perspectives!

During my last year of university, I met my husband. He had a snowplow business and repaired his own equipment. I found myself helping with repairs, ordering parts, and even learning to drive heavy equipment. The spark for automotive repair was re-ignited! Once my children both went back to school, I decided to go to trade school as a mature student. I was shocked when I hit so many roadblocks and barriers to getting myself into trade school and the lack of respect for females in trades. I would have to reach out to a trades group for women in another province to get support and battle my way through. I now had two passions, automotive and challenging these attitudes and barriers. I would go on to be the only girl in my automotive class to finish the year, and I graduated with the highest mark.

My new goal became to combine both of my training: teaching and automotive. In this role I could represent an under-represented group, encourage females in trades, and continue to grow my knowledge of automotive repair.

During my time as a high school automotive teacher, I’ve had the thrill of starting the first all-female high school drag racing team in our province and continue work with the co-ed drag racing team as well. I’ve watched students find new passions and interests, and my favorite part is seeing the “AH HA!” moments every day.

Last year I was lucky enough to find the NACAT community and become a member of a new automotive family! I attended the 2024 Automotive Conference where I met industry leaders, fellow teachers, and members who shared so much knowledge and experience. I now have a community that isn’t available where I live. I can’t wait to continue to learn and grow as a teacher and technician in this group and find other ways to be involved with the Council in the future!