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Johnson’s current project in the Forest Park garage is rebuilding the 3.4-liter engine of a 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. She’s partnering with students Tyler Havernstick, 20, and Will Vankirk, 18.

Johnson is one of two women Havernstick has worked with in the program, but he has noticed no difference in the way they’re treated by instructors or other students.

“If there was a difference, someone would say something.” he said. “We are all going for the same associate’s, and we’re all getting certified.

“We are all in the same group, on the same team. Nobody is going to be getting special treatment over someone else.”

Johnson has no problem working with

“I worked in the automotive industry for 25 years,” she said. “Half my career was in Michigan (and) half was at Wentzville GM. When I started, there wasn’t a lot of women involved in that kind of stuff.”

Denise Depelheuer’s father also worked for GM, which sparked her interest in the company.

“It was tough,” she said. “It was a different time for women back then. The best thing was when I met men who weren’t afraid to share their knowledge.

“I met a lot of great role models (both men and women) who weren’t afraid to share knowledge, and that’s who helped me advance my career. The women weren’t like, ‘I made it on my own, so you’re on your own honey.’ It wasn’t like that.

“I love seeing women working hands-on and not just being on the paperwork side. I don’t think everyone needs some fancy college degree to be successful.”