About Layer 8 Training

About Layer 8 Training

Layer 8 Training was founded in 2008 by two technology trainers looking to provide a better IT class for a growing market in Southern California. After receiving CALC (Citrix Authorized Learning Center) status in 2009, Layer 8 was named the Citrix Learning Partner of the Year for the Americas in 2011. Since then, Layer 8 has received this prestigious award from Citrix in 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, the only CALC in eight years to receive this award. In addition, Layer 8 Training earned Check Point’s North America ATC Partner of the Year for the first time in 2019. 

2019_Citrix_AwardATC of the Year 2019

Layer 8 has grown to become the largest Citrix Learning Partner in the world, one of only three Citrix Learning Partners in the US with the highest level of learning partnership: Premier National CALC. 

 

Through Layer 8’s focus on quality training delivery and the highest commitment to customer satisfaction, Layer 8 has grown beyond its Citrix roots to become a premier provider of vendor-based technology training across a range of technology topics, like Check Point, Nutanix, Veeam, and more. We continue to grow our portfolio of offerings to provide a complete technology training solution for our customers.
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Our Management

Todd Hurst, CEO

Todd Hurst trained professionals for 11 years with a focus on Citrix. Hurst held certifications as a Citrix Certified Instructor (CCI) and Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator (CCEA). Working for Citrix as the principal trainer from 2002 to 2003, Hurst contributed to the original Citrix Certified Integration Architect (CCIA) track. Hurst was awarded by Citrix as the CCI of the Year in 2005 and 2006 as well as the Most Strategic CCI in 2007. He holds numerous credits in Citrix training manuals, most recently in the NetScaler 8.0 and 8.1 manuals. Hurst was widely regarded as one of the best Citrix trainers, and now turns his expertise towards providing the best in IT training for professionals in the US. Under his leadership, his training centers have won multiple awards, including Citrix Authorized Learning Center of the Year. 

Rich Rushton, COO

Rich Rushton has 15 years of experience in the software training industry in business development, partner relations, operations, and general management. Under his leadership, his training centers have won multiple awards, including Citrix Authorized Learning Center of the Year. Rushton has aligned himself with the best trainers and content providers in the industry, establishing a network of strategic partnerships. Rushton makes it possible for Layer 8 to deliver consistent, high-caliber software training anywhere in the world.

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Our Instructors

Layer 8 is committed to delivering the highest quality training experience for our customers. This begins with our team of industry leading instructors. Layer 8’s instructors have real world experience in addressing the same technical tasks and challenges you face day to day, combined with the in-classroom instructional experience and skills that will make your learning experience effective and memorable. All of our instructors are certified in the technologies they teach and are constantly evaluated against the highest standards. See why Layer 8’s instructors are the difference!

David Dartt

David began working with Layer 8 Training in April 2013, after working as a technical trainer for over 20 years. Based in San Diego, California, David travels the country presenting trainings on Citrix, Check Point and all things technical. Holding multiple certifications from various disciplines, including Citrix, Microsoft, CompTia, and Check Point, David loves the variety in his personal and professional life. In 2017, David earned Master Citrix Certified Instructor status, which is the highest level for a Citrix instructor.

 

Graduating from University of Arizona with a BS in Technical Writing and Biology, David loves to learn, travel, and explore. David has traversed the globe and is currently only missing two continents: Antarctica and Africa. When not training or traveling, David enjoys performing in front of audiences, having worked in multiple stage productions in and around San Diego, as well as in front of the camera.

Rhonda Rowland

Rhonda joined Layer 8 in 2009 and is currently based in South Florida. Prior to joining Layer 8, Rhonda worked for Citrix from 2000 to 2006 as a member of Citrix Consulting Services. From 2006 to 2009, Rhonda worked for the Citrix Education department as a technical lead and developed many iterations of labs and courseware for XenApp and NetScaler products. Due to extensive time in the field and continuous involvement with Citrix technologies both inside and outside Citrix Systems, she brings a unique depth of knowledge over a broad range of Citrix Products. Rhonda has extensive experience with XenApp/XenDesktop design and all aspects of NetScaler configuration with load balancing, NetScaler Gateway, and Application Firewall.

 

During her time with Layer 8 Training, Rhonda earned Master Citrix Certified Instructor status. She has been instrumental in developing several iterations of NetScaler Administration, Advanced Administration, and NetScaler Gateway courses for Citrix Education.

 

Rhonda has a bachelor’s in computer science from Tulane University School of Engineering. When not training, Rhonda spends most of her time reading books, returning home to Texas to visit family, and riding horses when possible.

Matthew Jones

Matthew joined Layer 8 in 2012 and is currently based out of the New York area, working in the San Francisco and Anaheim area previously. His current expertise is in all things Citrix. He is originally from Oklahoma, where his previous experience included a focus on Cisco, Microsoft, and cyber-security. He holds numerous certifications from Citrix, Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, and various security vendors. In 2017, Matthew was promoted to Master Citrix Certified Instructor status. He also holds a master’s in technology and innovation from Aspen University and a bachelor’s in telecommunications management from Northeastern State University.

 

When not traveling the country or teaching, Matthew is an avid fan of Broadway and cinema. He also enjoys watching football, baseball, and basketball and has spent considerable time as a football coach of both youth and semi-pro teams.

Kent Huelman

Kent Huelman joined Layer 8 in 2017 and is currently based out of the greater Minneapolis area. His expertise is in Citrix. Before Layer 8, Kent worked for the Center for Professional Development as a trainer, teaching Microsoft, Cisco and Citrix, and Security classes. Kent also has worked previously as a consultant specializing in business continuity and disaster planning, as well as working as a WAN/LAN administrator.

 

When Kent isn’t training, he enjoys traveling domestically and internationally. He also spends his free time woodworking.

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Careers

Layer 8 Training is a company focused on people. Our customers are individuals who have technology learning needs. And our product is all about the people who create it and deliver it to meet the needs of our customers. People are what Layer 8’s success is all about. We are always looking for talented people to join our team and help us meet the challenges of delivering high-quality innovative offerings to our customers. Check out our openings below. If we don’t have any current openings, we still encourage you to send us your resume, as opportunities open up all the time.

 

Please email your resume to info@layer8training.com.
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Partners

Training Partners

Layer 8 Training is committed to offering its customers best of breed solutions in technology learning. Through our partnerships with premier technology vendors like Citrix and Check Point, and our product partnerships with other leading training companies such as Global Knowledge, Fastlane and Unitek, we are focused on providing the widest selection of technology vendor-based training courses for our customers.

Reseller Partners

Layer 8 is proud to be in partnership with a network of leading training companies throughout the US in bringing the Layer 8 schedule of classes to the customers of those companies. We support our reseller partners in the sale of the Layer 8 schedule through ongoing sales, marketing and operations support activities and assets. If you and your company are interested in becoming a Layer 8 reseller, please contact us today at (888) 504-8872 or email us at info@layer8training.com.
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