Meet The Staff - GP Academy

Rebekah Estep
Training & Apprentice Program Coordinator II

Rebekah has been part of Gregory Poole for nearly nine years, building a career focused on supporting technician development and advancing workforce skills. She currently serves as Training and Apprentice Program Coordinator with GP Academy, where she helps design and manage programs that empower employees to grow and succeed.

Her journey began in 2017 in the Parts Department, working in warehousing and returns. In 2018, Rebekah transitioned to the Training Department as a Training & LMS Administrator, and since then has played a key role in managing learning systems and coordinating impactful training initiatives.

While not an instructor, Rebekah is passionate about training because it allows her to help others grow in their careers and develop skills that make a real difference. She finds it rewarding to see technicians gain confidence and advance, knowing she contributed to their success. Training also keeps her connected to new technologies and best practices, fueling her own continuous learning.

Her love for the industry was inspired by her father, who worked at GP for 40 years. Growing up, she often helped him check tracks on weekends and remembers the stacks of Cat parts manuals in the backseat of his truck—memories that sparked her lifelong connection to the field.

Outside of work, Rebekah enjoys thrifting and antiquing, riding motorcycles, tackling DIY projects, and spending time outdoors.

Mellyssa Cannon
LMS Admin/Instructional Designer I

Mellyssa joined GP in 2023 and currently serves as Instructional Designer and LMS Administrator, creating engaging learning content and managing training systems. Before this role, she worked as a Maintenance Contract Specialist and spent over a decade as an elementary teacher, bringing a strong background in education and curriculum design.

Passionate about helping people learn, Mellysa enjoys identifying skill gaps and developing content that benefits both individuals and the organization.

Outside of work, she loves cheering on her kids at sporting events and exploring her creative side through craft projects, including laser work with wood, leather, and acrylic.

Tom Yeaglin
Learning & Development Manager

Tom Yeaglin brings over 7 years of experience in learning and development, technical training, and process improvement. Currently serving as L&D Manager at GP, Tom has a proven track record of driving impactful training programs and fostering continuous improvement across organizations.

Before joining GP, Tom held several key roles at Cummins, including Process Improvement Leader, Project Manager, and Training Manager, where he focused on optimizing workflows and enhancing employee capabilities. He also served as Technical Training Manager at Quinn, further solidifying his expertise in technical education and workforce development.

Tom is passionate about helping others problem-solve and coaching teams to success, which is why he thrives as an instructor. His favorite aspect of the job is empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending time on the golf course or playing basketball, combining his love for sports with a commitment to staying active.

Nelson Santiago
GP Academy Director

Nelson Santiago is a globally recognized, Learning and Development leader with over 20 years of experience helping organizations align their talent development initiatives and strategies to business outcomes. He has led talent development and leadership projects in over 25 countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He is also a Master Trainer with the Association for Talent Development, DDI Facilitator, Gallup Certified Strengths and Everything DiSC Coach. He holds a degree in Organizational Psychology and proudly served his country for 13 years as an Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. Before joining Gregory Poole as the Director of GP Academy, he was the Chief Learning Officer and Principal Consultant at Learning DNA, LLC in Raleigh, NC. In his spare time, he likes to cook and is an avid musician.

Robert King
Technical Trainer II

Robert joined Gregory Poole in November 2025, bringing extensive experience in technical training and field service. He has been an instructor since 2018, previously serving as a Field Service Supervisor for 4½ years and working as a technician for seven years in both shop and field roles.

A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Robert served eight years in law enforcement, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. His favorite machine to work on is the 140H Motor Grader.

Robert enjoys being an instructor because it gives him the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives and help make their jobs easier through knowledge.

Outside of work, he spends time golfing, leather crafting, and restoring projects.

Brian Jackson
Certified Dealer Instructor

Brian Jackson grew up in the construction industry due to his father being a road building superintendent, and he now works as a Certified Dealer Instructor in Gregory Poole’s Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program after becoming an instructor in 2015. He joined Gregory Poole 20 years ago and worked as a Field and Shop Technician before becoming an instructor. Prior his work at Gregory Poole, Brian served in the US Army and later worked as an equipment operator.

Brian’s goal as an instructor is to set future technicians up for success by passing on the knowledge he has learned throughout his career, and he believes the technician career path is a great fit for those who enjoy being a problem solver. His favorite machines to work on and operate are dozers and motor graders.

Chris Moore
Certified Operator Instructor

Chris Moore is a Certified Operator Instructor and has been with Gregory Poole Equipment Company for over 10 years after joining the company in 2013. He holds Articulated Truck, Off-Highway Truck, Hydraulic Excavator, Wheel Loader, and Skid Steer, Multi-Terrain, and Compact Track Loader machine certifications. Chris decided to become an instructor to share the knowledge he has gained throughout his career and has been an educator for over six years. He received his CIAP Certification through Caterpillar.

Growing up, Chris could always be found working on equipment repair projects, and he had a strong interest in figuring out how things work. While he enjoys working on all equipment models, some of his favorites include excavators and skid steer loaders. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing, and working on home projects.

Garrett Poplin
Certified Operator Instructor

Garrett Poplin has been a Certified Operator with Gregory Poole since 2018. He originally joined the Gregory Poole team in 1991, but his professional work in the industry dates back to 1988, and while growing up he spent time doing farm equipment repairs. Before becoming a Certified Operator Instructor, Garrett advanced in multiple roles at Gregory Poole including as a Senior Shop Technician, Skills Development Instructor, and Technology Specialist.

For Garrett, a highlight of working as an instructor is sharing what he has learned throughout his professional experience with apprentice students. His favorite equipment to work on includes a Cat 299D3 Compact Track Loader and a 963 Track Loader. When not at work, Garrett can be found attending Carolina Hurricanes games as a season ticket holder, and he enjoys offshore fishing, and deer, duck, and turkey hunting.