John A. Stewart - Founder, Executive Director
John is an ASNT Level III RT, UT, and PT, NAS 410 Level III RT, UT, PT, VT and MT NDT engineer. The AATA was founded when John decided to dedicate himself full-time to helping economically disadvantage and veterans struggling with poor job prospects secure fulfilling careers in his field. Stewart, who over the course of his 28 year career in NDT has trained technicians for companies such as SpaceX, Goodrich Aerospace and Northrop Grumman, believed that by addressing inadequate STEM opportunities, one could empower youth and returning military veterans to fill the shortage of NDT professionals in many of California’s booming industries. John is a Responsible Level 3 at Vast Space, a United States Navy Veteran and served as a Navy "Seabee" attached to Amphibious Construction Battalion 2.
Dylan Lennox - Deputy Director
Dylan Lennox is an Inspection and Quality Control expert who partners organizations, executives and independent contractors to develop business and strategy for the inspection marketplace. After spending a decade working in non-destructive examination and integrity management for a multi-million dollar firm, Dylan knows what truly drives the industry and how to prepare the next generation of inspection professionals. It’s not about what you can read in a book or instruction manual, it’s how well you connect with the heart-beating people you’re trying to help and communicate your understanding and the needs of the industry back to them. Dylan has worked in operations, business development, and field management levels throughout his career. He has trained under some of the top experts in the industry and tutored up-and-coming technicians in many forms of non-destructive examination and testing. In addition to his extensive inspection experience, Dylan is an expert in PR and marketing as well as strategy and business development.
Pratik Wagh - Director of Education
Pratik Wagh is a seasoned NDT&E professional specializing in advanced ultrasonic techniques such as Phased Array and TOFD. He began his career as an NDE researcher at Iowa State University and has since held roles at Acuren Inspection, ApplusRTD, and Nucleom Canada. He served as General Manager at INDTT, India. He currently provides NDT Level III consulting and leads education efforts at AATA. He also runs the NDT Video Library YouTube channel and is working with Arizona State University and AATA to modernize NDT training. Pratik holds a Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering from Iowa State University and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Mumbai University. He is an active member of ASNT and is an ASNT Level III in UT, RT, MT, PT and VT.
Patrick Kratochvil – Director of Workforce Development & Expansion
Patrick Kratochvil is a committed workforce developer who helps people access real opportunities through NDT training and structured career pathways. He entered the industry through the Texas Workforce NDT program, an experience that reshaped his life and sparked his passion for supporting others on their own path forward. Patrick draws from his background in hands-on inspection work and entrepreneurship to meet learners where they are and give them the clarity, direction, and confidence they need to grow. He works closely with community colleges, workforce boards, and industry partners to expand access to apprenticeship training and direct-hire opportunities across Houston and beyond. Patrick is dedicated to opening doors, removing barriers, and helping the next generation build stronger futures through the skilled trades.
Aimee Lennox
Advisory Board Members
Dr. Mauricio Castillo
Dr. Castillo is involved in the development of the engineering department at CSULA. He taught for eight years at the high school level before joining the CSULA faculty. His current research includes topics related to technology education and the development of assessment tools for evaluating the effectiveness of technology education programs. He is also conducting research in professional development in STEM education. Dr. Castillo has a Ph.D. from Colorado State University and an MA from CSULA, in addition to a BS in Industrial Technology from CSULA.
Ricky Morgan
Ricky Morgan is an ASNT Level III MPI, PT and UT, and a Certified Welding Inspector. Ricky is President of Morgan Inspection Services, director of business development at Metal Fatigue Solutions, and VP of MIC. Ricky was previously director of special inspection and code enforcement with the California Coalition for Professional Construction Inspectors, lead structural steel inspector at Smith Emery, president of the ASNT, GM of NDT at Muldoon Marine Services, and lead field inspector at Ronald Nisbet Assoc. Ricky is a graduate of the College of Oceaneering.