Program: Medical Assisting
Education/Industry Certifications: Certified/registered Medical Assistant – RMA (AMT); License in Limited Radiography from the state of Nebraska - LRT; Certified Phlebotomist – PBT (ASCP)CM; Bachelor of Science in Business with a Management focus, Arizona State University; Master of Arts in Instructional Technology, Bellevue University.
Has taught at SCC since: 2003
Years of Work Experience Outside SCC: More than 20 years in Medical Assisting. I worked for eight years as the office manager for an internal medicine physician and 12 years for a family practice clinic.
Describe your teaching philosophy.
It is really important for me to create a fun, interactive learning environment. I incorporate a “flipped” engaged, learning approach in the classroom, and I apply a “learn one, do one, teach one” approach in the lab. Team building and promoting interest in the content with relevant hands-on skills activities is my goal. Providing consistent feedback and positive encouragement is part of my strategy for building confident, competent and successful students.
Why did you decide to teach at a community college?
While working as a medical assistant, I had the privilege of working as a practicum supervisor for an SCC Medical Assisting student. The student told me that she had learned a lot from me and that I should consider being a teacher. This opened my eyes to the possibility of actually becoming an instructor of the career that I had loved and worked in for more than 20 years. Also, as a former community college student, I appreciate the great educational opportunities which are provided here at SCC.
What can prospective students expect when they enroll in your program?
The mission of the Medical Assisting program is to offer a broad foundation in basic medical assisting skills, including an opportunity for practical experience in the physician’s office. As a program, we work very hard to meet the accrediting standards and to deliver a quality education for our students. Our staff works above and beyond to help the students to succeed, by remediating students as needed and also helping with their job placement. Additionally, the Medical Assisting program at SCC has a great reputation in the community.
What experiences outside of SCC do you bring to the classroom/laboratory that enhance student learning?
My many years of experience in the medical assisting field allows me to apply useful and successful techniques, as well as relating health care situations from my past to enhance student learning. As a medical assistant, my job duties included managing the office; front-office procedures, including insurance, billing and coding; back-office procedure, including specialty procedures, X-ray, and laboratory procedures.
What advice do you have for students pursuing a degree in your program?
Work hard, study well and look, act, and be professional at all times. Medical assistants are in high demand, and many students actually receive a job while they are in their practicum rotation. There is a short time commitment for completing our diploma program, but it will be well worth the effort. Students can start their career in as little as a year and begin to make a difference in patient’s lives.
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
I enjoy working one-on-one with the students in the lab. It is a pleasure to watch the students grow, become confident and competent in their skills. Working together as a “learning team” is very rewarding for me. We have a lot of non-traditional students in the program, and helping them to gain these skills, which will allow them to better their lives and serve the community, is a privilege for me.
What is the best part about being an SCC faculty member?
One of the best parts about being an SCC faculty member is being an instructor in a program that is locally, as well as nationally, recognized. Our program was ranked 11th in the nation in 2014. Also, it is great to be part of something that impacts our community in such a positive way. Our students are successfully passing their National Certification Examinations, and the local physicians are hiring our graduates. Strictly speaking, the best part of being a faculty member at SCC is working with educators within my cohort who have a commitment to provide high-quality education in a fun, positive learning environment.
What has been your proudest moment as an instructor?
There are many proud moments that I can share, but especially when I see my past graduates successfully and happily employed in our community. The knowledge that I contributed along the way is very rewarding. It is so nice to see past students with big smiles on their faces and hear the genuine excitement in their voices when they discuss how they are doing. So yes, I am proud to be able to make a positive impact in a student’s life.
What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?
I enjoy reading, watching movies, dining out, walking and riding on the Lincoln trail system, and spending time with my friends and family, especially my grandson. I like to travel, and every year I try to go to a new destination. This year I was able to go to Sedona, Ariz., the Big Island of Hawaii, and Lambeau Field to watch the Green Bay Packers play!
What would students be surprised to know about you?
Students may be surprised to know that I love to go to live musical concerts. For instance, this year I saw Crosby, Stills, & Nash and Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, and Sir Elton John. I love spicy food (the hotter the better), and also that I am a huge Green Bay Packers fan.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Working at SCC over the last 13 years has been challenging and rewarding, but I am especially grateful to work with my wonderful and caring team who make coming to work a blast! Lastly, I am proud to be a part of something bigger than myself where I can make a difference.