Have you always worked in Education?

No, I have always wanted to work in education, which is why when the opportunity came up to become a laboratory assistant for the physical therapy assistant program, I jumped on it! I was a gymnastics coach for many years, so having a background of teaching young children to adults about controlled movement in order to master their skills. After awhile, I decided to go back to school at 51�Թ� in the physical therapist assistant program. I earned my degree and got a license and started working as a physical therapist assistant with a specialty in aquatic therapy. 

What specifically is your role here at 51�Թ�? 

I am an instructor for the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Currently, I am teaching our Mod 3 students in a course and their lab, and will be starting with the new hybrid program students for their mod 2 courses in October!

When did you start working at 51�Թ�?

I started working as a laboratory assistant in March 2019 and became a full-time instructor in November 2020. 

Before working at 51�Թ�, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I grew up in Anaheim, so I worked at Disneyland as one of my first jobs. I worked in food service and special events. I was an outdoor vendor, restaurant hostess, and busser. My favorite times were getting to make the cotton candy, and working the special events. I worked the premiere of the Pirates Of The Caribbean movie and got to see and serve many Hollywood stars; it was fun! 

 Who is your greatest inspiration or mentor?

While I was going through the program at 51�Թ� I really looked up to Dr. Kathleen McGuire. She was an exceptional instructor and she inspired me to become an instructor. I had the pleasure of her being one of my mentors when I first started here at 51�Թ�. Overall, since I have been here I have been inspired by all my fellow instructors here as well.

What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about your job?

I work with a great team, I enjoy saying “I have to work now” and the most inspiring is seeing the students have their “I get it!” moment. Watching them succeed and go above and beyond what they thought they could do. This last weekend seeing a few students volunteer their time to work an event for physical therapist and physical therapist assistants was so fun, and so awesome. We had 3 of our current Mod 5 students volunteering! So great to see!

Do you have any advice for potential students interested in pursuing a career as a healthcare professional?

This program takes time and dedication; just as any program or profession in the healthcare system. My advise is to make time and try to follow a schedule as best as you can. We can help you build a scheduled based on your needs to ensure you keep up with your work. Also, use your resources provided. Your text books, your instructors and even your peers are going to be your best resource and support. Do your best to keep up with assignments, and reach out to instructors as soon as you start feeling overwhelmed. As instructors we truly are your support and we are more than happy to help you as best as possible through this journey.

Interested in becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant? We’re here to help you start your successful career in healthcare. Don’t wait any longer! Give us a call at (213) 427-2200 or visit our Physical Therapist Assistant page to schedule a tour today!

The post Faculty Spotlight – Theresa Ragland appeared first on 51�Թ�.

Have you always worked in Education?

No, I started working in Education after working as a CST for 3 years. I still continue to work in the Operating Room while being an educator.

What specifically is your role here at 51�Թ�?

I am the Surgical Technology Program Director and Subject Matter Expert. I run all the background paperwork to ensure that the instructors are providing the students with the most updated technologically advised curriculum.

When did you start working at 51�Թ�?

I started working for CBD in 2021. I helped develop the Associate program curriculum before moving into the Program Director position.

Before working at 51�Թ�, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

The most interesting job that I have had prior to 51�Թ� was being a Sterile Processing Manager.

Who is your greatest inspiration or mentor?

The greatest inspiration to me even today, was my grandmother that passed away 20+ years ago. She survived so much in her life from the depression, to WWII, working a full-time job in a bicycle factory all while raising 6 children at home. She woke up every day ready to conquer whatever was thrown at her. She always gave me the best advice.

What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about your job?

The students are the best part of the job. The ability to help a student find their purpose in life and joy for being a Surgical Technologist makes the job the best one to have.

Do you have any advice for potential students interested in pursuing a career as a healthcare professional?

One piece of advice that I give all my students is to never give up! Surgical Technologist is one of the most challenging career fields to get into and it is not for the weak, but it definitely is the MOST rewarding career in healthcare. Once you give up on yourself, you give up on your patients too.

Interested in becoming a Surgical Technologist? If you would like to prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries, then this is the career for you!��We’re here to help you start your successful career in healthcare. Don’t wait any longer! Give us a call at (213) 427-2200 or visit our Surgical Technology program page to schedule a tour today!

The post Faculty Spotlight &/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8211; Stephanie Allen appeared first on 51�Թ�.

How did you pursue a career in magnetic resonance imaging?

I have been in medical imaging for 34 years.  I was originally an x-ray technologist (CRT) specializing in Computer Tomography (CT).  MRI was in its early stages, and because I was familiar with cross-sectional anatomy, it was an easy transition into MRI.  I started working in various hospitals and imaging centers, and cross-trained into MRI.  I loved computer applications along with medical imaging, and I self-studied about MRI and took and passed my ARRT (MR) before there were any MRI schools.

What led you to pursue instructing?

I worked as an applications specialist in MRI, and because I was involved with teaching physicians and technologists, I came to enjoy this part of my work.  I love teaching others about the technology.

Who has been your greatest inspiration or mentor?

My greatest mentor has always been my father, from whom I inherited and learned the importance of work ethics, responsibility, accountability and reliability.

How are you involved with MRI outside of 51�Թ�?

Am involved with different societies of MRI, go to conferences, continue with my continuing education.

Do you have any advice for potential students interested in pursuing a career in MRI or healthcare in general?

MRI is an exciting career, but challenging.  You must have empathy and compassion toward others, and a desire to help people.  You must place emphasis on professional attitudes, values and behaviors that encourage professional growth.  You’re going to be educated and held accountable for your professional attributes. You’ll be expected to demonstrate respect for others, communicate effectively, cooperate with fellow workers, and display the dependability expected of a professional.  Treat your classmates, instructors, and patients, as you would like to be treated.

Your coursework will be rigorous, and at times you may wonder what you have gotten yourself into, but your perception of intensity has much to do with the amount of time, dedication and commitment you spend towards your chosen profession.

Those who make the most of the program learn early on that the program faculty, clinical staff and instructors, and other college personnel work extremely hard to build a bridge for you to successfully graduate and realize your dream. You can become an MRI Technologist and enjoy a rewarding and successful career.  It’s up to you to be successful.

To view our recent posts and get an inside look at the MRI Programs at 51�Թ�, head to our and .

If you’re interested in a Post-Primary Pathway education, ask for more information about our Online Diploma in MRI Program in as little as 11 months!

Call 213-472-2200 or fill out the form on the right to find out how you can earn your Associates in Applied Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging in as little as 17 months!  Our next start date is July 9th, 2018.

The post Faculty Spotlight: William Korson, MRI Clinical Director appeared first on 51�Թ�.

“I’m very excited to launch the Magnetic Resonance Imaging program at 51�Թ�,” Mr. Edoardo Cerani said. “With jobs on the rise and growth projected for the future in diagnostic imaging, I want to be able to provide the best experience for students and help them learn and grow so they can become successful and provide an excellent service for patients.”
How did you pursue a career in magnetic resonance imaging?
Having always been fascinated by the human anatomy and physiology, I started with a radiography (x-ray) school and then decided to specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI can show human anatomy in cross-sectional slices with exquisite detail, and unlike x-ray or CT it doesn’t expose you or the patient to ionizing radiation. Furthermore, I liked the constant technological evolution happening in this relatively new imaging modality.

What led you to pursue instructing?

I started “teaching” as a judo instructor when I was 17 years old, and then a language instructor and science instructor later on, right after having moved to the US, and that made me realize that teaching was my passion and that I was appreciated by my students. After having studied radiology and becoming a registered technologist in X-ray and MRI, I was frequently asked to tutor and help other students and my former instructors and Dean of Education asked me to become an MRI instructor for their College, as they recognized my skills and ability to teach even complex topics and make them understandable.  Since then, I have been successfully teaching MRI &/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8211; with students’ satisfaction &/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8211; for 10 years.  In 2009, I created the vert first Online MRI Program in the US.

When did you start at 51�Թ�?

I started working at 51�Թ� in September 2016, and since then I created and developed all the Curriculum, Syllabi and necessary ABHES accreditation documentation for the new MRI Programs that are about to start here at CBD.

Who has been you’re greatest inspiration or mentor?

My greatest mentor has always been my father, from whom I inherited and learned the importance of work ethics, responsibility, accountability and reliability.

How are you involved with MRI outside of 51�Թ�?

I am always keeping myself current in the field through specialized continuing education courses, profession specific magazines, newsletters and webinars.

I often develop new teaching ideas and material when at home as well.

Do you have any advice for potential students interested in pursuing a career in MRI or healthcare in general?

Healthcare in general is a field where you will have to deal with ill people (patients) who are particularly vulnerable and in need of empathy, care and support, that always need to be delivered in a very ethical and professional way. If you feel that the virtues of patience, compassion, understanding, benevolence, responsibility, professionalism and attention to detail belong to your personality, then you could be a great healthcare professional.

For MRI in particular, being a pretty complex and vast imaging modality due to the electromagnetic physical principles on which it is founded, in order to be successful you will need to be very dedicated and committed, and make a real effort, especially at the beginning. Your instructors will always be there to guide and support you, and to give you all the tools necessary to learn and improve, but your active involvement and will to consistently study and learn will be necessary to make the results of this “team work” a productive and constructive experience that will provide you with lifelong growth, professional and personal satisfaction.

The post Faculty Spotlight: Edoardo Cerani, MS RT (R) (MR) ARRT appeared first on 51�Թ�.

It&/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8217;s Occupational Therapy Month!  We sat down with 51�Թ�&/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8217;s OTA PD Dr. Mary Kay Wolfe.  Read her amazing story below!  Her inspiring words and insight into education really show how there&/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8217;s no one way to success, but passion forges the path of your career.

Have you always been an Occupational Therapist?

My first career was in video production when I lived in Pittsburgh.  I first worked as an intern, and it taught me so much about organization and priorities.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I spent time focusing on “passion.”  One of the keys to life is doing what you’re passionate about, and I started receiving advice (and many signs) pointing me towards Occupational Therapy.  I applied and was accepted into a full-time program.  I had to quit my day job, which was really scary because I only had myself on which to depend.  My second year, I was offered a position within the program, and then a grant to work on.  Then I was offered the ability to stay, finish the grant,  and finish my doctorate part-time.  I stayed on at the faculty practice and helped develop OT programs there.  My main concentration is mental illness.  So I helped provide services for students with psychiatric diagnoses.

What led you to pursue instructing?

After a series of fortuitous events, my next job was the Director of Rehab of Kedren Psychiatric Hospital.  I loved working with students, and it made me realize I’d love to go into academia.  I started applying for teaching positions and found one close to where I grew up back east.  However, it wasn’t feeling right teaching in Maryland specifically, and the market was saturated in Pittsburgh.

After visiting California for a holiday later that year, sitting on the flight back to Pittsburgh, I knew I needed to be in California.  I started searching, saw that this position– Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director– was open, and I applied.  I was offered the position, and interestingly enough, I didn’t understand why my path took me to Maryland in the first place until that moment: to be a Program Director, you need to have one full year of teaching experience.  Ultimately I’ve found it ’s so important to stay true to ourselves and keep following the voice within.  As humans, we’re meant to be happy.

When did you start at 51�Թ�?

I physically came here in September of 2014.  I was here to start the program and assist in putting the curriculum together.

Who has been your greatest inspiration or mentor?

My next door neighbor’s mom, Doris, served as a great inspiration in my life.  She was a cool mom, and always ready for adventure.  She’d would pack us up in her big van and take us camping.  She could put a tent together by herself.  At the time, I didn’t know a woman could have a fulltime job and work in an office, so it opened me up to this other world of what a woman can be.  She was tough, but also really warm.  She was very compassionate and well rounded and that spoke to my heart.  I’m on the hunt for her on social media, so I can reach out and say thanks.

How are you involved with Occupational Therapy outside of 51�Թ�?

I used to volunteer and run life skills groups for restorative justice programs for people who were never really taught life skills.  A lot of the people in our groups were men who were raised in foster homes or the juvenile detention system. The 12-week program would teach them stress management, communication skills and how to express yourself.  They were very respectful and appreciative of us giving them our time and giving them the tools to help them grow.  The people who were there really wanted to get better.  Our own students could volunteer for these opportunities.

Do you have any advice for potential students interested in pursuing a career as an Occupational Therapist or a healthcare career in general?

I would tell them to make sure they’re doing it for the right reason.  Often times we get students who apply for this, or other healthcare profession programs, and see it as a secure job.  Of course, it is, but there are other secure jobs.  Follow your passion.  When you graduate, don’t take the $80,000 position at a skilled nursing facility.  The money will come, so take a little less, and work for a population that you care about deeply.

To view our recent posts and get inside look at the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at 51�Թ�, head to our  Page and .

Call 213-472-2200 or fill out the form at right to find out how you can become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in as little as 15 months!

The post Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Mary Kay Wolfe appeared first on 51�Թ�.

We sat down with our new Surgical Technologist Program Director, Sugey Briones, to get her take on the field,�� and understand her goals for 51�Թ� Surg Techs.�� Read her inspiring story and advice below!

Have you always been a Surgical Technologist?

I wanted to be a doctor my whole life, I was raised by my uncle, a General Surgeon.�� I actually went through pre-med when I was in my early 30s, but decided to go with a different route-keeping in mind that I was a single parent of five.�� So I finished my Surgical Tech program in 2005 and finished with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration.�� I’ve been active in the Surgical Technology field since graduation.���� The day I finished my externship was the day�� I was hired and started doing surgeries.�� It’s really been my whole life.

What led you to pursue instructing/being involved in education?

I have also always wanted to be a teacher. Now, here I am as a teacher, program director, and surgical technologist.�� I had the desire to do it, and I’ve been lucky enough to have both of my loves all in one.�� I love what I do. You have the best of both worlds in this profession You get to see changes in people’s lives, and you also get to save someone’s life.

The testimony I give my students in class about when I’m in the operating room relates to how I can change people’s lives just by making them feel better.�� Whether it’s putting a leg together or a facelift you&/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8217;re saving people’s lives and bettering people’s futures.

Certainly all jobs have things that you have to do and policies you have to follow, but when you do it for so long and for the right reasons then being in the classroom or the operating room is an easy task.�� My favorite part is sharing that passion and the knowledge.�� I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for this career and what it offers to people..

You plan your life one way, and it always turn out another.�� However, I always tell my students, if you have a plan things may not turn out the way you wanted, but life�� will take care of those things.�� Don’t lose focus.

Who has been your greatest inspiration or mentor?

I think life itself-I became a single mother at 27, I had my 5th child and then10 days later I started school.�� I didn’t have a car, I didn’t have money, and I didn’t have anything.�� My biggest motivation was getting out of my situation and building myself from the ground up.�� My circumstances made me say, you have to change or you’ll spend your whole life depending on other people, and you have to do this for you and your kids.

I wanted to be the difference.�� I wanted to give my children the example to not just be a statistic.�� Since then I haven’t looked back.�� I’m six classes away from my masters and applying for my PhD in Education soon.�� Sometimes you don’t have anyone to motivate you except yourself.�� Being hungry is your biggest motivator.

How are you involved with Surgical Technology outside of 51�Թ�?

I just came from Utah, and I was the Vice President for the Utah State Assembly.�� I plan to do the same here and be involved in the California Association for Surgical Technologists. You need to be proud of what you do.�� I want to be the example to my students that we should be voicing our concerns to legislators.�� Very few people know what Surgical Technologists do, so you have to be involved.�� That’s my contribution.

I’ve also been a speaker for the annual Association meeting.�� Thousands of people come from all over the country, and my topic is “How to Motivate the Adult Learner.”

Do you have any advice for potential students interested in pursuing a career in surgical technology?

Have a vision board and do your research.�� I want you to know how much you’re going to make, where specifically you’d like to work, placement rates, etc..�� When you come to the college I want you to know 100%, this is what you want to do so that when you’re sitting in class you have your mind on the end goal.

You have to want this more than anybody else.�� You have to want this for yourself.�� No one can want this for you.���� You have to go the extra mile, ride the extra bus, take that extra credit class or exam to get that “A”- whatever it takes.�� Always be trying your hardest.�� You’re spending all this time, and money, and sacrifice.�� Don’t give up on yourself.

The post Faculty Spotlight: Sugey Briones appeared first on 51�Թ�.

I know you’re a DMS instructor.�� What do you teach specifically here at 51�Թ�?

Right now I’m teaching Abdomen and Small Parts Ultrasound.�� Abdomen includes all the major organs in the abdominal cavity including the liver, pancreas, kidney, gall bladder, and spleen.�� Small Parts includes thyroid, breasts, scrotum, and prostate.

In my opinion, it is the hardest module to learn because there is so much regarding anatomy, pathology, and then learning to look at each of the organs themselves. Since the students practice on each other in lab, many are NPO (nothing-by-mouth) 8-12 hours before to get the best image possible.�� You have to know all the different techniques and tricks to maneuver around gas, or what to do if the patient is non-responsive.

Why made you interested in DMS?

I began my studies for Diagnostic Medical Sonography in 2010.�� Before that I had my Bachelor’s Degree in BioChemistry.�� I started my research and DMS sounded intriguing. It only takes a short period of time to graduate, but the average salary for an ultrasound technician is increasing.�� I studied, passed the board, and got my licenses as soon as I could.�� Every day there are new things to learn.

What led you to pursue instructing at 51�Թ�?

I started teaching here November of 2013.�� I’ve loved teaching since I started the DMS.�� The first chance I had, I volunteered at my OBGYN doctor’s office to learn; he has an ultrasound machine there.�� So I began from day one.�� The day I entered the program was the day I started in the field.

While I was still in school, other students would come to me if they had a problem.�� My friends love my style of tutoring because of the way I explain things.�� My philosophy is, “Life is hard, why make it harder?”�� Make it easier so you can understand it!�� At the time I was in school I was a full-time student, worked for a pharmacy 30 hours a week, and had a 2- year- old and a 6– month- old at home– I didn’t have a lot of time to study.�� I needed to make the most of my time by memorizing and learning the best tips and tricks.

Many people look at Ultrasound and say “This is hard.”�� In my opinion, it’s not hard.�� If you can organize the information in a certain way, getting the best image is attainable.

How are you involved with Diagnostic Medical Sonography outside of 51�Թ�?

I started out working in urgent care and a mobile site where many of the patients have machines hooked up to them and they can’t even talk, and I’ve worked at a vascular lab for a short period of time.�� I currently work part time at an imaging center.�� It’s a job that requires skill, so it keeps me sharp and impacts my teaching in a positive way.

Our DMS Program Director, Alex Gelfand explained that you recently attended the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) workshop.�� Can you give me more detail as to what that means for you and our students?

As a member of ARDMS, you are expected to volunteer and give back to the community.�� I went to the workshop last month.���� That was actually my second time attending, which I consider a tremendous honor because they only ask certain members of the ARDMS community in order to hear different perspectives and opinions.

So we set up a new outline for what a sonographer is expected to know to perform an ultrasound: anatomy, pathology, normal and abnormal, new technology, etc.�� We send that outline out to other sonographers to survey and see if it is too in-depth, then the committee will review and come out with a�� new outline for Abdomen testing.

It takes a long time to decide what discard and what to keep, but this outline prepares our students for their Board Exam.�� I also get to review possible exam questions written by members of ARDMS.�� That’s how I model my exams, so it’s definitely an advantage for our students.

The post Katherine Pham: Faculty Spotlight appeared first on 51�Թ�.

Phil Gray, PTA, MA, MSHCA

Faculty member Phil Gray, of the Physical Therapy Assistant program, sat down with us to discuss 51�Թ� and his role in the Physical Therapy field.

Employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to increase 41 percent from 2012 to 2022, in response to the health needs of an aging population and particularly the large baby-boom generation. 51�Թ� will prepare you for a dynamic, challenging and rewarding career as a��Physical Therapist Assistant.

51�Թ� is home to the city of LA’s only .�� Led by their fearless program director, Dr. Kathy Giffin, 51�Թ�’s PTA program trains in our state of the art labs and has a large affiliate network of clinical externships sites. Upon successful completion of the program, our students are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination��(NPTE) and the��California Law Examination��(CLE).

What do your professional and educational designations stand for?

Professional and Educational ��designations:

1. PTA = Physical Therapist Assistant

2. MA = Master of Arts (Sociology)

3. MSHCA = Master of Science Health Care Administration

I know you’re the Director of Clinical Education.�� What does that mean for CBD students?

As the Director of Clinical Education, (DCE), for Physical Therapists Assistant here at CBD, I have a great job that has several facets, with probably the most important being the placement of all the students of a cohort (same class) into real clinical settings, such as hospitals and sports medicine clinics.�� What I like our students to know is how seriously I take the responsibility to give them these experiences.�� So, for instance, I make it my business to personally know the clinics and professional Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants I select as instructors for our students.�� And it doesn’t end there.

It’s also my job to follow the progress of each student in each clinic, to be responsive to them, and their clinical instructors throughout their time in the clinic.�� Like I said, it’s a great job, but a big one.���� CBD has one of the largest accredited PTA schools in the country. ��My job could not be done without the right team, which we have administratively as well as with our instructors, and my Assistant DCE, Dr. McGuire.�� Together, we begin planning and shaping a successful clinical experience right from the start of the student’s first day.

How many years have you been in the field?����

Promise not to gasp, but I have been a licensed PTA for over 35 years.�� Physical Therapy has literally been my life. ��Like many of my colleagues, I started on a different path.�� Many moons ago, I earned a high school scholarship to the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena.�� But it was a difficult time for my family then, my mom was a single parent with six kids.�� I was the oldest, so art school was not a priority then.

As a Registered Nurse, my mom helped me get a job as a surgical orderly in a local hospital.�� That was the start of my healthcare career.�� I eventually made good friends with some therapists in the hospital’s Physical Therapy department.�� It was because of those therapists that I decided to stay in healthcare and become a PTA.�� It turned out to be a very good decision.

When did you start at 51�Թ�?

I joined the Physical Therapist Assistant Program here at CBD a bit over two years ago, in 2015.

What led you to pursue instructing?

Well, to be perfectly honest, my pursuit was to achieve an administrative position after earning a Master’s Degree in HealthCare Administration.�� A couple of years later, still looking for the right position in healthcare administration, I met our CEO and president, Alan Heshel.�� He invited me to consider the position as Director of Clinical Education, here at CBD, which I accepted. The position also came with some instructor duties, which I also enjoy very much, in concert with my role as DCE.

Who has been your greatest inspiration or mentor?

As far as the field of Physical Therapy goes, I have known many great Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.�� To name only one that has inspired me would be an injustice.�� I do feel strongly that they all shaped me to some degree.��

How are you involved with Physical Therapy outside of 51�Թ�?

I stay socially close with Physical Therapy colleagues who are now longtime friends. ��I read Physical Therapy journals and keep up with current events affecting the Physical Therapy industry. I also maintain��partnership��in the APTA and California Physical Therapy Associations.

Do you have any advice for potential students interested in pursuing a career in PT or healthcare in general?

If a person feels called to make a difference that counts, then be a clinician in the healthcare professions. Yes, it’s hard work, no doubt about it.�� But now more than ever, healthcare professionals- and PTAs, in particular, are hands-down some of the most sought after professionals in the country. ��The hard work is nothing compared to the huge dividends by the end.�� I say go for it.

The post Phil Gray, PTA, MA, MSHCA appeared first on 51�Թ�.

In celebration of National Occupational Therapy Month, April&/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8217;s blog posts dedicate themselves to 51�Թ�’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program.�� We sat down with Faculty member, Stephanie Kokesh, and learned more about OT professionals. ��By taking a look at their lives and experiences,�� we learn what it truly means to work in the field and instruct with passion.

Occupational Therapy Assistants are a dynamic and collaborative part of the healthcare team that works vigorously with patients to develop, recover and improve the skills of daily living after disease or injury. OTA’s have the ability to work in various environments including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services.

Led by their dedicated director, Dr. Mary Kay Wolfe and her troupe of instructors, our 51�Թ� OTA students are ready to make a difference.���� CBD would like to thank not only our great OTA faculty, but also our amazing OTA students for leading the way and setting the bar high for future 51�Թ� OTA Students.

How many years have you been in the field?�� Have you always been an Occupational Therapist?�� Do you have a title?

I began OT school right after undergraduate, and have been in the field of OT for 7 years. Here at CBD, I am the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator��and a course instructor. I am in charge of placing students at clinical sites for the fieldwork portion of the program.

When did you start at 51�Թ�?

I have been with 51�Թ� since the beginning of the OTA program. I started in the Fall of 2014.

What led you to pursue instructing?

I knew that I always wanted to eventually teach, in addition to patient care. Teaching challenges me to continue my��own learning, as well as it is rewarding��to be able to contribute to the��intellectual��shaping of enthusiastic students while preparing them for a highly fulfilling��career.

Who has been your greatest inspiration or mentor?

My greatest inspiration relating to my career is my clinical instructor who supervised me during my final fieldwork��placement. Up until that point, believe it or not, I still wasn&/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8217;t sure if OT was the right career for me. He changed my perspective entirely. He showed me that OT clinicians are intelligent, forward-thinking, assertive,��well-rounded, and a strong presence within health care.

How are you involved with Occupational Therapy outside of 51�Թ�?

I continue to practice��clinically at Cedars-Sinai��Medical Center, as well as I see home health clients (when I have time!). I am the Secretary for the Los Angeles OT Leadership Forum. I am involved in both the OT Association of CA (OTAC) and the American OT Association (AOTA).��I enjoy��attending and presenting at state and national conferences.��I am the OT Representative for an online OT journal/blog (occupationaltherapycafe.com).

Do you have any advice for potential students interested in pursuing a career in OT or healthcare in general?

Even if you are not entirely sure what &/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8220;OT&/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8221; is or does, if you are genuinely��caring, dedicated, hard-working, find��satisfaction in helping others, and want a career that offers workforce diversity,��it is likely that a career in OT or healthcare may suit you well.

How will you be celebrating National OT Month?

I will be attending the AOTA Conference in Philadelphia! It is the 100th Anniversary of OT this year! That&/blog/category/faculty-spotlight/feed/8217;s a pretty big deal!

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Have you always been a Surgical Technologist?

Yes.�� Certified Surgical Technologist for over 26 years, went to school for it, and been in education for the past 20 years.�� I trained at��California Paramedical and Technical College in Long Beach.�� It was a half military, half civilian class.�� It’s not there anymore; it’s gone.�� I went to that program through the United States Naval Reserve.�� It catered to the military.�� Because we were military personnel, it was a little stricter.�� The Surgeons are Commissioned Officers so we refer to them as Sir or Ma’am.�� My job in the Navy was as an Operator Room Technician, which is another name for Surgical Tech.�� I was in active duty at Naval Medical Center of San Diego.

What led you to pursuing instructing?

It was my love of teaching.�� My first instructing job was in 1997.�� I’ve always wanted to share my knowledge and pay it forward.�� I had a lot of experience in the Navy, and what I learned over 26 years ago was “Aeger Primo,” which is Latin for “Patient First.”�� That’s the core of what I teach students.�� It starts in the operating room.�� The reason we use proper aseptic technique is for the patient.�� The worst possible thing to happen is for a patient to go home with an infection-site or wound infection because somebody in the room used bad technique.�� My teaching style is all about technique.�� Why?�� “Aeger Primo.”

Who has been your greatest inspiration or mentor?

Keith Orloff, C.S.T.�� He taught me “Aeger Primo.”�� And I’ve carried that my entire career. 27 years ago now.�� He instructed me, and now we’ve become lifelong peers and professional colleagues.�� He’s still involved with the Association of Surgical Technologists.�� I can open up a periodical and his name will be there. And “Aeger Primo,” is the motto the AST.

How are you involved with Surgical Technology outside of 51�Թ�?

I spend a lot of my time here at 51�Թ�, but I’m also a member of the California State Assembly for Surgical Technology.�� It’s our California organization of ST’s where we talk about laws pertaining to Surgical Technology and credentialing- so how people qualify to become ST’s.�� It directly impacts the people that I teach.

Do you have any advice for potential students interested in pursuing a career in surgical technology?

My advice is to care about your patients and have passion for your patients. If you have the passion, that evolves into career opportunities.�� Employers want to have someone on their team who cares, and if you start with passion, the rest will follow suit.�� In the operating theatre, it’s not about me, it’s about the patient.���� You have to keep reminding yourself and stay passionate.

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