Building Resilience and Hope — One Student at a Time

I've been teaching in the Health and Human Services program at Ultimate Medical Academy for the past 10 years, and it's been an incredibly rewarding journey. From my home in beautiful Tampa, Florida, I teach online and help prepare students to pursue impactful careers like Mental Health Tech, Addictions Counselor Assistant, and Community Outreach Worker. I thrive on routine — coffee or tea in hand, notebook ready, laptop open — and I follow a structured weekly schedule that keeps me focused and organized. But what truly energizes me is when a student’s post sparks curiosity, leading me down a rabbit hole of research into new programs or treatments. I always end my day by closing my laptop to protect my work-life balance, which I believe is essential.

What keeps me motivated is our students. UMA has the most caring and resilient individuals, and I feel honored to support them academically and personally. I make it a point to reach out when someone’s struggling, offer extensions when needed, and respond with empathy — because I know life doesn’t always go as planned. One of the most memorable moments for me was attending the fall commencement ceremony. Seeing our graduates filled with hope and pride reminded me why I do this work. UMA stands out because of its deeply connected community — students, instructors, advisors, and leaders all working together to strengthen our healthcare system. It’s a place where everyone is met with compassion and commitment, and I’m proud to be part of it.