Massasoit Community College
Adjunct Faculty, Public Service & Social Science
Throughout paramedic school I had developed an increasing interest in teaching EMT courses. Luckily, my EMT instructor and the program director were thinking the same thing. After finishing paramedic school I was offered a job as a lab instructor for the EMT program. I’ve helped teach nearly 100 EMT students, joined a faculty development group, and even done peer-to-peer observations with faculty members across multiple different departments.
The American Red Cross
Instructor Trainer Educator (Volunteer)
In September of 2021 I left my full time job as the CARES Program Coordinator with the American Red Cross to finish the last phase of paramedic school. Instead of completely leaving the organization, I was fortunate enough to be able to transition into a volunteer role, that of an Instructor Trainer Educator. ITEs travel across the country to deliver instructor trainer academies, week long training programs to certify instructor trainers, the highest level of American Red Cross instructor.
Towards the end of November 2020 I re-joined the American Red Cross, after a brief three month leave of absence. I was a program coordinator for the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES). My role was to be the interface between hospitals and EMS agencies across the state, and to provide them with what they need to participate in CARES.
The American Red Cross
CARES Program Coordinator
Brandeis University
COVID-19 Testing Site Manager & EMT
During the fall semester of 2020 I helped manage the COVID-19 Testing Sites at Brandeis University. This was my first full time job, and my first job that utilized my EMT license in an official capacity. Myself and my co-worker worked closely with the Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives, together, the three of us along with our MD and NP colleagues at the on-campus health center ran the COVID-19 response for the university.
Paramedic
Student
In September of 2019 I started my paramedic program at Massasoit Community College. This is an 18 month program encompassing didactic classroom lecture, in hospital clinical rotations, and a field internship.
A paramedic is a health care professional that cares for those injured or suddenly taken ill in the pre-hospital setting. Paramedics utilize advanced life support skills to care for advanced cardiac and respiratory emergencies, as well as gain a more in-depth understanding of anatomy and physiology. Together, with an advanced understanding of body systems and pharmacology paramedics may administer medications to their patients as necessary.
Emergency Medical Technician
Student
In May of 2019 I completed an EMT program at Massasoit Community College. My goal is to continue down the path of emergency medicine and use this training to prepare for the next step: paramedic.
The EMT program is designed to teach students how to deal with basic life support issues. This is the first step into emergency medicine and involves a basic overview of anatomy and physiology, cardiac emergency care, and respiratory emergency care. I found my eagerness to learn only growing with each passing day of class.
From the fall of 2016 to the spring of 2018 I studied psychology and received my undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Despite the title, the majority of my work was in Behavior Analysis. A sub-field focusing on the work of B.F. Skinner and his approach to understanding the behavior of organisms (humans included). My favorite course in college, Behavioral Pharmacology taught by my favorite professor, Dr. Tom Byrne, sparked my interest in emergency medicine.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Teaching Assistant, Resident Advisor
The American Red Cross
Instructor Trainer
My journey with the American Red Cross started long before I became an employee. At seventeen I became a lifeguard and shortly after, a lifeguarding instructor. I remained in my instructor role throughout high school and college, using it mostly as a hobby. I attended a Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer Academy, a week long certification course taught by the American Red Cross, the purpose of which is to certify Lifeguarding Instructor Trainers (those who teach the instructors).
After college, I found myself looking for a job to keep me busy during the summer, this is when I became an employee. During my time I traveled across Eastern Massachusetts teaching courses in First Aid, CPR, AED, Basic Life Support, and Bloodborne Pathogens. I loved every moment of it.
South Shore YMCA
Aquatics Supervisor, Instructor Trainer
In May of 2015 I became certified as a Lifeguard at my local YMCA, this soon became my first “real” job. Shortly after starting work as a lifeguard I became a swim instructor, and then, a supervisor. This was my first supervisory position and something I enjoyed immensely. I greatly enjoyed talking with patrons and being responsible for pool operations.
I continue to work for the SSYMCA, my role now is strictly as an instructor trainer. It’s a great way for me to keep my skills sharp and help to disseminate knowledge to newer staff.