Karen McCullough is the most energetic, positive, and inspirational speaker in the business. Karen draws on her varied background as a highly successful educator, businesswoman, entrepreneur, and retail CEO to enlighten and entertain audiences from some of the world’s top companies, universities, and organizations. Karen McCullough knows people, knows trends, and she knows how things work. She is a master at opening people’s minds to the opportunities of change. Through her study of generational behavior, business relationships, social trends, and technology Karen has tapped into an innovative model that leads to positive action and drives desired results. Her engaging and insightful programs will make you think, make you laugh, and spark a lasting positive change in you! 

Drieca Hopkins, CPC, CPC-I, COC, CBCS, CMAA Health Science CTE Teacher with Houston ISD x 6 years. 25+ Years in Medical Administration, Certified in Medical billing and Coding. 

Karen McCullough is the most energetic, positive, and inspirational speaker in the business. Karen draws on her varied background as a highly successful educator, businesswoman, entrepreneur, and retail CEO to enlighten and entertain audiences from some of the world’s top companies, universities, and organizations. Karen McCullough knows people, knows trends, and she knows how things work. She is a master at opening people’s minds to the opportunities of change. Through her study of generational behavior, business relationships, social trends, and technology Karen has tapped into an innovative model that leads to positive action and drives desired results. Her engaging and insightful programs will make you think, make you laugh, and spark a lasting positive change in you! 

Masters Degree in Athletic Training. 10 years clinical experience. 4 years of fulltime classroom experience. Instructional Technology Campus Chairperson and District Presenter. 

Nicolas leads Peterson's Dean Vaughn team and focuses on translating customer requirements into EdTech products to meet the needs of teachers and students. He has helped Dean Vaughn transition legacy products (DVDs) into online medical terminology and human anatomy products that are scalable to both small and large education institutions. 

-Health Science Teacher at Coldspring-Oakhurst High School. -6th year teaching -Army Medic Veteran -EMT-B -Vice President of the San Jacinto County First Responders -EMS, CPR, and Stop the Bleed Instructor 

Starla has 38 years of teaching and brings a rich background of experience ranging from coaching, athletic training, all levels of Biology, college instruction of Anatomy, and years of on-site medical observation. She has been presenting successful teaching methods with teachers during conferences and staff development for over 26 years. Her teaching preps have included Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Microbiology, Pathophysiology, and Veterinary Science, and all levels of Biology. She is the author of Starla On Maniken™, Star’s Notes©, Hands-On Body Systems™, Student Study Skills, and Teaching Tip Modules. She is currently working with F.A. Davis as a consultant for their Anatomy and Health Science Textbooks. The success of Starla’s teaching strategies and increased student understanding of difficult material through the use of hands-on activities and teaching tricks has led her to share with teachers, massage therapist, medical personnel, dental teachers, and instructors nationwide. Starla also works with mentorship programs and staff development for new instructors in order to facilitate a successful transition from the medical field into the teaching profession. You will love the time spent in a workshop/presentation that gives you fun and successful lessons/techniques to take back to the classroom. Medical personnel will love the application of these lessons and teaching practices. 

Linda is the CEO for Westchase Financial Alliance in Houston Texas where she is a licensed Insurance Agent. She is a graduate of the University of Texas Dental School, Houston Texas, Hygiene class of 1977. Linda is also past President of the Southeast National Dental Hygiene Association and voted Top Dental Hygienist of the Year 2012. Linda has practiced in the Dental field since 1977 before semi-retiring and becoming a licensed “Retirement Protection Specialist”. With a small and dedicated team, she provides retirement insights to Dental Professionals for their financial security. Linda also loves sharing the expertise she has learned about Sickle Cell Anemia and how it effects the dental patient. Linda serves on the Board for Sickle Cell Houston. She is also the founder of the non-profit organization, “The Potters Smile” and “Smiles for Sickle Cell” whose functions are dedicated to restoring the dental health of patients with Sickle Cell Anemia. She is a Professional Speaker, and she has written several articles on various health related subjects. 

My name is Johnetta “Kittie” Alfred, and I am currently a District Behavior Interventionist in Klein ISD for Special Programs Department. I grew up in La Marque, Texas and made Houston my home after graduating from Texas Southern University in 1989 where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice with a major in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology. I have a master’s degree from Lamar University in Education Technology Leadership. I began my career with the Houston Police Department in 1990 and remained there for almost 16 years. I was inspired to go into teaching because of a special needs relative as well as my desire and love for children. I have a wonderful family which consists of my husband Reginald who I met at TSU in 1986. We have two daughters, Keayra and Kaylan, one son-in-law Jesse, two beautiful granddaughters, Kaileigh and Kapri and an amazing grandson Jayce. When I am not teaching, I enjoy doing things with my family and friends, traveling, arts and crafts, reading, decorating, and volunteering. I am a very active committee member with the iwantfoundation.org which is a Breast Cancer Organization started by two relatives. I am a lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and Texas Southern University. Show quoted text 

Dr. LeRoy A. Marklund is a 30½-year U.S. Army Veteran and clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University College of Nursing. In May 2020, he was recalled out of retirement and back to active-duty military service. In support of the COVID-19 pandemic, LTC Marklund reported for a tour of duty at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany as a Critical Care Nurse and Director for the Clinical Nurse Transition Program for six months. His academic interests are military healthcare, disaster preparedness, trauma resuscitation, and team building. Since July 2018, he taught undergraduate Pathophysiology, Evidence-Based Practice Intensive Writing, and Adult Health II Nursing. Dr. Marklund serves on the TAMU Troops to College Committee and Honor Council along with being involved with the TAMU Health Science Center – Interprofessional Education and Research Steering Committees for Disaster Day and Operation Lonestar. As a Soldier for Life, Dr. Marklund keeps his students front and center. He is faculty advisor for the student organization, Aggie Military and Veteran Healthcare Alliance, and assists with Men in Nursing. Moreover, he holds national certification as a Critical Care Nurse Specialist, Critical Care Registered Nurse, Certified Emergency Nurse, Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse, and serves as an Instructor for Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advance Life Support, Team STEPPS, and Stop The Bleed. 

Martin Mufich is a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Nursing. His research focuses on promoting disaster nursing in the undergraduate and graduate curriculums. From 2019-202, he served as the Director of Disaster Preparation, Response, and Recovery for the Texas A&M Health Science Center. He is faculty advisor to the Student Nurse Association Disaster Preparedness Committee and the Texas A&M Wilderness Medicine Interest Group. Martin received his MSN from the University of Texas. He is a member of the National Disaster Life Support Foundation, Wilderness Medical Society and Sigma Theta Tau. Martin is a certified healthcare simulation educator (CHSE) and a board-certified national healthcare disaster professional (NHDP-BC). 

Asma Qureshi is a first-generation Aggie from Sugar Land, Texas who is currently a second-year nursing student at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Nursing. She was a participant in the 2022 Disaster Day Simulation as a Clinician. In addition, she is an Associate Instructor for the Stop the Bleed training, certified in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, and trained in Opioid Overdose Reversal and Naloxone usage. In the Summer of 2022, she will be working as a Student Nurse Intern at St. Luke's Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Moreover, she was recently elected as the Secretary for the Student Nurses Association chapter at Texas A&M University and participates as a student mentor for first-year nursing students through the Texas A&M College of Nursing Mentorship Program. After graduating in December 2022, she plans on pursuing a career as an Emergency Department staff nurse and hopes to obtain her Doctor in Nursing Practice degree focusing on family health. Asma also participates in community outreach by serving as a peer leader for Aspiring Futures — a non-profit organization that aims to promote education in English literacy, educational opportunities, and the development of social skills for school-aged children in Pakistan who reside in underserved communities. Moreover, she formerly served as an Event Coordinator for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 20th Anniversary Event in Houston. 

Eva Magallan is an academic advisor for Texas A&M College of Nursing, where she advises undergraduate and graduate students. Previously, she worked as a financial aid advisor at South Texas College and as an English as a Second Language instructor at La Union Del Pueblo Entero. She has nearly 15 years of experience in a higher education setting. Eva earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in English and a graduate certificate in Mexican American studies from The University of Texas-Pan American-Edinburg, Texas. Eva is currently pursuing a master’s in the Educational Psychology program at Texas A&M University-College Station. As a result of her commitment and mentoring, she has received two notable awards, as a mentor of the month by the Latino Aggie Mentoring Program and as an advisor of the month by the Texas A&M Office for Student Success. 

Shelby Nerren received her bachelor of science in Psychology from Texas A&M University in College Station. With over six years experience as an academic advisor with the Texas A&M University College of Nursing, she enjoys serving students by helping them to successfully facilitate their educational and career goals. 

Teaching and Positions Dr. Burns comes to us originally from Lincoln, Nebraska where she spent nearly 20 years as a Level III Neonatal Nurse. She came to Texas in 2006 as the Director of Children’s Services at College Station Medical Center to open the first NICU in our community. Joining the College of Nursing in 2013 as a Clinical Assistant Professor, while under the Health Science Center umbrella, she has witnessed and been center to many changes with the College including our move to the A&M University System. Dr. Burns has held many leadership positions including current RN-BSN Coordinator, Undergraduate Curriculum Committee Chair, Faculty of the Whole Chair, University Faculty Senator, and Executive Committee Member to name a few. Education Her education has been focused within Nursing by which she received a BSN in 1997 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, an MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specialty emphasis in 2009 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a DNP in 2015 from Loyola University New Orleans, and is currently in a DNP-PhD bridge program from Texas Women’s University. She most recently became Nationally Certified for Effective Teaching Practices by the Association of Colleges and Universities (ACUE). Research Dr. Burns research focus has centered around online best practices, effectiveness of RN-BSN programs, open educational resources for students, faculty development, academic integrity, and recruiting a diverse student population. 

I have worked in high school education for 11 years and started EMT programs in different high schools. My background is fire/EMS. I love the idea of high school students being able to feed the industry that is such short supply. 

Health Science Instructor for Abilene ISD at Holland Medical HS, Co-author of G-W’s Introduction to Medical Terminology, BSN RN with experience in Med/Surg, Skilled Nursing, Critical Care, Home Health 

THOA’s New Teacher Educator, Co-author of G-W’s Introduction to Medical Terminology, experience as Med Tech & Health Science Curriculum Writer 

I have taught for over 20years. I am also an RN. I worked for 4+ years in step-down ER, ER, and cardiac units. I started by teaching chemistry in the Arlington ISD for 17 years. Moved to a junior college for 2 years. And then worked in the hospital. Now I am merging the two lanes together, teaching and medical experience. I would love to share what I have learned with others and pay forward all the help I have received. 

 

 

Christine Yager joined the Youth Transportation Safety (YTS) Program in 2021. Prior to joining YTS, Ms. Yager worked in the Human Factors Group at TTI, where she served as a Principal Investigator, Project Manager, and Researcher on a wide variety of transportation safety projects. With her background in human factors and transportation safety research, Ms. Yager oversees the data collection and analysis activities for the YTS Program’s Annual Surveys, Zero Hero pre- and post-observational studies, You in the Driver Seat App, and overall TDS program evaluations. She serves as the Southeast Texas Regional Representative for the Teens in the Driver Seat program where she supports students and teachers who are active in the program, and regularly participates in community outreach events to promote traffic safety. Ms. Yager holds a Bachelors and Masters in Industrial Engineering. 

Mrs. Watts has been in nursing for 27 years. She is a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing. Her background is diverse with specialties in maternal and child health, education, and forensics. She has held leadership and administrative roles in the healthcare settings, in both hospital and ambulatory clinics. She’s been awarded for her role as an educator on the junior college level. She holds a state certification as a secondary vocational educator. She has established successful health science programs, namely CNA, PCT, EKG, and Phlebotomy Tech programs. She is a certified American Heart Association Instructor and teaches CPR/AED (BLS, HeartSaver, and Families and Friends). She is also a certified Stop the Bleed Instructor. Currently, she is the THOA (Texas Health Occupations Association, Inc) board of directors President and has served on the board for 6 years. 

Megan Wheeler is a Nurse Home Visitor in the Nurse-Family Partnership program at Texas A&M University College of Nursing. She is a Registered Nurse providing healthcare and support to low-income, underserved pregnant and postpartum women and their children in the first 2 years of their lives. 

Nydia Garcia is a Master's in Public Health Student completing her Summer Practicum with the Nurse-Family Partnership @ Texas A&M University program. Her focus area is health promotion and community health sciences and she has extensive experience living, working, and serving communities in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. 

Andrea Smith, D.C., a native Houstonian, is a health science instructor at Nimitz Senior High School. She is the coordinator of the health science clinical rotation and medical billing and coding program. Andrea attended Stephen F. Austin State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Sociology. She later enrolled at Texas Chiropractic College in 2007. Dr. Smith graduated in 2010 as a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) and serves as an independent consultant and owner of The Art of Healing Chiropractic. She comes to you with ten years of experience in personal injury, major medical (insurance), worker’s compensation, and sports medicine 

Eva Magallan is an academic advisor for Texas A&M College of Nursing, where she advises undergraduate and graduate students. Previously, she worked as a financial aid advisor at South Texas College and as an English as a Second Language instructor at La Union Del Pueblo Entero. She has nearly 15 years of experience in a higher education setting. Eva earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in English and a graduate certificate in Mexican American studies from The University of Texas-Pan American-Edinburg, Texas. Eva is currently pursuing a master’s in the Educational Psychology program at Texas A&M University-College Station. As a result of her commitment and mentoring to Latinx students and to students pursuing nursing degrees, she has received two notable awards, as a mentor of the month by the Latino Aggie Mentoring Program and as an advisor of the month by the Texas A&M Office for Student Success. 

Sylvia Mercado Vargas has 37 years of experience in the care of neonates, infants, children, and women in a predominantly Hispanic, medically underserved, rural community. She began her nursing career at McAllen Methodist Hospital in a neonatal intensive care unit joining the neonatal transport team and becoming a neonatal advanced life support (NALS) instructor. She received her associate and bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas Pan American, and her master’s degree from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She has held various academic and clinical positions in South Texas including Senior Nurse Practitioner at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine in pediatric pulmonary practice, and currently at The Prenatal Clinic in Bryan providing prenatal care to low-income and indigent populations of women. Her current appointment with Texas A&M Health Science Center is in helping to educate and empower the next generation of nurses and Family Nurse Practitioners. 

Greg Gibbs is an Account Manager for Realityworks. He graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s degree in English and then when to further his education at the University of Houston where he received his master’s degree in education. Greg has been in education for over 19 years and came to Realityworks with an extensive education background as a teacher and grant writer. Through these experiences Greg has become skilled at customer service and teaching, skills he uses to educate organizations, agencies and schools about Realityworks product to make a difference in young people’s lives. Outside of work, Greg stays busy by spending time with his two teens and is an avid cyclist. 

With almost a decade of experience as a Health Science Educator, I have taught a vast array of courses including: Principles of Health Science, Medical Terminology, Health Science Theory, Phlebotomy, Pathophysiology and Practicum courses including Pharmacy Technician, Trauma Care, Patient Care Technician and Medical Assisting. I am passionate to assist and support fellow professionals succeed in the classroom. Thankful for the opportunity to share time, knowledge and expertise with colleagues about a field of study, a work of service, I so dearly love. 

I graduated from Texas State University 1978 with a BS in Home Economics Education. I taught Home Economics at Dulles High School in Ft. Bend ISD. Later, I moved to middle school in the same district. I created and owned my own Child Development Center which opened the door to another new journey in FBISD. I began the teen parenting program while beginning the child-care program for the teen parents. I was the supervisor of this program for the duration of my education career. I, simultaneously, received my Masters in Administration and was, also, the Career and Technical Education coordinator for all CTE programs in Ft. Bend ISD. After 30 years, I retired and began working for iCEV Multimedia! Loving every single minute!! 

Currently teach at Akins Early College High School in Austin, TX. I have taught the Medical Assisting Program for 16 years. (post secondary and high school) have had 100% pass rate for the last 15 years. Medical background worked in the ER and OBGYN as EMT/Medical Assistant. BA in communications. Program director/ curriculum developer/ clinical coordinator for mutiliple post secondary schools/colleges. 

I am an RN with 20+ years of experience in the field of Health Science. I enjoy getting students active in the classroom and engaged in learning! 

Stricherz is a first-generation college student and earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from South Dakota State University. He has 30 years of education experience, including 8 years as a K-12 school counselor and volleyball coach. His higher ed experience includes over 20 years in recruitment, admissions, orientation, academic advising, student success, student engagement, and enrollment management. He has worked with business and liberal arts majors at Arizona State University and nursing students at South Dakota State and Texas A&M. 

Danielle has over 27 years’ experience in the Allied Health Industry and is currently the Vice-President and co-owner of the AMCA. She has a vast array of experience in the Post-Secondary area acting as School director, marketing agent, Director of Marketing for a certification agency, and is presently an advisory board member for seven allied health schools. Danielle has presented at numerous conferences on Stackable Credentials and Digital Badges in the 21st Century. Danielle is extremely passionate about marketing and branding for the healthcare industry. 

Laura is a Training and Education Specialist for the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University where she provides safety training and technical assistance to districts and community colleges throughout TX . Additionally, she is the coordinator for the TX Youth Preparedness Council and the TX Youth Preparedness Camp. Prior to coming to the TxSSC, Laura served as a public-school teacher and administrator in numerous school districts throughout Texas and taught undergraduate education courses at the University of Houston main campus. As a result of her experience, she has collaborated with a broad spectrum of stakeholders at the campus and district levels, providing training and assisting with the revision and implementation of school safety and security measures. When not working, she is a part time doctoral student and enjoys exploring state parks with her husband and dog, Bear. 

I have taught Phlebotomy for 6 years now. I began teaching it through Angelina College in Lufkin, Tx. I built my current class from there. We have used NHA to test and are now using AMCA. I have learned alot...some of what to do and a good bit of what not to do!! I can provide a good supply list for Instructors and answer questions. I love teaching and the students love this course. 

Certified Athletic Trainer, Texas Licensed Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist Assistant. 12 years teaching experience at Coppell ISD 

 

 

18 years as the Executive Director for Texas HOSA 

Scientist turned Salesman. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology which was originally aimed at a career in Physical Therapy before being wooed by the idea of scientific research. I spent about 2 years working on an Alzheimer's project before finding my way into Informatics in Neuro-imaging and spending the next 5-6 years in this field, during which time I transitioned into industry as a Global Scientific Consultant for a functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy company. I have managed my name as co-author on several scientific publications in this field. What brings me to THOA is my role as a Regional Sales Representative for Anatomage to speak about the technology that underlies "slice data" in MRI's as well as Anatomage's photo-realistic cadavers. 

Executive Director For Texas HOSA for 18 years 

Anne has 30 years experience as a Health Science teacher, HOSA advisor, and THOA member. She served in various capacities on the THOA board and the HOSA Board of Directors including as President. Anne also served on the International HOSA Competitive Events Team for 10 years as a lieutenant, category chair, and Co-Director/Director. Since 2016, she has been employed by Texas HOSA as the Competitive Events Coordinator. Anne's health career background is in Dental Hygiene. 

After completing his undergraduate studies at Yale University and the University of Texas at Austin, Tiger attended and graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1991. He has specialized in representing educators across the state of Texas since 1995. Currently, Tiger serves as counsel for the Texas High School Coaches Association, as well as numerous other Texas educator associations. He also serves on the Advisory Council for the University Interscholastic League. Tiger routinely works with educators facing investigations and possible sanctions by the State Board for Educator Certification, Child Protective Services, the UIL as well as local school districts. He has been a frequent speaker at educator conferences across the state and is a guest lecturer at Texas A&M University. Tiger is the proud father of two daughters, Alex, and Kendall. He and his wife Catherine reside in Austin but escape whenever possible to go backpacking at national parks across the country. 

I taught Health Science for 16 years at Winston Churchill High School in San Antonio and am now the CTE/Health Science Instructional Support Teacher for Northside ISD for the last 4 years. Before my teaching career I was a Medical Technologist and performed tissue typing for organ transplantation for 20 years. 

Mrs. Watts has been in nursing for 27 years. She is a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing. Her background is diverse with specialties in maternal and child health, education, and forensics. She has held leadership and administrative roles in the healthcare settings, in both hospital and ambulatory clinics. She’s been awarded for her role as an educator on the junior college level. She holds a state certification as a secondary vocational educator. She has established successful health science programs, namely CNA, PCT, EKG, and Phlebotomy Tech programs. She is a certified American Heart Association Instructor and teaches CPR/AED (BLS and Heartsaver and Families and Friends). She is also a certified Stop the Bleed Instructor. Currently she is the THOA (Texas Health Occupations Association, Inc) board of directors President and has served on the board for 6 years. 

A native and lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Michael Miller was recently persuaded to make Texas his new home to bring his passion, leadership, and relationship-building skills to the Career Uniforms team. Miller brings to CU over 20 years of experience and an aptitude for innovation through teamwork and communication, with the past 10 years focusing on the medical devices and preventative care industries. A graduate of Washington State University and the WSU Carson College of Business, Miller earned multiple degrees in Business Administration, Business Management and Marketing. In college, Michael also played Pac 10 tennis and soccer―two additional passions he continues to enjoy, both as an athlete and a fan. 

Former ER Nurse, current Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University College of Nursing, teaching in the first semester (Foundation of Nursing Practice) 

Former Health Science high school teacher, currently an Academic Advisor at Texas A&M University College of Nursing 

 

Dr. Li launched and developed Forensic Science class in 2017 at DeBakey High School for Health Professions. It focuses on hands-on and project-based learning, and teaches students to solve crime by analyzing samples of hair, fiber, fingerprint, DNA, blood, handwriting, drugs, bones, foot impressions, etc. 

I am the Health Science Instructor of the Physical Therapy program of study at Blanson Career and Technical Education High School in Aldine ISD. During my 5 years as a teacher, I have taught Principles of Health Science, Medical Terminology, Medical Microbiology, Health Science Theory and Clinical and Practicum in Health Science - Physical Therapy. In 10 years of being a Texas - licensed physical therapist, I have worked in outpatient neurology, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. I was a part of the committee for TEA Innovative courses for Physical Therapy I and II. I strive to teach students the basics needed to get their foot in the door as a rehabilitation technician and succeed in post secondary education. 

 

Leonardo Stella joined the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center (GCRBC) in 2009. Leonardo is of Italian and Spanish decent. Fluent in Spanish, Italian and English. Leonardo earned a Bachelor of International Business and Marketing and has a background in marketing, sales and sales management. During his college career, played soccer, took part in the International Business Honors Society and Audubon of South Florida. Starting his career at the GCRBC as a donor recruiter, Leonardo was promoted to Operations Coordinator and he is now a member of the Donor Recruitment Management Team. Leonardo is an active blood donor and very passionate about educating the community about the importance of donating blood and hosting blood drives. 

Taught since 1999 in the NASA/Houston area and Seattle. Traveled with his students for many years through EF Tours. Now works full-time locally in Texas creating travel programs for teachers and schools. Works particularly on CTE/STEM Tours like the new Health Sci Tours with THOA teachers. 

Jen Dehn is a Regional Partnerships Manager in the CTE Division for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). She manages a team of certification specialists who work one-on-one with secondary Health Science programs across the nation to help them get started implementing NHA’s nationally recognized, accredited certifications. She is passionate about creating opportunity in secondary education—specifically for all the ways CTE programs help students get a leg up before they enter the workforce or go on for additional education. Prior to her role at NHA, Jen spent seven years in post-secondary education focused on helping non-traditional students find a pathway to start or advance their careers. Since making the switch to the CTE field, she has become very invested in ensuring secondary health science students nationwide have equitable access to the incredible opportunities industry recognized training and credentials can provide. 

Kate Karstadt has been advising pre-healthcare career students for over 25 years and holds two degrees from TAMU, Gig’em. She has taught and coached at the junior and senior high school levels. The career she loves started at TAMU where she served as Coordinator of Healthcare Professions for 17 years. In this capacity she advised all health care bound Aggies from MD and Dental to Occupational Therapy and Nursing. While there she also served as staff advisor for five student organizations. Kate has also practiced in the private sector, through her own company, PAGSAG, Inc., expanding her advising to include college entry, career changes, and graduate programs. She is currently very happily advising pre-healthcare students at Blinn College District, Division of Health Sciences. 

The statewide Career and Technical Education Coordinator in the School Programs/College and Military Preparation Division for the Texas Education Agency. I oversee the Health Science and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Programs of Study frameworks. I also work with Regions 4, 5, and 13. I have been a Health Science teacher for 15 years, a registered Nurse for 29 years, and prior to transitioning to the Texas Education Agency I worked at the Austin Independent School District as the CTE curriculum coordinator and Health Science Specialist overseeing nine Health Science programs.