3 Women Making An Impact in Healthcare

This Women's History Month, we want to recognize the remarkable contributions Concorde Alumni are making in the healthcare field. These success stories spotlight the virtue of women driven to make a positive difference in their communities as healthcare professionals with empathy, dedication and expertise.

Introducing Concorde Graduates: Torchbearers in Healthcare

Orlando Dental Assisting Program Director Kali Garlin, EFDA, CDA

Kali Garlin has established herself as an influential figure in shaping the future of healthcare professionals as Director of Concorde Dental Assistant Programs in Orlando. With her unwavering dedication, Kali has transformed the learning landscape for aspiring Dental Assistants. Her passion for delivering a diversified hands-on experience helps students build industry-relevant skills, empowering them to excel.

Kali has a deep understanding about the overwhelm and self-doubt one faces when choosing a career. She shared, “At 26, I was upset with myself because I didn’t know what to do with my life. A career in the dental field sounded like a dream to me, but to be honest, I had zero confidence that I’d succeed in it.”

From Uncertainty to Supporting Others’ Professional Journeys

“My husband saw my inner struggle between wanting a meaningful career and my self-doubting uncertainty and took matters in his own hands. He called an Admissions Rep at Concorde, and that was the beginning of my journey. From day one, I had so much support from the campus; they really wanted to see me succeed. Concorde completely changed my life,” Kali said.

After years in the field, Kali’s affinity for Concorde drew her attention when she saw an instructor position available. Now the Dental Assistant Program Director, Kali and her team enjoy the challenge of offering a dynamic learning experience to students.

Kali shared, “I get joy from knowing I am helping someone better their life. I could tell you so many stories about our team’s victories in doing so. I recently had an apprehensive student who was always second guessing herself, and I continually pushed her to rise above her self-perception. Her perseverance paid off when the office she did her externship with created a position for her.”

“Another student was the wife of an active military officer, and she was juggling life with two kids, work and coming to school while her husband was deployed. Recently, she was a student speaker at graduation and is employed by one of our clinical site partners that is an employer of distinction,” Kali said.

“We’ve also had homeless students finish the program, do well on their externships and earn a position. My team and I love supporting these huge wins for our students,” Kali added.

For Kali, her journey at Concorde is not just about a job or a program, it’s about transforming lives. She embodies a commitment to excellence, a welcoming presence and compassion, nurturing a life-changing experience.

A Journey of Self-Advocacy to Advocacy for Others: Desiree Carter, LVN

Shining a light on healthcare trailblazers, meet Desiree, an LVN whose journey from a shy nursing trainee to a confident student leader and accomplished nurse displays the power of determination, mentorship, and self-advocacy.

A 2020 graduate of Concorde's Vocational Nursing program in San Bernardino, Desiree quickly made her mark in multiple healthcare specialties, from detox and substance abuse recovery to pediatrics and home health. With every role she's undertaken, Desiree has earned glowing recommendations, a testament to her unwavering commitment and exceptional skills.

Desiree emphasized, "In the healthcare industry, women have proven to be a force to be reckoned with. We are not merely spectators but active players who help shape the future of healthcare. As women, we are educators, advocates, and empathetic caregivers. Our voices need to be heard, our contributions recognized, and our worth valued."

Desiree's path wasn't without its challenges, but she faced each one with grit and grace. She candidly talks about moments of doubt and uncertainty but credits her family and the supportive community at Concorde for helping her surmount them.

"When I was a newbie nursing student, I was super timid and shy. I used to avoid making eye contact with people. But you know what? My time at Concorde taught me to stand tall, straighten my shoulders, and speak up with confidence when needed," Desiree shared.

"You can't give support to others with an empty cup. You must equip yourself with the tools to fill your cup. To become a nurse, you've got to make sure you have a cup, it's functional, and you're able to fill it," Desiree stated.

Back in those uncertain days as a new nursing student, Desiree reflected on how she and her peers had moments of self-questioning or asking each other: "Should I speak up?"

She observed, "We learned the importance of voicing our thoughts. Throughout the program, we were reminded to speak up and advocate for ourselves. We were told, 'if you can't advocate for yourself, how can we expect you to advocate for your patients?'"

Her passion for healthcare and dedication to service have made her an invaluable asset in every team she's been a part of, truly embodying the spirit of Concorde's mission.

Desiree urges the continued work of challenging narratives, and that "there is no such thing as a 'boy's job' or a 'girl's job'. There is only passion, dedication, and the will to make a difference. We need to inspire the young girls who’re looking up to us, letting them know they can do anything they set their minds to."

Celebrating Kelsey Olivier: Honoring Her Passionate Service in Healthcare

Kelsey Olivier, a graduate Concorde's Medical Assisting program in Memphis, defies stereotypes and makes a positive impact on her community as a healthcare professional. With dreams of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon, Kelsey's ambition was fueled by the rich and comprehensive curriculum at Concorde. 

Kelsey became a mother during her studies and demonstrated extraordinary commitment by returning to her classes soon after giving birth.

Kelsey currently holds a position at Memphis Neurology, working with children who have autism. As a mother herself, her empathetic perspective resonates with the parents she interacts with, making a positive impact in her everyday work.

As a committed volunteer, Kelsey leverages her linguistic skills to help the underserved Hispanic community access crucial healthcare services as a translator at the Mid-South Mission of Mercy. At Su Casa events, she educates the community about critical health issues, empowering young Hispanic women with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

“I want them to know that plenty of resources are available for them to make something of their lives and that they don’t have to follow longstanding traditions. I encourage them to be independent and to carve out their individual paths,” Kelsey said.

Kelsey's story is about determination, resilience, and passion for serving her community. As she balances her varied roles, her pride in her Latinx heritage remains a constant source of motivation and strength.

This Women's History Month, we honor and celebrate Kelsey's passionate and dedicated service in healthcare. May her journey remind us of the power of determination and inspire us to strive for a better world.

Celebrating Women Graduates of Concorde

These success stories spotlight the virtue of women driven to make a positive difference in their communities as healthcare professionals. Their empathy, dedication and expertise shape the healthcare landscape each day, impacting one life at a time in various institutions worldwide.

Their history is written daily, embodying perseverance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of others. During Women's History Month, we express our appreciation and respect for the women who influence the healthcare field past, present and future.