Kelsey Olivier: Shattering Stereotypes and Serving Others as a Medical Assistant

Kelsey Olivier always knew she wanted to go into the healthcare career field. With aspirations of one day becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon, this ambitious Concorde Career College - Memphis graduate feels confident that one day she will be able to achieve her dream as she works to break down stereotypes and serve as an inspiration to her Latinx community.

“The education and training I received at Concorde was second to none and has positioned me well to pursue my long-term ambitions and goals. I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity and fortunate to have had the experience,” Kelsey said.

While at Concorde, Kelsey mentored other students in the Lamplighter Ambassador program. She made the honor roll and proudly delivered a speech during her graduation ceremony this past July.

Kelsey says the comprehensive curriculum, coupled with Concorde’s emphasis on real-world, hands-on experience, has helped Kelsey in her current role as a medical assistant at Memphis Neurology, where she works with children who have autism.

She loves working with children and hopes she positively impacts their young lives.

“As a mother myself, I can relate to the parents we see in our clinic. I understand the challenges and the immense joy of being a mom,” she said.

Three months pregnant when she enrolled at Concorde, Kelsey is a testament to balancing motherhood and educational pursuits. Remarkably, she gave birth to her son on a Tuesday and was back in class that Thursday.

“Concorde, including my instructors, were amazingly supportive. One of my teachers even threw a baby shower for me,” said Kelsey. “The support network helped me navigate the demanding journey of becoming a medical professional while being a mother.”

Today, Kelsey’s son is 10 months old, and it is evident that he is the apple of her eye. While dedicated to being a mother, she makes time to make a difference in her community.

“I love helping people – I always have,” said Kelsey. Her commitment to serving others goes beyond her work and her family, with her involvement in various community outreach programs targeted toward the Hispanic community.

She volunteers for the Mid-South Mission of Mercy, a free two-day clinic for the underserved and underinsured, as a translator to help people obtain the care they need. She also regularly participates in Su Casa events, educating the community on health issues like diabetes, sex education, and birth control for young Hispanic women.

“It’s important to me to take a proactive role in empowering young women so they know to make their own choices,” said Kelsey.

As she goes about her job, taking care of her son, and giving back to her community, Kelsey carries immense pride in her culture wherever she goes. She loves the diversity, vibrancy, and colors inherent in her heritage, which have played a significant role in her identity and her motivation to help others.

Her experiences have made her aware of the stark differences in the healthcare systems between the United States and Mexico. This awareness fuels her desire to one day travel and provide medical assistance to those in need in different parts of the world.

In all that she does, Kelsey embodies the message she wishes to convey to her Latinx community and young women everywhere.

“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 their individual paths,” Kelsey said.

As Kelsey continues her journey toward medical school and becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon, she reminds us all that anything is possible with grit, perseverance, and dedication.