Many students come to the Student Success Center at MPTC to get help with their course work, but sometimes our programs partner and instructors will go to the students. Two examples are found in the Medical Assistant and Auto programs. Past partnerships have included working with Culinary Arts, CNC, Welding, and CNA classes.

Bob Mengert has assisted in the Auto courses for several years, and is right in the classroom to help students understand the math and reading skills needed to succeed in those programs. Similarly, Jeani Slaymaker works with students in the Medical Assistant program.

Bob holds classes for any auto students who need skill-building, primarily in math and reading skills, and will tailor the lessons to specific needs for that program. He doesn’t just teach general math lessons, but math skills needed when working in the field of Auto Mechanics. Bob also assists in the labs, where instructors in the program make good use of and appreciate his help!

Jeani does similar work with students in the Medical Assistant program, teaching necessary reading and math skills needed for Pharmacology, Human Body, and other courses. She has created hands-on review materials to make the lessons come alive for students, including the “human game board” and Kahoots quizzes. She also meets virtually with students to review instructor lectures and help with students’ notes and comprehension.

Many students have benefited from Jeani’s help. According to MA instructors, Brianna Matheson and Erika Herriges, Jeani “…is an asset to the program.” She “… cares deeply for the students, utilizes creative study techniques.” Brianna adds, “Students who work with Jeani tend to achieve higher test scores and retain knowledge longer than students who don’t.”

The Student Success Center instructors strive to assist students in their college courses. Whether you come to us, or we come to you, our aim is the same – your success!

Moraine Park Respiratory Therapy student, Tammy Wentlandt, was selected to virtually attend the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) House of Delegates conference as Wisconsin’s representative this fall.

Wentlandt is from Jackson, WI, and works as a massage therapist at a physical therapy clinic.

She started at Moraine Park in January 2020 and was encouraged by instructors to become a student member of the AARC for educational opportunities and to get up-to-date industry news.

“The House of Delegates Conference brings together respiratory therapists and students from all around the country,” Wentlandt said. “Basically, it allows the people with boots on the ground to have an open discussion about things they want to change or things they see happening in the field.”

Some of the topics discussed at the 2021 House of Delegates meeting include the deficit of respiratory therapists the field is currently facing and the educational levels currently offered for respiratory therapy.

“I never want to stop learning about respiratory therapy,” Wentlandt said. “I’ve had so many great conversations with people in the field, and I want to continue to ask questions and bring new ideas forward.”

Wentlandt’s current goal is to start working in a hospital and attend more conferences in the future.

“Moraine Park is the foundation for everything I’m working towards,” Wentlandt said. “The door is opening for me, and being able to represent my school at a national conference was very powerful. I encourage anyone who is considering a career change to look into what Moraine Park has to offer.”

Learn more about Moraine Park’s Respiratory Therapy program.