MEET OUR FACULTY

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Julie is the founder and CEO of SVSTI. She has successfully developed SVSTI from the ground up, including but not limited to the logo, website, clinical relationships, and curriculum. She is very passionate about the field and student success. She started the Sterile Processing and Surgical Technology Programs in hopes of bringing the two departments together as a team. She is extremely passionate about educating students to be successful members of the medical community. She has over 2 decades in the field and almost a decade on the education side of the field. Her motto is "Stay hungry, stay humble". She enforces the standards and best practices for her students and has high expectations for them. She also ensures that her instructors are teaching the students to meet her expectations and the Standards. Even with all the hats she wears, she tries to find time to teach in the lab whenever she can. "Where there is a will, there is a way". 

In her free time, Julie enjoys traveling to other countries and going on medical mission trips. She is not only the owner but also the Chief Academic Director, Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, Distance Education Coordinator, Chief Financial Officer, and the website developer and marketing manager. SVSTI was founded in 2018.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. These words from the great BB King have meant to me that education is an investment in myself that I will always possess. My educational background includes a master's in human resources management from DeVry University, a BS in business from the University of Phoenix, and an AS in Surgical Technology from Rochester Community and Technical College, affiliated with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. As a Certified Surgical Technologist for over 40 years, I’ve worked as an Account Manager of a Pharmaceutical company, an O.R. Materials Manager of a large Bay Area hospital, and an Office Manager for various private surgeons. I've spent many years in the operating room, scrubbing different specialties. Neurosurgery remains my favorite. Teaching is one of my passions. I’ve taught Anatomy and Physiology, Communications, and various other subjects. My goal is to guide you in your studies and help you excel. In my extra time, I love spending time with my grandsons, doing Pilates, yoga, and working on our family horse ranch. I am a part-time Distance General Education Communications Instructor and Surgical Technology Instructor.

Raymond Napiza is a Certified Surgical Technologist with experience in a variety of specialties, including General Surgery, Plastics, GYN, Oncology, Robotics, as well as Podiatry and Urologic procedures. He holds both a Bachelor of Health Science and an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology. Returning to his alma mater, the Silicon Valley Surgical Tech Institute in Fremont, as a Surgical Technology Lead Instructor, Surgical Technology Coordinator, and Sterile Processing Coordinator. He is passionate about mentoring future Surgical Technologists and fostering a supportive learning environment. Ray is also an experienced Sterile Processing Technician. Fun Fact: Ray holds a Second Degree Blackbelt in the Hawaiian Martial Arts System Kajukenbo.

Leena is a passionate surgical technology professional and educator who takes pride in supporting both patients and future healthcare providers. After completing her training in 2022, she quickly developed a strong foundation in the operating room, working across specialties including: ortho, general, gyn, Da Vinci robot, spine, and vascular surgery. Her experience in both surgical technology and sterile processing has given her a well-rounded understanding of patient safety, precision, and the importance of teamwork in high-pressure environments. She is known for her attention to detail and her commitment to doing things the right way every time. Now, as an instructor, Leena is dedicated to helping students build confidence and real-world skills. She enjoys creating a supportive learning environment and is passionate about preparing her students for success in the operating room and beyond. She is a part-time Surgical Technology Lab Instructor.