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 & Surgical Technology Programs in hopes to bring 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 to her students and has high expectations from 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 Julie's free time she enjoys traveling to other Countries as well as going on medical mission trips. She is not only the owner but the Chief Academic Director, Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, Distance Education Coordinator as well as the website developer and marketing. SVSTI was founded in 2018.
Jena, SVSTI's Career Services Advisor, guides and supports students in resume building and mock interviews, providing them with the essential skills needed for successful job placement. After completing her education at Georgia College, she explored various career paths, including Mathematical Sciences, Computer Forensics, and Psychology, before dedicating over seven years to teaching in public schools. With extensive experience as a CFO and Hiring Manager for multiple companies, Jena brings valuable industry insight. She is deeply passionate about guiding students toward their goals and empowering them to reach their fullest potential.
Davina is the General Education Coordinator and the Psychology Instructor, as well as the Librarian. She joined SVSTI with over 13 years in Education with experience as a General Education instructor, Program Director, Student Success Center Manager, and Campus Lead at Carrington College.
Before this, Davina served as a Senior Contracts Compliance Analyst for Intel Corporation. Davina has a master’s degree in educational leadership from DeVry University and in Sociology from San Jose State University. She's been a wonderful addition to SVSTI.
My name is Linda, and I am SVSTI's Admissions Advisors, the Student Success Coordinator as well as the Computer Concepts Instructor.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Technical Management and Human Resources from DeVry University. In my spare time, I love to travel, scuba dive and participate in Renaissance Faires. I am also the ST Certification Proctor.
Bryce has been teaching since 2016 and has taught at multiple levels in high school. Bryce has taught English 1 (9th grade), Remedial 9th Grade English, Pre-AP Sophomores, ERWC 12, and British Literature. She holds a California Teaching Credential, a bachelor’s degree in English, and a master’s degree in English. She is an avid reader and loves to help students share their insights into all sorts of literature through their writing skills. Bryce is a Distance Education English Instructor. She earned her BA in English from California State University, Stanislaus and her MA in English from Southern New Hampshire University. She teaches for SVSTI part time.
The beautiful thing about learning is, no one can take it away from you. These words from the great BB King have meant for me that education is an investment in myself I will always possess.
My educational background includes a master's in human resources management from DeVry University, a BS in business from 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 & 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, Pilates, yoga, and working on our family horse ranch.
Sarah graduated from New England Institute of Technology in 2008 and began scrubbing at Rhode Island’s only Level I trauma center, working predominantly in various pediatric specialties.
From there, she moved to Maryland and joined the ortho/neuro team at a medical halfway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. She became lead tech and remained there until leaving to attend George Washington University, earning her master's degree in health sciences. After relocating to California, Sarah worked mostly in ortho spine surgery, and spent a year as a full time Surgical Technology instructor.
Sarah is passionate about all things OR and is so excited to be on the team here at SVSTI!
Sarah is also the Math Instructor as well as the Lecture and CST Prep Surgical Technology Instructor. She also aids in resume building and Professionalism classes.
Hi, my name is Jillian Duncan and I'm so glad to be joining SVSTI as an instructor! I have been a surgical technologist for over 3 years now, performing my role in a variety of settings.
I worked for two and a half years at Beaumont, the second largest hospital and level 1 trauma center in the Metro Detroit area with over 50 ORs. There I gained lots of experience in many different surgical fields including neuro, ortho, plastics, general, and even microplastics. My favorite cases were always the crazy plastics cases, which led me to working briefly with a plastic surgeon at a surgery center as well as in a dermatologist office. However, through all of my different experiences, one thing has remained true - I love working with people and teaching. My best days in the OR were always when I was precepting students or new scrubs, helping them to live up to their full potential. It always was and still is my dream to care for others and to become a professor - now I'm thankful I get to achieve a bit of both!
In my free time, I enjoy working out in the garden, playing board games, cooking for friends, and just about any fabric craft you can imagine. Also, don't challenge me to Boggle if you are wanting to win! I completed my Surgical Technology Program at Suncoast Technical College in Florida. I am currently enrolled at University of South Florida for my BA in Psychology.
Christian is the full time Sterile Processing Assistant Director & Coordinator as well as the SVSTI Campus Manager. He has over 7 years of experience in the field and as an educator. Christian wants to take the Surgical Technology program one day to further his knowledge and skills, he is constantly pursuing ways to improve himself to improve the program for the best possible outcome for student success. This is why he moved from a PT lab assistant to running the program now after dedicating the last few years to SVSTI's students and their journey to a new career path.
My name is Andrew Salazar. I am a certified Sterile Processing Technician. I joined SVSTI with over 5 years of experience. I have worked at Stanford Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and now currently the Supervisor at Kaiser Permanente Stockton. I hold a HSPA certification and a CHL certification. In the next 5 years I plan on having my bachelor's degree in healthcare management as well as working in a Leadership role within the healthcare industry.
She is a Surgical Technology Instructor that is Certified with NBSTSA as well as Certified in BLS. She attended Carrington College for her Certificate in Surgical Technology. She earned her associate of applied science in Surgical Technology at SVSTI. She has been a CST for 11 years and has worked for several surgery centers throughout the bay area. Suzanne's specialties include plastics, GYN and OB.
Suzanne most recently worked as a traveling tech where she soon found herself in the role of preceptor/educator for the staff new hires. She is passionate about the role of a CST which is why she has taught at SVSTI over the last several years. Suzanne understands the importance of teaching by standards and following aseptic technique, which is why she loves teaching lab and sharing her knowledge.
Hi, my name is Christa Sanchez-Lesui and I' m so excited to be joining SVSTI! I was a Surgical Technologist for 15 years specializing in Orthopedics, Gyn/Onc and robotics but did it all. I thrived off action which landed me a roll in Orthopedic Medical Device Sales for a Level 1 Trauma Center in San Jose. I’ve always been passionate about teaching and seeing people grow. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and my animals.
Skyler is going to college to pursue Criminal Justice. She missed her senior year of on campus high school due to Covid. She graduated West Valley with 3 associate degrees. AA, associate in liberal arts, and AS in criminal justice. She is attending East Bay for her bachelor's degree in criminal justice and minoring in business.
She loves to shop in her free time.
Mia is currently part-time and is SVSTI's Admissions Assistant. Mia earned her associate of arts in Psychology from San Mateo College.
Hi, I am Joey Tabuno, a Sterile Processing Technician with experience at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. I joined SVSTI only with a couple years of experience in the field but found a passion in teaching students at my facility. I am very passionate about sterile processing because the profession is ever-changing to improve things, whether it's new compliance with policies, procedures, industry standards, or regulations. I am both HSPA and CBSPD certified and looking into acquiring other certificates for the profession, such as CIS, CER, and CHL to have the knowledge and to help others succeed in the field.
Hi, my name is David. I’m an aspiring surgical technologist who began my journey in sterile processing. I completed my SPD Program with SVSTI and currently enrolled in the Surgical Technology Program for an AAS degree with SVSTI as well.
My interest in the field was sparked when I had the opportunity to observe in the operating room at my facility. An experience that immediately drew me in. Driven by a desire to grow and excel, I enrolled at SVSTI to learn and become the best in this profession. Although education wasn’t originally part of my plan, it has quickly become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Gaining insight into both the sterilization process and intraoperative procedures has given me a well-rounded perspective, which I now enjoy sharing with future sterile processing technicians.
more to come soon.
Ibarra Guballa is a certified Sterile Processing Technician having five years of experience in ambulatory and hospital operating room settings when he joined SVSTI. He had his training in Stanford Lucile Packard Children's Hospital before being hired at Stanford Main Hospital. He currently works at Sutter health as a part of the Sterile Processing team at the newly opened Surgery Center at Samaritan drive. His interest in surgical instruments and deep commitment for patient care drove him to attend the Surgical Technology Program. His keen eye for detail with vibrant, enthusiastic energy is what led him to foster his love for learning and to share that knowledge to make a positive impact on individuals and the society. He earned Bachelor of Arts degree in film from the University of the Philippines. He attended Cornerstone for his Sterile Processing Certificate and SVSTI for his Surgical Technology.
Marijane Valdez is one of SVSTI's NBSTSA Certification Proctor. She has experience in managing business relations and providing executive level administrative support. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and long walks with her dogs.