Jean Lashbrook, RN

Senior Instructor/Department Chair-Medical/Nurse Assistant Programs

Mrs. Lashbrook has an AAS Degree in Nursing from New York Regents College-New York. She has been an instructor/department chair for the Nurse Assistant Program since 1996. In 2000, she helped develop the Medical Assistant Program and has been actively involved in that program. Mrs. Lashbrook began her career in the medical field as an EMT-Paramedic in 1991. Continuing her education, she became a Licensed Vocational Nurse and then received her AAS degree as an RN in 1994. She has worked in various nursing settings including home health, public health and long term care. She continues to be involved in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. She strongly encourages her  students to be involved in this worthy cause and others in the community.

Brenda Swinnea, RN

Instructor

Mrs. Brenda Swinnea has worked for 18 years in the field of nursing. She is a 1992 graduate of Valley Baptist School of Vocational Nursing. In 1998 she received her Associate Degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Pan American, and became a registered nurse. She has experience in the area of pediatrics, newborn nursery, and home health. Brenda has been employed by Texas State Technical College since 2002, where she has held the title of Instructor,Clinical Coordinator, and Assistant Department Chair for the Nurse and Medical Assistant Programs. Mrs Swinnea emphasizes the importance of integrity, morality, and a positive sense of self in the classsroom.

Alicia Lugo,RN, BSN

Senior Instructor

Ms. Lugo obtained both her AAS and BS degrees in Nursing from the University of Texas- Brownsville.  She has been an instructor at TSTC for 20 years.  For 15 years she taught with the Surgical Technology Program and has been with the Nurse Assistant and Medical Assistant Programs for the last 5 years.  She currently teaches  the TSTC Dual Enrollment Nurse Assistant Program.  In addition to this, Ms. Lugo also teaches for  the HITT and MIS programs as well. Ms. Lugo also formerly graduated from the TSTC Surgical Technology Program in 1982 and worked for a local hospital and an ENT/Plastic Surgery Clinic for 7 years. 

 She has served as a volunteer for the Valley AIDS Council for 21 years and helps coordinate the yearly Christmas toy drive as well as several other activities for that organization.  She was recently honored with the prestigious Silva Award for 20 years of service to VAC.  She is also involved with Relay for Life and other charitable organizations.

Ageda Garza, RN

Instructor

Mrs. Garza has obtained her Associate degree in Nursing from the University of Texas at Brownsville. She has been an instructor at Texas State Technical College for ten years. Mrs. Garza taught for the Surgical Technology Program at TSTC for five years, and has spent the last five years teaching for the Dual Enrollment Program working with Nurse Assistant students. Mrs. Garza graduated from the Surgical Technology Program At TSTC in 1988. She  worked in the operating room at a local hospital for ten years where she specialized in cardiovascular surgeries. As a Registered Nurse, she worked for two years in areas of the hospital such as  Labor and Delivery, Newborn Nursery, and Post Partum. She strongly encourages her students to be the best they can be and never give up, until they meet their goals.

Scott Rogers, RN

Instructor

Mr Rogers brings more than 22 years of experience in the field of nursing to the Nurse Assistant Program. He began his nursing career as a Certified Nurse Assistant and later completed licensure to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse. As an LVN he worked in Orthopedics, General/Medical, Neurology,Post Surgical, and Urology. In 1992 he became a Registered Nurse and worked in the Emergency Room where he became certified in advanced life support, and was also the Charge Nurse. Mr. Rogers has experience in Primary Home Care, Long Term Care/Rehabilitation, Home Health, and Community Based Alternatives.  He also worked with dialysis patients and became a Certified Dialysis Nurse. Mr Rogers believes that education is a life long endeavor and is an  essential component in a fullfilling and balanced life. He became an instructor to share his nursing experience and further the value of the nursing profession in our society. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree to further his education and fulfill his goal of being a lifelong learner.

Irma Benavides, CNA

Program Maintenance Specialist

Ms. Benavides is a 1996 graduate of the TSTC Nurse Assistant Program. Upon graduation, she  was hired as a Lab Assistant. She continues to work for the program where she has experienced educational and professional growth. Ms. Benavides enjoys the opportunity to assist students in all aspects of their educational endeavors. She feels that her most important role is to assist the students to become successful CNA's.

Esmeralda Reyes, CNA

Program Maintenance Specialist

Mrs. Reyes is a 2005 graduate of the Texas State Technical College Nurse Assistant Program. She has experience working at a surgical center as a CNA and as an office manager at an imaging center. Mrs. Reyes has been employeed at TSTC since 2008.

Rosario Pena, CNA

Program Maintenance Specialist

Ms. Pena is a 1994 graduate of the Texas State Technical College Nurse Assistant Program. She has worked in the medical field for 16 years. In 2001 she became a Licensed Medical Radiology Technician. Ms. Pena has been employed with the TSTC Nurse Assistant Program since 2008 and really enjoys her job working with students.

Helen Reyes, CNA

Program Maintenance Specialist

Mrs. Reyes graduated from the Texas State Technical College Program in 2004, and has worked with the department since 2005. Mrs. Reyes also has 30 years of experience in management and training in the textile industry. She currently works with dual enrollment students from area high schools.