Meet a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)

The Respiratory Care Board is proud to highlight licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) who exemplify professionalism, compassion, and dedication to public health across California.

This feature series celebrates the diverse roles RCPs hold, from bedside clinicians and educators to leaders and innovators in the field. Each individual spotlight offers a glimpse into their career journey, daily impact, and commitment to high-quality, evidence-based care.

By sharing these stories, the RCB aims to promote greater awareness of the profession and honor the vital contributions of California’s RCPs in safeguarding patient safety and advancing respiratory care.

• Torrie Staten, RCP 19318
  

  Torrie Staten – A Breath of Leadership in Respiratory Care!

  The Respiratory Care Board is proud to spotlight Torrie Staten, a dedicated respiratory care practitioner (RCP) whose impactful work is enhancing the lives of California’s respiratory care patients.

  The Inspiring Journey of Torrie Staten, MSRC, RRT, AE-C: Empowering Patients and Uplifting Communities

  Asthma sufferers in Imperial County, California, are breathing easier thanks to a groundbreaking initiative led by respiratory therapists. The Asthma Community Linkages Project (ACLP), developed and implemented by a team led in part by Torrie Staten, has demonstrated significant success in improving asthma management for residents of this rural, underserved border region.

  A Calling to Respiratory Care

  Torrie’s journey into respiratory care began in an allied health class at College of the Desert, where a video titled “Breath of Life” first captured her attention.

  “I found it exciting to see how RTs work in every area of the hospital and focus on the science of breathing,” she recalls.

  That spark led her to become a licensed RCP in 1996 and ultimately earn her Master of Science in Respiratory Care from Loma Linda University.

  Her educational path—from California Paramedical and Technical College to PIMA Medical Institute and Loma Linda University—helped her build not only clinical expertise but also the leadership skills necessary to influence systems-level change.

  That leadership is evident in the success of the ACLP, which Torrie co-developed to address asthma in Imperial County through a holistic, community-driven approach. The program offers:

  • Home Visits: Respiratory therapists and community health workers conducted home assessments to identify and mitigate asthma triggers, providing supplies like air purifiers and HEPA vacuum cleaners.
  • Personalized Action Plans: Tailored care plans were developed to empower patients with the tools and knowledge needed to manage their asthma effectively.
  • Community Support: The program integrated social support services to address barriers like food insecurity, transportation, and housing.

  The impact of the ACLP has been transformative:

  • Improved Health: Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores for participants increased significantly, from 15.5 to 21.33, reflecting better symptom management and control.
  • Reduced Emergency Visits: Emergency department visits dropped by 77% for patients who completed all program components, showcasing the effectiveness of comprehensive care.
  • Empowered Patients: Participants gained long-term self-management skills, fostering independence and resilience.

  “This program isn’t just about treatment—it’s about empowerment,” Torrie says. “We give people the tools to manage their condition and the support to thrive.”

  From Crisis to Clarity

  The COVID-19 pandemic tested Torrie’s leadership in profound ways. “Serving as a director during the pandemic was one of the most demanding and isolating experiences of my career,” she shares.Burnout was real, but so was her resolve. "They became my work family. Their encouragement helped reignite my passion.”

  That experience reinforced her belief in the power of community—within both the hospital and the broader region she serves.

  Advice for the Next Generation

  “Step boldly into your new career—don’t be afraid to embrace roles that stretch you beyond your comfort zone. Respiratory care practitioners are needed at every level of healthcare, from the bedside to the boardroom. Your voice and perspective matter.”

  A Scalable Model for the Future

  The ACLP highlights the vital role of respiratory therapists as leaders in interdisciplinary care teams. By addressing the environmental and social factors contributing to asthma, the program provides a scalable and replicable model for improving health outcomes in underserved communities worldwide.

  With these successes, the ACLP sets the stage for expanding similar programs to other regions facing healthcare disparities. It also underscores the importance of innovative, community-focused healthcare strategies in tackling chronic diseases like asthma.

  For those struggling with asthma, this project brings hope and a reminder that equitable healthcare solutions can transform lives. The ACLP team’s work not only enhances health outcomes but also serves as a beacon for how healthcare professionals can drive meaningful change in their communities.

  “We are stronger together. And with the right support, education, and leadership, we can build healthier communities—one breath at a time.”

  Thank you, Torrie, for your ongoing commitment to the patients served by the respiratory care profession! Your performance shines as a model for others!

• Alex Quezada, RCP 46348
  

  Alex Quezada began his career in healthcare as an emergency room technician, where he developed a deep appreciation for the vital role respiratory care practitioners play, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. That experience inspired him to pursue a career in respiratory care, recognizing RCPs as key members of the care team who often work behind the scenes to make a critical difference.

  Today, Alex is a licensed RRT at Adventist Health, Tulare, where he provides a wide range of services including breathing treatments, ventilator management (both invasive and non-invasive), arterial blood gas testing, and EKGs. He responds to all codes and rapid responses, attends births, and assists with conscious sedations, playing an integral role across various departments.

  Alex earned his associate degree in respiratory therapy from San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) and later completed his bachelor’s degree at Boise State University. He recalls his time in school fondly, especially the strong bonds formed with his cohort!

  The most rewarding part of his work is helping patients breathe easier and witnessing their daily progress. One experience that stands out for Alex was his first extubation, seeing his patient breathe on their own again after being on a ventilator was a powerful reminder of the impact RCPs can make.

  Like many in the profession, Alex acknowledges that losing patients can be difficult. He copes by reflecting on each case, evaluating how things went, and leaning on the strength of teamwork and shared effort.

  For new graduates entering the field, Alex offers this advice:

  “Step into this with an open mind. Take every opportunity thrown at you. Never get comfortable and always stay hungry for learning.”

  Outside of work, Alex is just as active. He serves as a social media ambassador for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and has been involved in community theater for over 20 years, both onstage and as a member of the board of directors for a local theater group.

  Whether in the hospital or on the stage, Alex brings dedication, compassion, and a genuine commitment to making a difference.

  Let’s celebrate Alex and the important work he does every day to protect patient health and ensure safe, effective respiratory care!