“My goal is to have the students be at their best self so that they can learn in school. Therefore, it helps me to know what symptoms they’re having so I can best assist,”asserts Nurse Theresa.
Nurse Theresa Monakil joined the Mayfield community in the fall of 2024 as the new School Nurse and Faculty/Staff Wellness Coordinator. Previously serving as a Registered Nurse Consultant in Professional Development and Education at Kaiser Permanente, her former work involved pediatric rotations, pediatric oncology, teaching health, as well as audiometry and tuberculosis skin tests. Alongside being a certified Life Coach, she is an active member of Holy Family Church and School.
Q: How have you enjoyed your time at Mayfield Senior thus far?
A: “I have enjoyed my time at Mayfield! I enjoy challenges and have also been enjoying learning this new specialty but most of all getting to know all of the students, staff, and faculty.”
Q: When did you become interested in your field?
A: “I started nursing almost 20 years ago. However, I was always interested in becoming a nurse because my mom was also a nurse.”
Q: What is your advice to students interested in pursuing your field?
A: “I would advise students to get as much experience in nursing and healthcare as they can. Whether it be internships or volunteer work. That way, they can get a real idea of the complexities of healthcare and its rewards.”
Q: Why did you choose an educational setting?
A: “I was actually interested in becoming a teacher when I was younger and I received my CBEST teaching credential. However, I fell into nursing and ended up getting my Masters in Nursing. Somehow even as a nurse, I ended up in education and professional development. Now, becoming a school nurse is a natural fit.”
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: “I am inspired by helping others. I especially love helping out the students of Mayfield Senior as I too, was once a teenager in a Catholic High School and see the benefits of having unconditional support”.
Fun Facts:
- “I have a twelve year old son who plays sports and loves baseball. He’s also an actor who has starred in the thriller movie, “Old,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and other television shows and commercials, which include working opposite Kristin Wiig and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He’s currently starring in the new Disney animated show Kindergarten: the Musical.”
- “I have two dogs, a Pomeranian and Biewer Terrier and he’s fully grown at four pounds so everyone thinks he’s a puppy.”
- “For fun, I enjoy hanging out with my family, djing my son’s baseball games, traveling, and karaoke.”
- “At my parish/son’s school, I founded two ministries: Family and Marriage Enrichment and the Holy Family Asian American Pacific Islander Club (The HAAPI Club) Ministry. I also direct the talent show.”
