Kelly Green-O'Shaughnessy

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at Delaware Tech?

"I enjoy the diversity of the students. The student population at Delaware Tech comes from a broad variety of backgrounds. Most of the students are at the College because they have chosen to be here. We have students who are veterans, students who work while going to school, students who work and are pursuing a second career, have families, are first generation college students, are of different ethnic and economic backgrounds, and have made sacrifices to be here. The student’s personal experience that they bring can help to create a dynamic classroom experience."

Q: Why was it important for you to work at Delaware Tech?

"Education opens doors. Delaware Tech provides a high-quality education at an affordable cost. It offers a means for someone to achieve goals. As College faculty, teaching is the core of my job description. To me, this means an opportunity in making a difference in someone's life. Also, I am a proud Delaware Tech alumna, and I consider this an opportunity to give back. There are so many instructors here at the College who have had such a positive influence on my life, education, and career path."

Q: What did you do before working at Delaware Tech?

"While working part-time as an emergency room clerk, I found my interest in emergency medicine. I pursued my interest in this field and became a paramedic working for New Castle County EMS. After 10 years with NCCEMS, I decided to broaden my scope of practice as a paramedic by becoming a critical care flight paramedic. While working for ChristianaCare Life Net as a flight paramedic, I enrolled at Delaware Tech to pursue the goal of becoming a registered nurse. It was while working at ChristianaCare that I became an adjunct clinical instructor with the College's paramedic program. I had the opportunity to apply and was offered a position as full-time faculty with the paramedic program. Although I am full-time faculty, I continue to work part-time as an ER nurse, which helps me to maintain my skills."

Q: Describe your first day at Delaware Tech. What was that experience like?

"Nervous, and a little intimidated, but in an effective way. Fortunate that I knew my fellow instructors from my previous employment as a paramedic. I knew they were good and experienced paramedics and teachers. Everyone was very welcoming and made sure I had what I needed. I was also able to observe instructors in the classroom, their interaction with the students, and was introduced to simulation education."

Q: What changes have you seen in yourself since you started working here?

"I have changed as an educator. I have learned the ability to shift gears when a lesson plan is not working. I have learned new ways to present material to help students understand key concepts while being engaged. I have learned the importance of collaboration as a way to learn. I have also learned how important it is to continue to learn new strategies and incorporate innovative technologies into my courses. Our student population changes, and I, as an educator, must be able to change to meet the needs of the student."

Q: What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the College?

"I like adventures and I am a girl camper. I love the outdoors, hiking, camping, and the beach. I camp with my family, but I also like camping with friends and alone. Being outdoors helps me to reset."

Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Delaware Tech?

"I have many, but one of the most memorable moments every year is the Paramedic Coining Ceremony. It is a special ceremony that we as instructors share with our paramedic students acknowledging their hard work and perseverance through the Delaware Tech paramedic program, and as they begin their career as a paramedic."

Q: What's something people may not know about you?

"I like adventure. I went skydiving last year, and twice I bicycled 500 miles from Philadelphia to Roanoke, Virginia. I like to cook, especially over an open fire, and my husband and I brew our own beer."

Q: What are your future goals?

"My professional goal is to finish my doctoral program. My personal goal is to one day travel cross country, camping in every state."