New Full-Time Faculty for Fall 2024

Ms. Roxanne West

Lecturer |Surgical Technology

Roxanne West began her journey with KCC’s Department of Allied Health, Mental Health, and Behavioral Sciences as an adjunct clinical instructor in the surgical technology program in spring 2024. This fall, she will expand her role by teaching a practicum course, transitioning to a full-time lecturer position.

A New York native with Nicaraguan roots, Roxanne comes from a family deeply rooted in healthcare. From a young age, she aspired to make a difference in the medical field. “As a child, I dreamed of becoming a pediatrician and working with children, a passion that has evolved into a focus on nursing but eventually found the path leading to surgical technology.” She holds an associate degree in surgical technology from Kingsborough Community College and a bachelor’s degree in health communications from New York City College of Technology. “One of my greatest achievements is earning my bachelor's degree while balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, and caring for my mother until her passing, all while maintaining a 3.7 GPA.”

With over a decade of experience as a certified surgical technologist, Roxanne has worked at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, where she performed a range of general, GYN, and podiatric surgeries. She has also been part of the spine team at NYU Hospital for Joint Disease and spent the past eight years at Northwell Health (Manhattan Eye Ear Throat Hospital). She joined the orthopedic hand team at Northwell, co-founded the DEI Committee, and served as its chairperson. She received the Rising Star Award in 2023 and was nominated for the President's Award for leadership in May 2024.

Roxanne discovered her passion for teaching while at Northwell, where she was asked to precept students and new employees. “It was incredibly rewarding to see students eager to learn from me, which sparked my desire to pursue a career in education.”

Outside of teaching and surgery, Roxanne enjoys playing and watching softball and cherishing time with family and friends. Returning to teach at the college where she trained feels like a full-circle moment for her. “It’s both nostalgic and inspiring to be able to contribute to the education of future surgical technologists. I look forward to sharing my expertise and helping students build the confidence they need to thrive in their careers.”