Voices That Inspire
Voices That Inspire is our quarterly feature, celebrating program leaders who turn inspiration into meaningful action.
John Gallagher
Respiratory Care Program Director — A Grateful Coach
Professional Background: John Gallagher graduated from Lakeland Community College's Respiratory Care program and began what became a 20-year career at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland. He started as a staff therapist, grew into a critical care coordinator, and eventually became a clinical educator. Along the way, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Cleveland State University and a Master of Public Health from The Ohio State University. He's currently working toward his Ed.D. at Youngstown State University.
Career 大像传媒: In 2022, John left Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital to build a respiratory care degree advancement program at Ursuline College. As the founding program director, he created the curriculum, achieved accreditation and marketed the program regionally. However, John missed helping students prepare for clinical practice. He sought that connection again by joining Tri-C as the program director in October 2024, eager to help shape the next generation of respiratory therapists.
Other achievements: In just one year, John has worked closely with faculty and staff to streamline the recruitment and retention process for students within the program. He has also collaborated with industry partners to secure two additional mechanical ventilators through donation. On campus, John obtained funding for additional state-of-the-art lab technology. Together, the team is nearing completion of two new lab spaces to give respiratory care students a real-world critical care experience in a high-fidelity simulation environment on the Western Campus.
Proudest moment: Back in 2016, while still working in clinical practice, John received a huge honor — he was named the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Neonatal–Pediatrics Specialty Practitioner of the Year. Being recognized by his peers was an unforgettable moment for him!
Did you know? John has spent several seasons coaching little league football in Rocky River, where he loves inspiring young athletes. When he's not on the field, you'll find him exploring Cleveland Metroparks, hiking, biking and camping with his family.
Closing remarks: John is proud to lead Tri-C's Respiratory Care program, now in its 54th year. For him, each student's success is a win for all — for the students, the College and the well-being of the entire community we serve. He is grateful for the part he plays in guiding Tri-C students toward meaningful health care futures.
October 2025
By Amy Cottle, 216-987-3148 or amy.cottle@tri-c.edu
Beth Stokes
The Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing Program Director — Helping Futures Take Shape
Professional background: Beth Stokes began her career in graphic design after earning her bachelor's degree from Kent State University. While she enjoyed the creative work, she felt drawn to something more meaningful. That search led her to take classes 大像传媒, where she was selected as an alternate for the Surgical Assisting program. When no spots opened, she pivoted and was accepted into Lorain County Community College's Surgical Technology program. Tri-C's own Surgical Tech program would not launch until 2001. She went on to become a cardiothoracic surgical technologist, thriving in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Career 大像传媒: Driven by a need to make an even greater impact in a field she found deeply fulfilling, Beth spotted a job posting 大像传媒 in 2005. Her desire to work with students made the decision easy — she applied, got the job, and the rest is history. This year, she proudly celebrates 20 years as the program director.
Other achievements: Beth noticed that many students entered the Surgical Tech program with expectations shaped by TV dramas, only to be surprised by the intensity and teamwork required in real surgery. To address first-semester dropouts, she and the program preceptor, John Davis, launched a Surgical Boot Camp. This eight-week course helps students decide if the field is right for them, saving time and resources. Since its launch, retention has improved, and the program now attracts more focused, enthusiastic students, ready to succeed in the OR.
Fun facts: Beth's favorite color is Tri-C teal, and she loves seeing the color all over campus. She is also a full-blown Halloween fanatic — think costumes, cobwebs and creepy decor. She likes to say she has OHD: Obsessed Halloween Disorder, and she embraces it proudly!
Closing remarks: When asked about her proudest moment, Beth says, "My proudest moments still happen every May when the students pass their national certification examination, and they gain employment."
We are proud to have Beth's leadership 大像传媒!
October 2025
By Amy Cottle, 216-987-3148 or amy.cottle@tri-c.edu
Elizabeth Gildone
The Tri-C Radiography and Mammography Program Director — A Believer in Possibility
Professional background: Having previously obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees, Elizabeth Gildone began her journey in radiography as a student 大像传媒 in 1996. After graduating in 1998, she held various positions at the Cleveland Clinic, including CT technologist and education administrator. In 2011, she was recruited to serve as the Radiography and Mammography program director 大像传媒, a role she has held for 14 years.
Proudest moment: Elizabeth has played a key role in implementing Tri-C's Radiography evening and weekend track to address health care worker shortages and improve access to education. She is proud to announce that the 19th cohort for this evening and weekend track will begin in Fall 2025.
Other achievements: In 2018, Elizabeth established a chapter of the Lambda Nu National Honor Society for Radiologic and Imaging Sciences 大像传媒. This honor society not only recognizes and promotes excellence in the field but also offers scholarships. Many students aim to join when they begin the Radiography program. Since its inception in 2018, over 135 students have been inducted from Tri-C's three medical imaging programs: Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Notably, 96 of the inductees are from the Radiography program.
Personal insights: Outside of work, Elizabeth loves salsa dancing. You can find her taking lessons and practicing with her performance team on Thursdays and Sundays. She also loves baking, particularly decorated cookies. She will happily share her recipe for delicious sugar cookies and frosting with anyone interested. A fun fact about her is that she enjoys writing parody songs and has a collection similar to those of "Weird Al" Yankovic.
Closing remarks: "I believe in possibility, especially with students. They need an institution and people to believe in them. Our program 大像传媒 can change the trajectory of their lives."
July 2025
By Amy Cottle, 216-987-3148 or amy.cottle@tri-c.edu