HCA Instructors
HCA Instructors
MYRALENE BALUSDAN
HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT(HCA)
Myralene achieved her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the Philippines before migrating to Canada. She began her career here working as an HCA, then LPN, and ultimately graduated as a RN from The University of Kwantlen with a Distinction Award. Throughout the years she has gained experience in many different care settings including Long-Term Care and Pediatric Home Support.
She joined the Drake Medox College family to share her passion for providing care through a holistic and client-centered approach. She believes that through effective training and mentorship she can empower her students to become competent and confident Health Care Assistants.
One of Myralene’s favorite quotes as it relates to her personal mission as an instructor is Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.
-Aristotle
JESSA CARLOS
HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT (HCA)
Prior to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2018, Jessa volunteered in a long-term care facility for 2 years where she realized her passion for the Healthcare field. In addition to teaching the HCA program at Drake Medox College, she is also working as an LPN providing social services and nursing care in a long-term care facility.
Jessa strongly believes that to sustain a long and rewarding career in healthcare one must possess a genuine desire to help others. Her goal as an instructor is to share her knowledge and experiences to support her students to excel in their learning and professional growth.
Her advice to her students is: Always respect each other and never underestimate one’s abilities. In big or small ways, you will touch someone’s life, and make a difference!
Harjeet Dhillon
HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT PROGRAM (HCA)
Harjeet began her career in 2008 as an LPN, and has worked in a variety of health care settings including convalescent and long term care. She enjoys providing care for the elderly in particular with a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of those she serves. She furthered her studies and completed her BSN in 2017 and is currently a Registered Nurse. Harjeet became a Health Care Instructor to share her experience and knowledge with students. She encourages them to devote themselves to their personal and professional dreams, and to never give up on the opportunities which life presents them!
GLOREN GUELOS
HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT PROGRAM (HCA)
“It is not about the destination; it is about the journey.” – is one of our classroom Health Care Assistant instructors, Gloren Guelos’ favorite quotes.
Besides being an instructor at Drake Medox College, Gloren is also a Licensed Practical Nurse in residential care, a dance instructor, and an aspiring fitness instructor. Gloren is known to be determined and passionate about everything she puts her heart into. With her desire to serve a wider range of people, Gloren is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.”
As a “multipotentialite,” Gloren does not only identify herself as a nurse but also an advocate for various charities including The Joy Smith Foundation, The United Way and The Canadian Cancer Society. She also acts as a mentor in leadership programs such as Miss British Columbia. By pursuing her ambitions, she hopes to continue to inspire her students to never give up on their dreams no matter how impossible they may seem.”
One of Gloren’s goals in her class is to empower her students with confidence by focusing on enhancing their communication skills and getting out of their comfort zone whether it may be public speaking or taking leadership roles. She carries this focus in both her classroom and in the Clinical setting when she facilitates practicums.
Daryl Lagayan
HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT PROGRAM (HCA)
Daryl began his journey in Healthcare as a volunteer in a number of different care homes where his respect and passion for working with elders grew very strong. For the past 5 years he has been working as an LPN providing social related services at a Vancouver care home. Daryl made the decision to become a Health Care Assistant Program instructor at Drake Medox College in order to contribute further to society by sharing the knowledge and experiences he has acquired throughout his career. His goal is to prepare his students to be successful and well-equipped to care for their clients; wherever their career path may lead them.
His philosophy on learning is “memorize and you will forget… understand and you will remember”
MARIZEN LEONCIO
Health Care Assistant Program (HCA)
Since completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1993, Marizen has acquired over 30 years of experience in a variety of healthcare settings. This is complemented by 10+ years as a classroom and clinical instructor, curriculum developer, program coordinator and subject matter expert.
She comes from a long line of educators, and teaching is her passion. She places a high value on cultural competence in being able to understand her clients and students from their unique perspectives to build strong relationships and positive outcomes.
Marizen believes that patience, perseverance and a positive attitude are all key, and one of her favorite quotes is: “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it” – from the Attitude poem of Charles Swindoll
Success Story
~ JULIETA CABRERA - HCA
