BS in Communication, AAS Paramedicine, Oregon Paramedic

With hands-on experience as a dedicated Medic in the 911 emergency system, Carmen Curtz brings a wealth of expertise in providing critical medical care during high-pressure situations. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Portland State University, Carmen combines a strong educational foundation with a passion for serving the community and aiding individuals in their times of greatest need.  Carmen has honed a deep understanding of medical emergencies, demonstrating unwavering compassion while delivering life-saving care to human beings. This extensive real-world experience not only equips Carmen with exceptional medical skills but also a unique ability to communicate effectively under duress.

Carmen is a dedicated educator who finds fulfillment in sharing practical knowledge acquired from the field. This passion for teaching extends from the streets to the classroom, where Carmen empowers aspiring medical professionals with insights drawn from real-life scenarios. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, Carmen inspires students to approach their careers with a blend of technical proficiency and critical thinking. Connect with Carmen to tap into a wealth of practical knowledge, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to serving the community through expertise in the most critical moments.  

BBA Finance, AAS Paramedicine, Oregon Paramedic 

 

Nicole is a seasoned paramedic and dedicated educator with nearly two decades of experience in emergency medical services. As an adjunct instructor in the Paramedicine Program at Oregon Tech, she brings a deep commitment to student success, blending real-world experience with a hands-on, student-centered teaching approach. Her instruction emphasizes not only clinical skill but also professional growth, critical thinking, and the confidence to perform under pressure. 

 

Her EMS career began in 2007 and has included a variety of leadership roles in high-volume 911 systems. She has served as a preceptor, event lead, and committee member, and has been twice honored with the AMR Team Spirit Award for her mentorship and contributions to team culture. Nicole has also participated in multiple disaster response deployments, where she applied her skills in high-stakes environments requiring rapid decision-making, adaptability, and coordinated care under extreme conditions. Her volunteer work with local fire departments has further enriched her understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and the broader public safety landscape. 

 

Highly regarded for her clinical expertise, calm presence, and authentic compassion, Nicole has earned multiple commendations from patients, peers, and supervisors—including personal letters of gratitude from families whose lives were profoundly impacted by her care. As an educator, she is driven by the belief that excellence in EMS begins in the classroom, where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to become thoughtful and capable providers. Nicole is passionate about shaping future paramedics with a focus on technical excellence, empathy in practice, and a deep respect for the communities they serve. 

Katrina brings over 12 years of frontline experience as a paramedic in a high-volume 911 system to the classroom. Throughout her career, she has served in multiple leadership and mentorship roles, including preceptor, field training officer, and relief supervisor. Her work has focused not only on clinical excellence but also on fostering strong ethical foundations and effective decision-making in emergency care. 
An alumna of the OHSU/Oregon Tech Paramedic Education Program, Katrina holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Pacific University. She is passionate about EMS education, clinical training, and advancing the profession through a focus on quality, accountability, and ethics. 
As a faculty member, Katrina is committed to preparing the next generation of EMTs and paramedics with the skills, mindset, and resilience necessary to thrive in the demanding world of prehospital care. 
 

Visiting Faculty 
BS in Psychology and Mathematics, AAS in Paramedicine 
Oregon Paramedic 
 
Natalie grew up in a rural town on the Oregon coast, graduating from high school with both an International Baccalaureate Diploma and an Honors diploma. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Lewis & Clark College and the Portland State University Honors College, graduating summa cum laude. Natalie studied psychology with an emphasis on neuroscience and minored in mathematics. 
She gained experience working in crisis while beginning her medical career in high-acuity, secure psychiatric facilities, where she cared for complex patient populations and advanced into leadership roles. Natalie later transitioned into emergency medicine, earning her paramedic degree through the OHSU/Oregon Tech Paramedic Education Program. She went on to work as a paramedic in a busy 911 system and was quickly promoted to a supervisor position. 
Natalie is passionate about providing high-quality patient care, teaching and education, and emergency medicine. She values the interplay between psychology and emergency medicine and incorporates this perspective into both her clinical practice and her approach to education. 

MD FACEP

Medical Director
Dept of Emergency Medicine
OHSU Health, Hillsboro Medical Center
 

Todd Ellingson is the Medical Director for the OHSU / Oregon Tech Paramedic Education Program. He is the Medical Director at the OHSU Health Hillsboro Medical Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, and is also a Vice-Chair in the OHSU Dept of Emergency Medicine. Todd completed his residency training at the University of Chicago, where he worked as a flight doc, and has also completed a teaching fellowship focused on simulation training at OHSU.

 

Program Representative, Division of Health Sciences

 

In this Section

All instructional staff successfully completed the National Association of EMS Educators: EMS Instructor Course. Most have formal academic training in adult learning / pedagogy, and have an extensive amount of experience teaching all levels of EMS responders. Most instructional staff hold BLS, PHTLS, AMLS, PALS, and ACLS instructor credentials, and are current members of the National Association of EMS Educators.