Happy Holidays, from our team to yours!
Happy Holidays to everyone in the Earmark circle! Looking back on an eventful year, I find myself incredibly thankful for all our students, patients, clients, and colleagues. Most of all, I’m thankful for the incredible team of CAOHC course instructors we have assembled to deliver our uniquely structured team-approach certification courses. Last month we highlighted Juan Vasquez, but this post is all about Mindy Guillory.
Mindy is an occupational health nurse and CAOHC course director based in Lancaster. She serves on the CAOHC council as a representative of American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN), and has been teaching with Earmark Hearing Conservation for over 3 years.
Mindy Guillory, BSN, RN, COHN-S/CM, CEAP, SAP
What got you interested in hearing conservation?
I am an occupational health nurse and have always been passionate about employee safety and health. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the effects that noise-induced hearing loss has not only on individuals, but also on their families and many other aspects of their lives. I saw this as an opportunity to inform and educate others about the importance of hearing conservation.
What is your favorite part of teaching the CAOHC courses?
The camaraderie! I teach with a wonderful group of instructors who truly care about their students and want to see them succeed in their roles. I love interacting with the students and learning about their backgrounds and their unique roles within their own hearing conservation programs.
We have students from a wide range of backgrounds (MAs, MDs, industrial hygienists, managers, etc.). What is something you’ve learned from the students?
We’re all on the same team! Regardless of your educational background or role within a company, we’re all here for the same reason—to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. I love seeing how different team members unite and work together to achieve this goal.
There are big changes coming to the CAOHC courses—official exam prep materials, a new textbook, updates to the simulator. What changes are you excited about?
I’m most excited about the official exam prep materials. I think students are going to love the additional study resources to help them prepare for the exam.
What is your average workday when you’re not teaching CAOHC classes?
I have my own business doing DOT SAP evaluations for DOT employees going through the return-to-duty process. I evaluate employees after they fail or refuse a drug or alcohol test and help them return to safety-sensitive work. I truly enjoy being part of their journey to rebuild their careers.
What is the most important takeaway about hearing loss prevention that you want students to receive?
Don’t give up on the employees! Sometimes they need to be educated about the importance of hearing protection over and over again…but with determination, respect, grit, and a positive attitude, I believe we can help them understand the importance of taking charge of their hearing and valuing hearing conservation.
What do you do outside of work and teaching?
I’m a mom of two young children, so if I’m not in the kitchen or folding laundry, you can find me driving the kids to practice or cheering them on at their games.
Do you have any new hobbies that you’re not yet great at?
I’d love to be a great paddleboarder someday! (Today is not that day.)
What is your favorite sound?
No doubt—a rolling belly laugh from a happy, carefree child. To me, there is nothing better.
If you or your colleagues are in need of CAOHC Certification, you can’t go wrong with the instruction team at Earmark! You can review the course details and book a course on www.earmarkhc.com/CAOHC, or reach out to contact@earmarkhc.com. We look forward to seeing you in a future course!
Sincerely,
Frank Wartinger, AuD
Audiologist / CAOHC Course Director / Owner
Earmark Hearing Conservation