Teaching with Purpose: Kelley Braxton’s Journey in Respiratory Care

Long before she stood at the front of a classroom, Kelley Braxton worked behind the scenes of a hospital, supporting patient care in a cardiac catheterization lab. But it was her desire to work directly with patients — and make a difference at the bedside — that ultimately led her to respiratory care. 

After several years in a clinical support role, Braxton began her journey into respiratory therapy, drawn to a profession that combined hands-on care with critical thinking. 

“I wanted a career that involved direct patient care,” Braxton said. “I had several friends who worked in respiratory care and enjoyed it, so I decided to move forward. At the time, I didn’t realize this career would shape the rest of my professional life.” 

Braxton went on to become a registered respiratory therapist and spent years working in the field, where she not only strengthened her clinical skills but also discovered an unexpected passion for teaching. 

“I precepted many respiratory care students who often said I should teach in a program,” Braxton said. “I already had the idea of pursuing the education aspect of respiratory, so hearing these suggestions solidified my decision to teach.” 

She later stepped into an assistant department educator role within the respiratory care department at a local hospital. While the position allowed her to mentor others, Braxton says she felt drawn to something more — teaching students at the very beginning of their journey into respiratory care. 

Career at OFTC 

Braxton’s passion for both patient care and education ultimately led her to Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC), where she began teaching in 2014. She now serves as the Clinical Coordinator for the Respiratory Care Program. 

In this role, Braxton oversees students’ clinical rotations, supports instruction across multiple program courses, and ensures students are fully prepared to transition from the classroom to real-world patient care. 

“My role is to make sure our students receive quality, equitable clinical experiences and are truly ready to enter the workforce,” Braxton said. “I work closely with our clinical partners, adapt my teaching to different learning styles, and support students as they build confidence and master the skills they’ll need as respiratory care professionals. My ultimate goal is to prepare graduates I would trust to care for my own family.” 

She says one of her favorite parts of teaching at OFTC is watching students grow throughout the program. 

“Once they enter the program and begin their clinical experiences, their eyes are opened to so much more,” Braxton said. “I get to watch them transition from students to graduates, and then to registered respiratory therapists working in our clinical affiliate hospitals. Seeing my former students become my peers in the healthcare community is incredibly rewarding.” 

That same sense of growth and support, Braxton says, extends beyond the classroom and throughout the college. 

Positive Atmosphere 

Braxton says the supportive atmosphere at OFTC plays a key role in both faculty and student success. 

“One of the best things about being an instructor at OFTC is the support from the administration and the college,” she said. “They ensure we have the equipment and classroom accommodations needed to meet program standards, maintain accreditation, and produce quality graduates.” 

She also pointed to the college’s strong sense of teamwork and family-like culture, noting that it makes a meaningful difference for everyone on campus. 

“At OFTC, we know you by name,” Braxton said. “You’re not just another student or another employee — you matter as a person.” 

“We are very family-oriented and truly support one another as a team,” she added. “That sense of camaraderie among faculty and staff plays an important role in enrollment and student retention.” 

Rick Perkins Award 

Braxton’s commitment to student success and excellence in the classroom was recently recognized when she was named OFTC’s 2026 Rick Perkins Award (RPA) for Excellence in Technical Instruction winner and Instructor of the Year. 

The RPA program honors the Technical College System of Georgia’s most outstanding instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation, leadership, and student success. 

As the college winner, Braxton will represent OFTC at the regional level in February, competing against top instructors from technical colleges across the state. Regional finalists will advance to the state competition in April, where the 2026 Rick Perkins Award winner will be named by the Technical College System of Georgia. 

For Braxton, the recognition reflects what has always mattered most — preparing students to succeed in the field and care for their communities. 

“My goal has always been to make sure students leave our program confident, competent, and ready to make a difference,” she said. “Knowing I played a part in their journey is the greatest reward.” 

For more info about OFTC’s Respiratory Care Program or the other 100+ programs of study available, visit the college’s website, OFTC.edu. 

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