PAGE, Ariz. (Aug. 14, 2025) – Two years ago, Ashleigh Epps, a certified nursing assistant at Banner Health Page Hospital in Page, Ariz., was well on her way to a bachelor's degree in biological sciences when she was approached about changing gears and becoming a respiratory therapist.
In May, she graduated with her respiratory therapy degree at Casper College in Wyoming. She was able to complete her clinical training at Banner Wyoming Medical Center, highlighting Banner Health's commitment to innovative workforce development and system-wide collaboration across its facilities.
Epps, who has served in various health care roles in Page for 20 years, attended the pinning ceremony and graduation in Casper, Wyo., in May, and in July, officially passed her board exams marking the culmination of a two-year educational journey that spanned nearly 800 miles. Her first official day as a respiratory therapist was this month.
"I can't say enough about the quality of my education," said Epps.
She particularly praised the program instructors' communication, noting how accessible they were throughout her studies, and the preceptors at Banner Wyoming Medical Center, who helped her gain valuable hands-on experience.
Tosh Hector, Casper College's preceptor of the year in 2024 and 2025, made a particular impression.
"Not only did I get to see how to be a respiratory therapist, I participated and did the work," said Epps. "Tosh really pushed me, and sometimes it was uncomfortable, but she was always like, 'Get up in here.'"
The Casper College respiratory therapy program accepts up to 10 remote students each year, but they are typically based in closer proximity to Casper, said Tiffany Scott, director of clinical education at Casper College.
"She had to work harder to make sure that she had the same education as her peers," said Scott. "It's a testament to her learning ability and drive."
This accomplishment represents a significant milestone in Epps' health care career, which began when she earned her CNA certification at age 17. The opportunity to pursue respiratory therapy came when Melisa Serventi, chief nursing officer at Banner Page Hospital, approached Epps about a scholarship program that would cover tuition, books and travel expenses to Casper for midterms, finals and clinical rotations required as part of the program.
The idea was the brainchild of Bertha Martinez, the respiratory therapy manager in Page, and Ed Frankin, the clinical operations in Page.
“They each purposefully worked to create this vision and see it through,” said Serventi.
Both Martinez and Frankin are retiring this month.
"I've known Ashleigh for many years, since she was in my CNA course in high school, and I knew that she possessed the academic skills and enthusiasm to be a trailblazer for this program," said Serventi. "Having Ashleigh join our RT team will have a tremendous impact on our hospital."
Epps was already on a path to finishing her bachelor's degree at Arizona State University and was thinking about pursuing medical school. But the opportunity to become a respiratory therapist was too good to pass.
"It's just really cool that she watched me become a CNA, then an MA, and now a respiratory therapist," Epps said of her long-standing professional relationship with Serventi.
The innovative distance learning program addresses critical staffing needs at Banner Page Hospital, which has historically struggled to recruit full-time respiratory therapists to the small community. By investing in local talent through cross-facility collaboration, Banner Health demonstrates its commitment to both employee development and ensuring quality care in rural communities.
Epps transitioned to her new role as a respiratory therapist at Banner Page Hospital on Aug. 4, bringing specialized skills back to the community she has called home since age 13. She also plans to finish her bachelor's degree.
For more information about career development opportunities at Banner Health, please visit bannerhealth.com/careers.
About Banner Wyoming Medical Center
Banner Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyo., is part of Banner Health and is Wyoming's largest hospital with 249 beds on two campuses. It is one of Wyoming's most comprehensive hospitals and offers a range of inpatient and outpatients services including emergency services, Level II trauma care, heart care, women and infant services, neurological care and more. It is Casper's only full-service, non-profit hospital. Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/wymc.
About Page Hospital
Page Hospital in Page, Ariz., provides a range of medical services that include emergency care, surgery, medical imaging, obstetrics and rehabilitation. It is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit hospital and health care system with 33 hospitals in six states. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/page.
Ashleigh1.jpg: Ashleigh Epps takes a selfie at her Casper College graduation ceremony in Wyoming in May.
Ashleigh2.jpg: Tosh Hector, respiratory therapist at Banner Wyoming Medical Center; Tiffany Scott, director of clinical education at Casper College; and Ashleigh Epps pose for a photo at Epps' pinning ceremony in May.
Ashleigh3.jpg: Ashleigh Epps poses for a photo with Tosh Hector, Casper College's preceptor of the year and a respiratory therapist at Banner Wyoming Medical Center.
Ashleigh4.jpg: Ashleigh Epps poses for a photo with the team at Banner Page Hospital. From left: Melisa Serventi, chief nursing officer; Ralph Parker, CEO; Ashleigh Epps; Bertha Martinez, respiratory therapy manager; Ed Franklin, director of clinical operations; and Shawna Yazzie, associate nursing director.
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