Ryah Jo S.

Ryah Jo is a healthcare educator and advocate who proudly identifies as a cheerleader and coach for her “fellow human cohort.” Her journey in healthcare began as a medic in the United States Air Force, where she served for eight years in high-acuity environments including emergency medicine, PACU, medical assisting, and psychiatric care. It was during her military service that Ryah recognized healthcare not just as a profession, but as her calling.

After transitioning out of the military, Ryah continued her work in civilian healthcare systems, gaining broad experience supporting older adults, people living with disabilities, and high-risk pregnant individuals and their families. While each role deepened her clinical perspective, it was her work as a Medical Assisting Instructor that truly ignited her passion for adult education.

Being part of learners’ educational journeys; helping them open doors to greater opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities became her “bread and butter.” This path led her to a role in Seattle, where she played a key part in pioneering Washington State’s first recognized, credentialed training programs designed to professionalize Home Care Aides. As a subject matter expert, Ryah contributed to curriculum development, piloted programs statewide, and trained fellow instructors to deliver high-quality education to adult learners across Washington.

Known for her animated and engaging teaching style, Ryah brings real-world clinical scenarios into the classroom. She believes her diverse background across multiple healthcare settings uniquely equips her to prepare students for the wide range of care models and environments they may encounter in their careers.  She often tells her students: “One of the coolest parts of getting your foot in healthcare is how many ways there are to make an impact. It’s never boring, and there’s a place for every strength.”

Outside of clinics and classrooms, Ryah enjoys traveling to small towns, hiking nearby mountains, and exploring the local food spots with her two young adult children and fluffy dog. Whether it’s a family adventure, a weekend with friends, or a solo road trip, she believes there’s always something interesting waiting on the horizon “…even if it’s just driving to see the world’s largest ball of yarn”.