RCC Alumni

Celebrating RCC's Health Sciences Alumni

We are proud to highlight the achievements of our alumni who are making significant impacts in the healthcare field and our community.

Katarina Seda, RN
Gloucester Mathews Care Clinic (GMCC) welcomed Katarina Seda, RN, as the new Care Coordinator and Charge Nurse. Katarina, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) alumna, transitioned from her role as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to this vital position. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to serving the community and has quickly become an integral part of the GMCC team. GMCC is a hybrid clinic that serves Medicaid and uninsured clients focusing on the social determinants of health. Kat is an integral part of the team and works tirelessly to improve the outcomes in our service region.

Amber Lykins, FNP
We are proud to congratulate Amber Lykins, a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and ADN alumna, on being named Williamsburg's #1 Nurse Practitioner for 2024. Her commitment to excellence in patient care is a testament to her training and experience at RCC.

Yvette Blue, PN
A special congratulations to Yvette Blue, a Practical Nursing (PN) alumna, who has been awarded the prestigious “Rookie of the Year” in Long-term and Rehabilitation Nursing. Yvette was recognized as the top nurse among nine facilities in the greater Richmond Area, showcasing the high caliber of RCC graduates. She is a proud member of the RCC Graduate Class of 2024.

The following alumnae recently volunteered during the Health Career Immersion Camp held at VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. Read more about the camp at RCC and VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital Immersion Camp

Jessica Moncure, MSN, RN, Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Jessica serves as the Nursing Professional Development Specialist for VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. In her role, she coordinates student placements with affiliated education partners and acts as the Tappahannock site coordinator for the Nurse Residency Program, designed to facilitate the transition of newly graduated registered nurses into their professional roles through focused clinical experiences, classroom instruction, and mentorship.

Jessica graduated from RCC with her Associate Degree in Applied Science, Nursing, and began her career as an RN at VCU Tappahannock Hospital on the medical/surgical unit. She furthered her education at Chamberlain University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in February 2021 and her Master of Nursing in Nursing Education in March 2024. With instructor certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Adult Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Jessica is dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of her rural community and developing the future healthcare workforce.

Jessica Mullenax, BSN, RN, Patient Safety Officer
Jessica, a graduate of the ADN program at RCC in 2016, began her nursing career at Memorial Regional Medical Center on the General Surgical Unit. In 2017, she joined Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, where she worked on the medical/surgical unit and assisted in the ICU and ED. In 2021, Jessica transitioned to the Quality Department as a Patient Safety Officer.

Currently pursuing her MSN in Forensic Nursing at Duquesne University, Jessica also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Old Dominion University. “I found the immersion camp to be a wonderful program and wished it was available when I was in high school,” she said. “The camp gave the students an inside look at the various departments of a community hospital and the people who help provide our patients with the best care.”

Brittani Wilmore, BSN, RN, Stroke Program Coordinator
Brittani earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from RCC in 2011 and her Bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University in 2016. Over her 13-year career, Brittani has gained extensive experience in various nursing specialties, including critical care, medical-surgical, and emergency medicine. She has been a vital team member at VCU Tappahannock Community Hospital's emergency department since 2014 and became a Certified Emergency Nurse in 2019.

Brittani currently serves as the Stroke Program Coordinator at VCU Health Tappahannock, a role she transitioned into in October 2024. In this position, she ensures that the Stroke Center aligns with VCU Health’s mission, focusing on planning, coordination, education, and evaluation of stroke patient care.

“I enjoyed my time with the students during the immersion camp,” she said. “They all seemed to be interested and excited to learn more about the healthcare field. I was highly impressed with the many opportunities students have during high school to obtain college credits and the number of resources they have.”

RCC to ODU

Ryan Riordan is a passionate young chemist whose journey began at RCC as a dual enrollment student. As Ryan transitioned from high school to college, the experience was both enlightening and transformative. “At RCC, I quickly learned how different college classes were from high school,” Ryan recalled. “The smaller class sizes and close-knit campus made it easier to adjust and connect with others.”

RCC provided Ryan with a supportive environment that made the transition smoother. "I felt like I was part of a community," Ryan shared. "Everyone came from similar backgrounds, and it was comforting to know that we were all navigating this new chapter together."

One of the most significant turning points in Ryan’s academic career was securing an internship at Old Dominion University (ODU) during the summer of 2022. This opportunity arose thanks to the dedication of Ryan's chemistry teacher, Mr. Charles Crook. “Mr. Crook believed in me and encouraged me to apply for the internship program aimed at community college students,” Ryan explained. “His guidance was pivotal in helping me gain the lab experience I needed to advance my studies.”

The internship was a transformative experience for Ryan, allowing him to immerse in hands-on chemistry work while collaborating with peers from various community colleges. “I learn

ed so much in the lab, but the best part was meeting other students who shared my passion for chemistry,” Ryan said. “It was inspiring to see how diverse our backgrounds were, yet we had similar goals.”

Despite the successes, Ryan faced personal challenges along the way. Before enrolling at RCC, driving was a significant hurdle. "I had my learner's permit and rarely drove," Ryan confessed. "Becoming a student at RCC pushed me to get my license and become more comfortable driving longer distances. It was a big step for me."

Today, as Ryan continues to pursue a degree in chemistry at ODU, he remembers the invaluable lessons learned at RCC. “The support I received, both academically and personally, laid the foundation for my future,” Ryan stated. “I’m excited to see where this journey takes me, and I hope to inspire others just like Mr. Crook inspired me.”

Ryan’s story is a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and resilience in overcoming challenges. With a bright future ahead, he is eager to make a positive impact in the world of science.

Grateful for Support

Tracy Peacock stood outside the doors of the King George campus of RCC, a mix of nostalgia and gratitude washing over her. It was 2019, and she had just completed her Associate of Science degree, a journey that had begun two years earlier in the phlebotomy program. As she reflected on her time there, she couldn’t help but recall the challenges she faced along the way.

“I chose RCC because it was conveniently located in my home county, affordable, and had a small, family-like atmosphere,” Tracy shared. “Having a campus in King George was essential to my success.  I literally did not know what I wanted to go back to school for. I needed something affordable, a quick career path to help me be financially independent. Terry answered all my questions and suggested the phlebotomy career studies certificate.”

But the road wasn’t easy. In 2017, she was couch surfing with her two children, having escaped an abusive marriage in another state. “My biggest challenges were finding a stable place to stay and completing my program financially,” she admitted. Yet, it was amidst this turmoil that she discovered a supportive community at RCC.

“The staff were incredibly kind, even without knowing my personal struggles,” Tracy remembered. “From registration to the instructors, everyone was there for me.” One person stood out: Terry Abell, site supervisor and navigator at King George, who not only guided her toward the phlebotomy career studies certificate but also made her feel heard. “Terry listened to me and suggested something that checked all my boxes. It was as if she sensed my struggles, even though I hadn’t shared them with her.”

Tracy became close friends with several faculty members, including Professors Green and Olsen, and Karen Turner. “Terry encouraged me to finish my associate degree in Business, and Karen pushed me to apply for positions within RCC. That’s how I found my happy place working in Admissions and Records (A&R),” she said.

During her studies, she also participated in extracurricular activities, showcasing her skills at a community resource fair alongside her phlebotomy classmates. “We passed out information and answered questions,” she recalled. “It felt good to give back.”

As Tracy transferred to another school after RCC, she noted how seamless the process was. “It made me appreciate how well RCC prepared me for the next step,” she reflected. Tracy has a simple message for anyone considering RCC, “Come in person and feel the family atmosphere. Everyone truly cares about your success, both academically and personally.”

Tracy understands the vital role RCC plays in the community. “I absolutely love the Squall Stall food pantry,” Tracy said. “If I had that resource when I started, it would have made a world of difference for my children.”

Reflecting on her journey, Tracy has immense gratitude toward those who had supported her. “I want to thank Terry and Karen for changing my life for the better,” she said. “You have no idea what a kind word can do for someone struggling. Just remember, every interaction counts. We’re not just offering skills for future workers; we’re enriching our local community,” she explained. “By providing options for students to stay here, we make a real impact.”

“To everyone else, be that person who takes a few extra moments to encourage, support, and care for students, and coworkers around you. You have no idea what people are going through. Just a smile or a kind word can make all the difference. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for RCC!  I am truly blessed!  If you’re wondering if you make a difference or feel like you’re just paper shuffling just remember that someone in A&R I never met enrolled me in classes. Someone in advising made sure I was on the right track. Someone was cleaning the bathrooms I used to cry in wondering where my next meal was coming from or if my children and I were going to have to sleep on a new couch that night. You may not ever meet these students, but your jobs and contributions to RCC make it possible for them to move up and beyond!  Keep up the great work and as many of you who know me, I like to end my conversations with ‘Have a joyful day!’”

 More Alumni Stories 

From RCC Student to Employee

Burn Survivor Makes RCC Nursing Graduation a Full-Circle Moment
Persistence Pays Off

From RCC to Newport News Shipyard
RCC Baseball Players Return to Classroom 48 Years Later

Rappahannock Community College Student Fanning Wins Literature Prize

RCC Alumni Damarius Pollard Receives Patent for Trailer Floor Protector