Johanna Torres
San Leandro,USA
Summary
Results-driven Sterile Processing leader with 14+ years of progressive experience managing high-volume hospital operations, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional perioperative workflows. Proven success leading multi-site SPD departments within Kaiser Permanente, including concurrent oversight of Walnut Creek and Dublin facilities.
Recognized for driving operational excellence, strengthening OR/SPD collaboration, and maintaining continuous readiness for Joint Commission and regulatory surveys. Expertise in AAMI ST79 standards, quality systems, staff development, and complex operational planning including construction transitions and workflow redesign.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sterile Processing Manager
Kaiser Permanente
Walnut Creek, CA
09.2024 - Current
- Lead all Sterile Processing Department operations supporting OR, GI lab, and procedural areas in a high-volume acute care setting
- Managed dual-site SPD operations (Walnut Creek & Dublin) from June 2025 to September 2025, ensuring operational continuity, staffing alignment, and standardized practices
- Directed construction planning and workflow design for SPD and GI lab, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and uninterrupted patient care
- Ensure adherence to AAMI ST79, Joint Commission, OSHA, and Infection Prevention standards, maintaining continuous survey readiness
- Partner with OR leadership, Infection Prevention, Supply Chain, and Facilities to optimize case readiness and instrument availability
- Implement quality assurance programs, audits, and KPI tracking to improve performance and reduce defects (wet loads, bioburden, delays)
- Oversee staffing, scheduling, productivity, and daily operational flow across all SPD functions
- Drive process improvements across decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and case cart workflows
- Lead interdisciplinary communication through daily huddles, case planning meetings, and leadership rounding
- Manage vendor relationships and equipment performance (washers, sterilizers, HLD systems)
- Develop and mentor supervisors and staff, promoting accountability, engagement, and professional growth
- Maintained operational stability during periods of equipment challenges and organizational transition
- Successfully managed two facilities simultaneously, maintaining service levels and compliance
- Played a critical role in SPD and GI lab construction planning and operational readiness
- Strengthened SPD–OR collaboration through structured communication and workflow alignment
Sterile Processing Manager
MarinHealth Medical Center
Greenbrae, CA
06.2014 - Current
- Analyzed workflow processes to identify areas of improvement in efficiency and productivity.
- Coordinated with vendors and suppliers on new product lines or services as needed.
- Ensured adherence to industry regulations such as OSHA requirements when handling hazardous materials or waste products.
- Implemented safety protocols and guidelines in order to protect the health of patients and staff.
- Developed strategies for effective communication between departments regarding product availability.
- Provided leadership during emergency situations ensuring quick resolution times while maintaining safety standards.
- Trained, mentored, and evaluated personnel in accordance with established protocols.
- Documented all supply inventory levels for accuracy and cost management purposes.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide exceptional customer service.
- Managed budgeting activities for the department including forecasting needs based on current trends.
- Created quality assurance program to monitor performance of staff and equipment.
- Identified opportunities for process improvements in order to reduce costs while improving service quality.
- Conducted regular audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Facilitated daily meetings to discuss issues related to sterile processing operations.
- Assisted with the development of annual training programs for employees focusing on Sterile Processing best practices.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly and provided feedback for improvement.
- Utilized data analysis techniques to develop reports that tracked the progress of projects within the department.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members through open dialogue and problem solving techniques.
- Ensured adherence to industry regulations such as Joint Commission. Successfully passed every inspection from 2015 - 2023
- Successfully planned, managed and moved to new SPD build.
SPD Technician
Highland Hospital
Oakland, CA
01.2014 - 06.2014
- Utilized advanced problem-solving skills to identify solutions quickly and efficiently when dealing with malfunctioning equipment or software glitches.
- Trained in the use of medical sterilization equipment and techniques, including autoclaves.
- Researched new technologies related to SPD operations in order to stay current on industry trends.
- Adhered to departmental guidelines and established quality assurance processes.
- Demonstrated excellent customer service skills while interacting with patients during instrumentation changes or repairs.
- Instructed other technicians on proper cleaning methods for medical equipment.
- Maintained accurate records of all sterilized instruments, ensuring they met safety standards.
- Cleaned, disinfected, and tested reusable medical instruments for proper function before returning them to service areas.
- Participated in continuing education programs related to the field of sterile processing technology.
- Assisted with inventory management, stocking supplies, and ordering new items as needed.
- Prioritized and assembled standard and complex surgical instrumentation sets for surgical schedule.
- Cleaned, sterilized and distributed supplies and instruments used in patient care.
- Retrieved soiled equipment and decontaminates and prepared for re-issue.
- Utilized SPM system for tracking and recording surgical instrumentation and sterilization processes.
Sterile Processing Technician
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Berkeley, CA
11.2012 - 02.2013
- Prioritized and assembled standard and complex surgical instrumentation sets for surgical schedule.
- Utilized strong organizational skills to manage workflow in a timely manner.
- Utilized SPM system for tracking and recording surgical instrumentation and sterilization processes.
- Cleaned, sterilized and distributed supplies and instruments used in patient care.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills while interacting with staff members and physicians.
- Performed decontamination, assembly, packaging, sterilization and storage of surgical instrumentation according to established procedures.
- Inspected returned instruments for damage or wear prior to reprocessing them for reuse.
- Comprehensively reviewed manufacturer's instructions before using any new products or devices.
- Participated actively in staff meetings providing suggestions for improvement of processes within the department.
- Disassembled complex instrument sets in preparation for cleaning, sterilization and reassembly.
Sterile Processing Technician/Endoscope Technician
VA Palo Alto Health Care
Palo Alto, CA
08.2011 - 11.2012
- Prioritized and assembled standard and complex surgical instrumentation sets for surgical schedule.
- Utilized strong organizational skills to manage workflow in a timely manner.
- Utilized SPM system for tracking and recording surgical instrumentation and sterilization processes.
- Cleaned, sterilized and distributed supplies and instruments used in patient care.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills while interacting with staff members and physicians.
- Performed decontamination, assembly, packaging, sterilization and storage of surgical instrumentation according to established procedures.
- Prepared complete sterile and non-sterile trays for use in nursing and other patient care departments.
- Monitored temperature logs on daily basis to ensure proper functioning of autoclave units.
- Recorded sterilizer test results.
- Examined equipment to detect leaks, worn, and loose parts and other indications of disrepair.
Education
Certification - Sterile Processing
CornerStone College
Union City06.2011
High School Diploma - undefined
San Leandro High School
San Leandro06.2006
Skills
- Equipment Maintenance
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Spanish Fluency
- Team Collaboration
- Technical Documentation
- Team Leadership Qualities
- Issue Resolution
- Task Prioritization
- Analytical Thinking
- Continuous Improvement
- Quality Assurance Controls
- Detail Oriented
- Time Management
- Data Entry
- Regulatory Compliance OSHA, HIPPA, ASGE, SGNE, AAMI and JCAHO
- Problem-Solving
- 10 Years of Experience in a Union Environment
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Safety Procedures
- Decision-Making
- Excellent Communication
- Self Motivation
- Relationship Building
- Team building
- Team Leadership
- Organizational Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Process improvement strategies
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Professional Demeanor
- Surgical Instrument Knowledge
- Multitasking
- Project management experience
- Active Listening
- Goal Setting
- Continuous Learning Attitude
- Adaptability
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Quality Assurance Management
- Sterile technique expertise
- Team leadership qualities
- Continuous learning attitude
- Documentation and recordkeeping
- Conflict resolution
- Inventory control
- Budgeting and financial management
- Regulatory compliance
- Infection control practices
- Surgical instrumentation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
Accomplishments
- uccessfully managed two facilities simultaneously, maintaining service levels and compliance
- Played a critical role in SPD and GI lab construction planning and operational readiness
- Strengthened SPD–OR collaboration through structured communication and workflow alignment
Certification
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician HSPA ID# 15720
- Basic Life Support Certification 2026
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Sterile Processing Manager
Kaiser Permanente
09.2024 - Current
Sterile Processing Manager
MarinHealth Medical Center
06.2014 - Current
SPD Technician
Highland Hospital
01.2014 - 06.2014
Sterile Processing Technician
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
11.2012 - 02.2013
Sterile Processing Technician/Endoscope Technician
VA Palo Alto Health Care
08.2011 - 11.2012
High School Diploma - undefined
San Leandro High School
Certification - Sterile Processing
CornerStone College