Zanele Manaka
Rochester,MN
Summary
Dedicated respiratory therapist transitioning to an academic coordinator role, leveraging extensive clinical experience and a strong foundation in patient care. Experienced in instructing and mentoring future therapists, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances education and patient outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Faculty for RC 4331 RC Respiratory Specialization Course
Mayo School of Health Sciences
Rochester , MN
09.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with pulmonary specialists to present on respiratory pathophysiology and treatments.
- Trained students in motivational interviewing to enhance patient interactions at the bedside.
- Educated students on various nicotine replacement therapies for smoking cessation.
- Determined medical necessity for oxygen prescriptions and systems.
- Provided evaluation skills and criteria for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs.
- Participated in candidate interviews for MCHS and University of Minnesota respiratory care program.
Adjunct faculty- Respiratory Therapist Program
Mayo School of Health Sciences and University of MN
09.2025 - Current
- Instructed senior respiratory therapist students on discharge case management and disease management for patients with chronic pulmonary diseases, enhancing their readiness for real-world clinical challenges.
- Served as preceptor for senior respiratory students in chronic pulmonary disease management and discharge planning at the hospital.
- Conducted interviews and recruitment processes for prospective students, contributing to the selection of qualified candidates for the Respiratory Care Program.
- Volunteered to organize informational sessions, educating college students about opportunities in the Respiratory Care profession.
Pulmonary Clinic RT volunteer
The Landing Clinic
09.2024 - Current
- Conduct spirometry testing to assess lung function and diagnose respiratory conditions.
- Provide pulmonary disease and inhaler education.
- Educated patients on respiratory diseases to enhance understanding and management of their conditions.
- Counseled individuals on tobacco cessation strategies to support healthier lifestyle choices.
- Identified and secured affordable inhaled medication options for uninsured or financially constrained homeless individuals.
- Conduct recommendation made by Pulmonologist providing e-Consults
Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist
Mayo Clinic
09.2019 - Current
- Utilize 'Motivational Interviewing' skills to facilitate change and reduce ambivalence in patients who actively smoke or use e-cigarettes.
- Incorporate analytical skills to create treatment plans and assess the progress of individuals along their smoking cessation journey.
- Participate in tobacco use prevention and medical cessation discussion geared to youths.
- Provided patient care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN
Chronic Respiratory Disease Educator Specialist
Mayo Clinic
11.2015 - Current
- One of the two Respiratory Therapists working for Mayo Clinic’s COPD Readmission Prevention Program.
- Developed treatment plans based on current COPD GOLD and GINA guidelines.
- Communicate respiratory disease management recommendations to clinical providers, patients, and family members.
- Conduct post-hospital follow-up calls to patients within 72 hrs. and 10-14 days of being discharged.
- Coordinate with inpatient primary service teams to consult with Sleep Medicine, Cardiology, Palliative, Nutrition, and Psychiatry units during patients’ hospital admissions.
- Established and maintained relationships with local medical equipment agencies and insurance companies, facilitating access to affordable inhaled medications and respiratory equipment for patients' homes.
- Analyzed readmission data for COPD and all-cause readmissions quarterly, providing insights to improve patient care and program effectiveness.
- Identified potential candidates for research studies at Mayo’s Pulmonary Clinic.
- Assisted Mayo Clinic Health Systems (MCHS) to establish COPD Readmission Reduction Programs.
Respiratory Therapist On-call
Olmsted Medical Center
Rochester , MN
05.2020 - 09.2024
- Assisted with airway management and ventilatory support for pediatric and adult patients in OMC Emergency Room and MedSurg Unit, contributing to optimal patient outcomes.
- Managed Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure for patients, enhancing respiratory support and patient comfort.
- Supported intubation procedures, ensuring patient safety and effective airway management.
Per diem respiratory therapist
Hennepin County Medical Center
05.2023 - 01.2024
- Respiratory therapist assigned to in emergency room, medical -surgical, general care floors, or burn unit.
- Provided procedural support during intubations for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Provided immediate medical intervention as part of Rapid Response and Code teams.
- Administered inhaled medications.
Mayo Clinic Management Intern
Mayo Clinic
04.2019 - 08.2019
- Visited Mayo Clinic Health systems.
- Participated in interviewing process for respiratory therapists at two Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) sites.
- Completed 6-week schedule for respiratory dispatch team at Mayo Clinic.
- Contributed to interviewing process for respiratory dispatch technicians, aiding in staffing decisions.
- Assisted patients at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN
Education
Master’s - Public Health Administration and Policy
University of Minnesota
Twin Cities01-2017
Certificate - Public Heath Core Concepts
University of Minnesota
Twin Cities01-2014
Bachelor's of Applied Science - Respiratory Physiology
University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
Rochester, MN01-2012
Some College (No Degree) -
Mayo Clinic
Nicotine Dependence CenterSkills
- Respiratory assessment
- Curriculum development
- Teaching methodologies
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Interpersonal communication
- Cultural intelligence
- Empathy
Publications
Co-Authored, 'August 2014 critical care case of the month: the beans are done.', Southwest Journal Pulmonary Critical Care, 2014, 9, 2, 72-82
Certificates And Licenses
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certificate, 07/31/26
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate, American Heart Association, 07/31/26
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) License, LRT-National Board Respiratory Care # 127160, 12/31/30
- Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) Certificate, 2019, 09/30/27
Timeline
Adjunct Faculty for RC 4331 RC Respiratory Specialization Course
Mayo School of Health Sciences
09.2025 - Current
Adjunct faculty- Respiratory Therapist Program
Mayo School of Health Sciences and University of MN
09.2025 - Current
Pulmonary Clinic RT volunteer
The Landing Clinic
09.2024 - Current
Per diem respiratory therapist
Hennepin County Medical Center
05.2023 - 01.2024
Respiratory Therapist On-call
Olmsted Medical Center
05.2020 - 09.2024
Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist
Mayo Clinic
09.2019 - Current
Mayo Clinic Management Intern
Mayo Clinic
04.2019 - 08.2019
Chronic Respiratory Disease Educator Specialist
Mayo Clinic
11.2015 - Current
Master’s - Public Health Administration and Policy
University of Minnesota
Certificate - Public Heath Core Concepts
University of Minnesota
Bachelor's of Applied Science - Respiratory Physiology
University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
Some College (No Degree) -
Mayo Clinic