Program Director Heather Honored as Leader of the Quarter

North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology Program Director Heather C. Koepp has received North Oaks Health System's Leader of the Quarter Award for October-December 2021.

In 1996, Heather became a Radiologic Technologist for North Oaks Family Medicine, transferring to North Oaks Occupational Health Services in 1998. She added on the role of Didactic Instructor for her alma mater, North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology, in 1999. She became Coordinator in 2001 and was promoted to Program Director in 2019.

“I’m blessed to combine my love of teaching with radiography,” she notes. "The most rewarding moments are when a student has a ‘lightbulb moment’ or a former student excels in their career. Training professional radiographers who graduate as better versions of themselves is my goal.”

After graduating from North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology, Heather earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Arts from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois followed by a master’s degree in Health and Kinesiology from Southeastern Louisiana University.

“I always knew that I wanted to help others,” explains Heather, whose parents both built 30-plus year careers as public servants. “By chance, I applied to North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology and quickly learned that the radiologic sciences were my calling. No two days were the same, and I truly enjoyed the variety of exams and procedures. In my current role, I do miss having direct patient interactions, but by helping to teach our students the skills synonymous with quality patient care, I am still able to contribute to the North Oaks mission of improving lives.”

Heather, her husband Geoffrey and their 17-year-old son Garrett call Amite home, where she serves on the board of directors of Oak Forest Academy. Together, the family enjoys boating, time spent at their Manchac camp or joy riding in their 1967 Ford Mustang convertible. Heather also loves to garden and attend concerts as a self-proclaimed “music junkie.”

Professionally, she is a certified health education specialist and belongs to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Phi Kappa Phi honor society and Lambda Nu national honor society. and serves as the Recording Secretary for the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists currently. She also proudly represents North Oaks Health System as a member of the Amite City Chamber of Commerce.

“Heather works tirelessly to ensure all students receive the highest level education and to encourage each to achieve their best," asserts Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau. "Her efforts have placed the school and many students in the local, state and national spotlight multiple times. Her dedication to education and North Oaks are hard to match.”