Kathleen Henninger ’10, ’11: Championing Innovation in Respiratory Care Education
With more than 13 years of direct patient care experience at the Buffalo VA Medical
Center, Kathleen Henninger serves as the director of clinical education for the SUNY
Erie Community College Respiratory Care program. In this role, she coordinates clinical
rotations, fosters strong partnerships with healthcare sites and supports students
as they transition from classroom learning to real-world patient care.
Known for innovative teaching approaches, Henninger designs interactive learning tools, including immersive escape rooms and mega code simulations, aimed at enhancing teamwork and critical problem-solving skills among healthcare students. By blending clinical expertise with creative instructional strategies, Henninger is making a significant impact on the next generation of medical professionals.
She holds credentials as an MSRT and RRT and has been recognized with the Healthcare Hero Award at Nurses Night as well as the Healthcare Above and Beyond Award from JetBlue.
Henninger earned a Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy from Canisius University in 2021, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Certificate in Education from Daemen University in 2001 and 2002, as well as Associate of Applied Science degrees in Respiratory Care and General Studies from SUNY Erie in 2011 and 2010.
What's changing in your industry? How are you helping your students stay ahead of those changes? The respiratory care field is evolving with increased use of smart health devices like smartwatches, smart inhalers, and digital stethoscopes. Patients often use AI and online tools for self-diagnosis, so therapists must interpret these technologies and guide patients safely. The growth of advanced practice respiratory therapists is anticipated, emphasizing the blend of technology and clinical expertise. I prepare students to stay ahead by integrating these trends into their training, ensuring they provide both innovative and compassionate care.
How does SUNY Erie support equity and access for students? In Respiratory Care, we provide hands-on, interactive learning tailored to student needs—including job fairs, conferences, guest lectures and personalized clinical placements. We help students navigate onboarding, clinical expectations, and balance between school, work, and family, aiming to eliminate barriers and empower students to succeed as confident healthcare professionals.
What inspires you to work at SUNY Erie? I’m inspired by the chance to shape future respiratory therapists and equip them for meaningful careers. Initially aiming to be director of clinical education (and eventually program director), I’m now focused on expanding simulation, escape rooms, and interprogram partnerships to enhance learning. I hope my legacy will be raising the program’s profile and graduating skilled, compassionate professionals who make a real difference in patient care.
Fun Fact: Before becoming a respiratory therapist, I was a 5th-grade teacher and still incorporate many of those teaching strategies with college students. Outside of work, my biggest inspiration comes from my family, two boys aged 13 and 10, my husband, and close friends. One student I taught in 5th grade grew up to marry a student I later taught in respiratory therapy, so I had the unique experience of teaching both!
Recent Publications
Siva A, Hashmi A, Grabowski C, Henninger K, Zinnerstrom K, Kwiatkowski A, Mishra A. (2023, October 10). The Medical Escape Room: Incorporating Simulation and Gamification To Enhance Critical Care Education [Oral Presentation]. CHEST 2023, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Siva A, Hashmi A, Grabowski C, Henninger K, Zinnerstrom K, Gruarin S, Makdissi R, Kwiatkowski A, Mishra A. (2023, October 10). Improving Cultural Competency and Resident Knowledge Using Cardiac Arrest Simulation [Oral Presentation]. CHEST 2023, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Kathleen Henninger, North Campus
Respiratory Care Program
Gleasner Hall, room 200
716-851-1529