For Maggie Ozan-Rafferty, assistant professor of healthcare administration at Loyola's Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, the pursuit of lifelong learning has always been a guiding force. With 25 years of experience in healthcare, she transitioned from her role as a distinguished healthcare executive and nurse to becoming a trailblazing instructor. Despite her wealth of experience, she recognized the need for formal training in teaching, prompting her enrollment in Loyola's School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) Masters of Instructional Design program. 

Having recently graduated from SCPS’ Instructional Design Certificate program, Ozan-Rafferty eagerly dove into the master's program, driven by a profound commitment to her professional development. In a departure from her healthcare roots, the focus of her story shifts towards her journey as an instructional designer, highlighting the impact of Loyola's curriculum on her teaching philosophy. 

Ozan-Rafferty's decision to pursue a degree in instructional design was catalyzed by her involvement in Loyola's online teaching group, where she connected with influential SCPS faculty members, including SCPS’ faculty advisor for the SCPS Instructional Design Programs, Kelly Barry. Inspired by Barry’s love for leading and learning, Ozan-Rafferty recognized parallels between her past experiences as a Chief Experience Officer and her goal to be an exceptional teacher. The Instructional Design program provided the expertise she sought, emphasizing a human-centered design approach that particularly intrigued her. 

What appealed most to Ozan-Rafferty about SCPS's program was its online format, offering the flexibility she needed to balance her professional responsibilities. Her research on the SCPS faculty members' expertise instilled confidence in her choice. She appreciates the small class sizes, responsive faculty, and hands-on approach within the curriculum, making her learning experience practical and immediately applicable to her role as a professor. 

The intimate class setting and diverse student body contributed to a rich collaborative environment, fostering reciprocal learning. Ozan-Rafferty values the opportunity to collaborate with younger students and envisions growth in future cohorts, with colleagues expressing interest in joining the program. 

As Ozan-Rafferty reflects on the impact of Loyola's instructional design programs, she emphasizes the power of relationships in teaching. By understanding her students on a personal level, she tailors her teaching methods to meet their unique needs, a skill she developed through Loyola's emphasis on a supportive community within its instructional design programs. 

Maggie Ozan-Rafferty now stands as a testament to the transformative power of Loyola's Instructional Design Certificate program and its new master's program. As a change-maker and leader, she exemplifies the program's mission to shape exceptional teachers who prioritize meaningful connections and experiences for their students. With her at the forefront, Loyola's instructional design programs continue to pave the way for educators passionate about making a lasting impact.