Teresa (Tracey) Mitchell
Bedside respiratory therapist forges path to EPA
Teresa (Tracey) Mitchell, 1988, AAS
When Teresa (Tracey) Mitchell graduated from YSU with a degree in Respiratory Therapy, she never would have guessed that one day she would work for the Environmental Protection Agency. She credits her YSU education with giving her the academic and real-world skills to create a unique career path. Whether working directly with patients or policy, she feels all her roles have allowed her to help others.
Born and raised in Youngstown, Mitchell graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1983 and then from YSU in 1988. Inspired by her grandfather’s struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, Mitchell began working at Northside Medical Center as a respiratory therapist, helping those with trouble breathing. The challenge of working the night shift and a desire to explore other parts of the country prompted her to accept a position at Fairfax Hospital in the Washington D.C. area, where she found her passion working with children in pediatric intensive care.
Looking for a change from the clinical setting, Mitchell then went to work for the nonprofit, Allergy and Asthma Network. There she worked as a patient advocate and educator. Her next stop was the EPA in 1997, where she has worked for the past 21 years. As an environmental protection specialist, Mitchell works to improve indoor air quality, which is critical for those who have asthma.
“What is exciting about my job is that I get to affect change on a bigger scale,” said Mitchell. “Having a healthy indoor environment is important for everyone but especially important for people with compromised respiratory systems.”
Mitchell values the way YSU prepared her for her profession. She fondly recalls studying under Lou Harris, professor emeritus and founder of the Respiratory Care program. Earlier this year, the program was dedicated and named in his honor.
“Don’t be afraid to consider nontraditional roles. You can apply many of the things you have learned to other positions and jobs. Keep your options open; it’s exciting what the possibilities are.”
Penguin roots run deep
Mitchell comes from an impressive family of Penguins. Her parents, Joe and Rose Nudo, who met while attending YSU, and all three of her brothers, earned YSU degrees. Joe Nudo also was a defensive football coach in the 1970s and an academic advisor from 1989 to 2008.
The three Nudo brothers credit YSU for their career successes. Raymond Nudo, 1990, BSN, has worked in health care and served in the Air Force, retiring as lieutenant colonel and chief nurse of the 19th medical group.
“My life has been an incredible journey, and graduating from YSU was the first step; it was the foundation for everything that came afterward. I have been around the world. I have seen places many only read about,” Raymond said.
Louis Nudo, 1982, BS, Biology, and 1984, MS, Biology, works as manager of marketing at Lifeline Partners, a local family run physical therapy company. He credits his YSU education with giving him the tools to communicate with medical professionals. He also fondly remembers collaborating with the late John Yemma Sr. on research into colon cancer.
David Nudo, 1984, BA, individualized curriculum in Communications and Business, moved to New York City after graduation and ended up managing the advertising of the New York Times Book Review. He said working at the Jambar shaped his career.
“The fondest memories and the best friends I made were because I participated in a rich student life on campus,” David Nudo said.