We recently connected with Spshelle Rutledge and have shared our conversation below.

Spshelle, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

My first job in the Public Health field was as a medical assistant at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. Before this, I was an active-duty Marine and had plans to serve no less than 20 years. When I had to medically retire, I didn’t know exactly where I would end up next. As soon as I got out of the Marine Corps, I was struggling with transitioning but still needed to work, so I started off picking up a job boxing and shipping college books for Cognella in their warehouse. I knew I wanted to do more to still serve in some way, but didn’t know just where to start yet. All I could recall was my experiences while at Wounded Warrior before I got out. I witnessed the aftermath of the traumas active-duty personnel experienced both from overseas and while in-country. The disparities I also witnessed with Black, and Brown Folx spearheaded my desire to eventually explore the health field, figure out where I can make an impact, and go back to school. So, I decided to first obtain my bachelor’s in healthcare administration thanks to guidance from counselors. While working full-time I still didn’t realize my passion would be where it is now. I volunteered a lot doing internships at places like the American Lung Association and served on boards such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) San Diego chapter (SOHL). I remember being a younger mom, my son John still a toddler, while trying to make time to network with professionals in various fields that sparked my interest, do school, and work, and heal from my own traumatic experiences. I still would feel nervous in some spaces and had to combat imposter syndrome. I managed to move up in my profession and take on leadership roles in the government and private sector. However, learning more about our mental health crises and finding out that I could obtain a Master’s in Public Health specializing in Mental Health led me to do just that. So, I decided to resign to pursue my education full-time and take on more voluntary and paid opportunities within the field. I found myself thinking about ways I could effect change, influence policies, and prolong life. During my time volunteering for the San Diego Refugee Forum, I was invited to apply to where I work now as a mental health educator. I know if it wasn’t for me volunteering as much as I have over the years, recruitment opportunities would not have so easily come to me. Volunteering allows people to see your work ethic and vouch for you. My experiences have also allowed me to start a small business “Spshelle Inspires” educating people on mental wellness, professionally speaking, and even selling, merchandise. I am very happy I ended up where I did for my first job. Being a medical assistant allowed me to work in ophthalmology, physical therapy, primary care, neurology, work closely with mental health, and more.

Spshelle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Marine, public health, and mental health educator and advocate. I first served in Japan, and then Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD), As I mentioned, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Master of Public Health specializing in Mental Health from the School of Health and Human Services National University. I continued serving veterans, like myself, under the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Medical Support Assistant. Through this appointment, I was promoted and worked in various clinical settings, including primary care, physical medicine, neurology, and ophthalmology, assisting thousands of Veterans, especially those with mental health conditions who identified as being at risk for suicide. I also got the chance to be responsible for facilitating projects using lean six-sigma tools that involved better streamlining systems and processes under the department saving the government time and money. Through my active community involvement I managed to be elected Secretary of the Board for the San Diego Organization of Healthcare Leaders (SOHL) for 2017, 2018, and 2019. Most recently I served as the Early Careerist Chair for 2022. In my role at SOHL, I helped students and Fellows learn how they can advance in their healthcare fields and supported these health leaders in earning the distinction of board certification in healthcare management. Internationally I did a study-abroad internship in Cusco, Peru where I provided medical services under the supervision of nurses, and educated underserved communities there on stress management. In 2019 I was elected to serve as the International Health Liaison for the Human Rights Forum under the American Public Health Association, and in 2021, she was inducted into the Delta Omega Honorary Society of Public Health. In August 2023, I was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. My work now is as a Mental Health Education Specialist for the African American/Black community and Program Supervisor for Breaking Down Barriers under Jewish Family Service of San Diego. Breaking Down Barriers is a program funded by the San Diego County Behavioral Health Services through the Mental Health Services Act, which is designed to help reduce mental health stigma throughout the county for underserved communities. Aside from this I also am a speaker under Spshelle Inspires on occasion. I am most proud of my ability to adapt overcome and unapologetically pursue various opportunities within my field and learn from each one of them.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation was built from making time to network and having the courage to connect with leaders in the field, even during the times when I had to bring my son along. I would say even more so, that it was built through volunteering my time and service. Through volunteering, I learned what I like to do with or without money involved. It also showed people my ethics.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I would definitely choose this same specialty and profession. Public health and mental health continue to emerge and the need is going to continue to grow. During the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the importance of these professions at work. We still see the need. I am thankful to be a part of the mental health and wellness field under the public health umbrella.

Image Credits
Q88 photography/Sammie Blackmon