My name is Athena Blair. I am a Registered Nurse and have been in Health care since 2001. I began teaching at Gateway STEM in 2013. I have 5 children, 3 of whom are Gateway graduates from CTE programs.  I am excited to work with your son/daughter and share my experiences in the health care field. Prior to Gateway, I worked at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Barnes Jewish Hospital, and Pediatric Home Health. In 2019 as summer employment, I took a position with the BSA as the Medical Director of one of the premier Scouting facilities in America, S bar F Scout Ranch in KnobLick, Missouri. 

The Health Science Program here at Gateway STEM gives students an excellent opportunity to learn about the options in health care careers. The nursing field is always growing and will continue to be in demand. Students who receive their certification (CNA) will be able to work in the health care field while continuing their education and work towards becoming a registered nurse.

When I am not teaching, I help coach Gateway’s award-winning FIRST Robotics teams;

FRC: Perpetual Chaos team 931 and FTC: Spare Parts team 288

What is FIRST Robotics Competition?

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.”

Health Careers Exploration 11^th grade

Course Description: This 10 week course introduces the student to the world of health care. This course will expose students to healthcare science skills and attitudes applicable to healthcare including the concepts of health, wellness, and preventive care. The changes in healthcare delivery systems and the subsequent impact on healthcare delivery for individual consumers is explored and evaluated.

Patient Care Practicum; Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) 12th grade

Course Description: The state-approved course requires the individual to complete 75 hours of classroom training, 100 hours of on-the-job training and successfully complete a two-part final examination. The two-part final examination includes a written (or oral) and practicum examination. Students will receive a certificate from the state of Missouri and be eligible to work as a CNA right of out of high school. Employment opportunities for CNA’s primarily include long term care facilities, home care and hospitals.

• First semester focus is emphasized on theory and learning patient care skills.
• Second semester students attend clinicals (internship) 2 days per week at a long-term-care facility to obtain the required 100 hours of patient care on-the-job training.

Professionalism: Gateway STEM high school is a state approved training site in accordance with     The Department of Health and Senior Services. We expect our CNA students to adhere to the     guidelines expected of any other Missouri state-approved training site.  Program uniforms,         professional behavior and academic achievement are expected.

Entrance Requirements

• GPA: 2.5 or higher
• 90% Daily Attendance Expected
• Recommendations from three teachers