April Butchki

April Butchki serves as Program Director and Instructor for the Respiratory Therapy program at Carlow University, leveraging 30 years of clinical experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist with over two decades in education.

Her educational background includes a Master of Education (MEd) and Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Teaching philosophy centers on developing student competence in patient advocacy through integrated theoretical instruction and clinical practice, emphasizing patient well-being, rights, and interdisciplinary collaboration in respiratory care.

Research and professional interests span Respiratory Therapy with specialized focus on pharmacology, mechanical ventilation, adult critical care, pulmonary diagnostics, and home care. She actively shapes curriculum to produce compassionate healthcare leaders prepared for clinical excellence.

Professional recognition includes:

• Laurel Business Institute Instructor of the Year
• NISOD Excellence Award (2019, 2020)
• Laurel Business Institute Administrative Employee of the Year (2018)
• Fayette County Educator of the Year, Post-Secondary Education (2010–2011)

As an active educator and committee member of the Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care Education Committee, she maintains strong professional engagement through the American Association for Respiratory Care and National Board for Respiratory Care. Her mentorship approach cultivates future leaders by connecting classroom learning to real-world patient advocacy and interdisciplinary healthcare contexts.