It was the art of caring and the science of healing that drew Ilene Larson to a career in the Health Sciences field.

Ilene has retired after 35 years at Blackhawk, most recently as Program Coordinator for the Physical Therapy Assistant program and the Dental Assistant and Dental Hygiene programs.

After graduating from UW-Madison with a master’s degree in Physical Therapy, she came to Blackhawk and developed the Physical Therapy Assistant program.

Looking back on her career, Ilene’s first thoughts are about the students and seeing their progression and transformation throughout the two-year program as well as “the excellent staff” at Blackhawk.

Ilene has seen physical therapy change greatly in her time at Blackhawk.

“A big change that has affected the delivery of service has been the reduction of government payment for physical therapy services over the years,” she said.

There are things that Ilene will miss besides the routine of work and the daily challenges.

“I will miss assisting students to achieve their goals and bettering their life,” she said. “I certainly will miss my work colleagues.”

She hopes the students in the programs she’s coordinated will “do well by their patients and maintain the good reputation of Blackhawk’s training.”

Following retirement, Ilene plans to do some work out in the field providing physical therapy services as well as pay more attention to her small antique and collectible business, which has been a hobby of hers since the early 1980s. She also loves to travel, so plans to continue visiting new places with old friends.

Congratulations on your retirement, Ilene!