About
Marianne Gutierrez is a doctoral student in the School of Nursing at the University of California Los Angeles, and a graduate of Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. She was raised in a multi-generational, bilingual household. The cuentos (stories) shared by family would influence her love of language and storytelling. Her interest in healthcare began when she became a caregiver for her grandfather when he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and COPD. His illness sparked her interest in respiratory therapy, and she worked as a Registered Respiratory therapist for a few years. During that time, she saw the need for diversity in nursing and the impact it can have on patient experiences and health outcomes.
Marianne works as a Nurse Lead at the LA County Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Call Center and COVID-19 Therapeutics Telehealth Program. This program has recently been recognized by the National Association of Counties and City Health Officials (NACCHO) with the 2023 Achievement Award and Promising Practice Award. Her research interests include Latina caregivers providing care for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias.