Hidden Gems: Meet Rochelle St.Clair of R.E.S. Phlebotomy Institute

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle St.Clair.

Hi Rochelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my laboratory career 34 years ago at Cleveland Clinic, where I gained extensive hands-on experience and developed a deep understanding of the field. Early on, I became particularly interested in blood studies, laboratory testing, and phlebotomy, eventually mastering these areas.

Midway through my career, I began traveling and teaching phlebotomy skills. In 2004, I made the decision to open a mobile phlebotomy company, allowing me to provide services to patients in their homes, nursing facilities, research settings, and more.

Throughout this time, I remained active in the hospital setting, training new hires while also teaching phlebotomy at various schools. During my experience as an instructor, I observed that many students were not receiving the proper education. They were often taught using outdated equipment and lacked real-world, hands-on experience. In my opinion, this left them unprepared for the demands of the field.

Recognizing the critical importance of skilled phlebotomists and proper blood collection techniques, I decided to establish R.E.S. Phlebotomy Institute in 2024. My goal was to provide students with real-time knowledge, up-to-date laboratory equipment, and comprehensive hands-on training that reflects today’s industry standards.

I continue to stay active in the field as a Laboratory Coordinator for a local nonprofit organization in Cleveland, where I manage five clinics and ensure the smooth daily operation of laboratory services and phlebotomy staffing.

Since opening, we have proudly graduated over 65 phlebotomists who are now working in hospitals and laboratories throughout the community. We are also in the process of expanding our programs to include CPR and IV training courses.

I would like to sincerely thank my incredible team of instructors and board members whose dedication and support have helped make R.E.S. Phlebotomy Institute a success!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge for me was funding. When I first set out to pursue my dream, I thought it would be easy to secure financing from a bank—boy, was I wrong. Banks were not as “lending-friendly” as some would lead you to believe. However, I didn’t give up. Instead, I made the decision to fund my dream out of my own pocket, pulling together every resource I had to turn my vision into a reality.

Another challenge I face is fluctuating enrollment. There are times when enrollment is low—or even nonexistent—and I’m forced to decide whether to cancel classes for the month or move forward with a class of just two students. My instructors are active laboratory professionals in local hospitals and labs, and at times, their schedules prevent them from being available to teach. Meanwhile, our students are counting on completing the program on time. Many are on winter break from college, preparing to leave for school in the fall, or balancing already busy lives. In those moments, I step in and teach the classes myself to ensure they stay on track.

Between my mobile phlebotomy business, my responsibilities to a nonprofit organization, and running the phlebotomy school, I often work 12–14 hour days, seven days a week. It’s not an easy road—far from it. But I truly believe it is all worth the blood, sweat, and tears. Every challenge I face, I consider a valuable lesson—one that can’t be learned from a book. And that kind of knowledge is something I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about R.E.S. Phlebotomy Institute ?
R.E.S. Phlebotomy Institute is a registered phlebotomy school located in Bedford Heights, Ohio, dedicated to teaching the trade of phlebotomy to aspiring phlebotomy and laboratory professionals. RESPI offers a four-week program that provides students with both classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory and phlebotomy training. Our program is affordable and includes national certification. We start new classes each month, offering flexible day, evening, and weekend options.

With 34 years of experience as a phlebotomist, specimen processor, and laboratory professional, I proudly serve as the Founder, CEO, Director, and Instructor of RESPI. I lead with integrity, dignity, pride, and a deep passion for the field—values I take very seriously. I am known for being one of the best in my field, often referred to as “The Blood Whisperer” or “Lab Guru.”

What sets R.E.S. Phlebotomy Institute apart is our commitment to real-world, hands-on training led by experienced laboratory professionals who are actively working in the field. We don’t just teach theory—we prepare our students for what they will actually face in hospitals and laboratories using up-to-date equipment and practical instruction. Above all, I want readers to know that our priority is quality education and student success. Every student who walks through our doors is equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to excel and make an immediate impact in the healthcare field—and that is what I am most proud of.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people who know me may not know is that I am very boring. LOL! Most believe I am a social butterfly, now don’t get me wrong, I get my social activities in, but reality is I enjoy being home watching my favorite 80’s & 90’s TV sitcoms, The Jeffersons, Good Times, Sanford & Son, Cosby Show & A Different World. Even though I can remember watching these shows back then, I still laugh at them today as if I have never saw it. Watching these shows remind me of a time when the world was much safer, kinder and loving. We could play outside with friends until the street lights came on to tell us to return home. Our neighborhoods were like family and we all looked out for each other. There was no technology only real family and friendship connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://resphlebotomyinstitute.com
• Instagram: @resphlebotomyinstitute
• Facebook: R.E.S. Phlebotomy Institute