- Middlesex County Magnet Schools
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Tracing a Path of Inspiration: Woodbridge Academy Magnet School teacher of Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences, Mrs. Marie Bowen
28 January 2025 · Karmela Hadjioannou
During her time at East Brunswick, Marie was profoundly influenced by her teacher, Mrs. MaryAnn Opanowicz, a nurse who brought real-world experience into the classroom. With a small class of just 10 students, learning was intentional, personal, and rigorous. This intimate setting allowed Marie to deeply explore her potential career path, receiving extensive, individualized attention that proved instrumental in her professional development. Mrs.Opanowicz's approach went beyond textbook learning, providing students with invaluable insights into acute and long term patient care.
After high school, Marie continued her medical education, attending Rutgers/UMDNJ to earn her Nursing degree.She later went on to earn her Master's degree graduating Summa Cum Laude and continued her educational journey earning teaching certification and supervisory certification. Her professional nursing career was diverse and extensive, spanning critical areas including Intensive Care, Critical Care, and Telemetry. She later transitioned to academia, becoming an adjunct instructor at both Kean University and Rutgers. Marie also maintained the position of coordinator of the RN to BSN program between Middlesex College and Kean- School of Nursing. Marie has also been published in the Journal of Addictions- Nursing.
Today, Marie mirrors the approach of her own mentor. She is a beloved teacher at Woodbridge Academy Magnet School, Marie has been instrumental in creating the Allied Health and Biomedical Science program since its inception. She has received the Governor's teacher of the year award three times during her time at Woodbridge. Her commitment to education was recognized when the school received a 2014 and 2024 National Blue Ribbon School award.
Marie's teaching approach goes beyond traditional instruction. She encourages students to explore diverse healthcare pathways, whether in direct patient care or medical research. Her classroom is a place of discovery and inspiration, exemplified by a remarkable instance where students' lab work on sepsis evolved into an internationally published peer reviewed research paper.
"You will always remember the teacher that challenges you, provides direction and parameters," Marie says. "Be engaged in your coursework, enjoy the process, and be prepared to critically think."
Driven by her own transformative high school experience, Marie seeks to be a positive guiding force for her students. She creates an intense, high-level understanding of medicine while helping students discover their passion and potential in healthcare.
Her journey from student to educator embodies the true spirit of vocational education - transforming passion into purpose, one student at a time.