Born in Flint, Michigan, and moving to Houston at the age of ten, Natasha Platt’s journey is a testament to the power of community, education, and perseverance. During her time in Alief ISD, she attended Boone Elementary, Heflin Elementary, Killough Middle School, and Elsik High School, forming the foundation for both personal growth and future achievements.
Graduating with the Class of 1995, some of her fondest high school memories are rooted in sports. Participation in volleyball, basketball, and track not only fostered camaraderie with teammates but also instilled lifelong lessons in resilience and determination.
Initially pursuing nursing at the University of Memphis, Natasha’s career path took a pivotal turn before her junior year when she shifted to Sports Medicine, blending a love for athletics with a passion for healthcare. Today, she serves as a Health Science Clinical Rotation and Pharmacology Instructor at the Marshall Center for Advanced Careers, where she finds the greatest reward in guiding students and witnessing their growth into confident young adults.
Reflecting on the impact of her Alief ISD experience, Natasha credits the district’s supportive environment and diverse community with teaching invaluable lessons about resilience and cultural awareness. The confidence gained from overcoming challenges in sports and academics has carried over into both career and personal life, helping her navigate obstacles with determination and grace.
Her work not only shapes the future of healthcare professionals but also serves as a source of inspiration for Alief students, demonstrating that success is possible regardless of one's background. Beyond the classroom, Natasha enjoys traveling, reading, crafting, and baking, activities that provide joy and balance.
Maintaining strong ties to Alief, she actively participates in the community, supports former teammates, and attends student events to encourage and inspire the next generation. Her advice to aspiring healthcare professionals is straightforward: pursue the field wholeheartedly, as compassionate, person-to-person care will always remain essential.
Success, for Natasha, is deeply personal—whether it’s being the first in her family to attend college, mastering new skills, or achieving professional milestones. Among her proudest accomplishments are being part of the first cohort of WNBA interns, serving as Head Women’s Athletic Trainer at the University of Memphis, and publishing a coloring book, “I Want To Be A Doctor: Doctors from A-Z”.
Looking back, Natasha credits her Alief ISD education with shaping her character, fostering respect for diversity, and equipping her with the skills necessary to navigate the professional world. Her message to current students, staff, and alumni is simple yet powerful: “If I can do it, so can you.”