Born and raised in North Central Kansas. I have spent most of my career in Nursing starting as a dietary aide in my hometown nursing home and transitioned to the floor when I turned 16 and later a CMA when I turned 18. In the 80’s CMAs were charge nurses in the evening and night shift. I had a full ride scholarship to nursing, only to realize that Science is not for me. I ended up going to Kansas Wesleyan University, graduated with a double major in Accounting and Business Management. Even though I changed my major, I continued to find myself navigating back to nursing in one aspect or another.
Seeing the changes in the nursing field in the last 30 years where our loved ones had no rights to having residents’ rights inspired me to move my career to a role where I can make a difference.
I have been in every position in long-term care, with the exception of environmental services. I have had many role models over the course of my career that inspired me to want more for those that have no voice and to help families with their loved ones.
I spent my life being the “soccer mom”, which was my greatest joy while working as an Accountant for a home health agency. Nursing always allowed me to have my family with me; this included when my grandkids were born their parents worked for me in some capacity in one of the homes I managed, so the grandkids have always been able to be a part of the larger “family”. You spend your life in nursing, that it becomes your family. My youngest son is following in my footsteps in nursing. He has worked with me in 2 facilities and is now an admissions coordinator in Salina. We love to compete and the winner gets a free lunch or dinner. Two of my daughters-in-law both worked for me as CNA/CMA. Nursing is a family affair.
Family values, mom of three and grandmother of 5 wonderful grandchildren. Value the moments I have with my grandkids, make every attempt to attend dance recitals, softball games and volleyball games back home in North Central Kansas.
