Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I started my career in healthcare 40 years ago working for a Neurologist in West Virginia. I found that I enjoyed interacting with clients seeing their situation improve with their medical conditions. I moved to Virginia in 1986 and worked a variety of jobs including a temp position with the Adolescent Autonomy Program where I met Dr. Sharon Hostler, she renewed my interest in health care. In 1988, I co-founded On Call Health Services in Dillwyn, we provided home health and personal care to Buckingham and the surrounding counties, we employed 16 nurses and 43 personal care aides. Even though the business was successful, it was consumed all of my time and my kids were entering high school then, so in 2004 I chose to close the business.
In 2005, I started in the Department of Medicine working as an administrate assistant and since that time I have worked in five different positions and am now a Fiscal Tech Senior, providing support to the Department and the Divisions of Allergy, Cardiology, and Gastroenterology. I work with the finance team and enjoy coming to work every day. I believe I have the best supervisor at UVA, Kim Blowe.
What excites you about your work?
What I love about my job now is that it is ever changing and my skill set is growing every day.
Proudest / greatest achievement outside the professional realm?
There are a couple, becoming an EMT in 2005 and working with the Scouts BSA program in Buckingham. You could say I live and breathe scouting.
What are you usually doing on the weekend?
My weekends are spent running rescue squad, scouting events, church, family and then me time.
How did you meet your partner?
My husband knew who I was before I met him, ours is a “Drive-by” love story; one Friday night I was working and he kept driving by my office and waving at me. That night we ended up watching Snow White together, that was in 1994. We finally got married in 2001.
Favorite vacation/activity spot?
My favorite vacation spot is First Landing State Park at Virginia Beach where we visit the Virginia Aquarium. My other favorite activity is cruising.
Most admired person, and why?
My most admired person(s) are my kids, my son, Oatie has gone from being a Tiger in Cub Scouts obtaining his Eagle at 15 and is now a Scoutmaster running his own troop. My daughter, Hilliary – there is so much to admire; she is strong, independent, a great mom, and a Vet Tech.
Best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I ever got was to never stop learning. I believe this to be true and especially with UVA providing support for educational opportunities, we should all take advantage of this. I try to take a class each semester.
What about you would surprise us?
I have an AAS degree in Human Services and will complete an AAS in Business Management in December. And I spent 8 years in the Army Reserve.
Filed Under: News and Notes
Tags: DOM, DOM Administration, May 2019 newsletter, medicine matters, newsletter, profile, profiles, staff