Where did you attend school/college/university?

Crowder Neosho. Graduated with my ADN on December 8, 2008.

Were there any significant experiences or influences during your education that shaped your career or personal life?

I had wonderful nursing instructors that helped me find my passion in geriatric nursing.

What is your current job title and role?

RN MDS Coordinator. I am responsible for accurately completing the Minimum Data Set (MDS) which is mandated by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) for reimbursement purposes — a role that only a nurse can complete. I am also responsible for developing a Comprehensive Care Plan individualized for each resident and keeping the care plan updated with the most current resident information.

Can you describe your career journey and key milestones?

I worked in a hospital after I graduated, and I did not like it — I thought I had made a very expensive career choice. I stayed at the hospital for about 11 months before accepting a position at Lawrence County Manor as MDSC in 2010, moving into the position of DON shortly thereafter.

I was then recruited to a facility in Cassville where I met Russ, who assisted me in becoming a better DON. We achieved a deficiency-free survey in 2016, and I was recognized by MOLANE (Missouri Health Care Association, LeadingAge Missouri, Missouri Association of Nursing Home Administrators, Missouri League of Nursing, Department of Health and Senior Services, QIPMO, State Ombudsman Program, Primaris, and many others) in 2018 for minimizing the use of antipsychotic medications in the facility to below the national benchmark — and kept the number low for the remainder of my time there. I also assisted in bringing that facility to a 5-star rating.

I went on to be DON at a facility in Ozark, did a brief adventure with a hospice company where I opened a branch in Joplin, and later became DON of an assisted living facility. I enjoyed that position until the last 6 months, but I gained valuable knowledge. I returned home to LCM in February 2025 and to my role as MDSC.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

There’s life outside work???? 😊 Alongside my husband, I enjoy the many grandchildren we have, riding with my “gang” of motorcycle friends, reading, and taking naps.

If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

My Dad — what I would give just to have one more taco and tell him that I love him.

The guidance counselor I had in high school who told me I would never amount to anything — so I can say, “I told you so.”

My younger self — to tell me that all is going to work out as it is supposed to and that I’m proud of her.