What is your role at Chateau?
I am the Health Services Director. My primary responsibilities include overseeing the nursing and care departments including implementing, maintaining and improving quality standards of care. I also ensure all employees adhere to high standards of infection control and follow regulatory requirements.

How did you get involved in health care?
My dad opened an adult family home when I was 17. I became a certified nursing assistant at age 18. I worked in adult family homes, transitioned to skilled nursing, then got a job at Evergreen Hospital and this is where I finally decided to go to nursing school. After 12 years of being a CNA, I was finally a nurse.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The smiles, the genuine ones. I love working as a part of a team, where we know each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and build each other up so we can give our best to our residents even on our difficult days. When the team runs well, you can see it reflected in the way the community feels when you walk though the door, you can see it on the residents faces as well as the employees. This is what makes it worth it.

What do you do for fun?
Before Covid-19 I used to go to a lot of shows, music festivals and concerts with friends. I love to travel and discover new cultures and the way other people live – my favorite city I’ve visited so far is Barcelona. In typical PNW fashion I like to be outdoors and enjoy the occasional hike and snowboarding in the winter. I have two kids so I enjoy taking them out to do things like going to the water parks, the beach, mini-golfing, etc.

What’s your dream vacation?
Greece! Visit all the islands, get some history as well as spending lots of time in the sun on the beach.

Favorite food?
Anything ethnic. I love all kinds of eastern European food – particularly Romanian cuisine and CAKES. I also really love Indian, Ethiopian, Filipino, & Mexican – as long as its authentic. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take Americanized Mexican food or a big greasy burger any day as well.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?
The COVID-19 Vaccine and Traveling. Hoping to take the kids to Hawaii and planning a trip to Egypt and Ethiopia at the end of the year.