Where did you attend school?

I attended Georgia Perimeter College and Brown Mackie College-Atlanta

How long have you been a staff member at Georgia Tech?

I have been on staff for 4.5 years

Why did you decide to pursue a career in healthcare?

After being laid off multiple times in the administrative field, I wanted to try something different. I applied to Brown Mackie College and chose the Medical Assistant Program. The program was unique as my professors were licensed physicians and pharmacists. We were given the real-life skills from providers who actually work in the medical field.  My Clinical Professor, O. John Maduko, MD (Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, North Central Texas College) pushed me and held me to a higher standard. He taught me the importance of integrity, quality care of patients, and to give my best work.  My externship was at Piedmont Heart Institute. I instantly fell in love with healthcare. Joyce Walters RN, BSN, (Clinical Nurse Supervisor, Wellstar) took me under her wing. I learned so much about Cardiology but learned more about the best practices of medical care.

What do you love most about your job?

I love the students here at Georgia Tech. I enjoy listening to the students’ life goals and the stories of their travels. Our campus is so diverse, I learn so much from them in the short moments they are in our department. Although I am giving the students injections at times, easing their nervousness, treating them like I would want to be treated in an exam room, gives me the joy I need to come to work every day.

What is your greatest professional achievement?

Greatest Professional Achievement… I have quite a few. It is hard to choose just one. Right now one comes to mind.  A family member came into a clinic while I was running the triage walk-in clinic. He brought his 16-year-old nephew whose parents had been both diagnosed with HIV. Both arrived to obtain the results of his lab test. I asked the guardians permission to speak to the young man alone. I was able to encourage this teenager, and teach him how to have a healthy lifestyle. Today, he is currently attending Morehouse College as a Biology Major with dreams to be a Physician.

What have you learned from the people you work with at SHS?

I have learned the true meaning of TEAMWORK.  The medical assistants here are constantly working as a team. We pick up the slack, encourage each other, speak life, and maintain our integrity.  We are not afraid to lean on each other in order to make sure our students receive the best of care while in our facility.

What does your day to day look like?

I am the first face the student sees as they enter the Travel, Immunization, and Allergy Injection Department. I speak to each patient that walks up to the window. From processing travel applications, answering the phone, scheduling appointments, administrative duties keep me very busy. However, I still find time to volunteer on campus.

What do you like to do when you are not at SHS?

I write poetry and I love to crochet. I also volunteer in my community.  I am a QPR Suicide Prevention Instructor and enjoy being involved with US Army National Guard with my spouse.  One thing I can say, I truly love my job and what I do.