Staff Member Reflects On Care At Shriners Children’s Spokane

I started work at Shriners Children’s in January 1993 as a physical therapist. I am also a wife, mother of two and now a grandmother as well. I, like most, work to provide for my family and to be self-fulfilled in feeling like I am making a difference in the world.

Shriners Children’s has supported my career as I became a pediatric certified specialist and developed the skills and knowledge needed to provide the best care possible to our patients. I have had the opportunity to help children walk for the first time, recuperate from surgery, get their first power wheelchair in the face of a progressive disorder, and so much more.

I have also had the privilege of providing clinical education to physical therapy students and be part of research projects that have helped shape the future of care.

My family and I have fond memories of supporting Shriners Children’s at events, like making elephant ears at our local fair and pushing patients in wheelchairs during the annual 7.6 mile Bloomsday race. My husband even became a driver to help transport patients, caregivers and staff members to the hospital.

I think there is a shared belief in the hospital mission from the fraternal organization, to the administration and the employees. As an employee, I have felt appreciated. My experience has confirmed my belief in the mission of Shriners Children’s to provide innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education.

I love being provided the resources to do my job well and provide quality care to our patients, without families having to worry about the cost. I am continuously in awe of the strength and resilience of our patients and their families, and the role that Shriners Children’s plays in their lives.

I am honored to be a trusted part of their journey, which has spanned at times from days-old to the patient transitioning out of our system.

I have witnessed how the answer is always “yes” to meeting the needs or requests from a patient within our scope of care. I love being asked where I work, as everyone is always familiar with Shriners Children’s and the positive impact that it makes!