1. What was your very first job?
Oh, wow. The first job that I actually filled out a W-2 for was waitressing at our local Pizza Hut while I attended Saginaw Valley State University earning my bachelor’s degree. Most of us working there at the time were attending college, so we were all going through the same “season” together and I made some of my lifelong friends there. Not only did I gain friendships, but as a young adult I learned a lot: multi-tasking, time management skills, teamwork and customer service. We all learned to work hard no matter the situation – our Friday night outings were often delayed, we really could survive working a holiday, and when the air conditioning wasn’t working but the ovens continued to blaze at 500 degrees, we still smiled.
2. What’s something people would never guess about you?
People who don’t know me from childhood are usually surprised to learn I grew up on a farm with lots of crops and some livestock. I made a comment one day to my staff that kids in my hometown “detassel corn” for a summer job. None had ever heard of such a thing, nor did they know that corn grows as female and male. So, I had to give my team an agricultural lesson.
3. Who is your hero?
Hands down: Hamilton’s frontline staff. I know what it felt like for me at work coordinating COVID testing and vaccine events, but I am not even in a clinic. Being in a clinic was so much harder during the pandemic and there are some special Hamilton nurses, providers, clinic leaders and staff who truly led the fight in so many ways. I can’t say enough about their resilience and heroism.
4. What makes you laugh the most?
My son – and he will gladly tell you so! He enjoys making others laugh and would probably be a good stand-up comedian.
5. Do you have any hobbies?
Is there still time for hobbies? I do make time for two things: 1) Enjoying our Michigan summers on the Saginaw Bay and 2) Hitting any type of antique or junk fair to find furniture, décor, anything metal. Then, just give me a bare room to put it in.
6. What is one work-related thing you want to accomplish in the next year?
If I must pick one accomplishment to share, I’ll always choose to reach more people who want or need to use our services. Many people don’t realize that HCHN treats both insured and uninsured patients. Being a federally qualified health center, we are in a unique position to offer anyone services regardless of ability to pay. Plus, our services expand beyond primary care. For instance, we offer behavioral health services for all ages, vision, substance use treatment, dental, pediatrics, obstetrics, and we even have Michigan Medicine specialties for gynecology, urology and breast health at our Main Clinic. And with a background in research organizations, I’m always excited about the studies conducted here and to be part of new science. So, sharing all of that with anyone and everyone who needs to know is an invigorating challenge and one I look forward to every day.
7. How would your friends describe you?
That probably depends on which friend you ask; but most will say, “If you want the truth, ask Stacy.” Other than that, creative and loyal – usually fun and willing to have a good time (at least until 9PM).
