I am a single Mom with two children. The value of a dollar and how to stretch it until it snaps came in very handy while raising my children.
I started working when I graduated from high school. I raised my 2 children and paid for both of my college degrees. I worked for Kellogg’s as a Territory Sales Representative. Because of my work ethic and outstanding customer service, Kellogg’s promoted me to District Sales Manager and asked me to relocate to Florida. I accepted the position and became responsible for the tri-county area. I moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with my 16 year old daughter. As I was relocating to Florida, my son the marine, was shipping out to Iraq to fight the war on terror.
Over the course of the next couple years, I worked hard, rebuilt the Southeast Florida region and enjoyed great success with Kellogg’s. Then in an instant my life changed. I got a phone call from my parents in Ohio. They needed me home. My 48 year old brother, Clifford, was hospitalized and diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. For the next 3 months, I flew back and forth from Florida to Ohio helping my family care for my brother. Unfortunately, Cliff lost his battle with cancer. It was an experience I will never get over.
After his funeral, I returned to Florida and tried to resume my life. I couldn’t. I felt lost and empty inside. I wanted to do something to honor Cliff and make a difference in other people’s lives. I left my position with Kellogg’s to realize my vision of helping people, impacting lives, and truly making a difference. I decided to start a premier health care agency. This agency would provide compassionate and quality care for those struggling due to health issues, surgery, or Father Time slowing them down. Whatever level of care may be needed, our compassionate and highly skilled caregivers would provide outstanding care, show respect and maintain the dignity of our clients. I know firsthand because I helped care for my brother and know how important these qualities are to the patient and to the family.
I put my plan in place and obtained my 2nd degree in the Health field. I did 2 years of unpaid internships to further understand the needs and the challenges that families faced when making the decision of hiring someone to come into their home to care for their loved one. During this time I learned one of the major challenges between the caregiver and the client was communication. Families and clients want nurses and aides who are compassionate, kind, have a keen sense of communication with all partners, and have that extension of family.