I’ve lived in the Willamette Valley since 1961. I was a career homemaker for 31 years and a mother of five children. I also cared for my dad as he approached the end of life, and my mom, who, years later, succumbed to vascular dementia. As a widow, I worked in retail and real estate. I soon discovered these were not enriching pursuits. I found PCC and Gerontology. With an AAS and a basis in hospice care, I attained a B.S. degree at Western Oregon University in 2016. I learned about Atlantis through a neighbor and decided to interview. Their level of professionalism and concern for their clients and employees alike is exemplary. When the opportunity came to transition to the Ark Foundation CNA School, I was thrilled. Helping seniors and people with disabilities live independently for as long as they can has always given me great fulfillment. Being a part of training others to provide professional care is doubly rewarding. Many of our students go on to more advanced roles in healthcare. I look upon this work as building a relationship of trust with our community. I currently have little discretionary time, but I have learned to enjoy the moments I do gardening, reading and spending time with family and friends