Faces and Places

Finding my way to Lancaster County EMS was the result of a quick right turn into an EMS station one day while on a family reunion trip to my brother’s home in Indian Land. Most paramedics have a curiosity about other EMS systems in areas they are visiting and I am no different. Usually I find a system that is woefully in need of better equipment, medical protocols and better personnel.

I initially received my training as an EMT through the military while deployed during Desert Storm as a hospital corpsman in the Navy in 1991. I also volunteered with Bethune Rescue Squad. When Springs Industries plant in Kershaw began its reduction in the workforce, I sought and found full-time employment with Kershaw County EMS as an EMT. I advanced to the intermediate level and eventually became a paramedic/supervisor.

In the fall of 2006, I was the stay-at-home mother of two boys – Matt, 12, and Mason, 4. With my youngest child starting kindergarten the following year, I felt it was time for me to think about going back to work. Most of my work experience was in retail, and frankly, I had no desire to return to it. This was a new opportunity to me, and I wanted a career – not just a job, but a career that would set a good example for my boys and make them proud of their mom.

McDonald Green Elementary held a family workshop at the school on March 27.
Workshop sessions included Healthy Living presented by Michael Owens, the school’s physical education teacher. Technology to raise academic achievement for the 21st Century was presented by Lesley Saxon, the school’s computer lab manager and Social Networking was presented by Shandra Hall, school counselor.
The school’s Beta Club members served as greeters and assembled personal care packages, that included items donated by Gilliam Dentistry.