What is your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
I am a registered respiratory therapist, RRT-NPS (neonatal and pediatric specialist) as well as the clinical manager for the Respiratory Therapy department. I support my team with all administrative tasks and work in collaboration with my medical director to make sure the department’s needs are met. 
 
As a respiratory therapist, I support the mission of Scottish Rite for Children by supporting the respiratory needs of all patients by helping them maintain or improve their baseline respiratory status. I support our patients through diagnostic testing (pulmonary function testing/PFT), sleep screen scoring, blood gas analysis or noninvasive ventilatory support to help plan for upcoming surgeries or post-surgical respiratory needs. I also spend time in the clinics to help evaluate and prepare our patients for upcoming surgeries. 
 
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
My patients are my utmost motivation to come to work every day with a smile. I love how everyone works together in unity to help meet the needs of the patients that we serve. Small and connected to everyone. Don’t forget the smell of popcorn. Due to COVID, I’ve missed that smell! 
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here? How long have you worked here?
My very first job in the United States was as a store clerk and stock room associate at Big Lots. I then worked in the food service department at a hospital in New Jersey. It was there that I first learned about respiratory therapy. During that time, I was taking my prerequisite classes for any type of medical program. I was initially trying to be a radiology tech, but respiratory therapy sounded more promising to me. I interacted with some of the respiratory therapists at that hospital and they were very helpful in getting me to pursue this field. 
 
I have been with this team of amazing people for a little over four years and it feels like home.
 
What’s the coolest or most interesting thing you’re working on right now?
I enjoy doing woodworking in my garage. I am planning on making a hamster or guinea pig home from an old chest of drawers. Been looking at it on Pinterest for quite a while. 
 
What are you currently watching on Netflix?
I guess I am late to this, but I have been watching The Blacklist on Netflix - very interesting.  
 
What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?
I have always wanted to do a Jeep off-roading excursion in Mexico. I plan to get to that soon once places open up more. 
 
What are some small things that make your day better?
Smiles! Every time I see a patient smile, especially those little ones, I smile. A smile can go a very long way. 
 
What is special about the place you grew up?
Liberia has lovely tropical weather and very nice beaches. During the rainy season, it is not as lovely, but it always gets better. The food is also to die for. 
 
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
Cooking! Specifically, BBQ. Texas has spoiled me with BBQ and I just love to see how my food turns out. I also like to do DIY stuff and little woodworking projects. I consider myself a jack of all trades. I  feel that if someone can do it, everyone should be able to do it. You can learn anything.