“Thank you all so much for this honor. I was born in California and moved to Missouri with my mother at the age of six. I spent most of my time growing up with my grandparents in Ridgeway, Missouri. I obtained my LPN degree in 1992 and started working for BCMH in 1994. I left BCMH to work for Dr. Sprenkle and returned approximately four years later. This is a perfect time to say thank you to BCMH for helping me financially in obtaining my R.N. degree recently. I love this community, this hospital, and my coworkers. I am a nurturer by nature and giving back to this community is what I love to do. My family moved to Lamar, MO in 1989. My daughters, Teresa and Jessica Ragan, are grown and pursuing their own dreams in Joplin. I have a fulfilling and happy home life. I love all kinds of music – especially old classic country. The adventurer in me loves geo-caching, “treasure hunting” with Pamela.”