March 07, 2024

When did you join UTHealth Houston? What brought you here?
My start date with UTHealth was in March of 1993. At that time my mom was working for an ophthalmologist’s office in the building then called the Doctor’s Center. We now know it as the University Center Tower, and Dennis Christie, who was the director of the Centralized Billing Office, mentioned that he was looking to fill a position. Mom knew I was wanting a change from where I was, and before I knew it, I had an interview!

Tell us about your work history here.
I had some experience in billing and coding, so I was put in an entry level spot processing claim denials. Working as a CBO representative for six years allowed me to work one-on-one with people in almost every department of the McGovern Medical School. It was through one of those connections that I received an offer to transfer to the Department of Dermatology. I’m thrilled to say that I have been able to spend my remaining years here with the wonderful faculty and staff in Dermatology.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?
I was a young, single mom with no higher-level education when my journey with UTHealth began. Reflecting back, I realize just now as I’m asked about it, that what I feel most proud of what I accomplished because of the educational and career opportunities with UTHealth. The benefits offered here enabled me to support my son and secure my future. I’m not ready to retire just yet, but when I am, I will do so knowing that the time I invested with UTHealth was matched each and every year and that provision will give me confidence to embark on that new adventure with peace of mind.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I like all the aspects of what I do, but the most enjoyable by far is the people. I may be helping a patient figure out their bill, or discussing something with one of our faculty. Another day it’s collaborating on a project with a co-worker here in Dermatology or with someone in any other UTHealth department. Everyone is kind and everyone is helpful. This is a component that makes for an exceptionally enjoyable work environment not typically found in an institution of this size.

Why have you stayed?
One word comes to my mind again and again and that’s family. On average, we spend more hours at work than at home. The environment at UTHealth is family oriented. It is fostered and encouraged and it has made coming to work every day for 30 years something I look forward to. The love and support I’ve received throughout the best and worst seasons of my life are beyond anything I could have imagined a job can offer.

When you are not at work, how do you spend your time?
I have three big dogs and a cat along with my husband at home. My off time is always spent with him and both of our families. There are four children combined with one grandbaby along with siblings, nieces, and nephews. We love relaxing together playing games, cooking delicious things and much as possible we do this near some body of water be it beach, lake, or pool.