Lab Professionals Get Results: Lab Week 2017

04/26/2017

National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week
April 23 -29, 2017

Please join us in celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week! As we continue to face the challenges of today’s healthcare environment, this week is a way to take a breath and recognize the vital role that the laboratory “team” plays in our community’s health.

The Department of Laboratory Services at Day Kimball Healthcare encompasses several areas of responsibility that all contribute to our Excellence in Customer Service for our patients and colleagues. Our dedicated, knowledgeable Lab Professionals provide the testing and analysis on the hundreds of thousands of laboratory tests that are run at DKH each year.

So, as part of the celebration this year, let's get to know some of those dedicated and knowledgeable Lab Professionals, through our famous "13 Questions" quiz. Meet Dawn Peters, Lab Service Specialist; Roberta “Bert’ Sharpe, Chemistry Lead Technologist; Leslie Taylor, Phlebotomist; and April Orlowski, Blood Bank/Hematology Supervisor!

Dawn Peters, Service Specialist

1. I grew up in: Eastford, CT
2. Who’s on your playlist? Def Leppard! Poison, George Strait, Martina McBride, Two Steps from Hell
3. What’s your favorite movie? Pretty In Pink
4. What’s your favorite color? Yellow
5. What was the last thing you read? Outlander
6. Who is your hero? My grandmother
7. Pets or no pets? (name them, if so.) Six dogs! Cheyanne, Spike, Ellie Mae, Willow, Jasmine, and Tallulah. And, four cats! Rolo, Tiger, Pepper, and Reese.
8. Name something on your bucket list. To take a helicopter into the northern most point of Alaska and dog sled out.
9. What’s your “go-to” comfort food? Ruffles
10. Smartphone, tablet or desktop? Smartphone
11. People would be surprised to know that I: Have 5 kids who range in ages 20 years apart.
12. What’s your current health focus (for you personally)? To wake up everyday!
13. What’s your favorite place in northeast Connecticut? My bed! But also, I love the Thompson Dam Campground.

Roberta "Bert" Sharpe, Chemistry Lead Tech

1. I grew up in: Pomfret, CT

2. Who’s on your playlist? Adele, Maroon 5, Shawn Mendes
3. What’s your favorite movie? On Golden Pond
4. What’s your favorite color? Green
5. What was the last thing you read? HealthStream!
6. Who is your hero? My Dad
7. Pets or no pets? (name them, if so.) Not presently
8. Name something on your bucket list. To snorkel in Hawaii
9. What’s your “go-to” comfort food? Rice Krispie Treats
10. Smartphone, tablet or desktop? Smartphone
11. People would be surprised to know that I: Am learning to play violin.
12. What’s your current health focus (for you personally)? To remain cancer-free! (4 years and counting)
13. What’s your favorite place in northeast Connecticut? Camping at Charlie Brown Campground in Eastford.

Leslie Taylor, Phlebotomist
1. I grew up in: California
2. Who’s on your playlist? Beatles
3. What’s your favorite movie? Avatar
4. What’s your favorite color? Plum
5. What was the last thing you read? Reader's Digest short stories
6. Who is your hero? My hero was always my father because he was always there for me.
7. Pets or no pets? (name them, if so.) No pets at this time. I miss my Happy Dog everyday.
8. Name something on your bucket list. Going to Alaska and I am in August!
9. What’s your “go-to” comfort food? Doritos and ice cream
10. Smartphone, tablet or desktop? Smartphone & Tablet
11. People would be surprised to know that I: Have tattoos, or know how old I am.
12. What’s your current health focus (for you personally)? Staying healthy. I am on the walking team with my favorite people.
13. What’s your favorite place in northeast Connecticut? Ross's Cliffs in Danielson.

April Orlowski, Blood Bank/Hematology Supervisor

1. I grew up in: Rocky Mount, NC

2. Who’s on your playlist? Whatever's on the radio
3. What’s your favorite movie? Jaws
4. What’s your favorite color? Blue
5. What was the last thing you read? The Nightingale
6. Who is your hero? My grandmother
7. Pets or no pets? (name them, if so.) Remi, an English black lab
8. Name something on your bucket list. To visit Yellowstone National Park.
9. What’s your “go-to” comfort food? Pizza
10. Smartphone, tablet or desktop? Smartphone
11. People would be surprised to know that I: Have a degree in Zoology.
12. What’s your current health focus (for you personally)? To heal my autoimmue issues.
13. What’s your favorite place in northeast Connecticut? The Woodstock Fair