{DKH Longest-Serving Employees Spotlight} Roberta Sharpe

In celebration of 125 years of service, DKH is showcasing many of our longest-serving employees who have dedicated 40 or more years to our organization. Here’s a chance to get a more personal look at the people woven into the history of your community hospital.

This month we recognize Roberta Sharpe, Lead Chemistry Technologist in Day Kimball Healthcare’s Laboratory, who began working at DKH in 1978. Roberta’s roots with DKH go further back to her birth here at the Hospital. Several of Roberta’s family members were born at DKH including her father, three of her siblings, and her son. Roberta grew up in Pomfret on an eighth generation family dairy farm! She now resides on Quaddick Lake in Thompson, CT.   

“I am proud to work at this hospital and hope that whatever the future holds, we will continue the traditions of excellent care that we provide to our community.” 

Read on to learn more about Roberta, including what inspired her career choice and more in this spotlight. #DKHTurns125 #DKHEmployeeSpotlight

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When did you begin working at DKH? I began working at DKH on August 28, 1978. 

What roles have you had at DKH? I started at DKH as a Microbiology Technologist from 1978, until I transitioned into a new role as Lab Generalist in 2000. In 2010, I became Lead Chemistry Technologist where I am responsible for the day to day operations, mentoring new employees and students, maintaining inventory, and troubleshoot and repair of our two VITROS® 5600 systems.

Do you remember your early days of working at DKH? I was fresh out of school and terrified, but everyone was very nice! 

What sparked your interest in healthcare? The desire to help others. 

Where did you receive your education? I graduated with an Associate in Science in Laboratory Medicine. I am a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and I am a certified Medical Technologist by the American Medical Technologists. 

What do you like most about your job? I enjoy knowing that the results we provide help physicians to diagnose and treat patients. Favorite tech quote (borrowed from the ages): “Without me, your doctor is just guessing.”

What do you like most about working at DKH? I was born here and it is close to home. I have developed close friendships with those I have worked with for many years. I feel like I have truly helped my community.

What is your proudest moment at DKH? My proudest moment was three years ago, when I achieved the position of the longest employed lab technician at DKH.

What is your fondest memory of your time at DKH so far? Looking into my newborn son’s face on December 22, 1988.

With this being DKH’s 125th anniversary, what do you think makes DKH so special? We truly care about the community in which we live and work. Our patients are not a number, they are a priority.

What do you like to do outside of work? Outside of work, I love to travel. I love Aruba and go there each year in May. We recently took an Alaskan Cruise tour, including 3 days at Denali National Park. In January 2020, I will be traveling to the Holy Land with a group led by my pastor, The Reverend Dr. Greg Gray from Thompson Congregational, United Church of Christ. We hope to tour the National Park with our travel trailer when we retire. I also love music and I sing and play flute. I recently started violin lessons as well.