With Community’s Meet Community blog, you will have the opportunity to meet one of our staff members each month and get to know them with some fun questions.
Sheryl Reeder, hospice volunteer and administrative coordinator, is the proud mother of two “young” adults and grandmother to two, soon-to-be four, grandchildren. She’s a Pacific Northwest native with a long history in the dental and medical field.
Q&A
What inspired you to work for a hospice nonprofit?
My two years as a hospice volunteer with Community inspired me to apply for a program assistant position when one became available in 2013. I have never regretted my choice.
What makes Community unique compared to other places you’ve worked?
My entire working career has been in the medical and dental field; I am a former dental hygienist. Working in hospice gives me a broader perspective of the emotional aspects of human nature. It has taught me to be more compassionate, tolerant and less judgmental.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
Interacting with volunteers, interviewing new volunteers, joining them while they are with their patient assignments, and watching them interact with the patients and families. I am awed by their care and compassion.
What’s your favorite on-the-go snack while working?
Almonds or pecans
Cats or dogs?
I own a cat that previously belonged to one of our Vancouver hospice patients. I also enjoy well-behaved dogs.
What’s your favorite hobby right now?
I love to bake and share the goodies with the staff or my family. My oldest grandson, Adam, has said since he was old enough to talk: “Nana, you’re the BEST baker EVER!”
What’s your favorite book?
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
What’s your karaoke song?
Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver (it was my Dad’s favorite song)
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
“No questions or talking before coffee.”
Tea or coffee?
See above 😉
