Welcome to Coffee Talk! Below you will find a listing of all of those individuals, by graduation year, who have sent me personal and/or professional news for the Newsletter. I will be updating and adding Coffee Talk news as I receive it, so please continue to send me your news and pictures! By your name, I will include the date I received your information and will leave the information posted for a year, from that date. For many of you, this is a favorite portion of the newsletter, so please enjoy! Stacy Butts
Julie Hendrickson 1/8/06
My husband Randy and I live on our farm,with our dog Alice-(named after my sweet little Aunt Alice), she is a mixed breed,very smart,a lot of fun,we love her dearly(both our dog and my aunt).
Amy Tronsgard 12/29/05
I have been out of the field for 16 years. I have been busy raising a family with Derek our oldest being a junior at Concordia college in Moorhead. I was pregnant with him when most of you last saw me in the RT dept. We then moved to Mpls. where I worked at United/Childrens hospital in St. Paul. Our daughter Katie was born there while my husband Paul finished dental school. Katie is now a senior at North High. We decided to shake things up a bit and have one more after all the baby toys were long gone. Our baby of the family is Brian, now 11 years old.I entertain the thoughts of one day returning to the field but then snap out of it when I come to grips with the fact that everything has changed so much and so fast.I would have alot of catching up to do! Hello to all my friends in RT. I saw some of you 11 years ago when I waddled down to say hi while trying to induce LABOR! Take care. Amy
Diane Bakken 12/12/05
I work at St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes. I am an RN in the ICU and work only on a PRN basis for now. Right now I enjoy staying home with our 2 boys, ages 7 and almost 4 (in March).
Sara Steiner 1/10/06
After working in RT 15 years, I quit in 2000, had a baby and became a full time mom. My son is now in kindergarten, and I am still home enjoying my job taking care of the family!
Claude Dockter 12/22/05
Bismarck, ND
Hard to believe I have been involved with Respiratory Care for twenty plus years. I don't feel that old. I just completed my 15th year at St. Alexius Medical Center. For the past 8 yrs I have worked in Home Care as the Coordinator of Clinical Services for Great Plains Rehabilitation Services. I have managerial responsibilities for Home Respiratory Therapy Services and Orthotics/Prosthetic Services. I also facilitate all Process Improvement and Accreditation activities through out Great Plains.
I have had the great fortune to be involved with Respiratory Care on a national level. In 2000 I was elected to represent the North Dakota Society for Respiratory Care at the AARC House Of Delegates. In the fall of 2003 I received the distinction of AARC Delegate of the Year, and was also elected Speaker of the House for 2005! I was able to hand pick an individual to serve as my parliamentarian for my year as speaker, and of course who better than Gary Brown to be by my side to assure I conducted house meetings according to proper procedure and protocol.
As for my private life. My wife Mary and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this past June. My daughter McKenzie (11) and Grant (9) keep us busy shuttling them to and from various activities. McKenzie's love is soccer, and Grant's passion is Hockey and Baseball. Mary is an instructor at the local university in the physical therapy program, and often can be found on the golf course. I on the other hand am usually found wondering around in my Garage attempting to address the various to do's on my "honey do list".
Lynn Polk 12/31/05
Since I graduated, I have worked as a Respiratory Therapist, a Paramedic, and managed 2 ambulance services. In 1997, I got my Bachelors degree in nursing and went to work at Mayo. After working almost 6 years in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit, I moved to the Cardiac Cath Lab 2 years ago where I am currently a Physician Extender. Besides my regular clinical duties, I have had many oppotunities to teach, both in our department and the Respiratory Therapy department. Now I have the best of both worlds! In my other life, my 2 beautiful girls keep me quite busy, as well as many other pursuits, including tournament karate and obtaining my first degree black belt. Best wishes to you all!
Michelle Walker 11/8/05
Hello there!
We are still living in Bismarck and are really enjoying our time "out west". Our big news is the birth of our son, Daniel Lee, on July 1, 2005. He is so much work but so much fun! It's amazing how quickly someone so little can take control of a household! Fred continues to work for ND Tourism and will be traveling overseas a lot again this winter. I have taken on a new role with the state health department as the Cessation/Disparities Coordinator in the Division of Tobacco Prevention & Control and I love it! My duties basically include managing the grant that supports the ND Tobacco Quitline and coordinating a planning grant to help identify and support cessation efforts for special populations. It's been a big learning curve but very worthwhile. If anyone ever heads out this way, give us a call...we love to have company!
Derek Hustvet 11/7/05
Keeping busy with work, the MSRC, and our 20-month old son.
Tammy Sleeper 11/4/05
I am AHA PALS National Faculty for Arkansas, and continue to be active teaching PALS, ACLS, and BLS. In April I passed my RN boards, so I am now a licensed RN as well.
Dawn Rost 12/13/05
Kevin and I are still living in West Fargo with our two children. Alexis is 6 and in Kindergarten, Madison is 8 and in second grade. We spend our free time during the summer at the lake teaching them both to water ski. Kevin loves his job; he is the General Manager of Lunde Mazda/Saturn of Fargo. In April 2005 I accepted the position as Respiratory Care Coordinator for MeritCare Children’s Hospital. I continue to assist with the neonatal and pediatric transport team and enjoy being a part of the North Dakota Society for Respiratory Care. It has been my privilege to serve as Delegate for the state of North Dakota under Speaker of the House Claude Dockter and 2006 President of the AARC, Mike Runge both of Bismarck, ND. I would encourage all of you to become involved with your state society as well as with the AARC; it is extremely rewarding.
Chris Seime 12/23/05
My wife Lynn and I have a three year old named Delise, and 7 month old twin girls named Kira, and Noelle.
Jill Kielty 11/5/05
My husband, Scott, and I have 2 children, Brenna, age 7, and Ryan, age 5. We are expecting our third child in early summer.
Kim Gross 11/8/05
I have been working at Meritcare since I graduated in 1998. First in the RT dept. then I moved to the Sleep Lab in 2000 and enjoy it a lot. I have 2 energetic little boys ages 4 ½ and 2 ½ that keep me very busy outside of work.
Stacy Butts 12/21/05
My family and I live in West Fargo. My husband, Nick, and I had our first child, Elly, in January 2005. Children are amazing! After working as a Children’s Hospital Therapist at MeritCare for 5 ½ years, I accepted a teaching position for the NDSU/MeritCare Respiratory Care Program and MeritCare Medical Center. Teaching Pharmacology, Pathology and Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care to the students has been a wonderful experience that I love. I would, of course, be the one sending out emails and postcards to you all, probing you for information for the Inspirations Newsletter. My latest adventure includes serving as a member of the RC Licensure Board for ND.
Angela Skyberg 3/16/06
Hello everyone- I am working in Ada, MN as a physician assistant going on 4 years now- I really like what I do and love the fact I have my respiratory background to keep me on my toes!!! I have been married to Aaron for 5 years and we have a 2 yr old daughter Tru and she keeps us very busy!! Hope everyone is doing well!
Kristina Riedel 11/4/05
I continue to enjoy respiratory therapy part-time at Fairview. I love being a mom full time to my two sons: Gage born 3-21-01 and Grant 1-14-04. Being a mom is the best job in the world!!! :) I am looking forward to being reunited with my husband Lance who has been serving in Iraq with the MN national guard since Sept 04. His return date is looking to be Dec 05. It will be a Very Merry Christmas! In God we trust. Kristina
Sommer Jensen 11/30/05
I am getting married April 8, 2006. Hi to everyone!
Sarah Schill 12/2/05
We are doing great! We have two wonderful girls Avery (2yrs) & Carlie (6mo)that consume most of our time. I enjoy working with the babies and families, and transporting is still keeping me on my toes.
Jillian Morsch 12/23/05
I am working at MeritCare as the adult coordinator. I have a 9 month old daughter named Zaida and am married and live in south Fargo.
Nate Lagred 11/4/05
I will be graduating in December of 2005 with a BS in Nursing from Minnesota State University in Mankato. I don't know where I am going to work or what I am going to do after this. Juanita and I have two beautiful children now, Malia 3 1/2 and Donovan 6 months. We are interested in moving north a bit, closer to home, maybe St. Cloud. Anyway, I hope that all is well with everyone and I hope that we can get together soon.
God Bless,
Nathan
Kirk Roth 12/29/05
Currently a staff therapist working at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN. Other grads here are Breeon Hanks and Monika Hiltner. We have enjoyed having interns rotate through our hospital and hope they learn something from us. Although Mercy isn't the biggest hospital around, we get to do a little bit of everything so I am always kept on my toes. Our hospital has been one of the top 50 hospitals in the U.S. for pulmonary medicine three different times. As for my personal life, we (my wife Lisa and I) are kept busy with our 1 1/2 year old son, Bennett. Other than that we are the typical suburbanite family.
Lindsey Leach 2/2/06
I'm currently working part-time at MeritCare as a staff therapist. I have two boys Aiden (3) and Owen (1) that keep me running when I'm not working. Chad and I also keep busy with our farm. We live South East of Glyndon. I enjoy reading and scrapbooking in my spare time.
Stacey Gannon 2/13/06
I am employed by Immanual St. Joseph's - Mayo Health System in Mankato Mn and i am currently working as an RN. I returned to school in Sept of 2004 and obtained an BSN from Minnesota State University - Mankato. I have been working as an RN for just over a year now. Deciding to go back to school was a big shock to me as I really do like work as a RT. Also, my husband Nathan and I will be expecting our 1st child in the end of May.
Anne Uttermark 12/8/05
My husband Ryan and I are living in Rosemount with our 2 kids. Kaylee is 2 and full of independence and energy. She is mommy's little helper and loves her brother. Wyatt was born in February. He is laid back and full of love and smiles. I became the Supervisor at Abbott in August and am enjoying the change.
Melissa Foell 12/23/05
Not much new has been happening to me. I'm still working at MeritCare Hospital. In August of 2005 I got engaged and am planning a July 2006 wedding. That is about all that is going on in my life.
Christy Zitzow 1/24/06
I have been working full time as a staff therapist at Innovis Health, getting lots of experience in ICU, and NICU. I bought a house in Moorhead last winter, and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Dylan in March! He is now 10months old, and the light of our lives!
Jen Asche 12/27/05
Tim and I have moved to Alexandria, MN. I am employed at Douglas COunty Hospital. It is a nice sized hospital with a new surg center. I work all spectrums of patient care from nursery to adult. We do EKGs, EEGs, stress testing and sleep studies. I was quite a change but I am liking it. We have a now 6 month old son Alex. Who is the star of our lives! That is about it for me!!
Chelsey Plummer 11/10/05
I'm getting married in October 2006 and recently bought a new house in West Fargo.
Trisha Baumann 1/30/06
I am from Naytahwaush MN. I have worked at my parent's resort (Pinehurst) for most of my younger years, and I continue to work there when I am needed. I grew up in a family of 5. I have two parents: Greg and Julie LaVoy, one younger brother Andy LaVoy (21) and a younger sister Alison LaVoy (17). I am now a part of a smaller family of two, since I recently got married to Ben Baumann. I enjoy reading and have recently taken an interest in scrap-booking. I will be specializing in neonatal intensive care and hope to work in the NICU, and be a part of a flight team.
Kylie Hersel 1/30/06
My name is Kylie Hersel. I grew up in Tioga ND, where my parents still live. I have 2 sisters, Alissa (older) and Chelsea (younger). I currently live with both of them here in Fargo. I am currently working at Home Instead Senior Care as a caregiver. In my spare time I like to read and watch movies. Upon completion of the internship, I would like to go into the field of sleep medicine.
Carrissa Rasmusson 1/30/06
I am currently attending the NDSU/MC and will be graduating in May. It is exciting to know that I will be in the profession soon! If I am not busy doing something for school, I am busy with my son Keaton. He is an active 14 month old little boy. He is always discovering new things. He has been busy just learning to walk and expanding his vocabulary little by little.
During the summer, I enjoy playing softball, golf, volleyball, and going to the lake. During the winter, Keaton and I are avid Sioux hockey fans. With any extra freetime that I have, I enjoy keeping up with the Harry Potter series.
Heather Schmidt 1/31/06
Hi everyone. My name is Heather Schmidt and I am currently a student in the NDSU/MeritCare internship, with graduation coming up in May. I am originally from Dickinson, ND. For the last 6 years I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Shane. We have a 4 year old daughter named Noelle. I have worked for the past 3 years as a Florist, not exactly a healthcare background. I got interested in RT because I grew up with severe asthma and got to know my hometown therapists really well. I am really enjoying the internship, and hope to work in a sleep lab after graduation. Although I have had a great time for the past year, I can’t wait to graduate and start getting a paycheck again.
Angela Swarthout 2/1/06
My name is Angela Swarthout. I grew up in Brainerd, MN so I enjoy being outdoors and on the lakes every instant that I get. I have also have been a tap, jazz and ballet dancer since I was 4 years old. I came up to NDSU after High School and originally was in the pre-pharmacy program. I had always wanted to work in healthcare, but I soon realized that pharmacy was not for me because I wanted more patient contact. That is when I switched over to respiratory care.
After graduating, I plan to work for about a year close to home. After I get some more experience, I am extremely interested in becoming a traveling therapist. I am also interested in working with pediatric and neonatal patients. I would like to learn more about asthma education. One of the things that I really like about working in respiratory care is that you can work in so many different areas.
Tessa Terras 12/30/05
I am originally from Hillsboro, North Dakota, but have resided in Fargo for about 6 years. My work experience entails working as a Certified Nurse Assistant in the nursing home in Hillsboro, and also at the Villa Maria Nursing Home here in Fargo, for a total of almost 8 years. I also have a degree in Psychology, which enabled me to work at Prairie at St. John's (in Fargo) for a little while, too. My husband's name is Tim, and we have a cockapoo named Roscoe. We enjoy watching movies together and I love it when I have some time to read a good book.
Class of 2007
Dori Amundson, Eryn Clow, Gabe Davidson, Samantha Fischer, Tyler Goering, Megan Hage, Tara Jackson, Moga Kareem, Jill Koen, Kari Motis, Lacey Weber, Michelle Wiese