Shasta has been a manager of Postpartum and Pediatrics for over 18 months. During this time, I have seen great improvement in the quality of care given to our patients as well as an increase in staff/physician satisfaction. Shasta is a great teacher and supporter of her staff. She researches best practice and collaborates with physicians to implement improvement in patient care. Shasta makes sure she is present for staff day and night shift. I constantly have to remind her to stop working and go home. Under her leadership, 4FB's staff engagement improved by an amazing 44%. The percentage of engaged staff is 73%, which is higher than the norm!

When I first learned that Shasta was going to be the new manager of 4FB I was happy, yes, but also a little nervous. Working alongside her sister unit PCCs I knew that she had a passion for her career. Also what I thought to be a very tough exterior that could be considered intimidating to some around her. I realized soon after Shasta became manager that underneath the hard exterior, there was a heart of gold, a sea of knowledge, and a passion/commitment to my unit that, honestly, I haven’t seen in a very long time. She has made so many positive changes in the short time that she has been in her role; it makes me giddy to see what’s yet to come. I have told her time and time again, and I really hope she knows that because of her, I want to do better. To be better.  To be the best that I can possibly be not only for my unit and my staff, but for her. She has been my saving grace at Forrest General, and I will go to the depths of the ocean for her. 

All of this to say, than you Shasta, Thank you for your compassion and commitment. Thank you for giving you all to make my second home the best that it can possibly be. Thank you for your countless hours. Thank you for truly defining the meaning of “above and beyond.” I will forever be grateful. People will follow a leader with a heart faster than a leader with a title.