Behind the Lab Coat: 13 Questions with Lab "Superheroes"

It's National Laboratory Professionals Week, a time when the Day Kimball Healthcare family recognizes and thanks our many laboratory staff for the invaluable role they play in caring for our patients. The American Society for Clinical Pathology is celebrating this week by sharing how "Not All Superheroes Wear Capes - Some Wear Lab Coats."

Well, we'd like you to meet just a few of our own Lab superheroes, nominated by their coworkers to be featured as examples of phenomenal laboratory professionals. One grew up on her family's 8th generation farm in Pomfret, two love the singer Pitbull, one is a cancer survivor and another dreams of skydiving.... They're an interesting bunch! 

Meet some of the superheroes behind the lab coats:

Patrice Bernier, Director of Laboratory Services
Joy Blackmar, Laboratory Services
Roberta Sharpe, Lead Med Tech, Chemistry
Laurie Thompson, Lab Support Specialist

 

Patrice Bernier, Director of Laboratory Services

1. I grew up in:
   Webster, MA
2. Who's on your playlist?
   The Beatles, Michael Franti
3. What's your favorite movie?
   The Green Mile
4. What's your favorite color?
   Lavender
5. What was the last thing you read?
   Hot Pursuit by Stuart Woods
6. Who is your hero?
   My husband is my hero, he is my support!
7. Pets or no pets?
   Bichon Frise named Sammy
8. Name something on your bucket list.
   To sky dive
9. What's your "go to" comfort food?
   Herbal tea
10. Smartphone, tablet or desktop?
    Ipad
11. People would be surprised to know that I:
    My favorite books and movies have a lot of action! (Murder, suspense...)
12. What's your current personal health focus?
    Nutrition - I feel like I can conquer the world when I eat healthy!
13. What's your favorite place in Northeast Connecticut?
    Our family home and waterfront on Quaddick Lake in Thompson, CT

 

Joy Blackmar, Laboratory Services

1. I grew up in:
   Putnam, CT
2. Who's on your playlist?
   Matchbox 20, Pitbull, Frank Sinatra
3. What's your favorite movie?
   Fried Green Tomatoes
4. What's your favorite color?
   Red
5. What was the last thing you read?
   Axle the Big Red Truck (LOL! I take care of grandkids and that's their favorite book.)
6. Who is your hero?
   My mom. She has had some challenges in her life and has always been strong, loving and happy.
7. Pets or no pets?
   Cat, Henry
8. Name something on your bucket list.
   Going to Venice
9. What's your "go to" comfort food?
   Chocolate
10. Smartphone, tablet or desktop?
    Smartphone AND tablet
11. People would be surprised to know that I:
    Was born in Georgia
12. What's your current personal health focus?
    Eating well
13. What's your favorite place in Northeast Connecticut?
    Can't really pick one. Each town has some special place, person or memory for me.

 

Roberta Sharpe, Lead Med Tech, Chemistry

1. I grew up in:
   Pomfret, CT -
   8th generation on a family dairy farm!
2. Who's on your playlist?
   Josh Groban, Barbara Streisand, Trace Adkins
3. What's your favorite movie?
   The Sound of Music
4. What's your favorite color?
   Green
5. What was the last thing you read?
   There's More to Life Than This by Theresa Caputo
6. Who is your hero?
   My dad
7. Pets or no pets?
   None right now
8. Name something on your bucket list.
   Going to Hawaii
9. What's your "go to" comfort food?
   Rice Krispies treats
10. Smartphone, tablet or desktop?
    Smartphone
11. People would be surprised to know that I:
    Want to learn to speak Italian
12. What's your current personal health focus?
    Staying cancer-free (I had rectal cancer in 2013)
13. What's your favorite place in Northeast Connecticut?
    Mashamoquet State Park

 

Laurie Thompson, Lab Support Specialist

1. I grew up in:
   South Boston, MA
2. Who's on your playlist?
   Blues Traveler, Pitbull, and yes... Taylor Swift
3. What's your favorite movie?
   American Beauty
4. What's your favorite color?
   Blue
5. What was the last thing you read?
   The Killing Floor, by Jack Reacher
6. Who is your hero?
   My sister, Lynne
7. Pets or no pets?
   Coco Lopez, my dog
8. Name something on your bucket list.
   Take a cruise
9. What's your "go to" comfort food?
   Ice cream (Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Heath Bar Crunch)
10. Smartphone, tablet or desktop?
    Tablet
11. People would be surprised to know that I:
    Love opera music
12. What's your current personal health focus?
    To stay healthy
13. What's your favorite place in Northeast Connecticut?
    Putnam River Trail