Get to know Beacon Mental Health’s Director of Nursing and Healthcare Home: Dana Fifer who has worked for Beacon for 3.5 years (June will be 4 years)
What do you like to do in your free time?
My family is very important to me. I enjoy spending time with them. We spend time going to places like Red Barn Farm in the fall, festivals, and places like Union Station during the holiday season. More recently, my daughter has started a cookie business, so it has been a lot of fun going to events and festivals with her. We also play board games and that is a lot of fun. I also teach Zumba and have since 2013. I enjoy teaching and having fun with colleagues.
Who do you look up to and why? This is a hard question! There are several people in my life who I admire and look up to. However, one friend and mentor has taught me so much over the years. Her name is Phyllis, and she is someone I admire and have had the pleasure to call my friend and mentor. She is an RN who worked for the University of Indiana in recent years but previously worked for the Department of Education in Indiana as their State School Nurse Consultant. She stood by the family of Ryan White and advocated for his right to be in school. Ryan White was the young teenager who faced AIDS-related discrimination in his school. Listening to her share her story about that ordeal, and how she advocated for the family during that time is inspirational and I have learned so much from her.
What’s your pet peeve? People being disrespectful to others. Kindness is so important always.
What’s your favorite Kansas City hangout or activity? I enjoy going to Union Station. There are always fun things on display, and I love the history, character, and charm. And although this isn’t necessarily a hang-out, I am a huge Chiefs fan! I love watching the games, going to games and being here in the middle of the history-making years.
Are you involved in any local organizations or charities or hobbies? What are they and why do you enjoy this? I have previously been involved with local charities, but as my family grew, I had to re-organize my spare time, lol. My hobbies include interior decorating and dancing.
What does a perfect Saturday in Kansas City look like? Fall is my favorite time of year, and during that time, we like to get out and take in festivals and fun events in Kansas City. Going to great restaurants and heading to the Plaza, or Red Barn Farm with my family is a perfect Saturday. And, as I mentioned earlier, I have spent time attending festivals with my daughter helping her with her cookie business and that has been so fun. I have met a lot of great people and made new friends in Kansas City and surrounding areas.
Tell me about an interesting brush with fame or an amazing truth about yourself. Hmmm…I don’t know about a brush with fame, but I was interviewed and appeared on Fox 4 News regarding AED’s and the importance of them in schools.
Do you have a favorite book or movie and why? The Lord of the Rings series; books and movies. I enjoy this genre of books and movies, and I love the combination of action with a tad bit of comedy. I have often been asked which of these books and movies do I like the best in this series, and I can honestly say, that I do not have a favorite. I love them all!
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