I was called and offered the position by the Head of School when the parents of a diabetic student requested a school nurse. I was already the parent of a first grader and fourth grader at MPS and knew people through volunteering with the PTO, so I thought it would be fun!
You need to be caring, empathetic, and detail oriented. You also need to have problem solving skills, stamina, communication skills, a sense of humor, and a commitment to patient advocacy.
My favorite thing about working at MPS are the well-mannered students and their wonderful, generous families! Many times, a situation with a child will turn into a friendship with the family. I have formed lasting relationships with parents over the years and love watching their children grow. I have a special place in my heart for the endless joy I receive daily from every child I see whether it is in the hall, on the playground, or in the health office. I especially love the cards and pictures students give me and I save every single one! Last but not least, the people I work with are supportive and are more like family than coworkers.
I would have to say learning all the CDC and DHEC guidelines and explaining isolation and quarantine to parents (especially the lengthy quarantine periods). I am so grateful for the help I receive from Tiffin Lamoreaux, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. She is so kind to me and is the most patient person I know!
I love: - going out in the boat - staying at our beach house on Seabrook Island - photography - going to Clemson every chance I get (I have a daughter who has graduated from there and one who is currently a student there, and I am the biggest Clemson fan in the family!) - walking - swimming - floating in our creek - shopping
- In high school I was voted “Most Spirited” at cheerleading camp. - I was also voted “Miss Congeniality” in my high school pageant. (I’m not a pageant girl – I entered with my best friend and it was fun!). I wish I was the lead in the movie, “Miss Congeniality.” - My mother-in-law was my first nursing instructor. She likes to say that she “chose” me for her son. I love that! - I met my husband at McAlister’s Funeral Home. We stopped by after our wedding to take a picture with the sign. It is framed and hangs in our dining room! - I love looking at all the medical stuff in stores. - I am a breast cancer survivor (5 years). I have the best surgeon in the country, who also happens to be the Dad of fifth grader Mahlon Kline. I chose him when my daughter needed surgery when she was little and decided if I could put her life in his hands, then he was the surgeon for me! I’m even more blessed to have him and his family as friends. dr. Kline has allowed me to encourage his patients prior to their surgeries and I’ve even visited a few while they were recovering in the hospital. - The best things that ever happened to me are my husband Larry (married 31 years on March 10) and my 3 children: Bailey (24), Madison (21), and Ryan (18).
Faculty Spotlights
Our Mason Prep faculty is special. They not only teach and prepare our students, but also listen to them, support them, and inspire them.
“Miss Rett” was part of the teaching team that began Mason Prep’s kindergarten program. Her room is a bright and happy place where her “Froggies” grow and learn with her support and encouragement.
Mrs. Shaddrix has been teaching for 22 years, all of which have been at Mason Prep. She served as the lower school French teacher and the media center assistant for two years before becoming a fourth grade teacher.
Mason Preparatory School is committed to the education of the whole child in preparation for secondary education through the cultivation of respect, integrity, and personal responsibility within a nurturing environment that results in a productive citizen of a global community.