Leah Whetzel
I was born and raised in the Northern part of the Philippines.I finished my nursing degree there before I immigrated to the U.S.A. 39 years ago.I made my second home in Aurora,Illinois,a western suburb of Chicago.I was there for nine years,got married and moved to Maryland,where I currently reside.
As a nurse,I held different management position from a charge nurse,supervisor,Assistant Director of Nursing to Director of Nursing.I was influential in recruiting and training foreign nurses to fill the gaps of the nursing shortage in the 1990s to mid 2000 for the health care organization I am currently working.Helped those nurses and their families obtain their permanent residency to their becoming a U.S.Citizen.
In 1991,I returned to school to get a Bachelor's Arts Degree concentrated in Management.It is also same year that I became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and a citizen of the U.S.A.What a great year for me and my family!
As a Nursing Home Administrator,I faced so many challenges and opportunities but my passion for the care of the elderly kept me going and strong.I also enjoy mentoring people and to date a total of eight individuals have been under my guidance who successfully obtained their license as nursing home administrators.
Over the years as the leader of my organization,I was instrumental in its financial stability,won a Bronze Quality Award,a Medicare five star rating and one of the best nursing home in America by US News.
In 2010,I was promoted as CEO of my organization and keeps me challenged.Again,because of my love for the seniors,I find the time to enjoy the work I do.
Last summer I was a Brava Awards winner by SmartCEO Publishing Company in the Baltimore region.The Brava Awards program celebrates and honors top female CEOs who combine their entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for giving back to the community.
Daily,my inspiration comes from reading the Bible.It is my faith that gives me strength and inspiration.Along with my husband,I am involved as Grief Care Facilitator at my local church and serve as an Usher.I also support other organizations that help the needy.In particular,I am involved with Partners for Care in Kenya that aims to change lives of the less unfortunate by giving water packs,helping mothers to learn new skills or simply making sure that children get some education.
With this new opportunity to become a Certified Coach,Speaker and Mentor of the John Maxwell Team,I pray that I can help more people to better themselves.