Teammate Spotlight on Shae Perez

Andrea “Shae” Perez started her career at Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH) and the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center (TBPHC) in September of 2019. She serves as a weekend Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and as the receptionist, where she wears many hats directing incoming calls, welcoming guests and helping with front desk volunteer training. We caught up with Shae for a Q and A to learn more about her. Read about this dynamic teammate below.

What are you passionate about regarding your professional role?
Professionally, I am passionate about providing a comforting experience to every guest that enters the Harold E. Simmons In-Patient Care Center. Sometimes I will receive a call from a patient’s family member telling me their loved one passed, and I try to stay on the phone with them a little longer to provide comfort. Every first-time guest at TBPHC receives extra attention when being directed to their desired room with a short tour along the way. My goal is to make everyone feel welcome.

Favorite memory/moment to date during your time at FPH:
One of my favorite memories happened a couple of years ago with an elderly residential patient who had beautiful white hair, bright blue eyes, a gentle voice and the sweetest smile. One day, while the nurse and I were in her room providing care, she softly said that we reminded her of her children because of the way we were tending to her. I smiled and replied, “Yes, we just look a little different!” That comment brought out one of the biggest smiles I’d ever seen from her. She left a lasting impression on so many of us.

What do you think sets FPH apart from other hospice services?
One of the first things guests often comment on is the beautiful interior of TBPHC. They’re usually surprised that it doesn’t look like a hospital or a nursing home. I’ve even had guests say it feels like being on vacation. I frequently hear, “This place is beautiful,” but once they witness the care and compassion shown by teammates, it quickly becomes, “This place is amazing.”

What is something that makes you feel proud?
I am most proud of being an online student. After COVID happened and due to my busy work schedule, I had to quickly become comfortable taking classes online even though I much prefer face-to-face learning. At first, it was challenging, but over time it got easier. With each class I complete, I feel proud of how far I’ve come.

On the weekend, you can find me:
You can find me hanging out with family and friends, shopping, reading, watching movies and eating ice cream.

What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants?
My favorite foods include salmon, chicken alfredo pizza, enchiladas, fried shrimp, fried catfish, street tacos and wings! Mi Cocina and Texas Roadhouse are my favorite restaurants.

Tell us about your hobbies:
I enjoy reading, walking around White Rock Lake, going to the gym and journaling.

Share about your family:
I am a mom of two adult children and one teenager. I am also blessed with one granddaughter. My mother passed away when I was seven years old, which shaped a lot of who I am today. I have one sibling (an older brother) and am glad my father now lives near me. When I slow down a little, I would like to adopt a fur baby.

How would your friends describe you in three words?
My friends would describe me as: caring, funny and compassionate.

What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
People may be surprised to know that back in my school-age days, I ran track and became the third fastest runner in Texas!