Karene Sheppard has been an integral part of the team at CMH since 2010, having initially joined the hospital as a summer student while still in high school. Over the years, Karene has worn a variety of different hats within the organization, starting as a registration clerk, then a ward clerk, and finally settling into her current role as a Health Records Technician.
For Karene, the decision to work in healthcare was a natural fit. She finds the field inherently fascinating, with something new to learn every day. “I am a very organized person,” Karene says, “so health records is a natural fit for my personality.”
When reflecting on the importance of International Women’s Day, Karene attributes much of her success to the mentorship she received from Sandra Beatty and Heather Johnston, both of whom worked at CMH when Karene arrived. “They took me under their wing when I started and helped to mold me into the successful professional I am today,” commented Karene. “When I started at CMH my goal was to become a Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) professional. I never would have accomplished that without their guidance. They taught me so much.”
What makes CMH special for Karene is not just the work itself, but also the sense of community she has found within its walls. Over the years, she has formed lasting friendships across various departments, a rarity at larger facilities. “It’s nice to walk down the hall and recognize almost everyone. You don’t get that at larger hospitals.”
Outside of work, Karene enjoys spending quality time with her family. With three children – two boys and a girl – she leads an active lifestyle filled with outdoor adventures. Camping, hockey, snowmobiling, and dirt biking are among their favorite activities, with a backyard dirt bike track serving as a hub for social gatherings with friends during the summer months.