Tell us a little about yourself. What is your background and where you are from?

I was born and raised in Ohio and began my career teaching at a Christian school. After several years, I felt called to return to college for my nursing degree, and I’ve now been a nurse for 14 years. I have worked in the emergency room and now I’m in the transfer center for a large healthcare system in Columbus. I also plan to continue schooling for my Nurse Practitioner. I’ve always had a heart for mission work and taken many trips to various countries. When I’m not working, I enjoy coffee shops, reading, and traveling. I also enjoy my fur kid (a dog), Woody.

How did you learn about Global Care Force (GCF)?

I learned about GCF from Nazarene missionary, Crystal Gibbons. She and her husband were living in Kyiv when the war began, and they spoke at a missionary conference at our church in 2023. Crystal connected me with Roxanne Jones, and by the end of my first phone call with Roxanne, I was signed up for my first team in December 2023!

You’ve volunteered with GCF three times and have signed up to return in 2026. What motivates you?

My desire to make a difference in the world for Jesus motivated my first trip to Ukraine. I wanted to remind the people of Ukraine that they were not forgotten and that they were loved. The second and third trips came from a desire to continue to serve alongside others that wanted to provide care to those that can’t readily access it due to the war. I signed up again for 2026 because I believe in what GCF is doing and I want to continue to be a part of it!

Many organizations ask medical volunteers to commit for several months, which can be difficult to manage. Did GCF’s two-week commitment make it easier for you to volunteer?

Yes. Since I can only take two weeks of vacation from work at a time, it has allowed me to be able to serve while still honoring my commitment to my employer. Although, I do hope to return one day for a longer period if I’m able.

Can you share a story about a patient. staff member, or fellow volunteer who made a lasting impression on you? What memories will stay with you?

I’m not sure I can single out one story or person that impacted me. The entire experience has shaped how I view life and the freedom I have as an American. I’ve been especially impressed with the Ukrainian team. The fact that several of them volunteer every month to serve alongside us is quite amazing. The desire they have to care for their people and to show us their country is very impressive and encouraging. I have so many wonderful memories from each trip that I think back on often. The people on the team in Ukraine truly do become like family.

Recently you joined GCF at the Global Missions Health Conference and volunteered at our exhibit booth. Tell us about that.

I was honored to attend GMHC as a representative of Global Care Force, an organization that I have come to deeply respect. I met some amazing people with a heart to provide quality medical care to people all over the world. I also learned more about the beginnings of GCF and their vision for the future, which was exciting and inspiring to see!

Tell us what you’ve learned about the Ukrainian culture and the people. What would you want people to know?

I’ve been so impressed at how, despite everything happening around them, they have not let that stop them from living life every day. They persevere through the most difficult circumstances, and are warm, accepting and resilient people. They are very appreciative of the help they receive, and it is invaluable to them and shows them they are not forgotten.

If someone is considering volunteering with GCF, what would you tell them?

I would tell them to do it 100%! It will change your life in so many ways. Not only are you helping those in Ukraine that are treated at the clinics, but you will not be the same when you return. It will definitely widen your worldview. I don’t think anyone can go and not be changed when they return. And I think that most people would want to return to do more.

Is there anything else about your experience with GCF that you’d like to share?

I have been on many trips outside of the US, and I must say that GCF is probably one of the best organizations out there. They have a true heart and passion for the people and the work they are doing. Every detail is planned out and not once have I felt unprepared for what we would be doing and what I may see. There is full transparency, and everything is done in a professional manner. GCF is definitely doing it the right way! I am thankful for the opportunities they have given me to use my professional skills and to help the people of Ukraine.

Interested in volunterring with Global Care Force? Learn more!