Family ties
Happy Mother's Day!
We invited LCMC Health team members with moms who also work at LCMC Health to share what it's like when your work family is actually family, sharing their stories, what it's like working together, and the joy of seeing a familiar face in the halls.
Get to know some of our families below:
Charlene Cavalier
West Jefferson Medical Center
Submitted by: Aimee Ricks & Erin Cavalier, WJMC
What inspired you to follow in her footsteps:
Aimee:
I watched how hard she worked and how satisfied she was with her job and
it inspired me to go to nursing school. My sister is also in nursing school
and working at WJ, so she's definitely been a role model and someone to
look up to.
Erin:
My mom loves her role as charge and makes sure all the patients are cared
for as you would care for a family member.
Why does she inspire you?
Aimee:
She inspires me with her dedication to her patients, her workplace, and
coworkers. She's also a wonderful mother and grandmother.
Erin:
My mom is such a strong woman and has instilled in me to be strong and
to always be my best self.
What is the best part of working with her?
Aimee:
I love when I have to call her floor for report or transfer a patient there
and I get to say a quick hello or give a quick hug. We also try to catch
lunch in the cafeteria together when we're able. I love that my WJ family
includes my actual family.
Erin:
My mom is an amazing teacher. I have learned so much about what it takes
to be a great nurse from her!
Darlene Gondrella
West Jefferson Medical Center
Submitted by: Randall Gondrella
What inspired you to follow in her footsteps:
I was inspired to follow in her footsteps because growing up here, I saw how much working in healthcare can leave a lasting impact on just about anyone you interact with. I was inspired to be able to help people and to be able to make a lasting impact in the world of healthcare for patients.
Why does she inspire you?
She inspires me to be my best self and to make sure that I give this place my all as I’ve always seen her do in the past.
What is the best part of working with her?
The best part about being able to work at the same place as my mother is being able to take a break and go and have lunch with her.
Ashley McGaha
LCMC Health
Submitted by Paige McGaha, East Jefferson General Medial Center
What inspired you to follow her in her footsteps:
I was inspired to go into healthcare by my mom. Although my mom isn’t a nurse, she always showed the strength and compassion that is necessary for a healthcare career. Growing up, I watched her care for family members, friends, and neighbors with empathy and selflessness whenever the situation arose where they needed extra help.
Her example taught me that healthcare isn’t only about medicine or surgeries, it’s about kindness, patience, and connection. I chose nursing because I want to carry the same spirit and make a difference in people’s lives the way she always has.
Why does she inspire you?
My mom inspires me because she cares for others with such genuine love and patience. She’s the type of person to put others before herself. Even in times of stress, she stays levelheaded and kind. Watching her handle life with grace even in her most challenging moments gave me the tools of compassion and perseverance I try to carry with me through my life and nursing career.
What is the best part of working with her?
Even though mom and I don’t work side by side, both of us working for LCMC Health is still special to me. We don’t get to see each other at work very often, but I always get excited when I do get to see her and tell everyone that she’s my mom! It is extra motivating for me to see how well respected she is in her role as it inspires me to work just as hard to make my own mark. It means a lot to contribute to the same company as my mom because we are both working towards the same goal of excellent patient care in our own way.
Kim Melvin
Lakeview Hospital
Submitted by: Matthew Melvin, LCMC Health
What inspired you to follow her in her footsteps:
My mom encouraged me to become a junior volunteer when I was just 14. At first, I was honestly terrified to work in a hospital setting, but that experience taught me so much. During COVID, I was hired as a greeter and spent most of my time in the ER-talk about seeing and learning a lot!
After that, I became a transporter in Radiology and Cardiology, and now I work full-time as a Patient Care Technician on the Telemetry floor. My next goal is to finish a few more classes so I can apply to radiology school. I've truly developed a passion for patient care, and I credit that to how my parents raised me-to care deeply for others, be kind, and lead with compassion.
Why does she inspire you?
Her work ethic inspires me every day. She's so compassionate in everything she does-for the hospital and the community. Watching her in action makes me want to do the same and give back in my own way.
What is the best part of working with her?
I get to see her at work-and she still makes me lunch! It's the little things like that that make our bond even stronger.
Sharon Pattison
East Jefferson General Hospital
Submitted by: Sydney Pattison, LCMC Health
What inspired you to follow her in her footsteps:
My mom is at EJ. I didn't technically follow in her footsteps, as I'm not
an occupational therapist, but seeing the hard work she's put into helping
the hospital advance in the 30 years she's been with the organization
is inspiring.
My sister Ashley Hillburn works at Touro as an occupational therapist,
though, so she directly followed in my mom's footsteps! This photo is
of all three of us.
Why does she inspire you?
Seeing how hard she works to better the lives of those in our community is really inspiring, and I want to do the same in whatever way possible.
What is the best part of working with her?
I love having someone in my corner at all times - literally. It's awesome being able to have an impromptu lunch date or someone to call with EJ information no one else knows. She's my very own fountain of EJ knowledge, as she's been there for many years!
Kathy Tanner
University Medical Center New Orleans
Submitted by: La'Nasha Tanner, UMC New Orleans
What inspired you to follow her in her footsteps:
My mom who is a nurse at UMCNO inspired me to go into medicine because of her commitment to her patients and their well-being. She started out Charity Hospital in the NICU and is now at UMCNO.
Her commitment to this hospital system is unbelievable. She has served this system for 30 years. She encouraged me to shoot for the stars and to become a doctor. She has been my biggest support. I am an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of OBGYN at LSU.
Why does she inspire you?
My mom inspires me for many reasons. She is kind, compassionate, and never meets a stranger. She works very hard to give everyone the best and makes them feel special whether it's her family or patients.
What is the best part of working with her?
Even though I don't work with her, I am excited when I get the chance to see her on the floor and run into her colleagues who have know me since I was a little girl.
Alesia Thompson
University Medical Center New Orleans
Submitted by: Calvin Thompson(UMC), Lauren Thompson (WJMC), & Leah Thompson (WJMC)
What inspired you to follow her in her footsteps:
Calvin:
Being around the hospital often as a kid naturally exposed me to the world
of nursing. However, it was more than just the setting that drew me in.
As I got older, I saw how much joy and fulfillment my mom found in her
work. That deep sense of purpose she carried inspired me to follow in
her footsteps with my own career.
Lauren:
Interestingly, it wasn’t always the plan to follow in my mom’s
footsteps and become a nurse. I earned a degree in a completely different
field, thinking my path would take me elsewhere. But as life unfolded,
God’s plan became clear—and it brought me exactly where I
was meant to be. Looking back, it feels like everything was leading me
to this point. Watching my mom’s dedication and the joy she found
in helping others made a deep impact on me over the years. Eventually,
I felt that same calling and stepping into nursing felt like coming home.
Leah:
Growing up, I watched my mom care for others with so much HEART. She made
nursing look like more than a job; it was a calling, a way of life —it
was impossible not to be inspired. Seeing the difference she made in people’s
lives sparked something in me early on, and I knew I wanted to follow
in her footsteps and make a difference in people’s lives.
Why does she inspire you?
Calvin:
She inspires me because she leads by example. Her strong work ethic, character,
and consistency have earned her the respect of so many around her. She’s
always told me, “Don’t ever do anything halfway,” and
that’s something I carry with me in everything I do. She’s
the kind of nurse and person I strive to become.
Lauren:
My mom inspires me because she embodies everything a nurse should be—empathetic,
resilient, and deeply committed to helping others. As I’ve gotten
older, I’ve realized that we have such similar personalities, so
it's no surprise to me that I fell in love with nursing just like she
did. She’s not only my mother but my role model, and I’m proud
to walk the path she paved.
Leah:
My mom inspires me because she rose from humble beginnings and, against
all odds, became a nurse-a profession that perfectly reflects who she
is: someone who cares deeply for others and dedicates her life to helping
those in need. She’s not only an amazing nurse, but an incredible person.
What is the best part of working with her?
Calvin:
The best part of working with her is knowing that I can come to her with
any questions I have. She also understands the highs and lows that come
with nursing. Working with her makes me hold myself to a higher standard
because I know I am representing her with the work I do.
Lauren:
There's something incredibly special about sharing this career with the
person who inspired it all. She understands me in a way no one else can,
and her guidance—both as a nurse and as my mom—has been invaluable.
Even if I’m just venting to her about the highs and lows that come
with being a nurse, there’s a comfort and strength that comes from
knowing she’s in this with me.
Leah:
The best part of working with her? Just being on the same team—learning
from her and seeing firsthand the kind of nurse I hope to be. Even though
we work at different hospitals, her support is constant. And on the days
we’re in the same building, I love stopping by her office just to
sit and talk—it’s a small moment that reminds me how lucky
I am to share both work and life with her.
Submitted by mom:
Charlene Caviler
West Jefferson Medical Center
I'm writing this for myself. I have the honor of being in the same hospital
with my two daughters. Aimee Ricks is a nurse in endoscopy now studying
to become a nurse practitioner, and my second daughter Erin Cavalier is
studying to become a nurse and currently working as a student nurse tech
graduating in December. Both of my girls have made me so proud in their careers.
Why do they inspire you?
My daughters inspire me both in their studies and by being wonderful moms. They are compassionate with their patients, as I get to see while talking with patients returning from an endoscopic procedure and hearing how wonderfully they were treated by Aimee knowing she's my girl. And daily with Erin seeing how willing she is to help in all patient needs. I am truly a proud momma.
What is the best part of working with them?
The best part of working with my children at West Jefferson Medical Center is being able to see them in the halls. Answering calls to hear their voices, having lunch with them, and being able to talk with them about the day and knowing they truly understand.
Submitted by mom
Ashley McGaha
LCMC Health
My finance career at Tulane was already well underway when my daughter
Paige was born. Over the years, as a finance leader in a hospital setting,
I've come to deeply appreciate the vital role nurses play-not only in
providing compassionate, hands-on care to patients, but also in supporting
the financial strength and overall performance of the healthcare system.
So when Paige chose to begin her own career in nursing, I was one proud
mom. Paige is compassionate, resilient, and dedicated-qualities that make
her incredibly well-suited for a profession that demands both heart and strength.
On this Mother's Day, I want to thank Paige for being my favorite daughter
(she has two brothers!) and celebrate her meaningful contribution to patient
care at LCMC Health.