Employee Spotlight: Debbie Sparks, Development and Marketing Manager

We are very excited to highlight one of our most valuable assets, our employees! Each month, get to know the HPC team in a fun new way.

Name: Debbie Sparks

Department: Development/Marketing/Outreach

Title: Development and Marketing Manager

Primary work location: Olathe

How long have you worked at HPC? Three and a half years

How did you get into your field of work?

I was working in corporate America when a good friend of mine contacted me about an open position where she was working. She thought I would be a good fit for the job and that I would find it rewarding. She was right! I started working at a local Safety Net Clinic in January of 2003 and the rest is history.

Do you speak any other languages? If yes, which ones?

No, unfortunately, I do not.

Do you have a favorite quote? If yes, what is it?

“Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful.” -LR Knost

What values are important to you?

Values that are important to me include honesty, loyalty, compassion and respect.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

When I was growing up, I really wanted to be a nurse. I did not pursue that dream. But I am blessed to work in a supporting role in health care with smart, driven, kind and compassionate people that I admire, every day.

What is on your “bucket” list?

I would like to travel and explore the world.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is my Mom’s homemade scalloped potatoes.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Breakfast Club”

What is your favorite hobby?

I enjoy reading, watching my daughter play softball, traveling with my family (which normally revolves around softball) and playing various card and board games with my kids.

Are you an animal lover?  If yes, how many pets do you have and what kind are they?

I am an animal lover. I have two dogs, a Labrador Retriever named Rico Suave and a Pug named Tucker Angus.