Sandy has worked as a nurse since 1987 and has experience in obstetrics, pediatrics, gynecology/urology, operating room nursing, pain management and plastic surgery. Currently, she’s with Tatum Highlands Medical Associates in Phoenix, AZ.  She is also recently completed her RNFA through the National Institute of First Assists.

Sandy has participated in three mission trips to Nicaragua with Dr. Foltz (nominee for AZ Business Magazine 2013 Health Care Award) and Esperança. She recalls how the conditions in Nicaragua are poor and the people there don’t have access to medical care or supplies.

Sandy and Dr. Foltz see about 30 cases a week during each mission trip.  Sandy collects medical supplies throughout the year to take on her trips and usually is able to obtain over $1,000 in donated supplies each trip.

“I like to work with Esperança because they are so organized and have such a good reputation,” says Sandy.  “The support staff on the ground in Nicaragua is wonderful too. Esperança makes good use of its resources. I have never seen a nonprofit who is such a good steward of their money and resources.”

In the 27 years that she has been a nurse, Sandy says she finds the medical mission trips the most rewarding because it allows her to get back to the basics and really focus on each patient.  Whereas, in the U.S., a nurse has plenty of office work and paperwork to accomplish each day too.

Thank you, Sandy for your hard work and commitment to our programs!