Staff Spotlight: Kathryn Eisele
| Though she herself does not speak because she is hearing impaired, Kathryn Eisele’s presence spoke volumes as a valued part of the administrative team at the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute.
Sami Uwaydat, M.D., signs his thanks to Eisele for her years of service.
An administrative assistant who retired in September after 20 years at UAMS, she will be missed by the coworkers who grew so accustomed to her being in the office.
“I remember the first time I met Kathryn 13 years ago. It was my first day working at Jones Eye and someone had told her that I knew sign language. She came up to me and introduced herself. From then on, we have been very good friends,” said coworker Rhonda Robertson, a patient representative.
Such stories are common among Eisele’s many coworkers at JEI.
“Her curiosity and interest in learning know no bounds. She is always eager to ask and learn about people and things going on around her,” said Doris Ching, executive assistant to the director. “Without using words, Ms. Kathryn is still able to communicate more than most with just the smile on her face and the kindness in her eyes.”
Through an interpreter, Eisele said when she first started, several coworkers made the effort to learn sign language to communicate with her. That effort really felt very special to her and is emblematic of what she will miss about UAMS: the connections with people, whether staff, faculty or patients.
It’s a fit that was pleasing to see, said John Shock, M.D., former director of Jones Eye.
“I happened to be here when Kathryn was hired. When she was being interviewed, I didn’t really understand yet how well she was going to get along with our group. It’s been amazing,” he said. “Everyone made her feel comfortable, and she made us feel comfortable around her. I never saw her unhappy. She did a great job the whole time she was here.”
Coworkers presented Eisele with tokens of their thanks, including an award, gift basket, and book of pictures from her 20 years at JEI.
Even without speaking, Kathryn was not shy to share her thoughts, said Kimberly Glaze, a clinic supervisor and Eisele’s coworker for 17 years.
“She is inquisitive and will always ask tough questions. She told you exactly how she felt about you or a situation, even when these were the things no one else would tell you (but probably should have),” she said.
Yet she also never forgot a birthday and would often bring a card or handmade gift to make that person’s day, Glaze added.
“If you tell her one thing about yourself, she will remember it forever. She is extremely smart and has a heart of gold,” said Robertson.
That kind of thoughtfulness made her decision to retire somewhat bittersweet for her coworkers.
“She was a wonderful team member – happy, enthusiastic, eager, kind and interested. She is truly a rare find who cannot be replaced,” said Ching.
“I don’t even think she knows how amazing she is,” added administrative assistant Karen Call.
In retirement, Eisele plans to move to Northwest Arkansas, where she will live closer to family, including a sister with whom she is very close.