Leading From the Heart...for Twenty Years

So, you know you’re lucky when you get to show up for work that’s a career and share the experience with the kind of people you’d adopt if you could.

Team Leader Dani never applied for the job; her honesty, fairness, eloquence, and good heart pretty much rendered the selection process unnecessary.

Dani first stepped through our doors a few days past twenty years ago. On that occasion I was too busy being busy to appreciate the opportunity; all I managed was a wave and a glance. My co-workers urged a return visit (and the threat of an organized strike) and I’ve never spent quality interview time more wisely.

Dani was a quick study; she was self-motivated and instantly won the respect of her co-workers and patients alike. Within a few weeks, Dani had done an inventory of supplies on her own initiative and within a few years she’d led a community project that served Temple City schools while managing most of the local dentists in the process. A little while later, Dani was named National Dental Assistant of the Year by the prestigious Crown Council.

Although Dani has deservedly won honors as a Dental Assistant, they don’t come close to defining her as a person. Dani happens to share December birthdays with my Dad. And I know for sure there are at least two amazingly generous, empathetic good hearts in the Golden Rule Hall of Fame…both of whom started out on December 2nd.

When I was accepted onto the Board of Directors of Pasadena's Haven House (the first shelter for victims of domestic violence founded in the U. S.), Dani showed up with a carload of clothes the next day. Every year, we’d adopt a Haven House family for Christmas; and having selected and wrapped all of the gifts with her sister Denise (now our lead Treatment Coordinator,) Dani always took the first step as we met yet another courageous, grateful family trying their best to put a smile on one of life’s cruelest punches to the gut and heart.

Back in 2015, our office organized our first food drive, benefitting low-income families with children attending local schools. Don’t have to tell you who created, organized, and led the event…that generated over 1,000 pounds of Holiday donations.

One Monday morning, a little while later, Dani (“not a morning person”) showed up excited and animated enough for the Olympic trials, sharing what she’d done over the weekend. And I don’t know about you, but sometimes my Team Leader makes me feel like the most selfish loser in the world. While I was playing golf and agonizing over college football, Dani and four lady friends and relatives decided Sunday was a great day to make a difference…again.

Armed with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, juice, water, and cheese and crackers, Dani and company visited the areas around Olvera Street, Elysian Park, and LA County General Hospital and fed 120 homeless Angelenos. As Dani told me Sunday’s story, I could see what fulfillment looks like; when she finished her report, we both mouthed the words “…but for the grace of God.” And then, “Dr. V, we’re gonna do it every month.”

So, I’m not going to be providing dental care forever. When I started out in 1976, I thought I’d put in 20-years and then move to the Amalfi coast. But then, I would’ve missed the last twenty years and the love and respect I have for someone I would’ve gladly adopted.

Today, Dani is also a mom. And Tatiana is the cutest little 2-year-old independent thinker I might never have met. You can have the Amalfi coast.

Love ya Dani, Happy Twentieth.