Geri Spotlight: Ashley Johnson and Evie Kalmar

Interviewed by Evie Kalmar over Lunch.

About Ashley’s Role/Ongoing Projects
Ashley is leading a vital initiative to screen every individual aged 65 and above within the SF Health Network for signs of dementia. Together with another NP, she has personally reached out to each person through phone calls. She is excited about screening people in the comfort of their homes. Her work focuses on early detection of cognitive impairment, connecting people with appropriate resources, and promoting equality by screening everyone.

Ashley loves working with her team, especially because it's made up entirely of women. She feels they're a strong and supportive group. They work together well and bring different skills and perspectives to their work.

What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
Ashley's professional goal for this year is to find a way to stay in geriatrics and the Division after the dementia care aware funding ends. She also wants to explore another certification. 

More about Ashley
What’s one “fun fact” about you that not many people know? (e.g., hidden talent)
Ashley is an excellent and intentional gift giver. She even keeps a running log of things she thinks would make a good gift for someone.

What are you happiest doing in your free time?
Ashley enjoys playing tennis, singing (particularly karaoke of Whitney Houston songs), dancing, eating, and sometimes cooking.

What is the best advice you've ever heard?
"You can do anything you put your mind to.”

Who is someone you admire, and why?
Ashley admires Kathleen Liu. She admires Kathleen for her impressive dual roles as both an intensivist and nephrologist. Ashley also appreciates Kathleen's exceptional communication skills and her ability to motivate and support others like an awesome cheerleader.

What are some causes you care about?
Ashley is deeply passionate about women's rights, racial equality, and blindness.

What would your back-up career be?
Ashley would be a TV news broadcaster.

What else would you like us to know about you?
Ashley plans to start making candles!

Interviewed by Ashley Johnson over Lunch.

About Evie’s Role/Ongoing Projects
Evie is currently working on a manuscript about burnout in healthcare providers. She's excited to help these workers and feels honored to support veterans who have served our country.

Her favorite aspect of her position is the variety of clinical care and working with the fellows.

What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
Evie's professional goal for this year is to improve in communication.

More about Evie
What’s one “fun fact” about you that not many people know? (e.g., hidden talent)
Evie can speak 4 languages: Hebrew, Spanish, Mandarin, and English. 

What are you happiest doing in your free time?
Evie enjoys spending time with her family.  

What is the best advice you've ever heard?
"Focus your energy on one thing at a time."

Who is someone you admire, and why?
Evie greatly respects comedians who have overcome adversity and bravely share their stories with the public, using their platform to advocate for meaningful change.

What are some causes you care about?
Evie cares about equal rights and protecting the environment.

What would your back-up career be?
Evie would be a documentarian who would help provide visibility to inequities.

What else would you like us to know about you?
Evie enjoys reading physical books and actively participates in a running group, where she lends a hand in managing the newsletter. She also has three-year-old twins.