A born and raised Kansan, I am one of 9 siblings. The experience of growing up in a large family taught me the value of understanding and the necessity of teamwork. My husband, Toby, and I married after graduating the same year from Kansas State University. From there we went on to live and work in various locations in the U.S., he in baking science and myself in laboratory science. Along the way we added to our family three children, Christopher, Robert, and Colleen—all of whom I admire as the adults they grew up to be. My family, in particular my supportive husband, encouraged my educational journey, which can be described as non-traditional. I enjoy traveling whether it is by plane, train, automobile, boat, or foot. I also love to read, which I consider a cerebral form of travel.Learning about new places, times, animals, people and ideas is endlessly fascinating to me.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN IN A FEW SENTENCES WHAT COMPASS RABIES CONSULTING IS?
The mission of Compass Rabies Consulting is to provide expert assistance globally to pharmaceutical companies producing rabies vaccines and biologics (including plasma and final rabies immunoglobulin products) as well as rabies laboratories providing testing to support pet import/export and monitoring of immune response to rabies vaccination in humans and animals.
WHY DID YOU START THIS BUSINESS?
After many years enjoying my work in the rabies world–performing, researching, and developing rabies laboratory methods and growing and operating a large service laboratory–I realized I had developed a unique set of knowledge and management skills. To be able to share that knowledge for advancing rabies prevention and control efforts globally is important to me. I enjoy troubleshooting and collaborating with clients to gather necessary data to create and implement lasting solutions..
WHAT IS YOUR EVERYDAY PROCESS FOR ASSESSING A CLIENTS NEEDS?
The first step is understanding the goal of the project and organization of the client’s team. The second step is to listen meticulously to the client’s explanation of the issues and challenges which led to the request for assistance. Asking the right question at the right time is critical and will aid in achieving realization of the project goals. Fully learning the nuts and bolts (regulatory requirements, timeline, and resources) is key to designing a successful plan.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE NAME COMPASS?
A compass is a precision device and is used to point toward the direction you wish to go. I truly believe in choosing the right tools for the project at hand and in focusing on those that will provide timely, accurate, and understandable results. Also, I enjoy traveling, especially exploring a new city on foot. Being blessed with an innate sense of direction, I rarely get turned around for long—in a way I carry a compass within me.
Compass Rabies Consulting 