Claire Paquette, LPN

Claire just celebrated her 14 year anniversary with Northampton Area Pediatrics.  Everyone at NAP loves Claire for her kindness and sense of humor, and parents know her for the sage pediatric advice she provides over the phone.  She reflects on her time here at Northampton Area Pediatrics...

How long have you been working at NAP?

My anniversary of 14 years was last Friday (March 27th).  I started at NAP the same day as Dave Lyons.

What was it like when you started working here?

The office was much smaller and less busy.  The docs that worked here were Drs. Kenny, Bartlett, Schwab, Lyons and McKinnon. There was no Amherst office at that time. I joined right before there was talk of opening a second office.

What career did you have prior to working at NAP?

I had previously worked for many years in med-surg and geriatrics (at Holyoke Hospital and Holyoke Geriatrics, a nursing home).  I didn’t originally think of working in pediatrics.  But I saw an ad in the paper, sent in my resume, and then got a letter back saying the position was filled.  But soon afterwords Sheila [Streeter] called me for an interview.   I grew up in Holyoke, so to start, I was intimidated by Northampton and the thought of working here.  But when I met with Sheila, I saw that she had a stapled pant hem, and I knew that I could fit in here.

This is the best job that I’ve ever had.   There are the stressful times, but it is a great place to work.

What is your role at NAP and what are your special interests within the office?  How has your role changed over the years?

I started the Reach Out and Read with Dr. Bob about 12 years ago. Just a few months ago I passed this on to Heather.  It needed some new blood.

For the last two years I have been doing strictly phone triage, which I love.  That change made this the perfect job for me.  I used to do everything else. When I started here, I even worked the front desk. I alternated days with Kristi where we would give phone advice and check people in.  This was probably about 12 years ago.

What are your interests outside the office?

I have four children. I am a grandmother to two. I babysit twice a week for my granddaughter, Maeve, who is 10 months old. In don’t get to see my grandson as often since he lives in Jersey. I love to read. And now that the weather is nicer, I’ll be going out on my bike.

I live with my husband of 31 years and we’re getting used to being empty nesters and loving it.  He is retired, so that is nice.  We also have a foster granddog – our daughter is in photography school and is gone all the time and we didn't want her to be caged.  So we are keeping her with us. Her name is Luna.