Michelle Zima, LPN

Michelle Zima is our most senior employee here at Northampton Area Pediatrics. She began her career 21 years ago as she rotated through here as an LPN student, back when NAP was known as KBB (or Kenny, Bissell, Bartlett).  Michelle grew up in the hill towns and her entire family is from this area, so she has had the unique experience of a long history of connection to the community through her family and through the office.  She has seen children come through NAP who are now having children of their own and who remember her caring for them when they were young.

An Interview with Michelle......

What most interested you about working with children?

I come from a big family. I have seven nieces, one great niece and two great nephews, and it’s where I felt comfortable.

What was the office like when you began?

It was much smaller back then, so it may seem busier now, but we work hard now and we worked hard then to give the best service we could.  The office hasn’t changed much in that way…only that it is more modern.

What are your special interests/skills within the office?

I am one of a group of four charge nurses who help run the office flow.  I am in charge of ordering vaccines and answering questions about the vaccine schedule.  I also perform pulmonary function testing [on children with asthma or who are suspected of having asthma].  

What are your interests outside the office?

I am interested in gardening and my mind is full of useless information about plants. I have been married for seven years and have no kids and three cats.  My husband is a horticulturist.  I also like reading and my time at home. 

What do you like best about working at NAP?

I enjoy working with the kids and my coworkers; they are like a second family.  I like to be on my feet and moving.  There is such a variety of things that can be incorporated into the job that you never get bored.