Meet Our Writers
Jade Spencer, RN, Mirror
Healthcare professional for 10+ years specializing in emergency and inpatient nursing care. Champion of continuous process improvement and operational lean methodologies that propels nursing excellence and contributes to positive patient outcomes. Mother, sister, friend, budding creative writer who values authenticity, collective human connection, and radical free thought.
Andy Calhoun, RN, Do You Remember Me?
Andy Calhoun, RN, Clinical Assistant Nurse Manager at Covington
I’ve been with MultiCare for 3 years and been an ER nurse for 13 years. As a new nurse, I started at a big inner-city hospital in San Antonio with trauma and high acuity. I needed a break so I traveled as an ER nurse for 3 years. My favorite assignment was Covington and I decided to stay! I love to travel and I’m usually skiing or scuba diving. I’m a big nerd and I play games (Magic the Gathering & Dungeons and Dragons).
Natalie Lanocha, MD, Nine Weeks
Dr. Natalie Lanocha is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), working in the divisions of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Palliative Care. In addition to these clinical roles, Natalie has dedicated her scholarly work and education to Narrative Medicine. Currently, she serves as co-editor for the Journal of Palliative Medicine Books and Media Reviews. She co-created and is now the faculty lead for the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Pediatric Trainees Narrative Medicine Group, which holds regular virtual writing workshops and humanities sessions for pediatric trainees. She additionally teaches a "Narrative Competence" course for interprofessional students across OHSU. Beyond searching for quiet moments to read and write during her spare time, Natalie can be found chasing after her toddler Eleanor.
Michele Denney, RN, Let Me Tell You About The Babies
Michele Denney, MN RN, Director of Women’s Services. I have been a registered nurse for 35 years and graduated with my master’s from the University of Washington in 2019. Being a nurse is a part of my soul and I am honored to serve my community to help provide the best outcomes and empower women during labor and childbirth. I am thrilled and excited that my story was one of the many beautiful stories picked to be a part of the BREATHE project. Writing and sharing my story was healing and helped me to dig deep to explore how my experiences have shaped me as a nurse and a human. I often say that nobody truly knows what a nurse does except another nurse. Often, we keep those scars hidden but to expose them and share them feels powerful. Thank you for that opportunity.
Natalie May, RN, Mantra
Natalie grew up in Northern Arizona and obtained her nursing degree from Northern Arizona University. Her background in nursing includes travel nursing primarily in intensive care units in Arizona, Oregon, and Washington, prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Natalie’s career took her into nursing professional development, and she now serves as a clinical nurse leader. Outside of work, Natalie is an avid trail runner and ultramarathoner; she lives with her partner, Harrison, and their 2 very loveable but naughty dogs.
Danielle Bates, RN, Turkana
Dani has lived in Puyallup her whole life with deep family roots at Good Samaritan Hospital with her mom and late grandmother both working for Multicare since she was a child. She was even in Good Samaritan’s daycare back before Good Sam because part of Multicare. Dani has been married to her perfectly polar opposite husband Nathan for 18 years and is a mother of 2. She has been a nurse for 14 years but has worked at Good Sam for 20 years, which includes starting as a volunteer while in high school. Dani is currently one of the clinical assistant nurse managers for Pulse Heart Institute and will be transitioning into the Heart Failure Nurse Navigator role on the same unit. When she is not working (aside from family time), she can be found reading, doing word puzzles, or watching/attending soccer and football games. The most important thing to Dani is her relationship with Jesus.
Roxanne Almas, MD, My Mother's Garden
Dr. Roxanne S. Almas is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician in the Division of Developmental Medicine at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. She emphasizes a holistic, strengths-based approach to patient care, partnering with families to navigate complex developmental needs while addressing the impact of trauma on care. Fluent in French, proficient in Spanish, and experienced with diverse communities, Dr. Almas is dedicated to inclusive support for families. During the pandemic, she co-chaired the Physician Wellness Committee of the Santa Clara County Medical Association, promoting colleague well-being. At UCSF, she launched Narrative Medicine Circles, fostering connection and resilience through storytelling and reflective writing for child-focused professionals. Dr. Almas earned her medical degree at UC Davis School of Medicine, completed her Pediatrics residency at UMass Chan Medical School, and pursued a fellowship in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Brown University. She also holds a Master of Science in Public Health from Tulane University. Her published work explores physician well-being, grief, and end-of-life care in outlets like Bioethics Today and KevinMD. In her free time, Dr. Almas enjoys writing, gardening with her family, and discovering the sacred in everyday life.