Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, Cathy Fulton has always been dedicated to her family and giving back to her community. After briefly moving away to live in Oregon for a couple of years, Fulton returned to Northwest Indiana where she met and married her husband of twenty years and raised their son, who is currently working on his medical degree. In his spare time, he works part time for the Visiting Nurses Association with his mother.
"I always have told him that it's important to know the people around you, and know their stories, because that's what healthcare is. You need to understand what they're going through, what they are facing and have that compassion in your heart," Fulton said about working with her son at the VNA.
Fulton began working for the VNA back in February 2012. After having just left her previous position as a licensed health administrator, she was not sure what she was going to do next, then she heard about an opening at the VNA in Porter County. Someone had actually recommended her for the job, so Fulton reached out to find out more about the position, having always loved the VNA and their mission.
"It was just a wonderful opportunity to become a part of this, and couldn't have come at a better time," Fulton remarked.
At the VNA of Porter County, Fulton holds the title of Vice President of Business Development, and does a little bit of everything with everyone. Included in her responsibilities are: creating new business opportunities, overseeing the referral department, working with physicians (making sure she and the rest of her co-workers at the VNA are capturing and providing the best care for the patients), and offering a community resource for the community.
"I don't look at what I do as a job, because it's something that I love to do," Fulton enthused about her work at the VNA. "I can't do what I do without the people her at the VNA. It's driven by each and every one of us. It's a very humbling opportunity to be a part of everything that we do at the VNA."
When Fulton isn't working at the VNA, she spends a great deal of her free time volunteering in her community and with the VNA. When it comes to her volunteer work with the VNA, she is very active in the Hospice Stroll and Bike Ride, as well as many other events the VNA puts on to help raise awareness. Fulton is also active with the Portage Kiwanis, Portage Rotary, St. Mary's Acute Rehab Unit, Leaderships of Northwest Indiana, Portage Chamber of Commerce nights, and is currently the President of her Homeowners Association.
"I will help out wherever it is needed. I look at it as giving back to my community and helping people that need and deserve our help," Fulton said.
With what is left of her spare time, Fulton enjoys many different hobbies. She loves to paint, read John Grisham novels, and go horseback riding. Fulton has also returned to college where she is studying for her MBA through Davenport University. However, her favorite pastime is spending as much time as possible with her family.