Funston, William, Owen

According to Dr. Catherine Wolff’s parents, when she was just three years old, she was walking around stating she was going to be a doctor. She doesn’t recall that herself, but she tells us that, "In college, I obtained my master’s in athletic training, but as much as I loved sports, it did not hold enough diversity for me." She went on to medical school and discovered internal medicine. "I have never once gotten bored with all its fascinating intricacies." As a general internist, Dr. Wolff cares for adults with single and multiple complex medical issues. "I see myself as the captain of the ship," she says. "I help guide my patients through the sometimes-murky waters of the medical field." Many need specialists, and sometimes multiple specialists, so Dr. Wolff is there to help monitor "the whole person" and to be an advocate for her patients. She enjoys the long-term relationships she has built, especially seeing people succeed when the road gets rocky. "I meet my patients where they’re at and work to help them achieve their health goals," she explains of her philosophy. "If you’re 85 and your goal is to stay in your home and be as independent as possible, I’ll work with you to achieve it. If you’re 45 and have high blood pressure, I will push to get those numbers down, so you’ll have the longest and best life possible." Over the years, Dr. Wolff’s patients have taught her that the human body is incredibly resilient, and people have amazing strength. That’s why she encourages everyone to continue to try and achieve their best health. True to her love for athletics, she says: "Life is a marathon, not a sprint." In her own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? Grandma – a hard working farm wife. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? Picking rocks out of the fields and walking beans. I remember thinking to myself, I need an education. What is your favorite food? Movie? What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My favorite food is Thanksgiving dinner. Favorite movie is Miss Congeniality. Spelling was my worst subject. History was my best. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone, alive or deceased, who would it be and why? Aretha Franklin. She was incredibly talented. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I enjoy home improvement projects, working on landscaping and BIG 10 football. What is something most people don’t know about you? I love to roast my own coffee beans. I have planted over 100 trees on my property.

About Nicole Gauthier “I have always been a helper,” says Nicole Gauthier, LCSW. “When I was younger, I enjoyed going to visit my parents at their work at the hospital and medical practice,” she says. Her father is an Internist, and her mom a Registered Nurse. In addition to her parents’ medical roles, her sister is an Infectious Disease Physician and her husband a Urologist. “I worked a summer at a local nursing home and loved assisting the residents with their emotional needs,” she says. So even though science was not Nicole’s strong suit, she found the social workers within the health care setting to be very helpful to overall well-being of patients and their families, and found this as her path into health care. Nicole’s undergraduate work was completed at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, and she earned her Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work at Tulane University, New Orleans. Nicole describes herself as a patient advocate and a good resource to finding solutions to problems. Her work includes counseling those in crisis who are experiencing distress or who have mental health needs. “I work collaboratively with physicians and nurses in finding solutions, and aid patients through active listening, support and empowerment,” she says. “Connecting patients and their families with necessary resources.” An experienced licensed clinical social worker in Indiana and Michigan, Nicole has a broad background in mental health assessments and interventions, family counseling and crisis intervention in ICU, Surgical ICU and ER. She has worked in case management and crisis intervention for indigent patients and patients experiencing trauma, homelessness and acute mental health issues. Also, as a medical case manager, Nicole has skill with discharging indigent patients, grief counseling and crisis intervention in violent situations. Nicole says from her patients, she has learned to be open minded and to never make assumptions. While her work can be intense as she deals with all levels of emotion and grief, she hopes her patients see her as a good listener and appreciate that she has a sense of humor. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My parents. They always emphasized the importance of contributing to your community and putting others before yourself. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? Dishwasher at Lindy’s Restaurant in Cassopolis. I remember it being physically demanding and I had to work fast. Eventually, I graduated to pizza cook and learned how to toss pizza dough! What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite foods: New Orleans food and cherry pie Favorite movie: Urban Cowboy What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best subject was social studies and worst was math If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be? My great-great grandparents In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? Autism advocacy. I have a son with autism and feel passionate about this community. What are your hobbies, interests? Volunteer in the theater, downhill skiing, fly fishing, traveling. Everything New Orleans. Do you have pets? Yes, a hound dog named Roux. She is the color of good Louisiana roux for making gumbo. What is something most people don’t know about you? I’m married to a Louisiana Cajun and our last name is pronounced “Go-chay.”

Levin Lisa A is a dedicated social work provider located in South Bend IN. Focused on supporting individuals and families Lisa offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of her clients. With a commitment to fostering positive change she aims to empower those she works with through compassionate guidance and professional support. Generated from this place's information