Portrait of a Lady - Mary Sheahen

 

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in DBQ, went to nursing school in Rock Island and was living in Minneapolis when I met my husband.

 

What did you do before working with Wild Clover Day spa?

I was a healthcare executive since the late 80’s and left traditional health care in 2000.

What brought you to your current position?

I was looking for a way to be on the wellness side of health care and also use the knowledge I had gained during my leadership years. So owning the spa allows me to do the wellness piece and the leadership coaching keeps me active in health care.

 

What has been the most interesting aspect of you work?

Meeting many new people, hopefully making a difference in both personal and professional lives.

 

What has been your biggest challenge?

Deciding to change directions in my career and not return to traditional health care leadership after losing my job in reorganization in 2000. My parents both died that year as well so it was a tough beginning to a new century!!!

 

Tell me about your family.

I have been married to my husband Chuck since 1977; he is a retired lieutenant in the fire service. He is currently teaching with the U of Ill Fire Services Institute.

 

Any pets?

Lucy is our 7 year old Dalmatian (what a surprise, a fire dog!!). Chuck has a quarter horse named Joe.

 

Who are you inspired by?

I was truly inspired by my parents. Neither of them had the opportunity to go to college but always held education as a high priority. I have two brothers and a sister and we all followed a path that has made us successful human beings and that is due in large part to the way we were raised in DBQ.

 

What is you favorite book?

Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This is truly the only management book you will ever need if you follow the suggestions.

 

Favorite Movie?

Dr. Zhivago and Annie Hall

 

What is in your refrigerator?

Lots of condiments and things to use as marinades. I love to cook and enjoy creating meals out of what is in the frig .Chuck thinks I should write a cook book called “Loaves and Fishes”.

 

If you could invite anyone to a dinner party dead or alive, who would you invite?

I would love to have my parents over to our house just one more time; they loved our home in the Territory and we had many great times with them.

 

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I love Santa Fe and also Arizona. Ireland comes in a close third.

 

Your favorite pastime is….

reading, cooking, movies.

 

What has been your largest personal challenge?

Getting through a tough time in our marriage. We came out on the other side much stronger but there were some very hard days.

 

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of the fact that I have tried to make a difference for my entire career and feel that I have done that.

 

Are you living your dream?

I am living my dream, some days are tough when you own a business but staying focused and positive is the way to move beyond that.