Get to know: NEOMED (week of Aug. 24)
We probably all know someone like this: You say good morning when you pass in the hall, you chat while waiting for your coffee order and you see them at University events and programs. But you don’t really know who they are or what they do at NEOMED. We’re here to help with the new feature, “Get to know NEOMED”! Each week we’ll share brief profiles of some new faces and some long-time staff.
This week we feature Toccara Ball, Kara Bloom and Jennifer Rice.
Toccara Ball
What is your role here at NEOMED?
Director, Employee Success and Development
What do you enjoy most about your work?
When employees say to me, “I hadn’t thought of it that way before.” Being able to assist others with different perspectives and ways to better handle the professional setting is very rewarding
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I was named after a perfume in the ’80s that was sold by Avon, called TOCCARA.
Kara Bloom
What is your role here at NEOMED?
I’m a Program Coordinator II in the College of Medicine, where I manage background details of the Oak Badge for Medical Humanities program and provide administrative support to the rest of the COM Badge programs.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really enjoy working with the students and creating opportunities for them to connect, explore their interests, and get involved in experiences outside of the traditional curriculum. I also love the creative side of my role and getting to bring new ideas to life.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’m a recent widow-maker heart attack survivor, so I’ve made it my mission to say yes to more adventures on the ole bucket list and make the most of life!
Jennifer Rice
What is your role here at NEOMED?
I serve as the Director of Library Services, where I oversee the NEOMED Library, the Writing Center and the Northeast Ohio Regional Library Depository. My role is really about making sure our students, faculty and staff have the resources, services, spaces and support they need to be successful – whether that means helping with research and scholarly work, supporting writing and communication, providing access to information, or simply creating welcoming spaces where people can learn and collaborate. I also have the opportunity to work with a great team and collaborate with departments across NEOMED on new programs, services and initiatives.
Libraries have changed tremendously over the years, so a big part of my role is looking ahead and finding ways we can continue to grow and evolve along with the needs of our students and the University. I like to think of the library as a place that connects people with not only information, but also with the expertise, tools and support that can help them accomplish their goals.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I most enjoy helping students and colleagues find what they need to be successful. Whether it’s connecting someone with the right resource, supporting a new project, solving a problem or developing a new service. I like knowing that the work we do in the library can make someone’s day a little easier. I also enjoy the creativity that comes with working in a library. We don’t always have unlimited resources, so we often have to think creatively about how we can make the most of what we have, build partnerships, and find new or unexpected ways to meet a need. Sometimes the best ideas come from asking, “How can we make this work?”. Most of all, I enjoy working with our library team and collaborating with people from across NEOMED. I’m fortunate to work with people who are willing to try new things, share ideas, and find creative solutions together.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
Outside of NEOMED, a big part of my life revolves around my family and our dogs! My husband, John, and I have two daughters: Natalie, 19, who is a sophomore at Otterbein University, and Claire, 17, who is a senior at Marlington High School. As a family, we raise and show Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and I’ve been involved in the world of purebred dogs for many years. We compete in dog shows and other events, and I’m also involved with our local kennel club. It’s something that has given us the opportunity to travel together, meet wonderful people, and make a lot of great memories as a family. For almost 20 years, I’ve also volunteered with the Portage County Dog 4-H program, helping young people learn about dog care, training, showing and responsible ownership. Both of my daughters grew up participating in 4-H as well, so it has been especially rewarding to share that experience with them while helping other young people develop their skills and confidence. Between our family, the dogs, dog shows, and 4-H, there is usually something going on at our house – and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
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