Kayla Tidwell, 30

Occupation: Executive Director of Healthcare Operations at AdventHealth Waterman, Tavares

What I do: I lead the oversight of several operational departments, including environmental services, lab, food and nutrition, patient transport and Advent Health’s community clinic.

How I got started: All of my life I wanted to be a teacher and this is the next best thing.

I’m passionate about healthcare because: I’ve always had a heart for service. To this day, I’m a frequent fainter when getting my labs drawn and do not have the clinical strengths that I wish I did. So instead, I’m happy to support those who do. Anything that I can do to help make the work of those who care for others easier is something that brings me joy.

When I’m not at the hospital: I enjoy traveling with my husband, Ryan, listening to audiobooks and playing the violin in the AdventHealth Orchestra, which is made up of AdventHealth employees that play a musical instrument.

My first job: Toss up between a nanny and working in the registrar’s office at my high school .

Fun facts: I’ve climbed the Great Wall of China, I was class president for my senior year in high school and college, I eat popcorn for dinner at least three times a week. I also hold two bachelor’s degrees, one being in elementary education (I obtained my educator’s license too). If I wasn’t working in healthcare, I would be a teacher.

If I had a million dollars to give away: My heart goes out to kids suffering in any form: cancer diagnosis, child hunger, orphans, etc. Although I don’t have a specific one in mind, I would divide the $1 million and donate it to several causes that support children in need.

Life after 40: In my years, I’ve learned to trust God and His plan for my life. It’s comforting to know that God is in control and I’m along for the ride. I’m not sure where I’ll be after 40, but I’m thankful for Christ, who will guide me through it.