Texas native Maricarmen Windisch adopts a home team in Memphis and St. Jude

When my husband, Jim, and I arrived in Memphis in 2003, we didn’t know anyone. I didn’t know much about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, but when I learned about their work, and that it was located in my newly adopted city, I knew it was the place for me.

Fifteen years later, the city and the hospital have truly embraced me and my family. I started working at St. Jude as a contract employee in the Anesthesiology Division. I soon gained full-time status as a coordinator of billing compliance in the Office of Professional Services Department.

In Professional Services, I coordinate billing procedures for the hospital's Anesthesiology Division, Ambulatory Care and other related areas that submit professional fees. I also assist with educational programs and ensure that all documentation is accurate to meet regulations and reimbursement requirements.

I am proud to work at St. Jude and contribute in any way I can. I love working in Professional Services, and it's really my family. We are truly a team, and we all work well together.

In my time here, I have found that my colleagues all have good hearts. We all contribute, and every job is important. What I love most about my job is having the ability to give back to the hospital, in sometimes unexpected ways.

I was born in Laredo, Texas, to Spanish-speaking parents, so Spanish is my first language. I later learned English as a second language while attending grade school in El Paso. For the last 12 years, I have served as a volunteer interpreter at St. Jude, assisting Spanish-speaking patients and families at hospital events such as Survivors’ Day and Day of Remembrance. I relish these opportunities to interact with the children and their parents. It’s an honor to talk to them and to hear their stories. It really makes my day.

I also take part in a variety of activities at St. Jude. I am a member of our Toastmasters Club—it’s great being able to help my fellow coworkers hone their public speaking skills while polishing up on my own. In addition, I enjoy participating in wellness and fitness classes offered for employees. 

Outside of work, my husband and I enjoy Memphis—specifically, attending home games for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. We are season ticket holders, and we try to attend as many basketball games as possible. I enjoy ballroom dancing classes, and I volunteer at a local clinic as a medical interpreter. I love Memphis and being a part of this community.