22 Years Strong and Still Inspiring the Next Generation

For more than 22 years, Darla Parks has been helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals at Campbell County Health (CCH).
“I actually started in Home Health and Hospice,” she said. “Then I moved into Professional Development. I’ve always loved teaching. Before CCH, I was a Nursing Instructor at Gillette College for about three years, but I missed the hands-on side of things.”

That passion for education continued as she transitioned into her next role. “After that, I became a School Nurse with Campbell County School District and achieved my goal of providing a presentation in every classroom,” Darla said. “It was such a rewarding experience to teach health education directly to students.”

Her time with the school district strengthened her love for teaching and helping others grow, a passion that would carry seamlessly into her long and meaningful career at CCH.

Over the years, she’s seen education at CCH evolve. “Things have become much more digital; more course elements are now online,” she explained. “It’s made education more accessible for staff and students who need flexibility or who can’t take a week off from work to complete the course.”

That adaptability has made a real difference. One of her proudest achievements came early on when she helped launch an online CNA program. “It allows students to complete a portion virtually, so they don’t have to take as much time away from work,” she said. “We also partner with BOCES and Wyoming Workforce Development to help pay for classes. It has opened doors for more people to enter healthcare.”

Her favorite part of the job? “The students and the staff. Everyone is different; each personality is different, which can be challenging sometimes, but I love providing knowledge to students so they can develop new skills,” she said. “I have several CNA students who went through CNA II or on to MA-C, and several past students who were admitted into the Gillette College Nursing program. Many are now RNs working here, including Jackie Land, Elizabeth Hatcher, Kori Amos, Kayla Amos, Anna Emmons, Ashtynn Armstrong, Dawna Reisner, Kristin Lohman, Krista Kessel, and Samantha Holzer to name a few. There are several others here that I taught as a nursing instructor as well.”

Darla remembers one of her former students. “She had a rough first day, we unfortunately had a death, and I told her, ‘Just go make some coffee for the family,’ while I handled talking to them and everything else. She still reaches out now and then, just to let me know how she’s doing and where she’s at. She has her RN now. She told me I’m her person. Those moments, they mean everything.”
“It’s nice to receive those calls, emails, and texts from students who check in. It gives you warm feelings and shows the impact that teaching has on people.”

After 22 years, what’s kept her here? The people and the support. “Natalie (Tucker) is definitely a mentor that I have here; she’s been there since day one in Professional Development. And Lisa (Coleman), my manager, is one of the most positive, supportive people I’ve ever worked with. She’s the kind who looks at a problem and says, ‘Alright, how do we fix this?’ She listens, she cares, and she really values teamwork. My Home Health and Hospice coworkers have also always been so supportive of my role.”

Beyond CCH, Darla continues to influence healthcare education across Wyoming while serving on the Wyoming Nursing Association Practice Committee and collaborating with the Wyoming State Board’s Practice & Education Consultants to shape the skills and scope of practice for students statewide.

When Darla looks back at her time at CCH, she’s proud of the impact she’s made but even more proud of what’s still ahead. “Every student, every class, every new skill, it all adds up to better care for patients. That’s what keeps me coming back.”

At Campbell County Health, we’re proud to have dedicated employees like Darla who live our value of Excellence Every Day. Her commitment to teaching, growth, and compassion reminds us that every role, no matter how big or small, makes a difference.

If you see Darla in the halls, be sure to congratulate her on 22 incredible years with CCH!