Alumnae

Lisa A. Crinel, ‘81
Maryite fulfills dream of taking care of the elderly
as owner of Innovations Health Care Services, Ltd

www.innovationshealthcare.com

Upon my arrival at Innovations Health Care Services, Ltd, I was greeted with a warm and friendly smile by the receptionist, Mr. Anthony Bailey, and an even bigger smile, complete with a hug, by Lisa Crinel’s assistant, Lynn White.

Within five minutes of meeting Lisa, who also gave me a hug, I realized that my greeting was but a small sampling of the personalized attention one receives from the staff at Innovations, where, according to their mission statement, “going the extra mile is not out of the ordinary.”

In existence since January of 2000, Innovations has grown to offer a wide range of services including speech therapy, social services, occupational therapy, monitoring, medical supplies, psychiatric nursing, and hospice services.

So, how did an accounting major end up in the health services industry?

“Taking care of our elderly has always been a passion of mine,” says Lisa. And that passion only intensified when her own father required her services.

“When my dad became ill, not only was I was able to provide the care he needed, but, it gave me an opportunity to sit on the other side of this desk.” Lisa explained that his illness put her in the position of client as opposed to administrator, which enabled her to experience first-hand the many waves of emotions her clients go through when making decisions for their loved ones. Because of that experience, she is able to be more empathetic to the needs of her clients, as well as to their families.

“I remind my employees that although they are sitting behind the desk today, there will come a time when they are the client, and will be seated on the other side of the desk.” This keeps them focused on the job at hand, which is to provide “comfort care, with an emphasis on enhancing the patient’s quality of life.”

She is extremely proud of her staff, and knows that praise, respect, and appreciation go a long way in encouraging them to always put the client’s needs first. Even if that means lending financial as well as emotional support. “There are times when we provide services not covered by a client’s insurance. Services that we don’t get paid for, but are needed. So, we do it.”

When the conversation shifted to our Alma Mater, Lisa’s face lit up. As we reminisced and shared memories of favorite teachers [among hers are Sr. Marie Francine, Sr. Maria Gonzales, and Sr. Richard Francis] and events, I asked Lisa about the life-lessons she learned while at St. Mary’s Academy.

“The most important lesson I learned from Sr. Demetria was the importance of treating people fairly, and with respect. No matter what mischief I got into, I knew the punishment would be fair and just.”

Another thing that has remained with Lisa is the genuine compassion and concern the teachers had for their students. While she was in Sr. Maria’s homeroom, Lisa’s parents were considering getting a divorce. Lisa was devastated, and confided in Sr. Maria, who told Sr. Demetria, who immediately called both parents in for a conference.

“I don’t know what Sr. Demetria told my parents,” laughs Lisa, “but, they stayed together until I graduated! They split a few weeks later – but Sr. Demetria made them understand that I needed them both during those formative years. She was awesome!”

That experience reinforced Lisa’s commitment to family and community. Being a single parent, her daughter Wilneisha is now a high school senior, she is adamant about her employees spending enough time with their kids. “I’m very big on family, and as such, encourage my employees to participate in their children’s field trips, and other activities. The company also participates in Reading Festivals, and other school-related activities during the year.”

The question I’d been waiting to ask was, “How does it feel to be Queen Zulu 2004?”

“It’s great! And more work than I realized. But, it’s wonderful!”

King Zulu is Mr. Gerard M. Johnson, who is a pharmacy manager at Walgreen Drug Store on Jefferson Davis Parkway. Traditionally, King Zulu’s wife or daughter reigns as his queen. However, because Mr. Johnson has neither, he accepted applications for a queen.

“Actually, my attorney suggested I submit a bio. I met with Mr. Johnson, and he chose me over about 150 other applicants.”

As Queen Zulu, Lisa will attend at least twenty-two mandatory events and parties. “I really thought that all I’d have to do is show up at the ball and look pretty, then ride Mardi Gras day. But, there’s so much more to it. The twenty-two events don’t include additional appearances at events supporting the many charities I am already actively involved with.”

This is shaping up to be a very busy, and at times overwhelming year for Lisa Crinel. But we’re not worried. You see, the Sisters of the Holy Family had a hand in raising her. And, being the strong Maryite woman that she is, we’re confident that she’ll have no problem juggling the roles of entrepreneur, single mom, business owner, community volunteer, accountant and now Queen!

Lisa, the love and prayers of your entire Maryite family will be with you always. We are indeed proud of you!

For more information on Innovations Health Care Services, Ltd., please visit www.innovationshealthcare.com or call Lisa Crinel at 504-241-4909.