Team Lead-Operations Dawn Breeden has served the department more than two decades. When she’s not pitching fastballs, she’s pitching to improve the patient experience.
What is your current title and how long have you been with Otolaryngology?
I am the team lead of operations for our West County clinic. I have been with the Department of Otolaryngology for 22 years. Prior to Oto, I worked in an ob/gyn office for 11 years and prior to that, Schnucks Markets, which was my first job ever!
What do you like most about your work here?
I really enjoy patient interactions and developing a strong “physicians’ office” relationship with our patients. I pride myself on making their experience with Otolaryngology as comfortable and pleasant as can be.
What was your childhood like?
I was born and raised in St. Louis County. I am the youngest of five children. I grew up in a subdivision where there were a lot of families with children and we became great neighbors, spending lots of time outside riding bikes and playing kickball, four-square, and hide-and-go-seek, like all kids did in the “good ole days”.
What spare time activities bring you the most joy?
I always enjoy spending time with my family. My husband Mike and I have been married 32 years, and we have two great sons, Scott, 29, and John, 23.
I also love being outdoors – gardening, planting flowers and relaxing at the pool. And, I love baking. In fact the whole family loves to cook. No one ever goes hungry at our house.
Is there a special something at the top of your bucket list?
I would love to experience going up in a hot air balloon. Usually when I see hot air balloons I always see the beauty of them in the sky shortly after sunrise, I think it would be a perfect way to start a beautiful day!
Do you have a favorite indulgence?
I am a women driven by taste. I love anything chocolate or peanut butter, and I will indulge any dessert made with lemon.
What would most surprise your colleagues to learn about you?
I played fast pitch softball from kindergarten through high school. I was a pitcher, and my mom was the coach through eighth grade. We came in first place every year!