“Danielle is an amazing asset to our organization,” said her nominator.  “She is deeply committed to our Mission and Vision, taking on several extra duties at work and constantly going out of her way to put our Patients First.” 

Danielle’s qualifications go well beyond her role in the Birth Center.  As a lactation consultant she offers specialized breastfeeding assistance to patients that includes follow up lactation support for mothers and coordination with pediatricians.  She is also a Neonatal Resuscitation Program instructor, and has organized a Bereavement Program, sometimes coming in on her days off to counsel individuals and families through difficult times. “Despite the fact that she is a busy mother of four, she manages to take on several extra duties at work and offer incredible support services to our patients,” added her nominator.

A lifelong resident of Shelton, Danielle herself was born at Mason General Hospital, and delivered four of her children there.  After graduating from Shelton High School in 1996, Danielle knew she wanted to do something that made a difference in the lives of others, and it was after the birth and death of her second daughter in 2001 that Danielle knew exactly what that was.  She focused her studies on nursing and was one of the first LPNs to graduate from Olympic College in Shelton.  She went on to obtain her Associate of Nursing degree at South Puget Sound Community College, and from there began working in the Birth Center at Mason General Hospital. 

“I enjoy my work here, the ‘smaller hospital’ atmosphere, and the quality, one-on-one care we provide,” Danielle said.  Danielle is one of six lactation specialists at Mason General Hospital who are pleased to offer their service to assist women who might otherwise give up on breastfeeding. “I take pride in my work and my home town, and have made special bonds with many friends and family members who have delivered their babies here. You just don’t get that opportunity in big-city hospitals,” she added.

Danielle’s grand-mother-in-law, Arlene Hutchins, employed 47 years as unit secretary in the ICU at Mason General, has ‘twice’ received Employee of the Month recognition.  Danielle married her high school sweetheart, Richard, who is Arlene’s grandson. They have now been married 21years and have four daughters – Mollyann 20, Aubrey 17, Laci 13 and Brynley 8.

When not at her job, Danielle finds time to be a volunteer nurse at 4H Camp, where all four of her daughters attend, the oldest as a camp counselor.  She also enjoys being outside with the many animals they have at home including: three horses, a mini horse, a goat, chickens, ducks, three dogs, a cat, four hamsters ‒ and too many fish to count!  With her children up early to look after them, everyone stays busy in the Hutchins’ household.

  MGH&FC is certified by Det Norske Veritas - Germanischer Lloyd (DNV-GL) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties.  MGH&FC now offers Virtual Care ‒ 24/7.  For more information on Virtual Care or to find a health care provider, go to www.MasonGeneral.com.