Words by Elizabeth Williams | Images by Ryan McGill
Ridgewood Health Services recently announced the hiring of Annette Snow as their Administrator and Natalie Hallmark as their Director of Nursing. Annette and Natalie’s journeys into the healthcare field are unique, yet it is their shared passion for helping people that brought them together at Ridgewood.
An after-school job in Winfield, Alabama, began Annette Snow’s lifelong career. After graduating from high school, she pursued her studies at Bevill State Community College, where she obtained her Licensed Practical Nurse certificate. Annette dedicated herself to working as an LPN for fourteen years before deciding to further her education and become a Registered Nurse. She spent fifteen years in acute care before realizing her true calling in long-term care. In November of the previous year, she obtained her Administrator License in Alabama and Arkansas. Annette joined the Ridgewood team in April of this year, ready to bring her wealth of experience and dedication to her new role.
“I believe to be in nursing and healthcare, you have to have a servant’s heart. You can’t do it for yourself, you have to do it for others,” Annette says.
Natalie Hallmark was raised in Corner, Alabama, by two nurses. Although her parents always anticipated her career path would lead her to nursing, Natalie had different plans. Initially, she aspired to become a cosmetologist. After graduating from Corner High School in 2003, Natalie enrolled at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. The early years of her studies allowed her to explore her passions and discover her true calling. Eventually, she embarked on the Bevill State Community College Nursing Program, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse certificate. Natalie had intended to continue her education immediately, but the arrival of motherhood postponed her plans. It wasn’t until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that she decided to further her education again, nearly fourteen years later. Finally, in November of 2021, Natalie achieved her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse, and earlier this year, she proudly joined the Ridgewood team, ready to contribute her knowledge and compassion to the organization.
“Every time somebody gives you a hug and says thank you for doing what you do, I never felt like I was doing anything, but they are so appreciative that it keeps me going,” says Natalie.
With Annette and Natalie on board, Ridgewood Health is well-equipped with two highly skilled professionals who are passionate about their roles and deeply committed to providing exceptional care to their patients. WL
