Joanne Ashton becomes health educator in Guatemala
Shawnee Mission's Ashton takes Peace Corps post
By Ann Wilke September 15, 2003
In just about five months Joanne Ashton will trade the shined-floor halls of Shawnee Mission Medical Center for the rugged terrain of rural Guatemala.
Ashton, 45, will resign her dual posts as chief nursing officer and director of clinical care practice at SMMC to accept a Peace Corps invitation to become a health educator for two years in the villages of the Central American country.
By Ann Wilke
Contributing Writer
In just about five months Joanne Ashton will trade the shined-floor halls of Shawnee Mission Medical Center for the rugged terrain of rural Guatemala.
Ashton, 45, will resign her dual posts as chief nursing officer and director of clinical care practice at SMMC to accept a Peace Corps invitation to become a health educator for two years in the villages of the Central American country.
"Since high school I've known I would pursue the Peace Corps. It's a 30-year dream," Ashton said.
When the director of the Peace Corps was in Kansas City a year and a half ago, Ashton went to hear her speak.
"I'm at the right time in my life: my age is a factor. My son is grown and out of the house and successful. My work in the hospital is at the right place."
