Know Your Neighbor: Tamela Adams, Hospice nursing director

Tamela Adams, 33, is the new director of nursing at Hospice of the Rock River Valley in Dixon, where she sets schedules, takes phone calls and handles other duties. She started in July as a nurse, and became director Dec. 1. She and her husband, Chad Adams, live in Sterling with their daughter, Kirsten, 13. Tamela is the daughter of Shirley Hadley of Chadwick. She has a brother, Fred Hadley Jr., who lives in Morrison, and a niece and nephew. On-the-job lesson: Treat people the way you would want to be treated. Alma mater: I graduated in 1993 from Milledgeville High School. I graduated in 2001 or 2002 from Sauk Valley Community College with an associate degree in applied science. Philosophy: Take one day at a time. Hearts: Four-wheeling, Longaberger baskets, garage sales, traveling, family and friends and "Will and Grace." Darts: People who lie. Haunts: Home, and a beach. Heroes: My parents, Fred Hadley Sr. and Shirley Hadley. They gave me a very good foundation and the tools that I needed to live and succeed in this world. First job: Coventry Village, Sterling, as a secretary. I was 16. I liked it. That was my first work in the health care profession, and my love for health care just kind of grew from there. First car: A four-door Mercury Cougar. I was 16. Read this: The Bible. Guilty pleasures: Chocolate and sleeping in. In the dictionary next to: Dependable. I try to be there for people. Trading places: I'd trade places with my dogs, to have their life. Trading spaces: Everywhere in Europe. I've never been there, and I know I have a lot of relatives in Germany. Best thing about Sterling: It has the small-town feeling, but modern conveniences. Do you know someone who ought to be featured in Know Your Neighbors? Write to Phil Hartman at phartman@svnmail.com or call 800-798-4085, ext. 524.