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LAPLACE — Stephanie Palmer earned a Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management at the University of Washington School of Public Health on June 13.

Within the same week, her husband, Mike Palmer, was selected for promotion to the rank of Commander, United States Navy. He has served in the military for almost 30 years including worldwide assignments such as tours on submarines, aircraft carriers and forward deployed repair ships.

Stephanie worked a full time job, operated a small business and managed everyday tasks as a wife and mother of four as she earned her master’s degree at the University of Washington.

She is the daughter of Debbie and Richard Stricks of LaPlace. She is currently the Department Head for Healthcare Business Operations for the Naval Hospital Bremerton. She previously served, and obtained the rank of Lieutenant, in the United States Navy on active duty. She was honorably discharged after seven years of service. As a veteran and civilian employee, she now serves military service members, retirees and their families in providing for their healthcare needs.

Twenty years ago, after graduating from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, she began an adventure that took her away from her home in Louisiana where she was born and raised. The only life she had known changed dramatically when she headed to Newport, R.I. to learn how to be an Active Duty Nurse Corps Officer. Over the seven years she served the military, she was stationed in Jacksonville, Fla, Guam and Bremerton, Wash. Stephanie has transitioned from job assignments to job assignment and has adapted to each role and performed the diverse jobs with a positive attitude that is contagious to others she works with.

Stephanie and Mike have four children who have grown and are starting careers of their own now. They have settled down in the Pacific Northwest and look forward to retirement.