Brooke grew up in a small eastern Kentucky town, nestled in the heart of the Cumberland Plateau region of Appalachia with her parents and five other siblings. Brooke took to caretaking at an early age, assisting her parents with her younger brothers and sisters, and her grandmother, who had a long career as a nurse. Brooke’s idea of a career in the healthcare field blossomed into reality.

Following high school, Brooke focused on her education, and began working as a CNA in long and short-term care. Throughout her 13-year healthcare career, Brooke found enjoyment in not only taking care of people, but enriching residents’ lives through her kindness and dedication to helping others. Brooke worked in a long-term care facility through much of the pandemic and when facilities had to close their doors to visitors, Brooke said, “We became like their family, their shoulders to cry on. Making residents feel at ease through such a difficult time was imperative to their health and well-being.“

Brooke brought her love for taking care of others to the co-op’s Member and Customer Services team in October 2022. And while working in a retail space is quite different than the healthcare field, Brooke says she takes her healthcare and hospitality skills and applies them to brightening customers’ day and serving her community.

“I love the co-op because I get the opportunity to speak to so many people throughout the day, from regulars to people just passing through,” Brooke says. She wants to be a light in someone’s day; “even something small like knowing how someone likes their groceries bagged can bring a smile to someone’s face and that makes me feel good.“ Brooke says the co-op gives her a sense of community and Knoxville’s Appalachian roots remind her of home. Brooke loves the outdoors, video games, and going on new adventures with her wife, a Knoxville native. and their dog Beau.

Catch Brooke in the MCS department and as she rings up your purchases, you may find yourself engaging in a conversation about hiking, dogs, food, video games, or jokes!