Balancing Life's Dance Gracefully

Sis Gilmore is the owner of Nurses and Professional Healthcare (NPH), the premier healthcare staffing agency in Northern California, based right here in Chico. Walking in to meet her, I mention how nice it is to be able to enjoy the day’s sunshine. She shakes my hand, smiles warmly, and agrees, “Everyone needs that, a little sunshine in their soul.” How appropriate then, to discover that Sis possesses that exact element in her personality; to learn that friends, family, and even employees are drawn to her because of the light and pure positivity that surrounds her.

Originally from Eureka, Sis couldn’t wait to turn eighteen and leave the “fog country” in search of fairer weather. She moved to

Chico to attend college and pursue her education. Having lived here since she was in her twenties, she now considers herself a Chicoan. She points to her strong community involvement, the long-term relationships she’s established, and the family quality of Chico that’s become a part of her. “You know that old adage that people talk about, when you go on vacation and you come back home, that it was great to be away but it feels nice to be home? That could not be truer of Chico. Chico is just a nice family hometown.”

Sis remembers her very first job working for Cable Car Candies. “I was so proud when I got my working permit. I started working when I was 13 and have worked ever since. I’ve never had a hiatus since then.” That dedication to work, to show up and be full steam ahead while having that structure in life is deeply ingrained in Sis. She recognizes those same traits in her children and says it makes her very proud to see each of them giving their all to life, and to all they do. Andrea Gleason, Human Resources Director at NPH, says that “Sis inspires each and every one of her employees by providing an incredible work environment and leading by example. She lights this place on fire. Sis is what makes NPH special.”

Nurses and Professional Healthcare is a nursing registry that supplies temporary and extended staffing to facilities in times of shortages. Every facility has a staffing crisis at some point, and NPH is there to help alleviate and provide support. NPH is aligned with approximately 130 facilities throughout California, but focus mainly on the Northstate. These hospitals, skilled nursing homes, and other nursing centers will reach out and convey their needs, as NPH then works to fill those shortages with their employees. They employ over 400 individuals to include: CNAs, LVNs, and RNs. Medical staff at NPH are able to choose which facilities, days, and shifts work best for their schedule to balance family life or even continue their education.

Sis began managing NPH in 1999, after then-owner Kevin Stiles asked if she would consider leaving real estate management to work for him. She says that at the time, she didn’t even know what a nursing registry was, but was intrigued by the challenge. She managed NPH for many years and then purchased the company in 2006. While it was daunting at first to consider taking on ownership of the business, it was alluring and exciting as well. The diversity of NPH, along with all the moving parts associated with working in the medical industry, fascinated Sis. As she questioned the plausibility of the idea, her husband Jim told her to absolutely pursue it. She says, “His support and belief in me made the hill easier to climb, and he definitely inspired me to do it.” NPH is her ‘love business’. She loves everything about her time there and is very happy to be the owner. She isn’t deterred by challenges but views them as opportunities to overcome adversity and define who she is. “Nobody could ever have your business interest more at heart than you. Keep your hand on the pulse of your company and surround yourself with talent and excellence.”

Despite her passion for her business, Sis stresses that maintaining harmony between the needs of a family and the needs of a career is extremely important. “I think that came from my dad, when he told me to make sure you always have a work/life balance.” While it’s important to provide and have nice things for your family she wistfully adds, “Your kids will always remember how present you were, and I very much take that to heart.” Throughout her career there were many times she wanted to do mom and kid vacations with her family but worried about it being the wrong time to be away from work, but she chose to do them anyway. Now, when she’s in her office and looks up at her wall of family photos, she’s so grateful that she went on those trips, took that time with her family, and made those irreplaceable memories.

Not only does Sis strive for her own work/life balance, she advocates it for her staff as well. The office has a family room with a comfy couch, giant bean bags, homework stations, a tv, and space to relax. If an employee has an emergency and needs to bring their child to work, this space is for them. If their children have a baseball game or a class fieldtrip that they may have to miss due to work, Sis encourages them to go, to take advantage of those moments that can go by so fast. She says, “You show up for your kids.” She gives them the opportunity to have a career as well as be a present parent.

When asked about her family, Sis shares that she could talk about them all day long, “My family is my whole world.” Sis’s husband Jim owns and operates a successful construction company and is lovingly supportive of Sis in her endeavors. They are approaching their 19 year anniversary. Sis and Jim have 14 year old twins, Brodie and Lacie, who attend Chico High and have very busy schedules that keep her on the move. Sis wouldn’t change a thing, as participating in their special moments are some of her most treasured memories. Her oldest son, Jason, is getting married to his fiancée Kendra in August, and Sis shares, “I feel really grateful that even though my son is engaged and has two little children, he still makes time for his mom everyday. I’m very close with all of my kids and precious grand babies.” Her oldest daughter Katie, whom Sis refers to as her soulmate, passed away unexpectedly two years ago at the age of 28. Her spirit and memories remain forever strong with her family and community.

As Sis looks back and reflects on her life, her work, her kids, and the time she’s had and has with them, she’s very proud and honored. She feels she’s achieved a healthy work-life balance and says, “Work is important, but family is everything. Life’s a dance; live it gracefully.”