My name is Tessa Linn. I began working with proton therapy patients in October of 2019.
My story of arriving in my role on the patient services team isn’t exactly what one might think. Before beginning at Oklahoma Proton Center, I had very little knowledge of proton therapy, much less that I would find one of my life’s most significant opportunities in serving the patients receiving it.
I earned my degree in Practical Theology from Christ for the Nations Bible Institute in Dallas, TX, and am a Certified Peer Support Specialist with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. As a former dispatcher for the Dallas Police Department and Associate Children’s Pastor, I have been drawn to roles that allow me to serve others throughout my career.
In 2012 my two greatest passions, my family and my desire to serve, collided. I returned to Oklahoma and began caring for my young nephews. Shortly after that, I was blessed with a granddaughter and was able to look after her from the time she was born until she began preschool. It was the greatest joy of my life. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. So, with my granddaughter in school, I began to search for a position to continue to help others and work in a positive environment.
A dear friend, Vickie Weigel, mentioned her employer, Oklahoma Proton Center, had a position available on their patient services team and felt I would be a perfect fit. Naturally, I was curious about the job responsibilities, but I found myself more curious about proton therapy and its impact on the lives of those receiving the treatment. I listened as she explained the benefits of this incredible therapy and why she loved working at The Center. Immediately, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of, as well.
Just over a year later, I can honestly say working with these patients, greeting them every day, learning their stories, witnessing their courage, it’s the dream job I didn’t know to dream for. Patients and co-workers at The Center are both inspirational and kind to one another.
I love encouraging others, especially in seemingly harder seasons of life. The benefits our patients receive from proton therapy truly makes encouraging them the easiest part of the job. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
