PUTNAM — Barbara Reese, a registered nurse at the Day Kimball Medical Group Pediatrics practice in Plainfield, has been named Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) employee of the month for December.   

Reese, whose experience in healthcare spans more than 41 years, began her career when she enlisted in the U.S. Army and received training as an army medic and eye, ear, nose and throat technician. 

She worked in that field for two years and upon discharge from the military, began her nursing education under the GI Bill, working her way through school as a nursing aid at Mercy Hospital in New York. Her experience also includes orthopedics nursing.

In 1985, after moving to E. Woodstock, Reese began working on the surgical floor at Day Kimball Hospital and then with inpatient pediatrics.  After 23 years in acute care, she transitioned to primary care pediatrics. 

Reese holds a BS degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and an associate degree in Applied Science Nursing from Jefferson Community College, Watertown, N.Y. She is also certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).  Reese is married, has two children, and lives in E. Woodstock. She is an active volunteer for the Connecticut Audubon Citizen Science Programs.