Sisler Retires from Garrett County Health Department

After 20 years of working at the Garrett County Health Department, Brenda Sisler’s days will soon look very different. Instead of making her way to Oakland most mornings, she’ll be able to spend more time with her family in her retirement.

In 1999 Sisler started her career at the Health Department as an Outreach Worker, then progressed to an Outreach Leader, a Prevention Specialist, and finally to a Prevention Coordinator. Of the many jobs within those titles, her favorite was being a Parenting Facilitator and a Youth Leadership Advisor.

“My funniest memory was when I was scheduled to go to an elementary school, but a communication mix-up took me to the wrong school dressed in the apple costume,” Sisler said. “I was dancing and singing in front all the teachers and students about eating your five fruits and vegetables, and they were not expecting me.”

Sisler remembers many programs that have come and gone in the Health Education and Outreach Department, including Dare to Be You and Care to Wait Parenting Classes, Life Skills, the Be The Wall Campaign, Today is the Day, and week-long summer day camps.

In retirement Sisler plans to continue attending the sports, dance, and cheering events of her seven grandchildren who range in age from 10-months to 12 years old, with another due in March.

“I enjoy attending as many events as I can,” Sisler said. “I always have been in the stands cheering them on, but now it’s just going to be a little easier to do that and to babysit when I’m needed.”

Sisler also hopes to do some substitute teaching.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department