Employee Spotlight: Meet Tiffany

Diminutive in size, but overflowing with spirit, Tiffany Atwell has been defying expectations her entire life. Atwell, a member of the Liberty HealthShare Legal Department, was a self-described tomboy as a child. She established her strong personality early in life.

“My mom would put me in a dress, and I hated dresses,” said Atwell. “As soon as she would make me put one on, I would run across the street and jump into a puddle. I wanted to play with my dump truck instead.”

Born in Texas while her father was in the Army, Atwell moved to Northeast Ohio at the age of four as her parents returned to their hometown. At Canton McKinley High School, Atwell ran track & field, was a swimmer, and played soccer. “I didn’t like track & field, I loved swimming, and I was okay with playing soccer,” joked Atwell.

During her teen years, Atwell was diagnosed with a health issue and was told she would never have children. That setback did not squelch her desire to make a difference in the lives of children. She enrolled at the University of Toledo where she started studies to be a neonatal nurse.

“I thought if I couldn’t have my own kids, I could help other families and their babies,” said Atwell. “But God had a different plan for me.”

During her breaks from school, Atwell worked for Nickles Bakery where she met the man who would be her husband.

“It’s funny how things work out,” said Atwell. “Tyler and I met while we worked together. I decided I didn’t want to go back to Toledo and be three hours away from him, so I stayed in town. Our relationship evolved and we were eventually blessed with news that I was pregnant, despite doctors telling me for many years that it would never happen. God knew what I needed. He taught me that He always has the last say.”

Atwell’s journey to Liberty HealthShare was serendipitous. “People were telling Tyler’s mom, Denise, that she should check out working for Liberty HealthShare,” said Atwell. “I was pregnant with my son, Gabe, at the time and working swing shifts at Nickles. It really wasn’t working for me, so I thought I should check out working at the ministry. I interviewed and was offered a position in the Intake Department.”

Atwell joined the Liberty HealthShare family in 2016, and eventually moved to her current position in 2020 where she has the opportunity to defend Liberty HealthShare and help its members.

“I love to help people,” said Atwell. “My personal values align with our ministry’s mission. I love to learn. I love to do research. I love to be challenged and to problem solve, to find solutions for our members and our ministry.”

Atwell recently undertook and successfully completed coursework to earn her degree as a paralegal. The credential allows her to serve Liberty HealthShare in more ways.

“It was time for me to take on more challenging work and the degree enabled me to be counted on in a more substantial way,” said Atwell.

Known by her colleagues for her attention to detail and willingness to do anything to help in any way needed, Atwell is in a position which fits her personality and interest in professional growth.

“I like having a lot of work, which is 100% me,” said Atwell. “I enjoy being tasked with big challenges and then exceeding expectations. It allows me to feel confident that I am making a difference here.”

Residents of Clinton, Ohio, located near Liberty HealthShare headquarters in Canton, Ohio, the Atwells, Tiffany, Tyler, son, Gabe, and daughter, Abby, are active with a variety of pursuits. They spent time last summer camping on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

“Camping is something we’ve taken to doing in the past two years,” said Atwell. “It isn’t something that I had the chance to do as a kid. We loved camping where we could climb over a sand dune and be right there at the ocean.”

Now in her ninth year of service, Atwell has witnessed the dramatic changes that have occurred at Liberty HealthShare.

“It’s really remarkable what has been achieved here,” said Atwell. “We have done it by working together and keeping our eye on what is best for our members. I was here when it wasn’t as easy or pleasant. Those dark days were learning experiences. I remind people all the time where we have been and that we aren’t there any longer. If we continue to work hard, and together, all we can do is to continue to go up!”