Molly Wissler dedicates her time to Rogers’ mission on and off the job

02/18/17 08:34:am

Molly Wissler is a registered nurse in the Adolescent Center for OCD and Anxiety. She’s worked at Rogers for 22 years – her entire professional career! She always wanted to work in behavioral medicine, inspired, in part, by her dad who provided vocational services to those with developmental disabilities.

In 1994, Molly began working in the adult inpatient program before accepting a nursing position in the Odyssey program, a now-discontinued initiative that brought kids from Indiana to Rogers Memorial Hospital for therapeutic care. It was an intense learning experience for the young nurse, but one that cemented her desire to work with adolescents.

When the Odyssey program ended 10 years later, she became part of the team that developed the Adolescent Center for OCD and Anxiety where she currently works.

“As the program nurse, I am like the mother of the unit, and I think parents are very grateful,” said Molly. “I love getting to know the families. It is very rewarding.”

Incredibly, Molly’s contributions extend beyond what she does during work hours. She has found other creative ways to give of her time – literally. Last year, Molly donated 40 hours of her unused paid time off to the Foundation, designating the funds to the Patient Care Grant program, a program that helps bridge the gap between treatment and insurance coverage.

“I know that my contribution is going to something very good, and I get to see how it helps kids right on our unit.”

Molly has also given of her time in another way – by spending hours of her spare time building a stunning stacked rock lamp that was auctioned off as part of this year’s Gala fundraising and awareness event. “This is the first time I’ve made something for the Gala,” admitted Molly, “although I have volunteered at the event many times. I don’t think I’m crafty, but my mom was an art teacher, so maybe that’s where it comes from.”

The Foundation is grateful for Molly’s dedication to the mission of Rogers and the Foundation. Truly, she is making life worth living for patients and their families near and far.