Name: Lisa Yorkgitis Nahach (I typically go by Lisa Nahach, pronounced Nay-hatch).
Home: I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but I have lived in central Missouri for more than 25 years.
Personal: My husband, Jim, and I have three children–Suzie, Tim, and Elizabeth–and live in Jefferson City, Missouri. In January 2019, we adopted Archie, a white/strawberry blonde terrier mix, from the local dog shelter. At 6 months of age, Archie has become everyone’s baby. He enjoys standing on his hind legs and looking out our front window, cranking his head to the right and then to the left. “He’s looking for Santa,” we say.
Reasons for starting a blog: To explore my feelings as a former caregiver and help others who have been or currently are caregivers. It’s fun, too, and it gives me a chance to explore my creative side as a writer.
Professional background: A bit eclectic, but that’s the way I am. I am a freelance copyeditor and writer, and I also substitute teach for the Jefferson City School District. One day, I may be editing a book about groundwater in southeast Asia, and the next, I may be reading a biography to third-grade students about Pittsburgh Pirate great Roberto Clemente.
I also have been a public information specialist with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, taught English at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, and covered a wealth of stories as a reporter for the Jefferson City (Mo.) News Tribune.
When my children were young, I worked part-time at the News Tribune and picked up part-time jobs that fit into scheduling pockets. A few examples: delivering phone books; caring for children at the YMCA’s drop-in nurseries; and stocking cookies, crackers, and pizzas for Kraft Foods; and.
Education: B.S., biology, with an emphasis on vertebrate physiology, and a minor in technical writing — Penn State University
M.A., journalism — University of Missouri-Columbia
Interests: Cooking, gardening, reading, singing, swimming, and traveling. I can’t pass a bulletin board without perusing the notices. I pick up stray pennies (and other coins, too). I also eavesdrop, shop at garage sales, cry during Hallmark commercials, and get facials at the local beauty school.
Seven Years a Caregiver 