Who's Who: Maggie Buckley

Director of social services at Landmark Hospital

WHERE SHE'S BEEN: Thirty-six-year-old Buckley was born and raised in Sikeston, Mo. She's lived in Cape Girardeau for 10 years, and is married to husband Mike. She has a 17-year-old son, Zach, and a 4-year-old daughter, Kate. She has a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology from Southeast Missouri State Missouri and a masters in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia. "I work in a specialty hospital where I provide direct care to patients and their families. I provide daily support and counseling as well as assistance with discharge planning. I also supervise a small but wonderful staff of social workers, patient support workers, and social work students," she says. Buckley formerly was the director of social services at Missouri Delta Medical Center for approximately five years.She has also worked in community mental health and as an elder abuse investigator.

WHERE SHE'S GOING: "I am very satisfied with my current role as a hospital social worker. I hope to remain in this position for many years to come! I think that the need for medical social workers will continue to grow with the innovative medical services now available in our community."

On making a difference in the community: "My work allows me to focus on an individual level and I frequently feel rewards from these interactions. My community focus has recently been in the field of social work as a supervisor of students from SEMO, SIU, and SLU as well as a practicing MSW working towards her license. I hope to keep well-trained and compassionate social workers in this area for the betterment of the entire community."

WHY SHE WAS CHOSEN: "I have been on the Executive Board of the Gibson Recovery Center for eight years. I am also a member of Grace United Methodist Church. I was named Manager of the Year at Missouri Delta Medical Center in 2003. I completed my license in clinical social work in 2005. I was named one of Cape Girardeau's 40 Under 40 in 2008 and was voted as one of Landmark Hospital's Employees of the Month earlier this year.