Paula Moore
There are some people who have an innate ability to help others. Paula Moore is one such person.
“I love helping people. When I was in kindergarten and first grade my mom would find me digging in a drawer to find supplies to give to other people,” said Moore who is the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Health Services.
This ability to help carries over to her job that is housed at the Alternative Center for Education (ACE) where she sees and interacts with students daily while preparing materials and medical supplies for the district.
“I’ve always enjoyed connecting with kids and this job allows me to do that,” said Moore.
Her love for the medical field began when she worked in a doctor’s office in Kirbyville. Her first job was working for her dad at Hughes Chevrolet.
“My dad was the owner. I washed cars and worked inventorying parts,” said Moore.
She graduated from Newton High School and was active in band, basketball, volleyball and won second in District in tennis and advanced to state. She attended Angelina College and served as a Respiratory Therapist for 28 years.
In her new role at Lufkin ISD she works with Jan Fulbright, Director of Health Services. She no longer does inventorying for car parts but now inventories all of the medical supplies for the district.
“I’ve learned that helping people can be anywhere, any job,” said Moore.
Moore’s helping and can-do attitude has served her well through her own challenges and struggles throughout life.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33. I had no family history. The radiologist said everything looked good,” said Moore.
After having her neighbor who was a doctor take a look at the results, she was having surgery the next week.
“Trust your intuition. You know your body,” said Moore.
Moore has worked at hospitals, home health and schools and loves where she is today.
“My favorite part of the job is my direct co-workers, ACE staff and interacting with the students,” said Moore.
In her spare time, she attends all of her granddaughters’ swim meets.
“I spend a lot of time outdoors mowing, gardening, feeding wildlife and canning. I love spending time with family and friends especially my daughter and granddaughters,” said Moore.
She is married to Andrew Moore and has one daughter Tricia Freeman who is the Assistant Principal at Dunbar Primary, son-in-law Sam and two granddaughters Kate and Claire and stepson Ryan Moore. She has one dog Bailey and one cat Emmy. Currently she and her husband live on the lake where they see sunrises and eagles.
Moore lives by the scripture Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
“Life is an everyday celebration,” said Moore.