Growing up, Sheryl StakeBake always imagined she would become a teacher. But she never predicted that a 35-year career in nursing would shape how she teaches today. Her journey began at USC Medical Center in California, where she trained in an accelerated nursing program at a teaching hospital, working with real patients.
Pouring Back into Others Through Teaching
That foundation launched a career that spanned nearly every corner of nursing: ENT, surgery, rehabilitation, neurological care, burn units, skilled nursing, assisted living, and even working with pilots on an Air Force base. She eventually became an assistant director of nursing, a director of nursing and later a CNA instructor — a role that reawakened her love for education.
“I always wanted to be a teacher,” Sheryl says. “I had great teachers growing up, and I remember thinking, ‘I want to be just like them one day.’ Teaching lets you make an impact in a way that reaches far beyond one person.”
Today, as Quest’s nurse educator, Sheryl trains our direct support professionals and nurses to provide safe, hands-on care from medication administration to APD guidelines. She also teaches CPR to employees across the entire organization, from frontline staff to the C-suite.
Her approach is grounded in real‑life experience, including the day she administered CPR to a friend’s child. Moments like that remind her that CPR is most often performed on someone you know, which is why she works so hard to make the training feel approachable rather than intimidating. She gets on the floor to demonstrate techniques, holds equipment up to her own face, and creates those “aha” moments that help staff believe, ‘I can do this if I ever need to.’
A Dignity-Centered Approach to Care
Above all, Sheryl teaches something she believes is just as important as any skill: dignity. Her commitment to dignified care comes from a lifetime of helping people through some of their hardest moments — and seeing firsthand how compassion can change everything.
That’s why Sheryl takes pride in teaching others to do the same. She sees the impact every day. Quest clients rely on staff for stability, support and connection, and she reminds new employees that their presence matters more than they may realize.
“I tell everyone, treat our clients the way you would want your own family treated,” she says. “Some of our clients don’t have anyone else. We are their people. When you walk through the door, they should be happy to see you.”
Staff are not just caregivers — they are partners in helping people reach their goals, no matter how big or small. Watching them celebrate those wins is one of Sheryl’s favorite parts of the job, because it reflects what Quest is all about.
“I think Quest is a ray of hope,” Sheryl says. “We help people reach goals they never thought possible, and when you help someone do that, you’re doing something great.”
If you’re interested in a career helping individuals experience a full life, explore opportunities at Quest, Inc.