New director named at WPH

Julie Hoffman is the new director of the Wyoming Pioneer Home. As the director, Hoffman manages the staff and administers the fiscal assistance from the State of Wyoming.

Hoffman's background comes from being a licensed social worker in Basin at the Wyoming Retirement Center where she worked for 7 and a half years. She focused on long-term care and helping residents adapt to the facility, as well as admission, safe discharge and complaints such as reports of abuse or neglect.  

Hoffman grew up in Cody and wanted to return to Wyoming as she was living in Minnesota. Hoffman describes herself as a "late bloomer" as she went back to school after her children graduated and was interested in human resources. However, her desire to help people provided a better focus. She has a bachelor's and a Masters in Social Work, from the schools of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota and Walla Walla University in Billings, Montana respectfully. 

Hoffman became the interim director of the Wyoming Pioneer Home in September/October 2020 and then officially in the position June 2021. Hoffman took over the position from Sharon Skiver who was there for about 20 years. 

Hoffman describes working at the Pioneer Home with a "great team". The staff includes dietary, nursing and other departments. She said, "every day is different" and that the Covid testing has added a great deal extra to the workloads as it is done twice a week according to the guidelines. 

Hoffman said she really appreciates the community support for the Wyoming Pioneer Home.