Small-Town Living, Rustic Roots: Meet Tyrene Cook – Part 4

This chapter of my life is about where my heart for service truly began and how it continued to grow. After Ashley was born, our family started out living in a trailer park in Gypsum, Colorado. It was during this season that I found my first real love in my career while working in medical clinics. What started as a job quickly became a calling. Even as a child, I had always found myself helping others—whether it was yard work, housework, or simply showing up when someone needed a hand. That same spirit grew into a deeper sense of servant leadership through patient care. In 2001, we welcomed our second child, Jaelyn, and although we were still living in the trailer park, we had upgraded to a new trailer that became our home. In 2002, I took the next step by attending EMT school, earning my certification, and beginning work with Vail Health in the operating room.

After working in pre-op and PACU at Vail Health, the Vail Valley Surgery Center opened its doors, and I was transferred to help launch the new facility. I continued working in pre-op and PACU and was eventually asked to assist at the front desk as well. At first, this transition was frustrating because my heart was with patient care, but over time I leaned into the opportunity. I immersed myself in learning every part of the operation and began single-handedly adding new elements and processes the surgery center had never done before. Stay tuned for Part Five, where I’ll share the struggles, lessons, and growth that came with helping bring the Vail Valley Surgery Center to a new level.