Clinic Director Ruth Norwood
At Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic (ESHC), we are fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate leader in Clinic Director Ruth Norwood, BSN, M.M. Ruth’s journey in the healthcare field began early in life. Growing up in Bellevue, WA, she was inspired by her mother and grandmother, both of whom were nurses. Their influence led Ruth to pursue a career in nursing, and she attended Seattle University to earn her nursing degree. Years later, she continued her education by earning a master’s degree in management from the University of Phoenix.
Ruth has been a cornerstone of ESHC since its inception. In 1979, her husband, Thomas Norwood, an audiologist, had the vision to start the clinic, and Ruth quickly became an integral part of the business. While working as a nurse, Ruth also managed the day-to-day operations and billing for the clinic. As the clinic grew, she made the decision to leave her nursing career behind and focus on managing ESHC full-time.
One of Ruth’s favorite aspects of working at ESHC is the opportunity to connect with patients out in the community and hear their positive feedback about their experiences at the clinic. She finds great satisfaction in knowing that the clinic has a direct impact on the lives of individuals, helping them communicate better and improving their quality of life. Ruth also finds it rewarding to run a small business that not only supports the community but also provides jobs and opportunities for others.
Outside of her work at ESHC, Ruth leads an active lifestyle. She enjoys walking 2.2 miles each morning with her cousin on Finn Hill and participating in Bar Method exercise classes. Ruth is also very involved in her church and devotes time to caring for her 81-year-old mother. Despite her busy schedule, Ruth remains committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance while continuing to serve her patients and community with dedication and care.
Ruth’s leadership and commitment to Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic have played a crucial role in its growth and success. Her passion for improving communication and making a difference in the lives of others is at the heart of everything ESHC does.