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UP Health System – Portage Heroes | Nora Pennala
December 11, 2025
What is your role at UP Health System?
I'm an Education Coordinator.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I was the nerdy kid who grew up reading a medical encyclopedia for fun, so I guess you can say I was always interested in healthcare and human biology.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
No day is the same; I toggle between working on student placements, new employee orientation, existing employee educational needs and tracking, and helping on quality projects. I enjoy the variety of tasks I do and getting to interact with so many employees and students from all departments. I love that there is always an opportunity to learn and grow personally and professionally.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been at UPHS - Portage just shy of 5 years. I was a nurse in the emergency department and just started in this role at the end of August.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
It is all new to me; the Oracle transition provided the opportunity to change a lot of processes that we are still working on fine-tuning.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I love to read, play games with my family and spend time by the water. My favorite local gem is the Bete Gris Preserve.
What do you enjoy most about working at UP Health System?
I think we have such a great team here; I love working with all of the amazing coworkers I am lucky to have.