01/06/2010: Laurali Noteman
Its true, Glen Grygla sees the world through rose colored glasses. I just don’t quite know how he does it. As Kane County Hospital’s Licensed Clinical Social Worker he sees the good, the bad and the traumatic and yet he smiles, meets the day and helps anyone who asks.
Glen was born in Leamington, Utah and attended Delta High School. After he graduated from highschool he spent 2 years in the army. After his military career he worked as a welder for a while and then moved on to become a carpenter. But what he really wanted to be was a coach. So he enrolled at Weber State and started his journey into becoming a Social Worker.
Somewhere along the course of his studies he learned the stress levels of coaching weren’t really something he wanted to deal with. He changed his studies working toward becoming a Social Worker and Church Educator.
Glen grew up as a foster sibling. One of his foster sisters was a Native American. Glen enjoyed her and what she brought to the family. It was that foster child that guided Glen’s decision to work with the Native American Youth program one summer in St. George. He then applied and was accepted at University of Utah, majoring in Social Work.
Grygla taught church education with the Navajo Nation in Many Farms, AZ. for six months. He was transferred to Joseph City in Holbrook, AZ. For the next two years he was able to work with Apache, Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo in family services. Glen with his wife Carolyn, and a line of kids in tow would paint street numbers to earn money. The team would then take trips to SLC, and Yellowstone National Park. What an outstanding opportunity for a youth group to be able to reach beyond their community.
Glen was transferred to Arlington, TX. for 7 years and then to Sacramento, CA for the next 6 years for LDS Family services. He also worked in Mesa and Snowflake AZ, next stop Page, AZ for an 11 year stint. He came to KCH in August, 2003.
Glen just seems to make lemonade. Whether its with our residents and their families and everyday situations or facing those end of life decisions Glen is there to help. Maybe his time is spent with a family dealing with a traumatic experience in the Emergency Depart. Glen helps us meet life’s challenges and helps us realize we can do it. What a great gift. He is a wonderful asset to Kane County Hospital. Thanks Glen, you make me smile.
