A family bond beyond home
At HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, teamwork and support are fundamental values — but for Tanya Shaffer and her daughters, Whitney Park and Marsee Peeler, those values extend far beyond their workplace. This mother and daughters trio is more than just a team; they are a family bound by their shared passion for healthcare and their commitment to making a difference.
Tanya Shaffer, the hospital’s PBX operator, joined in April 2024, but her family’s legacy at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital began years earlier. Her daughter, Whitney Park, now the Director of Case Management, started her journey at the hospital in 2010. Inspired by the warm, welcoming environment she experienced during her clinical rotations, Whitney knew this was the place for her. Her sister, Marsee Peeler, followed soon after in 2013, and today serves as the Quality Risk Coordinator.
For Whitney, being able to guide and support her younger sister in her early days at the hospital was an incredibly meaningful experience. Having worked as a dayshift nurse before moving into leadership, Whitney always enjoyed mentoring new team members — so playing a role in Marsee’s professional growth was particularly special. “Watching my sister grow in her career was really special,” Whitney says. “She’s my best friend, and having her here makes work even more enjoyable. Our impromptu lunch dates are one of my favorite parts of the day.”
Those lunches aren’t just limited to the sisters — Tanya, their mother, is always included. In fact, Whitney and Marsee often bring her food and snacks throughout the week, ensuring she feels the same warmth and support she has always provided them.
For Marsee, healthcare was always a calling. Seeing how much Whitney loved her profession inspired her to pursue a career in the field as well. And when an opening for a PBX operator came up, she knew it would be the perfect fit for their mom, Tanya. “She’s so outgoing and loves talking to people,” Marsee says. “It was a natural fit for her to join the healthcare profession alongside us.”
Having her mom and sister at the same hospital has been a source of comfort for Marsee. Knowing they are just a call or a short walk away provides an extra layer of support, both personally and professionally.
Whitney reflects on what HCA Florida Lake City Hospital has meant to her over the years, saying, “This hospital has always felt like home to me, but I’ve learned that home is more than just a place — it’s the people. HCA Healthcare has given me opportunities to grow as a nurse and a leader, and I’m proud to share that journey with my family.”
The Shaffer-Park-Peeler trio exemplifies the heart of HCA Florida Lake City Hospital — where colleagues become family and, in their case, family becomes colleagues. Their story is a testament to the power of connection, support, and a shared commitment to making a difference — both at work and at home.