Each Tuesday, The Citizen features a health professional from the

Finger Lakes community in The Banks: This week, we spotlight Tessi Spearing, who heads up Auburn's Meals on Wheels program.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. Knowing that something I'm doing during the day is helping someone who wouldn't have gotten a meal otherwise.

Q. What is the most challenging?

A. I guess hearing the distress people are in because they're unable to provide that meal for themselves. Also, funding issues, making sure it's available so we can help who we need to help.

Q. Describe your ideal client.

A. Somebody who doesn't have the mobility to prepare a meal for themselves or go shopping. Big chain stores are murder on someone with limited mobility.

Q. When you're sick, would you want someone like you to be your doctor?

A. I like to think that I'm kind, passionate and caring, so yes.

Q. What are the most important things to consider when preparing a nutritious meal?

A. You have to look for a balanced diet, not all meat or carbohydrates. So you got meat, fruits and vegetables and everything. We do our menu in six-week rotations, so there's not a hamburger every Wednesday. And we keep it balanced and nutritious.

Q. What's the most common misconception you hear about Meals on Wheels?

A. That it's only for the elderly. People think they're not elderly enough to get it. But we serve anyone who has a need. We can get meals to you short-term or long-term, it depends on the need.

Q. If you weren't in the health care field, what career or field would you do?

A. I'm a hostess at the Mandana Inn (in Skaneateles), so I'd do that. I like being out with people and the public.

Q. For someone considering a career like yours, what advice would you offer?

A. You really need to have a sort of patience and understanding that your lifestyle may be one way and their lifestyle may be another.

Q. What is your favorite medical TV show?

A. “Grey's Anatomy.” I like their different personalities and how when they go to work, the coworkers become confidants and friends, and I like the silliness that happens.

Q. Despite being in the health care field, people would probably be surprised that when I'm off the job, I _________.

A. Just love a good adventure, I love to go cruising in my convertible.

Tessi Spearing

Hometown: Skaneateles

Family: Husband, Dave; son, David Jr.; daughters: Lisa and Betsy

Occupation: Director, Meals on Wheels, 8 Hulbert St., Auburn

Hobbies: Gardening, crafts, grandchildren and sudoku