Scotts Valley Patch: What is your occupation?
Jackie Maurer: I am a medical assistant in Dr. Anthony Tyler’s office in Felton.
Patch: Where were you born?
Maurer: I was born in Detroit, Michigan.
Patch: Where were you educated?
Maurer: I went to Lynbrook High School, then DeAnza College and then a trade school to get my certification to be a medical assistant.
Patch: How long have you lived in Scotts Valley?
Maurer: We have lived in Scotts Valley for about 12 years.
Patch: What brought you to the area?
Maurer: We moved to Mt. Hermon first and lived there for over 15 years. My husband and I have been a couple since we were 16 years old and we visited the Santa Cruz mountains as often as we could since high school. We were thrilled to find a home in the area.
Patch: What is something you are known for?
Maurer: I am very passionate about being a part of finding a cure for cancer and supporting those who are fighting the disease. I have been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society since 1999. Three years ago I helped bring a Relay For Life to Scotts Valley, so that our community can be a part of finding a cure and supporting those fighting cancer and surviving cancer right here. I have volunteered with Jacob’s Heart and now I am a volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Patch: What is your latest project?
Maurer: I am very excited to give away bald dolls to children who have cancer or alopecia. I gave away a few at the Santa Cruz Relay For Life on July 14, but most will be going to the Ronald McDonald House.
Patch: Book you last read?
Maurer: Ha! I am too embarrassed to admit what book I am currently reading. So, I will tell you that the last book I finished reading was “Steve Jobs." I am an avid reader and I read as much as I can.
Patch: Newspaper or magazine you read regularly?
Maurer: I read the Santa Cruz Sentinel, Scotts Valley Patch, the Press Banner and Sunset Magazine. If I have a spare moment on my lunch hour, I read magazines that we have in our waiting room at Dr. Tyler’s: People, National Geographic and Better Homes and Gardens.
Patch: Movie you could watch again and again?
Maurer: Forrest Gump! I like the music in this movie and all the great parts of history that he is inserted into.
Patch: Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Maurer: I love to spend as much time as I can with my 4-year-old and 5-year-old grandkids, Elora and Khyri. They are my biggest joy in life. I feel like I am having a second childhood with them as we jump in puddles, explore nature and play dress up!
Patch: What is one of your most gratifying accomplishments?
Maurer: I really love being on the committee for the Relay For Life and seeing the joy of the cancer survivors as they walk the first lap and everyone is clapping and cheering for them and their caregivers too.
Patch: What is your greatest indulgence?
Maurer: I LOVE white chocolate truffles.
Patch: One of your most memorable vacations?
Maurer: My entire family went on a cruise to Mexico for my parent’s fiftieth wedding anniversary and we had the time of our lives. We had too much fun and dream of doing it again some day. Maybe we will go on another family cruise when my husband and I have our fiftieth!
Patch: What is a goal you are chasing after?
Maurer: I want to be a good example for my children and grandchildren. I hope that they will follow in my footsteps and do everything they can to help people in need.
Patch: What do you like most about life in Scotts Valley?
Maurer: Scotts Valley is a very safe and beautiful place with caring and compassionate people who come together and help one another when a need arises. And the weather is fantastic most of the time.
