About me!
In 2023 I celebrated my 60th birthday. I know I don’t look it! I achieved my second master’s degree, wrote my memoir and self-published it.
I had an amazing birthday party, danced burlesque, in not much more than my underwear; and had the time of my life. I am sure after that dance I will never be seen in quite the same way again.
After much deliberation I also decided to have my own website created, so I could publish my book chapters as blogs. And I also retired; more or less.
I’ve had an amazing life and an amazing career, most of which I share in my book and my blogs. I have achieved everything I wanted to achieve and more.
A registered nurse of over 30 years I spent the majority working in the specialist field of occupational health and as a nurse academic. I am a qualified teacher; a Queen’s nurse, and a Fellow of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. FFNMRCSI for short. I am a published author of more than 30 academic papers and conference proceedings; over 20 academic blogs and have presented at over 25 conferences, both national and international.
As the daughter of 2 parents who were the youngest of two large families, I have a large extended family. It means I have loved many and equally lost many. My dad died at 57; as did his dad. My grandad.
I am married to my second husband Mike. I am a daughter; a sister; an aunt and a great aunt. I am a cousin, great cousin and probably great, great cousin. I am a step-mum, grandma, friend and colleague.
I have my mum, who is an amazing octogenarian. Two sisters, Carol and Catherine and several nieces and nephews. All of which when required to do so, have done me proud.
My first name is Anita and after my divorce in 1998 [which was amicable], I changed my surname to Kelsey. It felt quite courageous at the time. Not wanting to change my first names, but needing something different, I used my middle name Catherine, creating a new name, a new identity and possibly some family confusion during those first few months of 1999; the same year in which my dad died. So, Catherine Kelsey became my new name, until Mike and I married in 2018, when I became, by choice, Catherine Best.
I hope you enjoy my website. So, much more is yet to come.
