Original East Adams Co. Rural Health staffer retires after three decades

GOLDEN, IL — It’s a rare occurrence these days to find a place to work where you stay for most of your adult life. Certified Medical Assistant Cindy Cassens can say exactly that.

Cassens was there at the start of the East Adams County Rural Health Clinic in 1991 and will dedicate her last day on August 1.

“I have enjoyed my time at the clinic and will miss the patients the most,” Cassens said in a media release about her retirement. “I feel honored.”

The clinic was started as a part of a collaboration of St. Mary and Blessing Hospitals, and the Southern Illinois University Medicine-Center for Family Medicine, along with Dr. Debra Phillips.

Before the clinic’s opening, Cassens worked for the late obstetrician-gynecologist Michael Shih, MD, for 10 years.

A graduate of Unity High School, Casses received her medical assistant education at Robert Morris College in Carthage.

She lives in Camp Point and has been married to husband Eric for 44 years.

She will no doubt enjoy some more time with their daughter Erica and her husband Nate Hilgenbrink, and her son Justin and his wife Kristen Cassens. As well as grandchildren Ian and Ava Hilgenbrinck, and Jackson and Brooklyn Cassens.

Retirement does not mean Cassens has retreated from service. She has volunteered as an emergency medical technician and currently serves as the Golden Good Shepherd Nursing Home Board President.

In addition to her longtime career and community involvement, Cassens is also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Golden.