10 Questions with Teri Lotterhand
From an unexpected start in phlebotomy to teaching, supervising and mentoring others, the lead donor care specialist has built a fulfilling career at Cape Cod Hospital. Plus, she shares her passions outside of work — fostering dogs and renovating an early 1900s farmhouse.
Teri Lotterhand’s journey into phlebotomy was an unexpected one. Teri initially planned to attend nursing school but there were no openings at the time. Searching for something to do in the meantime, she took a phlebotomy course at Massasoit Community College.
Ironically, Teri was always squeamish at the sight of blood but quickly overcame her fear. “You get over it fast,” she says. “It turned out to be something I was naturally good at.”
For the past 11 years, Teri has steadily grown her career at the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Blood Donor Center at Cape Cod Hospital. Starting as a donor phlebotomist, Teri moved into an apheresis phlebotomist role, collecting both whole blood and platelets. Two years ago, she became the lead donor care specialist, a position that highlights her ability to juggle many facets of her department, including overseeing the mobile blood drives and training new staff members.
“A big part of this job is multitasking,” says Teri. “There are so many moving parts to keep track of, but I enjoy the challenge of wearing many hats.”
Teri is planning to write a book with the help of her children and grandchildren about the adventures of her dogs Winnie (a Chiweenie, pictured left), and Nacho (a Chihuahua).
Although Teri eventually went to nursing school and graduated, she continued to gravitate toward phlebotomy. She taught phlebotomy and basic lab techniques at Massasoit while balancing her roles as a teacher, student, mother and healthcare professional. “It was a long, crazy ride,” says Teri, who later joined the American Red Cross, where she supervised a large team and traveled extensively before returning home to be closer to family.
Today, Teri starts her day at 5:30 a.m., giving her quiet time to process paperwork and handle administrative tasks. Although her role is less hands-on than it used to be, she still enjoys stepping in to cover staff breaks and occasionally drawing blood.
Her favorite part of the job? Working with a great group of people who contribute so much to the department and building connections with the local community.
“It’s fascinating — people come out to donate their time and blood just to give. There’s something so special about that,” she says. Regular donors have become familiar faces, and Teri cherishes the stories they share about their lives. “There’s a real sense of community here. I love that about working for Cape Cod Healthcare — you get to know your people. It brings meaning to the job.”
We recently sat down with Teri in her office at the blood donor center at Cape Cod Hospital to learn more about her background and passions outside of the job, including her work with foster dogs and collaborating with her children and grandchildren on a book about dogs Nacho and Winnie.
1. Did you grow up on the Cape?
No, I grew up in California until my family moved to Marshfield when I was 15. I now live in Kingston, about a 50 to 55-minute commute.
2. One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a crazy foster dog lady and a bit of a workaholic!
3. How did you become involved with fostering dogs?
I started fostering with Adopt-a-Stray Rescue, based in Arkansas, in 2016. I’ve since fostered over a dozen dogs and have adopted five. I’m a “foster fail” because I often fall in love and adopt them myself.
4. Favorite way to start your day?
With my dogs, Nacho (a Chihuahua) and Winnie (a Chiweenie). Winnie wakes me up early. She lets me know I already hit the snooze button at 3:15 a.m. by tapping me as a reminder to get moving.
5. Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by?
I often say to my team, “Today is a new day. Let’s make it a good one.”
6. What is your proudest accomplishment?
My children — they’re wonderful and have grown into amazing people.
7. What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
Renovating my early 1900s farmhouse. I’ve added rock gardens and a stone wall. My brother and I even built a chicken coop. We call it the “Taj Mahal” of chicken coops because it’s luxurious.
8. A project you are excited about?
Writing a book about my dogs Nacho and Winnie, inspired by their quirky, funny antics. My children and grandchildren are helping me come up with some of their adventures and creating the illustrations. Even if we never go to print, the experience will be something we will all cherish.
9. The last time you danced?
Saturday at home with my granddaughters! It started with my youngest, a year old, and soon the older two joined in. We put on hats and a feather boa and danced to kids’ songs like “Old MacDonald” and “Bingo.”
10. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The ability to transport myself and be in multiple places at once — to get more done without working longer days.
