Sharing The Dream Of Dispatch

When staff members at North Memorial Health Communications Center (North Comm) refer to their team as “family,” a few of them really mean it. As part of the largest hospital-based air and ground service in the country¹—located in the heart of Minnesota (USA)—the world feels a bit smaller and perhaps sweeter when sharing the same role with your daughter.

That connection is far better than a coincidence for Teneshia Mays, 911 Emergency Medical Dispatcher by profession and everyone’s mother at heart. About 15-20 years ago, Mays was captivated by the portrayal of a 911 emergency dispatcher on television. “I just thought it would be nice to get into that field, but I didn’t know how to apply or get started,” Mays said. 

She put her curiosity for the emergency services aside until about 8 years ago when she happened upon a recruiting advertisement for a 911 dispatch pilot program. Though Mays knew the real position wouldn’t be sensationalized like those on TV, some unknown confidence intrigued her to go for it anyway. 

“I’m a caregiver; that’s who I am,” Mays said. “Now I am there for others who are experiencing personal tragedies, and I’m a better person for it.”

As Mays first entered her dream dispatch position, she realized she was the first to add a splash of diversity to her small department. Though she was concerned with fitting in, adjusting to her new role, and entering the new culture of emergency services, she soon felt at home in the headset. In fact, it only took a couple of months before she had convinced her daughter, Shytaela Nunn, that she belonged there as well.

“I kind of piggybacked off her,” Nunn said. “I always wanted to pursue a position in law enforcement, but that was harder to get into.” Luckily for both, pursuing an Emergency Medical Dispatcher position turned out to be a great fit for the time being.

Soon, mother and daughter were both certified through the same training program (about 60 days apart) and were assigned the same shifts, though sometimes at different locations. Working together only highlights the enviable relationship Mays and Nunn share, each strengthened and enhanced in their compassion and professional capabilities by having each other.

“It makes me feel proud,” Mays said. “At an early age, Shy was able to tap into a great career path, and I applaud how she juggles this high-demand job with her young child. Dispatch has helped her mature and understand the bigger picture of life and the importance of her interactions with others.”
 

Nunn found her new role as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher to be the perfect path and timing in her life. As she carries the heaviness of lengthy shiftwork, busy workloads, holiday work, and scheduling conflicts, Nunn values the impact she makes in people’s lives above all.

“I love the fact that dispatch is fast-paced, and every day there is something new,” Nunn said. “You have to stay sharp to make a difference for people on their worst days.”  

Sharing similar roles with her mother has also helped Nunn appreciate her through a different lens. “She’s an amazing co-worker and team member,” Nunn said. “With her, I have a dependable co-worker, a genuine best friend, and a loving mom all in one.”

During tough troubleshooting moments, Nunn knows she can go directly to her mother to work through her challenges. “I can depend on her to say, ‘Hey, you’ve got this,’” Nunn said. “She helps me continue to improve, to be a better dispatcher and a better mom.”

At times Nunn’s five-year-old daughter visits the comm. center and can see her nana and mother at work. A curious third generation is clearly inspired by the dedicated women before her as she enjoys imaginary 911 role-play. For one emergency dispatch family, pouring their hearts into service suggests a bright and meaningful future.

Source
1.    “Ambulance Services.” North Memorial Health. 2025. https://ambulanceservices.northmemorial.com/ (accessed June 13, 2025).