This feature in Impact is focused on highlighting the "hidden talents" among UTMB's employees. If you have a hidden talent—or know someone who does—please tell us at impact.newsletter@utmb.edu. Thanks!
Name: Desiree McGahey
UTMB Talent: Information Services Manager, Access Management Group
Hidden Talent: Wood-working wizard who loves building personalized pieces that transform houses to homes.
Desiree McGahey may be more than two decades into her career with UTMB, but she’s just two years into exploring her love for woodworking. A fan of HGTV, Desiree first tried her hand at what’s blossomed into her hidden talent when she made some shelves for her home. After completing the project, her son noticed her impressive handiwork and asked if she could use her newfound skills to make him an entertainment center for his home.
Desiree jumped at the opportunity to build what turned into a 6-foot-wide console that had space for books and gaming centers. Since then, she’s used her large assortment of tools to make several other items, including small pieces for her office and home, as well as custom trays with vinyl lettering she has given as gifts to colleagues.
She finds design concepts online and uses them as a starting point before putting her own personal touch on the project; however, it seems it’s her giving, caring nature that really drives her passion.
Her latest undertaking was a 6-foot-long table she gifted to a fellow UTMB employee just before Thanksgiving.
Currently tackling a dresser for her daughter with plans to soon start building a table for her own home, Desiree continues to hone her hidden talent. In fact, she hopes to continue and expand her hobby years down the line when she retires.
“My husband and I have plans to move to a downsized house with more land so I can have room for a shop,” she said.