Volunteer Spotlight: Marsha Riibner-Cady
One thing every Girl Scout learns, at every grade level, is first aid. Whether that’s through earning a badge or at a safety workshop, being prepared for emergencies is an integral part of what Girl Scouting teaches. Girl Scout alum and volunteer Marsha Riibner-Cady took this to heart, and turned it into a career.
Marsha literally owes her life to Girl Scouts, because that’s how her parents met. “My father’s first cousin, Marlene, was in my maternal grandmother’s Brownie troop,” Marsha shared. That’s where Marlene met Marsha’s mother. “My mom and Marlene were friends forever and went to high school together. At some point my parents were introduced by cousin Marlene and the rest is history, here I am!”
When it was Marsha’s turn to join Girl Scouts, she had a great mentor waiting. “I spent summers with my maternal grandparents. My grandmother always worked on badge requirements with me. We did the cooking badge together.” Girl Scouts provided these fond family memories as well as other lifelong friendships. “One year, I sold enough cookies to pay for camp (at 75 cents a box!)” Marsha said. “That year I met Ilga Vise, who was a troop leader for her daughter. I was 11. We are still in touch 50 years later!”
Marsha’s path eventually led her back to Girl Scouts, by way of first aid training. “I was furloughed from my job as the director of the five after-school programs in Dare County, North Carolina due to restructuring during the pandemic. I was already a CPR and first aid instructor for the child care community on the Outer Banks so it seemed like a great idea to use those skills to start a business.” That business, Cady CPR Solutions, is a regular provider of first aid and CPR training and certification courses to Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast. “I care about the community and I would love to see everyone trained in CPR and first aid,” she said. Her own training is extensive. “I’m a trained Medical Technologist with a certification in Blood Banking, so I do have a medical background. I have been certified to teach through the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.”
For those who find the concept daunting, Marsha takes care to make sure everyone finds their way, making accommodations when needed. “I don’t rush you or your Girl Scouts through our skills session,” she said. If there are any issues, “we figure it out.” The serious nature of the material doesn’t mean Marsha’s classes are solemn occasions, though. “Everyone gets a goody bag with a disposable pocket mask and bandanna, and my classes are always fun, entertaining, and informative!”
Marsha is currently serving as a service unit delegate for the Outer Banks unit and staying involved with Girl Scouts remains important to her, because she knows how important Girl Scouts is for girls. “I think Girl Scouting offers girls the opportunity to explore, learn about, and excel in whatever they are interested in. Girl Scouting can also push girls out of their comfort zone, actually challenge them physically and intellectually. It is a place to explore things that they may not have had the chance to experience if they were not in the program. My hat is off to the leaders and staff who work so hard to make the program a continued success for the girls.”
Thank you, Marsha, for your commitment to safety and to Girl Scouts!
(You can find upcoming CPR and first aid trainings with Marsha for girls and adults on our calendar.)
