Penny Privette

Food and Nutrition Consult Supervisor

Although her father grew up in Arroyo Hondo and her mother grew up in Questa, Penny Privette was born in Denver and raised in California. Five years ago, Penny moved to Taos to retire on her father’s land in Hondo – and when she and her husband came home to Taos, so did the rest of her family. After being here for a year, she took a job at Holy Cross Hospital Cafe. She has found her place in Taos, at home and at work.

In her career, Penny sees herself as a trusted leader. She strives to be sure that the women who work for her respect her, and see her as a team player. Her office overlooks the kitchen and so her smile is always a strong presence in the hospital Café and among her staff.

Penny’s been married for 29 years, and she says that trust is the key to a strong marriage. Her husband is her best friend, and has been her biggest supporter. At that same time, Penny says, she’s always made her own decisions. “I’m not a follower. I take ownership, and I love seeing smart and strong women succeed. When I was a kid I was taught to be happy for other people, and I live by that.”

At home in Arroyo Hondo, she waits for her two sons to come to visit, one of whom lives in Farmington, while the other is out west in California. While she waits, she is dedicated to the care of her animals. She has one goat, nine sheep, four rams, a rooster, chickens, Chihuahuas, and two big dogs. Her animals ground her, and give her connection to the land and beauty of Taos. “When I get home at night,” says Penny, “all the animals start talking to me, happy to have me home.” Penny is going to be a Grandma for the first time in August, and that is certainly worth waiting for.