When sisters Sydney Henderson and Hermanda West discuss their lives, the themes of gratitude and togetherness shine through in every sentence. Born in different states but raised together in Marietta, Georgia, their journeys through nursing school, graduate programs, and now into their professional lives at Aylo Health reflect a shared calling. Today, Sydney and Hermanda not only serve as primary care providers in Woodstock and Hickory Flat but also as examples of family values in action, balancing work, motherhood, and service to Cherokee County with grace and joy.
Q: Tell us a little about your upbringing. Were you always this close?
Sydney: We were born in different states—me in Texas and Hermanda in California—but grew up together in Marietta. We’ve always been close. She’s my best friend, and I’ve followed her lead in so many ways.
Hermanda: We’ve shared so much of life. Even our children are just a month apart. Currently, my family is staying with Sydney’s family while we purchase a new home... It’s that close.
Q: Nursing is a demanding field. What drew you both into this career?
Hermanda: For me, it started when I was caring for our grandmother and an aunt with breast cancer. That experience made me realize how much I wanted to serve others.
Sydney: I looked up to Hermanda. She was helping people and making an impact, and I thought, 'That fits who I am, too.' Nursing is about respect, compassion, and caring, and that’s how we were raised.
Q: And now you’re both at Aylo Health. What makes Aylo different?
Sydney: The experience. The work-life balance is fantastic. The benefits extend to our children, which is a huge blessing. Additionally, at my Woodstock location, having an imaging center right downstairs makes care even more seamless. I can escort a patient for a mammogram and have the results back the same day.
Hermanda: From the moment you walk through the doors, the Aylo experience feels different. It’s comprehensive care, thoughtful design, kind staff, and respect at every level. Patients often tell me, “I want you to be my primary provider.” That’s the impact Aylo creates.
Q: You’ve spoken about gratitude for each other. Can you share what that looks like?
Sydney: I’m grateful for Hermanda’s guidance. She’s the go-to person in our family when there’s a tough decision. She’s detailed, wise, and helps us see things clearly.
Hermanda: I’m thankful for Sydney’s support. In every season: motherhood, work, and now pregnancy, she’s always there, steady and encouraging.
Q: Beyond family, what are you thankful for in Cherokee County?
Hermanda: The community feels tight-knit. I’ll see one patient, and then their neighbor, their husband, or even their whole family. People here look out for each other.
Sydney: Yes, there’s this sense of everyone having each other’s backs. It’s a blessing to live and work in such a supportive place.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of your work and family roles?
Sydney: Travel. We’ve visited Dubai, the Maldives, Paris, and Croatia over the last couple of years. We were planning to go to Curacao, but with Hermanda’s pregnancy, that one’s on hold.
Hermanda: Even with the pause, we’re always dreaming of new adventures together.
Q: With Thanksgiving approaching, what traditions matter most to you?
Hermanda: Our family gathers in Savannah at our parents’ home. The kitchen is filled with chaos and laughter, kids running, sisters cooking, and always dessert first. My mom’s peach cobbler is unmatched.
Sydney: And don’t forget the greens. Thanksgiving is about being together, hands in the kitchen, hearts around the table.
Q: What advice would you give to young women considering nursing?
Sydney: Nursing is a foundation that branches into so many specialties. From nurse practitioner to anesthetist, the opportunities are endless. Don’t be afraid to explore.
Hermanda: I’d add this: preventative care saves lives. We both worked in hospitals and saw what happens when people don’t have a primary provider. Now, we focus on stopping ER visits before they start. That’s the real impact.
In a season that celebrates gratitude, Sydney Henderson and Hermanda West remind us that thankfulness is not just a holiday theme—it’s a daily practice. Their lives embody the beauty of family values, professional dedication, and community connection. For Cherokee County, these sisters aren’t just providers; they are neighbors, leaders, and friends who live out the truth that gratitude multiplies when shared.
"The kitchen is filled with chaos and laughter, kids running, sisters cooking, and always dessert first. My mom’s peach cobbler is unmatched." - Hermanda West