When asked why I love working at CenterPointe, the first thing that comes to mind is that we are an organization that puts people first. I have seen this repeatedly in my nearly ten years working at CenterPointe. The organization’s leadership cultivation among staff is a clear example of CenterPointe's investment in our person-centered ideology.
While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, I had the opportunity to intern at CenterPointe’s long-term Adult Residential program. This comprehensive treatment program aims to help individuals understand the interaction between their mental illness and substance use. This internship was my first exposure to whole-person healthcare; it emphasized the equal importance of mental, physical, and social/sociological health and well-being. This experience shaped my understanding of human psychology and the importance of caring for ourselves and others.
After graduating college, I enthusiastically applied to CenterPointe – I felt that I not only wanted but NEEDED to work at the organization that had inspired such a significant shift in my understanding of healthcare. I started at CenterPointe in October of 2014 as a Care Manager and soon transferred to a Registrar position, which was a great fit for me due to my combined educational background and my six-year history working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I then applied for the role of Executive Assistant to our current Chief Operating Officer, Tami Lewis-Ahrendt, as she was transitioning into this role from her prior role as Director of Human Resources. While working with Tami, I grew increasingly interested in learning more about HR and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. After a few years as Tami's Executive Assistant, I became the HR Manager. After obtaining my certification from SHRM as an HR Professional, I became the Director of Human Resources. I have since become a Vice President and Executive Leadership team member.
My progression into a leadership role at CenterPointe is just one instance of how the organization fosters leaders. The individual who was my supervisor when I was an intern was a Care Manager then, and now holds the position of Senior Director of Residential Programs. She has transitioned from supervising a single nervous, inexperienced intern to managing all residential programs and most of our staff.
Tami's creation of the Leadership Academy has enabled more employees to rise into leadership roles. Employees at every level are nominated to participate in a life-changing program that develops essential skills like project management, radical candor, prioritizing and delegating work, and ongoing education. As a graduate of the Academy myself, I can confidently say that my growth in the program contributed significantly to my professional and social development. CenterPointe also cultivates leaders through budgeting funds for every employee to obtain professional development and continuing education and creating higher level positions such as the newly created role of "Level 2" Behavioral Health Technician.
Ten years ago, CenterPointe invested in my growth. Now, I'm thankful to have the opportunity to help other employees advance in their careers at CenterPointe.
