Council on Aging staff members share their thoughts about being part of our team.
Cherry, Program Assistant
COA tenure: 23 years
Most rewarding thing about working at COA: It’s the heart-warming knowledge that we help so many people remain where they want to be: in their homes, safe and happy. I also find it very rewarding to work with the people here. There’s a wonderful sense of camaraderie that envelopes everyone, from the newest person hired to those who have been with COA even longer than I have.
Most memorable experience at COA: My most memorable experience at COA, and there have been many, was the day I went home and told my family that I loved my job and I wanted to stay with COA long enough to be able to retire from this organization. I think that was about a month after I started here and I’m still here!
Cherry would tell someone considering applying at COA: DO IT! My time here has been fulfilling, gratifying, heart-warming, and one of the best things to ever happen to me. Welcome aboard!
Jodie, Molina Supervisor
COA tenure: 5 years
Most rewarding thing about working at COA: I love working for a company that values their employees. COA includes many resources for continuing education and great coworkers and managers to learn from and grow with.
Most memorable experience at COA: My first all-staff retreat – although I did not know many people, everyone made me feel welcome. It was pretty amazing to see the retreat in action and all of the planned activities to allow us to get to know COA, our roles we play within the communities and our coworkers better.
Jodie would tell someone considering applying at COA: COA is a great place to work and learn. I am extremely happy I stepped out of my comfort zone and applied for a position here at COA.
Keith, Medicaid Specialist
COA tenure: 11 years
Most rewarding thing about working at COA: For me, the most rewarding thing about working at COA is helping seniors with their Medicaid issues.
Most memorable experience at COA: My most memorable experience is being hired because I knew that I had the skills and knowledge to match what COA needed with regards to Medicaid.
Keith would tell someone considering applying at COA: I would tell anyone looking to work at COA that it is a great place, with great people that provides great services to our older adult population.
Kim, Learning and Development Coordinator
COA tenure: 8 years
Most rewarding thing about working at COA: I love being able to really make a difference in the lives of our clients and families. Being able to give people resources and wrap support around them and hearing the relief in their voices is so rewarding. It is an honor to step into peoples’ lives and help them feel as independent and safe as possible in their own homes. Especially during times of transition in between care settings or other times when our clients are vulnerable, it is so great to be there as a support and to help spread hope.
Most memorable experience at COA: The times we have worked to get medical equipment or home modifications for clients and feeling the appreciation and relief that this has provided them have always stuck with me. Our staff retreats and holiday celebrations are also memorable experiences for me.
Kim would tell someone considering applying at COA: Do it! You will find a compassionate environment where teams feel like family and management is supportive and engaged. It is a great place to learn new things and grow in your profession. You will gain experience with different populations and issues, and the rewards are endless.
Stephanie, Director of Program Operations
COA tenure: 5 years
Most rewarding thing about working at COA: What I find rewarding is all of the programs and services offered and the truly incredible work that is done every day to allow people to remain independent in their own living environment.
Most memorable experience at COA: When I had to go on FMLA unexpectedly, my coworkers jumped right in to help and took over my work responsibilities while I was out. I was able to take the time I needed off without having to worry.
Stephanie would tell someone considering applying at COA: COA is a great place to work. I truly enjoy what I do and the people I work with.
Yolanda, Organizational Development Coordinator
COA tenure: 8 years
Most rewarding thing about working at COA: COA is a place that is full of resources and skills that help people to manage their lives daily and assist them to get through challenging circumstances.
Most memorable experience at COA: My most memorable experience at COA was my first COA all-staff retreat. I was so used to working with just my team, and the retreat allowed me to interact with coworkers across COA. I was also able to interact one-on-one with vice presidents and our CEO. At the retreat, titles were put on the back burner and we were all coworkers enjoying each other and learning.
Yolanda would tell someone considering applying at COA: COA is a place that engages its employees and values their well-being. COA is active in the community and is a strong advocate for people to remain independent in their homes. COA is always evolving to remain flexible and adaptable to change.