Celebrating Administrative Professionals Day: Staff Reflections

April 23, 2025

Administrative Professionals are the backbone of BHN. They keep our programs running smoothly, support our clients, and create a positive environment for everyone they interact with. To honor the incredible work they do, we are proud to highlight the voices of several of our administrative professionals as they share insights, and what inspires them.

Venus Morales

Administrative Support Staff, The Center for Education and Professional Excellence, 2 years at BHN

What do you enjoy most about working at BHN? I like to work at BHN because of the help we provide to the community. I also enjoy working here because of my team—I have a great relationship with all of my co-workers. My supervisor is the BEST supervisor I've ever had.


What do you find most rewarding about your role? I am very organized, so helping keep our department organized brings me joy.


What advice would you give someone considering an admin professional role? Make sure you love what you do. Being an Admin takes a lot of time and organization. Some days are easier than others, but at the end of the day, it's all for the best of BHN and the department you work in.


Anything else you'd like to share? I take pride in what I do. I love that my team can count on me to take care of things they cannot. I also like to make my rounds in the morning to all onsite to make sure everyone is well and to let them know if they need anything, to please reach out. I also love to surprise my team members with things to make them all feel special.

Angel Bautista

IT Administrative Assistant, BHN IT Department, 17 years at BHN

What do you enjoy most about working at BHN? I truly appreciate the diversity across the departments I've worked in over the years. The seamless communication and strong integration among coworkers, combined with teamwork and collaboration, create an environment that feels incredibly welcoming.


What do you find most rewarding about your role? Working in the IT Department opened the door for me to work harder on completing my certification in the IT field. My skills and experience are very valuable, and having a solution to solve technical issues is very important to me. The most rewarding gift is being recognized for my ideas to make things work properly.


What advice would you give someone considering an admin professional role? Stay focused, find what motivates you, and stay positive.


Anything else you'd like to share? I have a variety of skill sets that not only focus on technology, but also content creation and multimedia. You just have to sit and find out what you are good at and put it to work.

Randy Guertin

Administrative Support and Family Support Worker, Family Resource Center, 2 years at BHN


What do you enjoy most about working at BHN? That my work varies day to day. That I meet with people in my community and help them. More than providing me with financial support, this position has allowed me to work with dignity and care; I work every day for the world I want to see and live in.


What do you find most rewarding about your role? That my main service is to provide and connect community members to resources. Sometimes it is difficult work, and you meet people where they are at which can also be challenging. But after a few times meeting together we have developed a plan, start enacting the steps, and eventually hand that system off to the community member for them to be fully responsible.


What advice would you give someone considering an admin professional role? Be quick on your feet, and have as many tools in your toolbelt as possible. Develop those people-facing skills and learn to troubleshoot as much as you can.

Melinda Deprey

Program Assistant, Recovery Coaching, 4 years at BHN

What do you enjoy most about working at BHN? Addiction recovery and access to care is something I am really passionate about. Working for BHN has given me the opportunity to make a real difference in our communities.


What do you find most rewarding about your role? For me, motivation comes from feeling like I’m making a difference. Recovery Coaching is such a beautiful way to give back and help others. In my role I am able to see my colleagues work out in our community uplifting and supporting our members to make positive changes in their lives and find a pathway to recovery. I’m motivated by passion to help others and belief that everyone should have access to the many resources and supports available. I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself, to expand my skill set and to expand my knowledge of resources in our area so I can support our team. It's so rewarding knowing my team's work is having a positive impact to our communities and those we serve.


What advice would you give someone considering an admin professional role? I have been given MANY opportunities at BHN to explore MANY roles. I kind of just fell into this role, but I wouldn't change it for anything!


Anything else you'd like to share? Though I am not out in the community, I am making sure every day that every member in our program is receiving quality care and support—as well as supporting our Coaches and Leadership staff.

Hannah Powers

Administrative Assistant, Care Management & Children & Families, 2 years at BHN

What do you enjoy most about working at BHN? Good benefits, and a company that took a chance on me when I didn't have office experience yet to offer.


What do you find most rewarding about your role? Helping people, however small, and knowing I can make their day just a little brighter.

 

What advice would you give someone considering an admin professional role? Be willing to learn, seek knowledge, and remember you don't know it all—there's always something new to learn.


Anything else you'd like to share? I enjoy being able to help brighten my co-workers' days! Whether with fun activities, decorating for seasons, or working with our Collaborative Community Workgroup to plan staff appreciation events—everyone deserves to be appreciated and feel valued.

Rebecca Villodas

Administrative Support Staff, Carlson Recovery Center, 3 years at BHN


What do you enjoy most about working at BHN? The staff I work with.


What do you find most rewarding about your role? Knowing we have the means to change a person's life. What I find rewarding is when I'm least expecting it and a client comes up to me just to say thank you.


What advice would you give someone considering an admin professional role? It takes patience and a passion to care for a stranger's life and well-being.


Anything else you'd like to share? Everyone deserves an opportunity to better themselves and I am glad I can be a part of the process.

Lisa Theoclis

Administrative Assistant, Marketing, Communications & Development, 3. years at BHN

What do you enjoy most about working at BHN? I enjoy working at BHN because I play an important role in supporting my Team and helping them achieve our goals and BHN's Missions. Being an Administrator involves a mix of duties, and it keeps things interesting and provides me constant opportunities to learn and try new things. I am constantly provided opportunities to grow and advance my career.


What do you find most rewarding about your role? Working closely with my team and other departments to promote all of BHN’s missions and initiatives. I have a large role in coordinating and executing community events within and outside the organization. This motivates me because I help to make our communities aware of our services and remind them that we are here for them and are here to help. My position and my team also support me and allow me to express and use my creativity in accomplishing our tasks and goals.


What advice would you give someone considering an admin professional role? Be flexible and motivated. Being a "yes" person is a quality that I feel is important in this kind of role. It shows that you are dependable, flexible, reliable and adaptable. You often have to adapt and be prepared to handle unexpected tasks and changes in this work environment. Make sure to have strong organizational skills and build strong relationships with your colleagues. Lastly have and work on having strong communication skills, be proficient in technology even if you have to take trainings and seek continual improvements to improve your skills, stay up to date on our organization, programs we provide, and industry trends.

Virginia Taillefer

Administrative Support, City Clinic, 31 years at BHN

What do you enjoy most about working at BHN? My colleagues, the people we serve, and the community I work in. At City Clinic, it is like a family; we work together like a well-oiled machine.


What do you find most rewarding about your role? What is most rewarding is the diversity I have in my position. Every day is a new adventure in my work journey, which I find exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding.


What advice would you give someone considering an admin professional role?

Patience—be patient, listen before you speak, and think before you judge. Follow these simple ideals and you will be successful in your administrative position and in life.


Anything else you'd like to share? I enjoy my position very much. I am fortunate to have the support of my supervisor and coworkers. I am grateful for my work family—it makes my role rewarding, fulfilling, and gives me purpose.

Kimberlee Fritz

Fleet Management, 7 years at BHN


What do you enjoy most about working at BHN?  I love the impact we can have on an individual's life and well-being.


What do you find most rewarding about your role? Finding new process improvements and implementing change for the better.


What advice would you give someone considering an admin professional role?  Great opportunity to understand how a business runs while offering a stable yet flexible schedule.

Tammy Murray

Receptionist, Greenfield Campus, 5 years at BHN


What do you enjoy most about working at BHN? Working with a great team and interacting with all kinds of people and helping where I can.


What do you find most rewarding about your role? To be able to help someone and direct them in the right direction to find the answer they are looking for.


What advice would you give someone considering an admin professional role? It is a great field to work in and rewarding. You will have different and good interactions with staff and clients.


Anything else you'd like to share? I take pride in everything I do on a daily basis. I feel passionate about my position and love it.


Thank You to our incredible administrative professionals! You are deeply appreciated every day, and especially today. Happy Administrative Professionals Day!


Interested in joining our team and making a difference? Visit bhnworks.org to apply today!

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