Social work case manager,
Progeny Health
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have been working as a social worker for the past 12 years. I have worked in acute psychiatric unit, NICU, adults floor and managed Medicaid company prior to my current role here with ProgenyHealth. I am licensed in 4 different states as a clinical social worker and I also retain CCM certificate.
Why do you like working in perinatal health?
I enjoy helping moms or caregivers finding the path to successful parenting. It has been honor to be a part of my clients’ lives and be able to provide assistance when they are in need.
Tell us about working with The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation.
When I first found out about The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, I was excited to find an organization like yours. My company has partnerships with multiple health insurance companies throughout the states to provide case management program. We specialize in NICU population. In fact, we only case manage NICU families. We start reaching out to NICU families while their babies are in the NICU. We typically follow with the family for the first 12-15 months of babies lives. Most of our clients are Medicaid recipients. It is very hard for these families with unexpected premature birth, extended hospital stay or complex medical needs of their infants. A lot of my families are already living paycheck to paycheck. These unexpected life event can set them back financially. Some families do not have transportation to visit the infant. Few of my families live far away from NICU. Due to COVID and restrictions in place , some families face difficulty locating lodging close to the hospital. Other family may face losing their homes or getting shut off of utilities because of unpredictability of NICU stay. It is rare to find an organization that understands the nature of NICU hospitalization and what the needs are. I believe your foundation understands what these families are going through. I truly appreciate all you do for these families and take some burdens off of their shoulders, so they can focus on the recovery. They can participate in care without stressing out about how to pay their bills. I know it is not easy to collect donations and funding. Your generous gifts have changed lives of many of my clients.
How would you describe the importance of social workers?
We are here to provide education, and advocate for people who are in need. We are trained to assess the situation comprehensively and to come up with the solutions to the problem. We are not here to judge but to walk together the path our clients walk. We empower our clients and assist with finding their own strength to over come their obstacles. Now we now have more understanding of social determinants of health, social workers are needed more than ever in the healthcare system.
What advice would you give families in crisis due to pregnancy complications, NICU stays, or loss?
I typically describe NICU stay as like a emotional roller coaster. I advise to take one day at a time. I encourage to enjoy and embrace little moments and progress like first holding of the baby, first bottle, first bath, etc.
Greatest professional achievement: I am proud of myself for being able to do what I do for the past 12 years.
Favorite form of self-care: I love taking a nice warm bath. I also do some yoga when I am in the mood.
Currently binging: Lucifer on Netflix, no judgement please 😉
Favorite book: Harry Potter! Yes I said it.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who and why?: I must say Dalai Lama. His view and words towards happiness in life and world peace are very inspiring.
Go to song in karaoke: Jolene
Best advice ever received: When I had difficult time, someone encouraged me to keep going one more day and think about it again tomorrow. Because giving up is always an option.
Describe yourself in five words: Caring and kind
Extrovert or Introvert?: Introvert