Staff Spotlight September – Amanda Trimpey

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This month for our Staff Spotlight, we are featuring Amanda Trimpey – UPMC South-West Supervisor

Amanda (Urban) started as a Service Coordinator in January of 2019. She was promoted to Lead Service Coordinator in April of 2020 and then to Service Coordinator Supervisor in November of 2020. Originally from Berlin but now lives in Rockwood, Pa.

Amanda is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Amanda is a newlywed as of July 29th. She lives with her husband, Justin, her step son, Killian, her two dogs, Gracie Mae & Winnie Lou, and a cat, Hollie.

Some of the things that Amanda likes to do, is go to the bike trails, spending time taking walks with her dogs. She also enjoys going “thrifting”, baking, visiting wineries & breweries, and last but not least, binge watching reality television.

One of Amanda’s personal goals are to create a life that she doesn’t have to take breaks from, be more present in the happy moments, be more grateful for the challenges that make her grow.

Amanda says that the most challenging part of service coordination is meeting the participants where they are, and reminding herself that she can’t want the success and independence more than they do.

Amanda has revealed the most rewarding part of her job is being able to see the daily behind-the-scenes work make life more enjoyable, independent, and healthier for her participants. “Hearing that I made a difference in their (participants) lives and seeing how the work I do positively impacts their lives keeps me motivated in this position.”

The most challenging case I have worked on was: I recently had to advocate strongly for a client who was being exploited and isolated from her family, by her spouse to be removed from her spouse’s care as quickly and as safely as possible. The participant was successfully removed from the environment and is now thriving in her new living situation.

 

Staff Spotlight August – Christy Berzonski

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This month for our Staff Spotlight, we are featuring Christy Berzonski – Community Health Worker

Christy has been a Community Health Worker with Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy for the past three years. Originally from Friedens, and now resides at the Laurel Mountain Village in Boswell with her boyfriend Ronnie and her teenage daughter Analeigh, 3 dogs, and a cat. She also has two more children, Josie and Gavin, and 3 grandchildren. Christy earned a certificate in medical billing/coding at Allegheny College of Maryland. She enjoys scrapbooking and outdoor activities with her family like kayaking & hiking.

What is the most challenging part of your job at AUCP?
It’s hard to realize that not everyone in our community that needs help, wants it, or asks for it.

What is the most rewarding part of your job at AUCP?
It is just inspiring to see the resilience of some of my clients and the determination to better their situation. It is rewarding to see them reach their goals.

What are some of your personal goals?
I would like to see our program grow to the point that I can advance to a manager position. I really enjoy helping fellow community health workers with resources & growing in their roles.

 

Staff Spotlight July – Caitlin McCoy

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This month for our Staff Spotlight, we are featuring Caitlin McCoy – AmeriHealth Service Coordinator Lead

I have been a Service Coordinator with AUCP since 10/12/2021  and a Lead Staff since 9/12/2022. Before this job, I spent 11 years working for Child Protective Services, so the elderly clientele is quite a change of pace for me. I have lived in Shippensburg, Pa. for the last five years; however, I am originally from Chambersburg which is a quick drive away from where I currently live. I live on a quiet street with a lot of elderly people, which is the best, because my grandparents love me, and they are my favorite too. I went to College at the University of Shippensburg because it was a short drive from my home, and I wanted a reputable school that I could commute to while taking care of my elderly grandparents. I fell in love with all the small-town events, shops, and the community while I was in college; Shippensburg is like our very own Stars Hallow! It was pretty easy talking my husband into buying our house in Ship because he was from the area too, and well… he typically does what tell him to…. Sometimes.

What is the most challenging part of your job at AUCP?
It is trying to help others who do not see their own, potential or do not think they deserve to be helped out of a hard situation. To me is one of the most heartbreaking situations those in social work can face.

What is the most rewarding part of your job at AUCP?
is when I can have a hard conversation with someone and we can walk away with mutual respect, and I have earned their trust; especially if it is a participant who has been deemed “difficult” I pride myself in being empathetic, honest, and treating others how I would want my family members to be treated.

 

 

Staff Spotlight – Caitlin Yorio

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This month for our Staff Spotlight, we are featuring Caitlin Yorio – AmeriHealth Supervisor

Caitlin has been with AUCP for 2 years. She was born and raised and still lives in Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated from LaRoche College for 3 years before transferring to Pitt for her last two years where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Developmental Psych.

Caitlin has four siblings (One brother & two sisters) two nephews, and a dog named Rex. She enjoys spending time with her family and her boyfriend
Jeff. She loves just being outside and experiencing new places. Traveling, and going to Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers games or just taking her
nephews on different new adventures.

What is the most challenging part of your job at AUCP?
The most challenging thing is realizing that I cannot control or fix everything. Some things are out of my control and I have a hard time letting that go.

What is the most rewarding part of your job at AUCP?
Help participants who do not have any support. Being there to get them items and services that they need and making them feel better about being in the home is rewarding.

 

 

Staff Highlight – Promotions

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We are pleased to announce the promotion of Caitlin Yorio to the position, Supervisor for Team Amerihealth Caitlin joined Connexus Human Services Network/ AUCP 11/30/2020 and has served in the role of a Lead Service Coordinator for the past seven months and always willing to step-in when needed, assist anyone, or just give some good advice.

Caitlin has excelled in every aspect of the position. Her passion and work ethic are great qualities that she continues to demonstrate each and every day.

We are also pleased to announce the promotion of Autumn Nichol to the position, UPMC Hub 1 Supervisor. Autumn joined Connexus Human Services Network in February, 2021 and has served in the role of a Service Coordinator for UPMC SW.

We are also delighted to announce the promotion of Cara Smith to the position of UPMC SW Lead – Hub 1. Cara joined Connexus Human Services Network/AUCP in August of this year and has served in the role of a Service Coordinator. In this very little time frame, Cara has excelled in every aspect of the position. Her passion and work ethic does not go unrecognized.

Last but not least… Caitlin McCoy a Service Coordinator for AmeriHealth Joined Connexus Human Services Network/AUCP in October 0f 2021 also had a promotion in October of 2022 to Lead Service Coordinator.

These promotions recognize the contributions that these staff members have made to Connexus Human Services Network & AUCP during their tenure with the organization and were all effective on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. We look forward to their continued success! Congratulations!!!