Horizon Health Inc. Department Spotlight: Activities Staff
- By Horizon Health Services
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- 24 Jan, 2019
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We are especially proud of our staff at Horizon Health Inc.
The best possible care comes when you have the best team of people working together toward a common goal.
We interviewed our fantastic Activities staff members – Michele Henifin, Dawn M. Lattimer, and Bonnie Pohl. Get to know them better:
1. Why Did You Choose a Career at Horizon Health Inc.?
Michele:
I wanted to find a career where I could touch and support others in their life journey. I chose Horizon Health because I wanted to work for an organization that supported those who lived in the community and was dedicated to educating and enhancing the growth of its employees.
Dawn:
Horizon Health is a well-known and respected company. My initial contact was when I took the CNA class they offered. I was impressed with the class and the staff that I met. When I saw an opportunity to join Horizon Health Inc. as an Activity Coordinator, there was no question; I jumped at the chance to apply. I chose to be an Activity Coordinator for a myriad of reasons. First and foremost is my love to spend time with seniors. Second, I saw the position as a chance to enrich lives and truly make a difference. This is the most rewarding job that I have ever had and, honestly, this is not a job to me. It is my honor and pleasure to spend days with the residents of Harmony House.
Bonnie:
I started out as a CNA with Harmony House, but I was always interested in helping people enjoy their time doing the things they love and remember.
2. What Would You Tell People that are Considering a Job Like Yours?
Michele:
It is the best job in the world. Every day you get to create, assist and guide individuals in having moments of purpose, joy, and magic.
Dawn:
This career choice is the most rewarding I have ever made. Daily, I am amazed and in awe of the amazing and talented individuals we serve. So often I am moved to smiles, laughter, joy, and at times tears by our residents. Not all moments are easy, but this job is not quite like any other. For the right person – a person who is compassionate, wants to make a difference, and who can think outside the box – Horizon Health Inc. is a great choice.
Bonnie:
If you have a smile on your face and a kind manner about you, people react positively to you. If you love them, they will love you back.
3. Do You Have Any Heartwarming Stories or Moments That Have Impacted You?
Michele:
We have a program that we call Magical Moments where an individual tells you a wish they have and you try to make it come true. One of our individuals got to meet Kent Herbeck and go to the Twins game, another got to go for a ride in a police car and another got to go bowling with her son. To see the joy, excitement in their eyes and their families is amazing. For one moment, they feel special, loved, and appreciated. They feel they can still have dreams come true no matter what age they are.
Dawn:
Recently, I asked a resident if she wanted to listen to music by a particular artist. The resident’s mouth opened wide. Hand over mouth, eyes wide and filled with tears of joy, they stated, “Oh, would I!” Such an easy question to ask and answer to fulfill and the joy it brought to the resident is something I will never forget.
Bonnie:
Once I was gone for a few days. Upon my return, one of the residents gave me a big hug and we cried together, I knew he had missed me as much as I had missed him.
4. What is the Most Rewarding Part of Your Job?
Michele:
The individuals we serve and the amazing team I work with.
Dawn:
The most rewarding part of my job is that I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our residents every day. It is rewarding to take a situation and do what I can to make the outcome the best it can be.
Bonnie:
Seeing people in the morning and them asking, “What are we doing today?” They know I am there for them.
5. What Are Your Backgrounds?
Michele:
I have worked for Horizon Health for 17 years. I started in healthcare in the dietary department when I was 15.
Dawn:
My college degree is in Speech Communication. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, I taught two courses at Mankato State University: 100 level Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication. I have worked at several positions and locations of Champps Restaurants around the Twin Cities. I have also held multiple positions at major brokerage firms and was a Financial Assistant to as many as four Financial Advisors at one time. After the Financial collapse that began around 2008, I turned my talents toward working with seniors and fulfilled my desire to work with seniors who need assistance.
Bonnie:
I am a Certified Nursing Assistant by trade, but I bring many years of experience being a mom, a wife, a grandma, and a friend.
6. Is There Anything About Working at Horizon Health Inc. That You Would Like People to Know?
Michele:
We create a department that is person-centered based. It is about what the needs, desires, and wants are of the individuals we serve. It is about continuing to live not just exist
Dawn:
My position is not always easy, but with an open mind, a desire to learn, an open-minded attitude, and a true desire to make a difference, this is the most amazing job ever!
Bonnie:
Every day is different. You have to go with the flow and be flexible. Not everything goes as planned!
7. What is Your Favorite Part of Your Job?
Michele:
Being creative and the people I serve
Bonnie:
We tell a lot of stories and we sing a lot! We have laughter every day!
