We’re excited to spotlight Compassus People Development Partner Michelle Harris in Brentwood, TN. Michelle’s journey with Compassus began as a recruiter. Today, she plays a vital role in supporting teammates and leaders across the organization through training and development. Guided by her values of integrity, compassion and teamwork, Michelle embodies the Care for who I am philosophy in every aspect of her work.
Q: What personal values drive you in your role, and how does your work align with those values?
Integrity, compassion, teamwork. The topics we train are all about having integrity in the light and even more when no one is looking. Our department works with different departments—finding out what we can do better and different to assist. Our compassion is who we are. Period.
Q: What was the defining moment that made you feel proud to be part of this team or field?
Day one—my first day with Compassus as a recruiter for Dana—I was greeted with warmth, welcoming and inclusion. I knew this was where I needed and wanted to be.
Q: How do you feel your work makes a difference for the people we serve or the team around you?
My role as a People Development Partner, although not patient facing, impacts our patients and their families’ first experience with home health or hospice. As a growth trainer and as trainer for the leadership series, I get the opportunity to work with our leaders so that their teams can receive that Care for who I am feeling, as well as transferring that over to our patients.
Q: What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction or fulfillment? Why?
Meeting different people and seeing their eyes light up because they get “it” and the energy they receive from training.
Q: How has working here helped you grow or develop, personally or professionally?
I have had the opportunity to stretch my wings.
Q: What motivates you to keep coming back, even on challenging days?
The culture that has been created at Compassus is a gift to be a part of. I joke and say security is going to have to walk me out the door. I don’t plan on leaving.
Q: If you were to tell a friend or family member why your work matters, what would you say?
We are given the opportunity to help patients celebrate their lives as their health is declining. We get to know them as human beings, not just patients.
Q: What’s one story or interaction with a patient that reminds you why you’re here?
Following training one week, one of the participants reached out for insight and additional help in an area. When she and I were about to end our 1:1, she told me no one had helped her think outside of the box like that and she was excited about implementing the change.
Q: How do you see your work impacting the larger goals of the organization?
We have only just begun, it seems. I want to be a part of growing and developing our teams.
Q: What’s one thing about our organization or mission that resonates deeply with you?
Care for who I am
Q: What aspect of your role do you feel is often overlooked but is important to your “why”?
Training is not “training”—it is investing in yourself, professionally and personally. When we stop wanting to be better, we might as well go home.
Q: How does being part of this team contribute to your sense of purpose or direction?
Every day I know what we do matters and I get to be a part of it all!
