Spotlight Magellan gives colleagues and those we collaborate with the opportunity to get to know Magellan employees beyond the surface through facilitated interviews that explore their personal interests, experiences, and aspirations. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan fosters a sense of community and connection, strengthening relationships and creating a more enriching shared experience.

This month, we’re getting to know Krista Workman, senior director of claims optimization. Krista has been with Magellan since 2020

Continue reading to learn more about Krista:

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Weekends are all about family for me. Sometimes that means a quick getaway with my husband, other times it’s pizza and a movie at home in Tennessee, attending a local festival or traveling to visit my two granddaughters in Georgia and South Carolina. Sundays are always set aside for worship at church, followed by lunch and our weekly grocery run.

What are you currently reading?

I am a lifelong learner, and I love to read. One of my favorite quotes from Charlie “Tremendous” Jones is, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.”
Right now, I’m enjoying two books—Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop by Jessica Redland, a charming and cozy Christmas story, and The Smart Stepfamily by Ron Deal, which has been meaningful as I recently got married and we became a wonderful, blended family.

What’s your favorite way to use your PTO?

A friend once suggested taking one PTO day each month that doesn’t already include a holiday—just to recharge—and I try to stick to that. I also love traveling to visit family out of town and exploring new places. This year I was fortunate to visit London, Scotland, Ireland and the Bahamas. My favorite stop was the beautiful and quaint town of Kilkenny, Ireland.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Growing up, my dad would always tell me, “Krista, 95/5.” It was his reminder to focus on the five percent of things within my control rather than the 95 percent that aren’t. It’s not always easy to practice, but it’s a wise approach to life.

Do you have a favorite recipe you love to make (or have made for you)?

Thankfully, my husband is an excellent cook. My favorite dish he makes is his homemade fried chicken—it’s hard to beat!

Behavioral health crises are on the rise across the country. We sat down with Matt Hardin, crisis system director, Idaho, and Rebecca Mutchler, senior director business development, Magellan Healthcare, about how Magellan Crisis Connect 360 is closing gaps in crisis response and helping states build coordinated, community-based systems that improve access, strengthen accountability and support lasting recovery.

Why is an effective behavioral health crisis system so important right now?

Rebecca: Communities across the country are facing growing mental health and substance use challenges. Emergency departments and law enforcement are often the first to respond, even though they aren’t designed for behavioral health crises.

Matt: An effective system ensures:

• Timely access to care when it’s needed most
• Safe, community-based alternatives to hospitalization or incarceration
• Improved coordination between providers, payers and public agencies

Ultimately, it’s about saving lives and helping people recover in the least restrictive setting possible.

What is Magellan Crisis Connect 360?

Matt: Magellan Crisis Connect 360 is our coordinated approach to managing behavioral health crisis care for states and regions. It connects call centers, mobile response teams, and crisis stabilization facilities and units under a single accountable entity to deliver truly coordinated care.

Rebecca: The goal is simple—ensure people get the right care faster, reduce reliance on emergency rooms and law enforcement and improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

What shared challenges do states, communities and providers face in delivering crisis services?

Rebecca: Most crisis systems operate in silos with different agencies managing various parts of the response. This typically leads to:

• Confusion about who’s responsible for what
• Delays or gaps when people move between services
• Limited data sharing or outcome tracking

Addressing these challenges requires consistent standards, strong partnerships and clear accountability across all parts of the crisis system.

How does Magellan Crisis Connect 360 address these challenges?

Matt: We bring all parts of the crisis system together under one coordinated structure called a single accountable entity. That means one organization oversees the entire continuum of care, from the first call through post-crisis follow-up, so everyone knows who’s responsible for what.

Rebecca: Crisis Connect 360 also strengthens coordination between providers and agencies, ensuring individuals move seamlessly between services without gaps in care. Our shared data systems and public-facing dashboards promote transparency and collaboration, helping states track outcomes, identify trends and continuously improve performance.

How does the single accountable entity approach benefit communities and stakeholders?

Matt: By placing accountability and coordination under one umbrella, the single accountable entity approach ensures decisions are made with the entire system in mind. It streamlines communication, reduces administrative complexity and keeps partners aligned around shared goals.

Rebecca:  For communities, that translates into:

• Expedited connections to crisis services
• Consistent quality and experience across providers
• Stronger collaboration between behavioral health, emergency and community-based services

What makes Magellan Crisis Connect 360 different from other crisis response models?

Rebecca: Many crisis models focus on individual components, like call centers or mobile response, without fully connecting the system. Magellan Crisis Connect 360 takes a more comprehensive approach, integrating people, processes and technology into a single accountable framework.

Matt: The model is clinically informed, guided by standardized assessments and evidence-based practices that ensure consistent, high-quality responses. Real-time coordination connects crisis lines, mobile teams and stabilization services, while public dashboards provide transparency and accountability.

Rebecca: As a leader in crisis care transformation, Magellan brings decades of experience building data-driven, community-based systems that strengthen system-level resilience and help reduce unnecessary emergency room use and justice system involvement. It’s more than a response model. It’s a connected, sustainable system designed to improve outcomes and long-term recovery.

What are the core components of the Magellan Crisis Connect 360 model?

Matt: At its core, Crisis connect 360 brings together the people, tools and technology  needed to make crisis care seamless and effective. The model includes:

• Around-the-clock crisis response through a dedicated call center available to respond via call, text or chat, GPS-enabled mobile dispatch and follow-up to make sure people stay connected to the support they need.
• Consistent assessment tools that help determine a person’s level of risk and guide the right response at the right time.
• Personalized crisis plans and follow-up that are designed around each person’s needs and the resources available in their community.
• A compassionate workforce with lived experience that offers peer support, so individuals get help navigating services from someone who truly understands.
• Transparent public dashboards that share performance data and outcomes to help systems improve and stay accountable.

How does the model integrate with 988, behavioral health crisis lines and other community resources?

Matt: Crisis Connect 360 was built on SAMHSA’s best practices. Our crisis call center offers a place to call for individuals and families to outreach during a crisis. Calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or behavioral health crisis lines are triaged and routed directly to local crisis teams.

Rebecca:  Community partnerships ensure individuals receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. This connected approach helps reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and keeps people supported within their own communities.

What role does technology play in ensuring timely, coordinated crisis response?

Matt: Technology really is the backbone of Crisis Connect 360. It’s what keeps every part of the system connected and responsive. Our platform supports real-time triage and routing, so people get help faster. It also gives providers shared access to the same information, which helps everyone stay on the same page.

Rebecca:  Public dashboards promote data transparency and track outcomes so states and communities can see how their systems are performing and make informed decisions about where to focus resources.

What evidence or data shows that Magellan Crisis Connect 360 improves outcomes?

Matt: The model is grounded in evidence-based practices, and we’re already seeing measurable improvement in Idaho where Crisis Connect 360 has been in place for over a year. Current data shows:

• 83% of crises are resolved over the phone, meaning most callers receive the help they need without requiring in-person intervention.
• 86% of crises involving a mobile response team are resolved in the field. This avoids unnecessary hospitalization or law enforcement involvement.
• 92% of individuals served through stabilization programs are discharged back to the community after receiving short-term support.

Rebecca:  These outcomes demonstrate the power of a coordinated system that connects people to timely community-based care and supports recovery beyond the initial crisis.

How does the model help improve efficiency and quality of care?

Rebecca: Crisis Connect 360 is designed to make the best use of every dollar invested in behavioral health crisis care. By coordinating services under a single accountable entity, the model reduces duplication, directs resources where they’re most effective and supports community-based care over higher-cost emergency settings.

Matt: Transparent performance dashboards give partners a clear view of outcomes and resource use, helping guide smarter reinvestment in programs that deliver results. This accountability and visibility make Crisis Connect 360 a financially sustainable approach to improving access, quality and long-term impact.

Can you share a real-world example of the program making a difference?

Matt: One story that really stayed with our team came from an elderly man in a small Idaho community. A friend called the crisis line out of concern for his safety and wellbeing. Our mobile response team arrived within 20 minutes and spent nearly three hours talking with him. He shared that he was experiencing emotional abuse and neglect in his home, with limited access to food and basic needs.

Although he declined additional services at that time, the team recognized the seriousness of the situation and contacted Adult Protective Services and Child Protective Services to ensure the safety of everyone in the home. Several months later, the team happened to run into him in the community. He told them, with support from APS, he had moved to a safe and stable home and said he “had not been this happy in years.”

It’s a reminder that even when outcomes aren’t immediate, coordinated crisis response can change the course of someone’s life.

Looking ahead: Sustainability, adaptability and what’s next

Rebecca: Crisis Connect 360 is designed not only to improve outcomes today but to stay sustainable and adaptable for the future. By coordinating every element of crisis response under a single accountable entity, states and communities can maximize impact and ensure resources are used where they matter most.

Matt: The model’s flexibility allows each state, region or community to tailor its approach, expanding mobile response in rural areas, deepening community partnerships in urban settings and customizing care for youth, older adults and individuals with complex needs.

Rebecca: Looking ahead, Magellan Healthcare is focused on scaling the model across more states, deepening data transparency and continuing to strengthen partnerships that drive faster, more coordinated care across the public sector.

To learn more about how Magellan Crisis Connect 360 is transforming crisis visit here.

Gifting presence: Making time for self-care

The holiday season often comes wrapped in ribbons of joy—but also tangled in stress, unrealistic expectations and exhaustion. This year, focus on reducing seasonal stressors and prioritizing wellbeing, connection and quality time.

Slow down and approach the holidays with more heart and less hustle, remembering that the most valuable gift you can give is your full, present self.

Self-care is essential, not selfish

Too often, we put ourselves last on the to-do list. But remember, your emotional wellbeing is the foundation for being able to truly show up for those you love. Here are five simple ways to nurture yourself each day:

1. Start each day with intention. Even 10 minutes of quiet can shift your energy.
2. Say no, gracefully. Boundaries are a beautiful act of self-respect.
3. Establish tech-free time. Be authentically there. Listen fully and laugh freely.
4. Move your body mindfully. Stretch. Walk. Breathe.
5. Rest unapologetically. Renewal comes through sleep, stillness and true downtime.

Choose peace over perfection

You don’t need a perfect dinner or fancy decorations to make the holidays special. Focus on connection, laughter and shared moments. Order takeout, wear comfy clothes and do what nourishes you, not what drains you. The holiday season can be joyful, but it can also bring stress. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a calmer, happier holiday:

• Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Don’t aim for perfection; simplify and downsize wherever possible.
• Avoid heavy debates. If someone brings up an uncomfortable topic, stay calm and politely change the subject.
• Try new traditions. If old holiday rituals feel burdensome, experiment with new ways to celebrate.
• Stay active. Physical activity is a strong stress reliever and helps burn extra holiday calories. Consider going for a walk before or after meals.
• Moderate alcohol consumption. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water, or choose non-alcoholic beverages.
• Take breaks during events. Step outside for a few minutes to reset if social situations feel stressful.

Working on emotional wellbeing

An important part of emotional wellbeing is being able to regulate our moods, thoughts, impulses and choices in
all kinds of situations. People with high emotional wellbeing actively manage their feelings when confronted with
change, uncertainty and even hardship.

To better control your emotions, try mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing. When you experience
upsetting emotions, remind yourself to calm down, breathe and think clearly. Don’t react until you feel like you have
your emotions under control.

In a season full of noise, choose presence. Give yourself permission to rest, breathe and just be, so you can show up fully for the ones who matter most. Take care of yourself this season. You deserve a stress-free holiday!

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/2025-Holidays for more information and helpful resources.

Spotlight Magellan gives colleagues and those we collaborate with the opportunity to get to know Magellan employees beyond the surface through facilitated interviews that explore their personal interests, experiences, and aspirations. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan fosters a sense of community and connection, strengthening relationships and creating a more enriching shared experience.

This month, we’re getting to know Mary Connole, senior paralegal, regulatory. Mary has been with Magellan since 1992.

Continue reading to learn more about Mary:

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

I have a few things I rotate on different weekends that include going to our local ceramic shop to work on a current project, visiting with my friends, going golfing with my husband or side-by-side (UTV) rides. Pretty much anything outside.

What’s your favorite way to use your PTO?

My husband and I try to go on a cruise every year with my cousin, his wife and our granddaughter. We also like to go camping around southern Nevada with our Shi Tzu Dotty and my cousins who also live nearby. We also enjoy using the time off to plan reunions and spending time with good friends and family.

What is the furthest place you’ve traveled (or would like to travel to one day)?

The furthest place I have traveled to is the Southern Caribbean. My bucket list destination is to go on a Panama Canal Cruise and also cruises to Australia and South Pacific Islands after retirement. Anywhere with a beach!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice I have received is that change is inevitable and is going to happen whether you are ready and agree with the change or not. Try to just accept it and move on. You will never be given any more than you can handle.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about what quirky personality traits your animals have!

We have one dog named Dotty. She is an 11-year-old Shi Tzu. She is an older dog but still acts like a puppy sometimes. She is also quite the diva! She has been known to interrupt a Teams call to bark at me to let me know I have been sitting at my desk for too long and need to get up and move. She also may be just a little spoiled!

November is National Caregivers Month—a time to shine a spotlight on the millions of family caregivers who quietly, tirelessly care for the people they love. Whether it’s an aging parent, a spouse navigating a chronic illness, or a child with special needs, these dedicated individuals are the backbone of our healthcare system. And chances are, you know one. You might even be one.

The Caregiving Landscape: You’re Not Alone

Here’s a number that might surprise you: more than 63 million adults in the United States are family caregivers. That’s right—one in four Americans. Even more striking, one in three caregivers is under 50, juggling care responsibilities alongside careers, kids, and all of life’s other demands.

If you’re caring for someone, know this: you’re part of an enormous community, and your role is both vital and valued.

For many people, caregiving doesn’t come with advance notice. It arrives suddenly—after a phone call about a parent’s fall, a devastating diagnosis, or a medical crisis that turns life upside down. And while the love that drives caregiving is immeasurable, the challenges are very real.

The truth is that caregiving takes a toll. Between disrupted sleep, constant worry, physical demands and the emotional burden, it’s no wonder caregivers often put their own health on the back burner. Many cut back their work hours or leave their jobs entirely, sacrificing income and retirement savings. The average caregiver spends 26 hours per week providing care—and many give far more.

A Window Into One Family’s Journey

A co-worker shared this story with me. Her brother-in-law has lived with ALS for a decade. Today, he uses a wheelchair and needs assistance with everything—eating, bathing, dressing and even using the restroom. Her sister-in-law left her career to become his full-time caregiver, and while her love and commitment never waver, the exhaustion is constant. Add to that her own heart condition, and you begin to understand the weight she carries every single day.

Her story isn’t unique. It’s one of millions. And it’s taught me that while caregivers are incredibly strong, they shouldn’t have to do it alone.

Why Employers Should Care (and Many Already Do)

If you’re an employer wondering whether caregiver support matters, here’s your answer: absolutely. Supporting caregiving employees isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business. When caregivers feel seen and supported at work, they’re more engaged, productive and loyal. Companies that embrace caregiver-friendly policies enjoy lower turnover and stronger morale.

Progressive workplaces are already stepping up with flexible schedules, remote work options, paid family leave and backup care services. But there’s another powerful resource that many employees don’t even know they have: their Employee Assistance Program.

Your EAP: The Support System You Didn’t Know You Had

Think your EAP is just for mental health counseling? Think again. If your company offers an EAP, you have access to a treasure trove of resources designed specifically for caregivers. Here’s what’s often available:

• Educational Resources and Expert Guidance
  Your EAP can connect you with information about aging, chronic conditions, disability services and caregiving strategies. They can help you decode medical jargon, understand treatment options and prepare the right questions for healthcare providers.
• Care Coordination Made Simpler
  Need to find a home health aide? Searching for adult day care or nursing facilities? Your EAP can provide referrals and help you navigate the overwhelming process of researching and evaluating care options in your area.
• Legal and Financial Consultations
  Many EAPs offer access to attorneys who can assist with power of attorney, healthcare directives, guardianship and estate planning. Financial consultants can help you make sense of Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance—topics that can feel impossibly complex.
• Emotional Support When You Need It Most
  Caregiving comes with complicated emotions: grief, guilt, stress and sometimes resentment. EAP counseling services provide a safe space to process these feelings.
• Personalized Care Planning
  Some EAPs go even further, offering care consultants who can help you evaluate options, address home safety concerns and develop a comprehensive support plan tailored to your situation.

The best part? EAP services are confidential, free to you, and available without your manager’s approval. Using them won’t impact your job; it will only help you navigate one of life’s toughest challenges.

Take Action This November

National Caregivers Month is the perfect time to step up—whether you’re a caregiver, work with caregivers, or employ them:

• If you’re a caregiver: Don’t wait until you’re at your breaking point. Reach out to your EAP today. Explore what resources are available. Think of it as building your support network before you desperately need it. You deserve help, and it’s already there for you.
• If you’re a friend or colleague: Check in with the caregivers in your life—not with a vague “let me know if you need anything,” but with specific offers. Bring a meal. Offer to sit with their loved one for an hour. Just listen. Small gestures make a profound difference.
• If you’re an employer: Review your caregiver support policies. Are you promoting your EAP effectively? Many employees have no idea what’s available to them. Consider hosting an information session this month focused specifically on caregiving resources. Make it easy for employees to find help.

A Call to Action

Caregivers give so much—often sacrificing their own health, finances and peace of mind to care for those they love. This November, let’s commit to seeing them, truly supporting them, and ensuring they know about the resources that can lighten their load.

If you have an EAP, find out what caregiving support it offers. Visit your company’s HR portal, send a quick email, or make a phone call. That one small action could transform an overwhelming situation into something more manageable.

Remember this: Asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s wisdom. It’s self-care. It’s what allows you to keep showing up for the person you love.

Let’s honor our caregivers not just with words, but with action.

Source: AARP

Youth suicide is one of the most pressing public health concerns of our time. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among teenagers, and rates among individuals aged 10–24 increased by 62% from 2007 to 2021. For military families, these risks can be compounded by the unique stressors of military life—frequent relocations, parental deployments, and the constant adjustment to new environments. 

The challenge is clear, but so is the solution: prevention, early intervention, and the everyday presence of trusted, trained professionals. That is where counselors play a pivotal role.  

The Elevated Risks for Military Children 

While youth across the nation face rising rates of anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness, research shows that military-connected children often experience additional challenges compared to their civilian peers. Deployments, relocations, and reintegration periods can contribute to increased stress, behavioral issues, and heightened vulnerability. 

Although comprehensive statistics on military child suicide are limited, studies suggest that the risks are higher for this population, especially during and after parental deployments. These realities underscore the importance of proactive, community-based interventions tailored to military children’s unique needs. 

How Military Counselors Make a Difference 

The Department of War recognizes the need for early and accessible support and promotes programs that put counselors in schools, child development centers, and youth programs.  These counselors are not waiting behind a desk, but walking the hallways, joining recess, and being present in the everyday lives of military children. 

Their approach is grounded in prevention, skill-building, and emotional literacy. By intervening early, counselors normalize conversations about mental health and provide practical tools that children can use immediately and carry into adolescence and adulthood. 

Key areas of impact include: 

• Emotional Literacy: Teaching children to identify and name their emotions reduces isolation, increases help-seeking behaviors, and builds self-confidence. 

• Self-Regulation: Equipping children with calming strategies allows them to manage stress and shift from crisis thinking to problem-solving. 

• Healthy Thinking Patterns: Counselors help reframe negative thoughts and instill hope, countering one of the strongest predictors of suicide—hopelessness. 

• Belonging and Connection: By creating opportunities for inclusion and honoring military children’s contributions, counselors reduce feelings of isolation and help build strong community ties. 

Small Interactions, Lasting Impact 

One of the most powerful aspects of having counselors integrated within military populations is their accessibility. Sometimes, a 10-minute conversation on the playground can redirect a child’s thinking, reinforce resilience, and provide hope when needed most. These micro-interventions accumulate, shaping coping strategies that become second nature as children grow. 

Importantly, these counselors are also trusted adults whom children can turn to in times of crisis. While maintaining confidentiality, they are trained to act when a child expresses self-harm or discloses abuse, ensuring safety nets are in place. This balance of trust, accessibility, and accountability makes them indispensable to suicide prevention efforts in military communities. 

Building a Culture of Prevention 

Preventing youth suicide requires more than crisis response; it demands a culture of prevention, resilience, and connection. counselors who are integrated within military populations are central to this mission, equipping military children with the skills, confidence, and support networks they need to thrive in the face of adversity. 

For military leaders, educators, and policymakers, this work underscores the importance of continued investment in prevention programs. By embedding trained counselors directly into children’s daily environments, we are not just responding to risk; we are proactively building resilience that lasts a lifetime. 

The statistics on youth suicide are sobering, but they do not have to define the future of military children. With targeted support, early intervention, and the consistent presence of counselors, we can help young people navigate the unique stressors of military life and emerge stronger, more connected, and more hopeful. 

At Magellan Federal, we are committed to advancing these efforts—because no child should face their challenges alone.

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health or need immediate help, don’t wait. Contact your installation’s Family Readiness Group. In a mental health emergency, call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room. 

References 

• Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. New York: W.H. Freeman. 

• Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. New York: Gotham Books. 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS).  Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/results/index.html 

• Chandra, A., Lara-Cinisomo, S., Jaycox, L. H., et al. (2010). Children on the Homefront: The Experience of Children from Military Families. Pediatrics. 

• Curtin SC, Garnett MF. Suicide and homicide death rates among youth and young adults aged 10–24: United States, 2001–2021. NCHS Data Brief, no 471. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2023. DOI: https://dx.doi. org/10.15620/cdc:128423. 

• Gordon, J. R., et al. (2018). Deployment and the Psychological Health of Military Children: A Review of the Literature. Pediatrics. 

• Joiner, T. E. (2005). Why People Die by Suicide. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. 

• Lester, P., et al. (2010). The Impact of Military Deployment on Children and Families: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Family Psychology. 

• Masten, A. S. (2001). Ordinary Magic: Resilience Processes in Development. American Psychologist, 56(3), 227-238. 

• National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Mental illness and suicide in youth. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ 

• Seligman, M. E. P. (2006). Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life. New York: Vintage Books. 

About the Author

Dr. Tonya Nascimento (PhD, LMHC, CMPC) is a Regional Supervisor for Magellan Federal working in the Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program, overseeing support of Eglin and Hurlburt AFB military-connected youth. A licensed mental health counselor and certified mental performance consultant, Tonya earned a master’s degree from the University of West Florida and PhD in sport and performance psychology from Florida State University. Tonya was the first mental performance specialist embedded with Air Force Special Operations, which gave her a close-up view of the sacrifices, struggles, resilience, and fortitude Special Operations service members face, and eventually led her to discovering the MFLC program in 2015. She provided non-medical counseling and support in schools with a high population of military dependents for nearly 8 years before transitioning to her current leadership role.  She enjoys using her education and experience to positively impact and serve the military community. 

Family caregivers are the unsung heroes who provide vital support to older adults and people with disabilities. In the U.S., over 53 million family caregivers (up from 43.5 million in 2015) give unpaid care to loved ones—often while juggling jobs, family and their own wellbeing.

• 61% manage caregiving while working full- or part-time.
• 60 – 70% are women.
• 72% skip regular doctor visits because of their responsibilities.
• 41% report low overall wellbeing, and nearly half (47%) have experienced anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges in the past year.
• 45% have faced at least one financial hardship due to caregiving.

Experts remind caregivers: you don’t need to be perfect. Focus on what you can control, take one day at a time and make space for your own care. Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.

Working on Social Wellbeing

• Those people with social wellbeing have strong interpersonal relationships and have love in their lives that gives them positive energy. It helps to maintain multiple close relationships that encourage you to achieve, be healthy and enjoy life.
• It’s wise to cultivate your existing relationships: strengthen your family bonds and nurture your friendships. Always seek out new connections and participate in your community. Share your talents for the benefit of those around you.

Spotlight Magellan gives colleagues and those we collaborate with the opportunity to get to know Magellan employees beyond the surface through facilitated interviews that explore their personal interests, experiences, and aspirations. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan fosters a sense of community and connection, strengthening relationships and creating a more enriching shared experience.

This month, we’re getting to know Micaela Caulkins, manager of human resources service operations. Micaela has been with Magellan since 2018.

Continue reading to learn more about Micaela:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

My day centers around leading the HR Resource Team, which plays a key role in supporting employees by addressing their inquiries through VERN. I collaborate cross-functionally to ensure employee needs are met efficiently and effectively. In addition, I’m involved in process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the employee experience and optimizing HR systems. I also support HR related customer and regulatory body audits, manage regulatory reporting requirements and coordinate with Centene contacts on certain non-benefits related insurance matters. The variety and dynamic nature of this role keeps every day engaging and that is one of the aspects I enjoy most.

What is the farthest place you’ve traveled (or would like to travel to one day)?

My fiancé and I love to travel and experience different cultures. The farthest place I have traveled so far is southern Italy, which was beautiful to visit in early fall. One day, I hope to explore New Zealand especially for the hiking and its incredible natural scenery.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice I received is that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. It is something I remind myself of often whether I’m taking on a new project at work or trying something new in my personal life. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

I love spending as much time as possible outdoors on the weekends. My ideal weekend starts with coffee from one of my favorite local spots, followed by hiking, a beach walk, a tennis match or quality time with family and friends.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about what quirky personality traits your animals have!

I have a labrador retriever named Finn, and he has such a fun-loving personality. He’s completely obsessed with soccer balls, if he sees one he’ll almost always steal it and sprint away like it’s his greatest prize. Finn loves meeting new people and dogs, and when he’s excited, he gets the zoomies and does tight little circles at top speed. Every so often, he’ll make a cameo in the background of a Teams call.