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 Jessie French Danzi, human resources business consultant. Jessie has been with Magellan since 2014.

Continue reading to learn more about Jessie:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

On a typical work day, I wake up early and take a few minutes for myself to meditate. Then I start getting ready for the day by checking my schedule for work and activities. I get breakfast ready for my eight and 10-year-old children and myself, my oldest loves to help me. We finish packing lunches and school bags and I drop them off, and then I usually go to the gym. When I get back I get myself ready to start meetings, which is what most of my work day entails. I consider myself very lucky to have great business partners that I enjoy working with. We come up with strategies to support their work and teams, consult on all kinds of human resources (HR) matters and find solutions to challenges. After work I begin my taxi driver service for my kids, taking them to all of their activities. I’m the cheerleading coach, the Girl Scout leader and I’m on the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) board so some of them are my activities, too! Then we have dinner and wind down to get to bed, and then start all over the next day!

What are you currently reading?

I don’t watch much television, but I read a lot. I am in the process of re-reading everything by Tom Robbins, currently on my favorite of his “Jitterbug Perfume” but others may know him from “Still Life with Woodpecker” or “Even Cowgirls get the Blues.” I haven’t read a book by him that I didn’t love!

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

I really enjoy cooking, especially on the weekends. I make really good meatballs and sauce (five stars from my local Long Island family) which my kids ask for weekly. We like it with a side of pasta, garlic bread and sauteed broccoli. The secret to my sauce is starting it really early in the day and letting everything slowly come together. We don’t rush it, but we do like to check in with some bread dipping throughout the day! My daughters also enjoy cooking so we are always trying new recipes and combinations of things. I have Celiac disease, so cooking at home is usually the best option, and we like to challenge ourselves to make gluten-free food that tastes the same as the gluten version.

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

On the weekends I love to go on adventures! I live on Long Island so there are lots of outdoor options in the summer like gardening, beaches, boat rides, nature preserves and pools. We are not very far from New York City so we also love to venture into the city to check out museums, Broadway shows and baseball games!

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

“Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home…it’s your responsibility to love it or change it.”  That’s a quote by author Chuck Palahniuk, but I’ve received that advice repeatedly in some form or another throughout my life. When I reflect on that, I think it helps to ground me in my immediate reality, and being in the moment is where I find the most joy. Present-moment awareness gives us the tools to move through many challenges without being caught in the past or future, neither of which we have control over.

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 Rebekah Hardin, director, employer strategy & vendor management. Rebekah has been with Magellan since June 2021.

Continue reading to learn more about Rebekah:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

A typical workday for me involves working closely with our employee assistant program (EAP) vendor partners and acting as a liaison between the vendors and internal teams. I really enjoy getting to collaborate with so many different teams and diving into problem solving! Whether it’s addressing immediate issues that impact our customers and members or finding long-term solutions, it’s a good mix of challenge and reward. I also support the employer monthly operations report and our all-hands meetings, where I enjoy bringing a little fun each month with new themes, people celebrations, spotlights and maybe some random trivia.

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

I have three kids under the age of five-years-old, so I like to say that I’m on an episode of “Chopped.” Every night is a new challenge of putting together a well-rounded, delicious meal in under 30 minutes with the ingredients I already have and for the strongest critics (toddlers)!

In one word, how would your family and friends describe you?

Adventurous! I’m always up for a good adventure!

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

I’ve been very fortunate to travel to over 50 countries so far! My favorite destinations are in South America: Patagonia, Easter Island, Galapagos Islands and Buenos Aires. I’d love to return with my kids to see these places through their eyes.

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

We have three dogs with eclectic personalities. Pepperoni (Heeler/Aussie mix), George Barkington (Heeler/Pitt Mix) and Hank (Heeler/Pitt/Lab mix). Pepperoni is our bossy old lady, George is our cranky, comfort-loving middle-aged guy, and Hank is our enthusiastic, animal chasing, lovable pup.

What is your self-care routine after the work week/ favorite ways to unwind after work?

I love to get outside and work in my garden to unwind. There’s something super relaxing about digging in the dirt, yanking out some weeds, moving and arranging my flower beds and just being surrounded by green. It’s my happy place and totally clears my head and makes me feel refreshed. Plus, watching plants grow is kind of magical!

What is your favorite family or cultural tradition you’d like to share with others?

Almost every Christmas since before I was born, my extended family has done a live re-enactment of the Nativity. Some years, we had specific themes (for example, “the three caballeros” instead of the three wise men). New family members play “Baby Jesus,” and the costumes continue to evolve a little bit every year. We’ve now continued this tradition with my kids and nieces and nephews using many of the same costumes such as Burger King crowns, tinsel angel halos and shepherds’ robes all used from the last 40+ years!

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 Stacy Stoner, supervisor, corporate travel program. Stacy has been with Magellan for over 23 years!

Continue reading to learn more about Stacy:

Describe a typical workday in your life. 

There isn’t a typical day in managing travel. Every day is managing a new challenge such as weather, hotel issues, flight cancellations or all four tires being stolen from a rental car (true story). I work with CWT and our travelers to ensure policies are followed. Reports are sent to the executive leadership team showing travel spends and trends. In addition, I manage the gift card program and oversee the corporate card program for Magellan.

What are you currently reading?

I’m an avid reader and usually have 20 books on my TBR (to be read) and hold list for my kindle at any given time. Two of my favorite books are The Nightingale and The Glass Castle.

What’s your favorite way to use your PTO? 

I love to spend time with my granddaughter, Madeline, and my grandsons, Sawyer & Graham, in Arizona.

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

I previously worked as a flight attendant and both my parents also worked for airlines, so I’ve traveled to a lot of fun places. The top of my bucket list currently is Banff, Canada.

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

I have a cat, Khaki, that I adopted in 2020. He loves to sit on my laptop and attend Zoom calls with me!

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 Michelle Penman, training manager, family advocacy support services, federal market. Michelle has been with Magellan since August 2016.

Continue reading to learn more about Michelle:

Do you have any secret talents/ something you’re very good at that would surprise others?

I love to read and craft. My hidden talent is knitting. I have made items big and small. Currently, I am working on a shawl to wear once the weather gets cooler again.

What are you currently reading?

I am embarking on getting my Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, so I am mainly reading textbooks. When I have the time, I like to read sci-fi and mysteries. I love a good classic like Dune or Devil in the White City.

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

My favorite thing to do on the weekend is to hang out with family. As a retired military spouse, I spent years away. We decided to move back closer to our family and it has been the best decision! We love to play games, have bonfires, watch movies and go on adventures together.

What are some goals that you have for yourself, both personal and career, that you hope to achieve over the next five to ten years?

I would like to achieve earning my Master of Arts degree. It’s a lifelong dream of mine. I would also like to continue working in federal contracts. I would love to someday be a program manager for a contract!

What is your self-care routine after the work week/ favorite ways to unwind after work?

I love good food! I like to make tasty and nutritious meals for my family. I enjoy including my three kids in the process of making new recipes so that I can show them that cooking is fun and it’s okay to experiment and deviate from the traditional recipes. I also love growing my own produce! It’s truly a joy to make something of your own from scratch.

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 Dana Galbreath, senior director, global compliance and ethics, corporate compliance. Dana has been with Magellan since July 2001.

Continue reading to learn more about Dana:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

My role in corporate compliance is within the corporate Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Office. In this role no two days are exactly the same, but they are all centered around one core focus: managing and assisting with maintaining HIPAA privacy compliance by ensuring our company stays compliant with the HIPAA Privacy Rule and state privacy laws. I work closely with our HIPAA Associate Counsel to manage a range of responsibilities under the direction of Magellan’s Chief Privacy Officer. This includes reviewing and updating our corporate HIPAA privacy policies; developing the privacy essentials training annually and for new hires, as well specialized trainings for specific groups that handle more sensitive information or interface directly with members; developing privacy awareness campaigns; direct auditing and monitoring for Magellan’s non-federal business; and manage the accounting of disclosures process including unauthorized disclosures for the company. I also assist with answering day to day questions from internal teams by providing guidance on navigating the complexities of HIPAA privacy. I also support broader compliance efforts such as managing issues reported through our compliance hotline and leading investigations when needed and managing any special projects as defined by the Chief Privacy Officer and/or Deputy Privacy Officer.

What are you currently reading?

I read a new book every month! I missed my book club so much when I moved from Maryland to Georgia, so I started a book club and we’ve been meeting and reading together since 2007. The next book on the list is Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson.

In one word, how would your family and friends describe you?

Tenacious. I hold on tight to my goals both personally and professionally and I don’t give up easily – even when things get tough, I’m not easily discouraged.

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

I’ve been blessed to visit several countries like Spain, England, France, Mexico and Belize. My son is currently teaching in South Korea, and the goal is to visit him this year. This will be my furthest trip.

Who (dead or alive) inspires you and why?

It’s hard to choose just one person who inspires me the most, especially when I stand on the shoulders of so many who have shaped and guided me. However, if I had to select one it would be my late grandmother. She is my North Star. She laid the foundation for who I am today by instilling in me a deep sense of faith, purpose, drive and ambition. At the same time, she kept me grounded by reminding me of the importance of humility, grace and integrity. Her strength and wisdom continue to guide me, and I strive every day to live in a way that honors her legacy and reflects the values she passed down.

National Counselor Awareness Month, observed each April, serves as a vital opportunity to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of professional counselors across various settings. Counselors play a crucial role in supporting individuals through life’s challenges, promoting mental wellness, and fostering personal growth and resilience. This month encourages awareness of the counseling profession, reduces stigma surrounding mental health and highlights the need for continued access to quality mental healthcare for all. We’re spotlighting three Magellan counselors on the importance of their work.

• Kathy Lane, wellbeing coach, clinical operations
• Jaqee Cook, personal financial counselor, federal market
• Tisha Miller, adolescent support and counseling services counselor, federal market

Continue reading to learn more from Kathy, Jaqee and Tisha on their experiences as counselors:

Why did you want to pursue becoming a counselor/ coach and what is the most rewarding aspect of working in this field? 

Kathy: I always knew that I wanted to be a therapist, and throughout my career one of the biggest things that I discovered along the way is that I, as a therapist, am a very action-oriented and goal-focused helper. I believe that within the context of a good client-centered relationship, change is facilitated. Together we can explore the issues and goals that a client has. I enjoy being able to partner with so many interesting people to help them grow as individuals! Clients can receive coaching in any area of life that they want to focus on for improvement. Since I have been in this role, I have focused a lot on learning motivational interviewing skills to facilitate change.

Jaqee: I became a counselor because it is important to me that I’m able to help others realize what is possible in their life and what it is that they truly value. As a financial counselor it’s even more impactful because I can help make an impactful difference in an individual’s life by helping them to become aware of the financial behaviors that don’t serve them, such as excessive credit, debt or lack of financial literacy.

Tisha: There’s something incredibly powerful about being able to create a safe space for someone to feel heard, seen and understood. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing someone grow into their potential and seeing the shift in someone when they realize they’re capable of change. That is a moment I never take for granted.

What are some challenges you face in this profession and how do you overcome them?

Kathy: I think that all helping professionals need to be aware of the potential for burnout if self-care is not practiced on a consistent basis.  Because of this, I prioritize my self-care by making sure I make time for the things that are most important to me outside of work.

Jaqee: The biggest challenge that I’ve faced was overcoming the stigma or negative association of needing a financial counselor. In the small community I serve, I was able to overcome this by engaging in my environment, listening attentively and using effective questioning to help clients develop their financial goals and action plan. Through creating a judgement free and positive environment, my clients feel supported and are learning to make decisions that are aligned with their values. The key is no judgement and educating the clients on what is available to them.

Tisha: One challenge is managing the emotional weight that comes with hearing people’s pain and trauma. While it’s an honor to hold space for others, it’s also important to care for my own well-being. I try to prioritize self-care, set healthy boundaries and utilize my support systems both professionally and personally. That balance is essential, if I am to be present for my clients.

Is there anything you’d like to highlight about working as a counselor/ coach? 

Kathy: As a part of the coaching team at Magellan, I can work with individuals from all different kinds of backgrounds and with all different kinds of goals they want to achieve. Through coaching, we can teach our clients how to prioritize and how to break down goals into manageable pieces that will allow them to be achievable. One of my favorite things about the wellbeing coaching program is that we can help people with all levels of motivation with lots of different types of goals.

Jaqee: It’s extremely rewarding to help people create a financial blueprint for their lives and in the process relieve stress and open individuals up to being able to be present in the things that bring joy in their lives.

Tisha: The strength and resilience of those who seek counseling is often overlooked or underestimated. Working in this field, I’m repeatedly reminded of how courageous it is to ask for help. I’d also highlight that therapy isn’t just about treating illnesses, it’s about growth, empowerment and creating meaningful change. Counselors play a role not only in crisis but in building a stronger foundation for lifelong wellness.

What does Counseling Awareness Month mean to you? 

Kathy: Being a wellbeing coach means being able to help people of all types make the changes they want to make in their lives. Being a coach and helping others work towards becoming the best version of themselves has motivated me to work continually at being a better version of myself also. My teammates all do amazing work and bring a wealth of education, experience and talent to the coaching team. I feel privileged to be a part of such a great group of people to learn from each day. We share ideas and resources with each other. I am inspired by my teammates on a regular basis!

Jaqee: I look at counseling as the opportunity to listening attentively, ask questions and help others achieve a greater understanding of what’s important to them and gain agency over their life and decisions.

Tisha: National Counseling Awareness Month is a chance to honor the work counselors do and to reduce the stigma around mental health. It’s a time to celebrate the dedication of counselors across the country and to remind people that seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness. It’s also a great moment to reflect on the impact we have and why this work matters so much.

Throughout April, we are celebrating National Volunteer Month and the individuals who give their time to volunteering in their communities and for causes they care about. Anita Kelly, clinical contract advisor for Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania, along with a group of colleagues will be volunteering for the Rails to Trails Conservatory, a national organization, to Celebrate Trails Day on April 26.

Continue reading to learn more about how Anita and her team plan to celebrate Trails Day in Pennsylvania counties:

What volunteer work do you participate in and for what organizations?

This year, many of us from the various counties around Pennsylvania are volunteering to do cleanup work on the Rails to Trails paths within our communities. Since the pandemic, most of us are working from home and only gathering once or twice a year. This volunteer opportunity provides us with a chance to get together with our coworkers in a relaxed environment, while simultaneously providing a service to the community and getting out and enjoying a beautiful spring day!

How did you get involved volunteering for this organization?

This will mark the first year that Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania is taking on the Rails to Trails in our communities, but we have had such a great response from everyone that I really hope this becomes an annual event. The Rails to Trails organizations were very appreciative of our willingness to get involved and help with the annual trail cleanup job. These organizations rely on community volunteers to maintain the trails and keep them in good condition for all to enjoy.

Why is it important for others to volunteer in their communities?

It is the responsibility of those of us who do have resources to spread love, hope and joy to help others in our communities who lack necessary resources. When I volunteered for Meals on Wheels, my eyes were opened to the plight of some of our senior citizens. Many of those individuals also just wanted the opportunity to be able to connect with other individuals to combat loneliness.

Is there anything else about the importance of National Volunteer Week you’d like to highlight?

It’s important to introduce the notion of volunteering in your community to children at a young age. It’s also important that they see adults who they respect and admire engaging in volunteer activities within the community.

March marks National Social Work Month, a time to honor social workers, who have an essential role in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and complex life circumstances. Their dedication to advocacy and client-centered care strengthens those individuals, their families and communities. Social workers bridge gaps in care and promote recovery. This month we celebrate their commitment to helping individuals live healthy vibrant lives. We’re spotlighting two of Magellan Health’s social workers who share their experiences in this field:

• Tracy Felton, director of capture management, joined Magellan Federal in May 2015.
• David Bieschke, director, clinical care services, joined Magellan in April 2007.

Continue reading to learn more from Tracy and David on their experiences as social workers:

Why did you become a social worker and what is the most rewarding aspect of working in this field?

Tracy: I have always been passionate about helping people, even as a young child, as a babysitter, camp counselor and community volunteer. I saw disparities in the lives of people I served and felt I wanted to make a difference by helping people pursue the lives they wanted to have. The most rewarding aspect of this field is the flexibility of the various roles I have served as a social worker. From diverse populations with children and families impacted by substance abuse and behavioral health issues to military service members and their families whose quality of life is paramount to mission readiness. Working in Philadelphia, New Haven and Washington, D.C, brings complex challenges and great opportunities to see incredible resiliency at work in often dire circumstances.

David: I became a social worker initially because I was adopted and wanted to work with other adoptees and their families. The most rewarding aspect of working in this field is being able to help others realize they have healthy choices they can make in life, both at the micro and macro level.

What are some challenges you face being a social worker, and how do you overcome them?

Tracy: Continued funding for adequate staffing, competitive salaries and program resources has become more challenging post-COVID. The country’s behavioral health crisis has increased requirements for well-trained, experienced social workers in many service capacities. The shortage of social workers means services are not being rendered, and the most severely ill remain so. With this shortage, those who remain committed to the mission and work tirelessly are more apt to experience severe burnout.

David: There are many challenges, but one I work to overcome every day is the stigma of what a social worker is and what they do in their professional role. My professional achievements have been an example of what depth a social worker can have in their career. When the opportunity arises, I educate others about the various roles social workers play, most particularly, with managed behavioral healthcare.

Is there anything you’d like to highlight about working in this field?

Tracy: The resilience of the human spirit and the creativity individuals and families embrace to survive and thrive is always remarkable. Watching a new mother living in a housing project, whose utilities were turned off, have the ingenious idea to put breast milk in the snow outside her door to stay cold showed me she would persevere. Partnering with such clients has given me so much joy and gratitude.

David: The social work profession has come a long way since I received my bachelor’s degree in social work in 1984. The profession has grown and diversified in all areas of behavioral health, and now more than ever there are numerous opportunities for social workers to make an impact on people’s lives.

What does National Social Worker Month mean to you?

Tracy: This is a time when we stop, focus and celebrate the incredible contributions that social workers have made to help individuals, families and communities to reach their full potential. The theme “Social Work: Compassion + Action” highlights my dedication and commitment through many years of education and training, working with remarkable clients and brilliant colleagues. I view my professional world and everything I do in it through the lens of being a social worker first. I am proud to be a social worker!

David: It means an opportunity to acknowledge the profession and to honor my social worker colleagues for their commitment and good work they do every day.