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 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.