Spotlight Magellan gives colleagues and those we collaborate with the opportunity to get to know Magellan employees through facilitated interviews that explore their personal interests and the meaningful work happening across Magellan. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan fosters a sense of community and connection, and highlights the impact demonstrated by individuals in their roles at Magellan.

This month, we’re getting to know Brennan Serrano, Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (IBHP) marketing communications manager.

Continue reading to learn more about Brennan:

Describe a typical workday in your life.
A typical workday starts with reviewing my Workzone planner, which helps me stay organized across projects and communications materials I’m actively working on, building or awaiting review. One of my favorite parts of my role is the variety—no two days look the same. Some days are focused on collaborating with internal teams to develop and guide materials through the full review process. Other days, I’m planning or attending community events and conferences, where I share information and resources about Magellan.

What is your favorite thing to do during your time off?
As a former college baseball player, my competitive spirit hasn’t gone anywhere. I spend much of my free time playing competitive softball, and one of the best parts is being on a co-ed team with my wife. It’s a great way for us to bond through sport and competition. Outside of that, I value time with my family. They’re everything to me.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about their quirky personality traits.
I have one pet, Oakley, who is my best friend. She’s a four-year-old great pyrenees/lab mix who is basically a giant teddy bear that can also be a little sassy and stubborn. I like to joke that she’s my “supervisor” during meetings. Without fail, whenever I start talking in a meeting, she finds her squeakiest toy and goes to work. The moment I stop talking, she stops, too. It’s as if to imply that since I’m not talking to her, I can’t talk to anyone.

What drew you to Magellan?
I’ve spent five of the past seven years working in the mental health field, which is something I’m deeply passionate about. That passion comes from both personal experience and the impact I’ve seen through my work. When I came across this opportunity at Magellan, I did my research and immediately felt a strong connection to the mission. I truly believe in the work being done to support Idahoans and I’m proud to be part of an organization making a meaningful difference.

What do you like best about your current position?
The variety in my day-to-day work is something I really value. It’s also pushed me to become a “Swiss Army knife” when it comes to understanding Magellan’s services and programs. In my role, it’s important to have a broad knowledge base so I can be a strong resource at community events, provider conferences and agency visits. I take pride in being flexible, adapting quickly and anticipating needs before they arise, whether in meetings or out in the field.

What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is taking complex healthcare information, understanding what each audience needs and turning it into clear, structured communication that helps people take the right action the first time.

I also take pride in being reliable and delivering high-quality work. A softball teammate once told me that when a pop fly goes up in the outfield toward me, he starts walking off the field because he trusts I’ll make the catch. That’s the same level of trust I aim to build in my work. When something is handed to me, my team knows it will get done, and it will get done right. I’m not perfect, but I approach my work with a growth mindset and use every challenge as an opportunity to learn and continuously improve.

Spotlight Magellan gives colleagues and those we collaborate with the opportunity to get to know Magellan employees through facilitated interviews that explore their personal interests and the meaningful work happening across Magellan. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan fosters a sense of community and connection, and highlights the impact demonstrated by individuals in their roles at Magellan.

This month, we’re getting to know Jennifer Friedrich, vice president, federal program operations, military counseling division, federal market. Jennifer has been with Magellan since 2012.

Continue reading to learn more about Jennifer:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

My workday has a high operational tempo and is centered on maintaining operational excellence within the military counseling division, a team of over 1,750 associates including project management staff, Military & Family Life counselors and personal financial counselors. I focus on supporting our government customer, our employees and the organization as a whole by balancing priorities, addressing emerging needs and ensuring our teams have the guidance and resources they need to succeed. Each day requires adaptability, collaboration and a steady focus on delivering high-quality outcomes in support of the military counseling mission.

What is your biggest strength?

My greatest strength is my ability to lead through a human-centered, strength-based approach. My leadership, counseling and teaching philosophies naturally intersect and are grounded in humanistic psychology. I focus on identifying and amplifying each individual’s strengths and intentionally aligning them with meaningful growth opportunities. This approach builds trust, enhances intrinsic motivation and supports employee wellbeing and confidence, resulting in more engaged, capable and resilient teams.

How do you feel you excel in supporting your team(s)?

I excel in supporting my teams by modeling and encouraging balance, reflection and self-care as essential components of sustained performance. Magellan has afforded me the ability to maintain work-life balance, which enables me to remain focused, present and mission-driven. I translate this into my leadership by advising employees to intentionally set aside time each day to pause, evaluate and invest in themselves. I recognize that personal wellbeing directly supports effectiveness, engagement, and long-term success.

What is your favorite thing to do during your time off?

Traveling is my favorite way to spend time off. I enjoy exploring new geographic locations, immersing myself in different cultures and experiencing the food and traditions that make each place unique. Travel allows me to recharge, broaden my perspective and return with renewed energy and curiosity that carries over into my work and daily life.

What is the best career advice that you have received or have learned through your own experiences?

The best career advice I have learned through experience is to lead and work with purpose. Magellan has compassionately pushed my leadership growth edge by fostering a thriving, supportive environment that encourages reflection and development. I advise employees to explore their inner “why” and pursue opportunities that align with their values and sense of purpose. When individuals are engaged in meaningful work, they become more effective, connected and resilient, which are invaluable benefits that extend both inside and outside the workplace.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about their quicky personality traits and share a picture!

I have four pets: Oliver, Sage, Teddy and Poppy, and each has a wonderfully unique personality! Oliver is the loyal protector of the group, always keeping a watchful eye on everyone. Sage oversees all activity like a wise manager, making sure nothing goes unnoticed. Teddy truly lives up to her name. She’s our cuddly teddy bear and resident comforter. Poppy is a nonstop bouncing ball of energy who keeps us on our toes.

Together, they bring an incredible amount of joy and unconditional love to our home.

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!

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!

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.

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 Kimberly Elias, sales executive for the employer market. Kimberly has been with Magellan since 2022.

Continue reading to learn more about Kimberly:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

A typical workday involves connecting with employers and insurance brokers in the Southeast and Midwest markets and sharing how Magellan can provide them with the best and most effective wellbeing solutions for their employees and their organization. My days involve extensive collaboration, outreach to decision-makers, education and navigating the complex nuances that come along with forging meaningful partnerships. I love strategizing and collaborating with my Magellan business partners and creating win-win situations for Magellan and our clients.

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

Coconut curry chicken is my go-to for some homemade comfort food. The secret ingredient is the right amount of garam masala and lemongrass.

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

Difference maker.

Who (dead or alive) inspires you and why?

My maternal grandparents will always be my biggest inspiration and my heroes in life. They were married for over 56 years and provided me with a very loving and stable childhood. They modeled unconditional love and showed me that no matter where you come from or what your circumstances are, you can create and achieve the life you desire. My pop pop was a country boy from Oklahoma who served his country and fought in World War II and the Korean war. My grandmother was an immigrant from Germany. They worked hard and loved their family. They taught me that what matters most in life are God, love, family, laughter and a home-cooked meal!

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

You will typically find me in the mountains on my mountain bike or hiking. I also volunteer as an equine therapy horse lead, which involves providing care to 16 horses and helping those with physical and mental health challenges. After a long day on the trail or on the ranch, you will find me in the kitchen cooking and enjoying great conversation with my adult kids.

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!