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.

Mental health plays a crucial role in every aspect of life: work, relationships, physical health and overall wellbeing. Mental health screenings are a simple and effective way to check in on how you’re feeling and identify whether symptoms of conditions like depression or anxiety might be present. A mental health screening is a brief questionnaire designed to spot signs of potential concerns. It’s not a diagnosis, but it can help you or a loved one decide if it’s time to reach out for professional support.

Why screen?

• Depression and other mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of age, background or lifestyle.
• Screenings can catch early signs before symptoms become more serious.
• Early support can lead to better outcomes and prevent long-term impacts.
• Treatment can improve daily functioning and quality of life at work, school and home.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health 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 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!

Good nutrition has a major impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Certain foods and nutrients help your brain make chemicals that can improve your mood, attention and focus, while less healthy foods sap your energy.

• Foods that provide a quick energy boost but can leave you with low energy and mood later on include flour-based items such as breads, crackers and baked goods, plus sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks.
• A meal that effectively fuels your mood is one that combines complex carbohydrates with lean proteins and colorful produce. For example, complex carbohydrates from whole foods (like sweet potatoes, rolled oats, beans and quinoa) can boost the feel-good chemical serotonin in your brain.
• Protein consumption (from foods like fish, beef, chicken, turkey, tofu, beans, eggs and unsweetened yogurt) has been linked to higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine—brain chemicals that impact your mood, motivation and concentration.
• Fruits and vegetables are high in nourishing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and have also been shown to boost happiness.

Working on wellbeing: Working on emotional wellbeing

• Being emotionally well is key to your overall wellbeing. People with high emotional wellbeing know and apply their natural strengths, are resilient when faced with challenges, and regularly utilize positive self-talk.
• Support your emotional health by learning things outside of your comfort zone, connecting supportively with others, being physically active, offering forgiveness, embracing your successes and being kind to yourself and others.

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!