past participant testimonials
I participated in the first leadership development program for supervisors’ cohort that ran in 2018-2019. I really enjoyed getting to know other leaders from across the company and develop camaraderie and support with them. The presentations and external resources that were brought in also helped me broaden my perspective on leadership and management as well. Thank you to PrairieCare for investing in their leaders!
Anna Bohlinger, PhD, LMFT – Psychologist & Clinical Supervisor
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My experience in the PrairieCare Leadership Development Program allowed for the opportunity to positively shift my personal perspectives in regards to management and leadership. The classes and presentations changed my overall viewpoint and understanding of leadership in the workplace. Leadership can be difficult and requires balancing accountability with relationships. I discovered that with every adverse situation comes an opportunity for change and growth. The ability to make changes can start with just one person. You can empower co-workers to do the best they can while leading by example. Positivity is contagious. Learning to take a genuine and empathetic approach with co-workers and clients is essential in improving relationships and your personal overall job satisfaction. Enjoy what you do. The PrairieCare Leadership Development Program taught me these important skills which I continue to model and practice daily in my interactions with co-workers and clients.
Joe Waller, MSW, LGSW – PHP Service Line Administrator
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I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the LDP, it was an invaluable experience! I really enjoyed being able to take some time away from my position to really re-invest in my work, to learn to think “outside of the box” and consider different perspectives, to improve both professionally/personally and become more confident in my role. I appreciated having a wide range of folks in the program from various backgrounds/sites/specialties which enriched the conversations and connections. To have a company decide to take the time to offer this opportunity and invest in their employees also made me feel and know I was valued. I can’t say enough about how amazing the LDP program is and would encourage any and all to pursue this opportunity for growth!
Laura DaBruzzi, MSW, LICSW – Psychotherapist
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I was chosen for LDP 2015/2016 and can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of it. I know part of it was that my cohort was amazing and we developed some great relationships throughout our months together. However, the other part was learning more about PC- how it came to be, the philosophy behind it, and where it is going in the future. I learned a lot about myself as well, in regards to what I value in those that lead me and if I am ever put into a leadership position, how I hope to lead others. I was able to get a better understanding of both my strengths and weaknesses and how to better work with both. So overall, I have no real complaints about the program and would recommend it to anyone interested! It was an extremely positive and beneficial experience for me both personally and professionally.
Dawn Matchan, LPCC - Psychotherapist
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The Leadership Development Program completely changed my outlook on my profession. I have been in this career for 12 years and had seen it as a way to help kids. Period. I feel like this program helped me see the big picture- how to help patients, parents, peers, and person- myself. I honestly grew up overnight in my view of working here as a whole, and am excited to put what I’ve learned to use. I have big ideas and feel more empowered to see them to light after the guidance from this program. It says a lot about a company when they invest their resources back into their staff!
Elizabeth Giesen, CTRS – Recreational Therapist Supervisor
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To be nominated and participate in the Leadership Development Program was an honor; the program allowed me to be challenged and to step outside my comfort zone. One of my goals was to gain more insight into myself personally and professionally. When the program was complete, I learned to let my intuition guide me. But most of all, I left feeling empowered. I enjoyed being surrounded by people from other disciplines at PrairieCare; I got a better understanding of each of their roles and I found it interesting to see how others, along with myself, react in certain situations. I believe a person can never stop learning or growing; you can never stop challenging yourself. When given the opportunity to do all of this take it!
Lori Mann – Chaska Operations Director
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I was part of the very first leadership development program back in 2012. It was such a great experience that still impacts the way I lead with staff and patients. I learned a lot about myself and how I wanted to grow into more a leader within PrairieCare and outside of PrairieCare. It was a really influential time being able to share this experience with other staff that were working with the same population of patients and had similar experiences as me. It was a unique time to be able to learn from other’s perspectives and from the many speakers from the program. Definitely a great opportunity!!
Rachel Jeffries, RN-BC, BSN, PHN – Clinical Nurse Educator
Anna Bohlinger, PhD, LMFT – Psychologist & Clinical Supervisor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My experience in the PrairieCare Leadership Development Program allowed for the opportunity to positively shift my personal perspectives in regards to management and leadership. The classes and presentations changed my overall viewpoint and understanding of leadership in the workplace. Leadership can be difficult and requires balancing accountability with relationships. I discovered that with every adverse situation comes an opportunity for change and growth. The ability to make changes can start with just one person. You can empower co-workers to do the best they can while leading by example. Positivity is contagious. Learning to take a genuine and empathetic approach with co-workers and clients is essential in improving relationships and your personal overall job satisfaction. Enjoy what you do. The PrairieCare Leadership Development Program taught me these important skills which I continue to model and practice daily in my interactions with co-workers and clients.
Joe Waller, MSW, LGSW – PHP Service Line Administrator
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the LDP, it was an invaluable experience! I really enjoyed being able to take some time away from my position to really re-invest in my work, to learn to think “outside of the box” and consider different perspectives, to improve both professionally/personally and become more confident in my role. I appreciated having a wide range of folks in the program from various backgrounds/sites/specialties which enriched the conversations and connections. To have a company decide to take the time to offer this opportunity and invest in their employees also made me feel and know I was valued. I can’t say enough about how amazing the LDP program is and would encourage any and all to pursue this opportunity for growth!
Laura DaBruzzi, MSW, LICSW – Psychotherapist
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was chosen for LDP 2015/2016 and can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of it. I know part of it was that my cohort was amazing and we developed some great relationships throughout our months together. However, the other part was learning more about PC- how it came to be, the philosophy behind it, and where it is going in the future. I learned a lot about myself as well, in regards to what I value in those that lead me and if I am ever put into a leadership position, how I hope to lead others. I was able to get a better understanding of both my strengths and weaknesses and how to better work with both. So overall, I have no real complaints about the program and would recommend it to anyone interested! It was an extremely positive and beneficial experience for me both personally and professionally.
Dawn Matchan, LPCC - Psychotherapist
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Leadership Development Program completely changed my outlook on my profession. I have been in this career for 12 years and had seen it as a way to help kids. Period. I feel like this program helped me see the big picture- how to help patients, parents, peers, and person- myself. I honestly grew up overnight in my view of working here as a whole, and am excited to put what I’ve learned to use. I have big ideas and feel more empowered to see them to light after the guidance from this program. It says a lot about a company when they invest their resources back into their staff!
Elizabeth Giesen, CTRS – Recreational Therapist Supervisor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be nominated and participate in the Leadership Development Program was an honor; the program allowed me to be challenged and to step outside my comfort zone. One of my goals was to gain more insight into myself personally and professionally. When the program was complete, I learned to let my intuition guide me. But most of all, I left feeling empowered. I enjoyed being surrounded by people from other disciplines at PrairieCare; I got a better understanding of each of their roles and I found it interesting to see how others, along with myself, react in certain situations. I believe a person can never stop learning or growing; you can never stop challenging yourself. When given the opportunity to do all of this take it!
Lori Mann – Chaska Operations Director
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was part of the very first leadership development program back in 2012. It was such a great experience that still impacts the way I lead with staff and patients. I learned a lot about myself and how I wanted to grow into more a leader within PrairieCare and outside of PrairieCare. It was a really influential time being able to share this experience with other staff that were working with the same population of patients and had similar experiences as me. It was a unique time to be able to learn from other’s perspectives and from the many speakers from the program. Definitely a great opportunity!!
Rachel Jeffries, RN-BC, BSN, PHN – Clinical Nurse Educator