Celebrating Milestones

Let’s spend a few minutes with Mandi Emery, a family support coordinator with Northern Human Services. Mandi celebrates her 16th year with NHS this month.

NHS is more like a big family than just a place to work.

NHS: What do you like most about the work you do?

Mandi: I love the work I do here at NHS. I have the opportunity on a daily basis to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. I have had families tell me that they are so thankful for the difference I have made in their lives but they do not realize the impact they have also made in mine.

NHS: Which of your contributions/projects have you enjoyed the most?

Mandi: I enjoy planning events for our families and providing them with opportunities to make lasting memories. We hosted a StoryLand day a couple years ago, and I was able to spend the day with our families. It was such a great experience. Seeing the people we serve with some of the biggest smiles I have ever seen …it was priceless.

NHS: In a few sentences, describe a typical (or non-typical!) day at work.

Mandi: Each day is very different around out office. I am the family support coordinator as well as the intake coordinator. Being the first person a family meets here at NHS during the intake I always try to make it a positive experience. Meeting so many different people can be overwhelming for families and I like to make sure it’s a pleasant stress free experience. I also spent almost 12 years in direct care working 1:1 with our individuals in the community.

NHS: What do you enjoy the most about being a part of Northern Human Services?

Mandi: I have always said that NHS is more like a big family than just a place to work. We are all friends here and several of my coworkers I have worked alongside for the last 16 years. I like the family style atmosphere and making a difference in the lives of those we support. We have such a great time here in our office. I can truly say I look forward to coming to work each day.  We have themed weeks where we all dress up and Christmas, my all-time favorite time of year …you will see us all sporting our Ugly Christmas sweaters or caroling from office to office.

NHS: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Mandi: I own and operate a clothing boutique which has been my dream since the age of 11. When I am not at NHS, I am generally there. When I am not working, I enjoy traveling with my family. I am married to my best friend and we have two amazing sons. We make it our main priority to make lasting memories as a family. We have been to Jamaica, the Bahamas and twice to Bermuda which is my favorite place on earth. My family will be returning to Bermuda this coming April for a third time and we are already counting down the days.