Building Hope, Inspiring Change糖心传媒擬eet members of the Strong Recovery Team

Leah Hill

Substance Use Disorder Counselor 2
Adolescent & Young Adult Program at Strong Recovery

What is one lesson you’ve learned from your patients?

Don’t quit five minutes before the miracle.

People will surprise you! They evolve. They change. They’ll make decisions you never expected. Witnessing the growth process unfold is extraordinary. I continue to be pleasantly surprised and inspired by my patients and their families.

What inspired you to pursue a career in substance use treatment and recovery?

As a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder myself, it was a very natural progression to pursue my CASAC (Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor) after first becoming a CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate). It offered me an opportunity to pay forward the hope and support that was and is so freely given to me in my personal recovery. This career allows me to combine my passion for the recovery process with my natural inclination toward clinical work.

How long have you been a therapist/counselor with the University of Rochester, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I started at the University of Rochester in January 2021, so five years.

A typical day as a therapist is always changing and incredibly dynamic. I spend my days meeting with patients, conducting intake assessments, coordinating with schools and other mental health providers, making outreach calls, collaborating with parents and guardians, and facilitating family or conjoint sessions as needed. I also work as an on-site consultant for a local school district (Fairport) one day each week. There is certainly never a dull moment in this line of work!

What are some common misconceptions about addiction and recovery?

Oh my, I could host a week-long seminar talking about this!

#1 Misconception 糖心传媒� 糖心传媒�Addiction is a moral failing.糖心传媒� 糖心传媒� Society often reduces those with substance use disorder (SUD) to “bad people” due to objectively harmful behaviors symptomatic of active addiction. SUD is a profound moral injury. To have an active SUD is, itself, traumatic.

#2 Misconception 糖心传媒� 糖心传媒�People can’t recover.糖心传媒� 糖心传媒� I categorically and emphatically reject this notion. I’ve seen people in my own life, in recovery communities, and among my patients literally return from the brink of death and go on to build extraordinary lives, families, and communities.

#3 Misconception 糖心传媒� 糖心传媒淐utting them off is just tough love.糖心传媒� 糖心传媒� Tough love does not mean cruelty. It means healthy boundaries for yourself and the person struggling, as an act of love. I would not be here today without those who loved me unconditionally, even during the pain and chaos of my active use. They believed in who I was and loved me until I could believe it, too.

How do you help patients navigate challenges on their recovery journey?

I focus on helping people build self-efficacy. I’ve worked with some folks for years, and because we’ve built that trust, we can have very candid conversations about their lives. They trust me to give honest feedback, and then they decide what to do with it. I simply walk beside them as a supportive guide and sounding board.

What makes the Strong Recovery team unique?

We糖心传媒檙e constantly exploring innovative approaches to improve care. Our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) team is particularly extraordinary. We specialize in working with 14 to 24-year-olds with SUD. Our collective passion for our work, our folks, and families, and the recovery process is second to none! It is a genuine privilege to work with teammates who are ever ready to advocate for and champion those we serve糖心传媒攁nd who embody Meliora.

How do different disciplines and Strong Recovery糖心传媒檚 innovative programs work together to support patient recovery?

Recovery is far too complex for any one clinician to address, interdisciplinary collaboration is essential. Every patient brings unique strengths, challenges, family dynamics, medical needs, and recovery goals. This approach allows us to support the whole person糖心传媒攏ot just their substance use.

How does the University and leadership support your professional growth?

The tuition benefits program allowed me to complete my Master of Social Work in 2025. Within Strong Recovery, my leadership, and especially my direct supervisor, have consistently encouraged my curiosity and desire to keep learning. Because of that encouragement, I’ve been able to draw on another part of my professional background: education. Before becoming a therapist, I was a teacher, and I’ve combined that experience with my passion for clinical work through community education, outreach, and relationship-building. It’s been incredibly fulfilling.

Damaris Felix

Rehabilitation Therapist
Strong Recovery

What does compassion look like in your role?

Listening, giving respect, giving a smile, and passing no judgment.

How long have you been a therapist/counselor with the University of Rochester, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I’ve been a counselor for over 29 years and have worked at Strong for almost 11 years as of October 2026. When people ask me what I do for a living, I say, I help people recover their lives. There is never a dull moment. Every day is different. It could be connecting a patient with medical care or providing basic needs, such as food or hygiene products, to help them feel clean, proud, and normal. In my case, I’m bilingual, so I assist a lot of our Hispanic patients by connecting them with services available in our community.

What inspired you to pursue a career in substance use treatment and recovery?

What inspired me to pursue a career in substance use treatment and recovery was a combination of personal experiences and a deep desire to help others. Ever since I was a teenager, I have often found myself in positions where friends and classmates would seek me out for advice, support, or simply someone to listen to them. I realized early on the importance of being present for others during difficult times.

What do you enjoy most about working with patients and families?

I would say witnessing the transformation of our patients when they start making that commitment to their lives and being able to see how those around them are positively impacted as well. Seeing how their self-esteem gets stronger, and they feel empowered to achieve many of their dreams that at one point seemed impossible.

How do you help patients navigate challenges on their recovery journey?

I help patients by meeting them where they are on their journey while encouraging them to see the possibilities ahead. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, and every individual comes with unique strengths, challenges, and experiences.

How has your approach to counseling evolved?

My approach to counseling has evolved through experience, continued learning, and collaboration with colleagues from different disciplines. I would describe my style as a blend of traditional counseling principles and modern, evidence-based approaches. It includes elements of holistic care, patient-centered treatment, and harm reduction, recognizing that each person’s recovery journey is unique. Working alongside mental health professionals and other members of our treatment team has broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to support patients in meaningful ways.

How does the University and leadership support your professional growth?

The University has given me the opportunities to participate in a wide variety of trainings that have helped me develop new skills, expand my knowledge, and learn innovative techniques to better serve our patients. One of the things I appreciate most is the encouragement I have received from my supervisors and leadership team. They have often challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and take on new responsibilities or opportunities for growth. There were times when they saw potential in me that I did not yet see in myself, and their confidence encouraged me to keep growing both personally and professionally.

The post Living Our Values: A spotlight on Strong Recovery Community Behavioral Health Clinic appeared first on Office of Human Resources.

Providing hope, healing, and connection糖心传媒擬eet a member of the Older Adult Mental Health Services Team

Zoe Carlson, LMSW

Psychiatry
Mental Health Therapist

You have an interesting career path at the University of Rochester. Can you explain how you began your role as a therapist?

While obtaining my master’s degree, I chose an internship at the University of Rochester because I knew I wanted to work with older adults, not necessarily because I planned to become a therapist. Through that experience, I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed therapy, and I was fortunate to be hired at the University of Rochester after completing my internship.

What made you want to continue your professional journey here after completing your internship?

The environment, my coworkers, and the patients made it an easy decision to stay. From the beginning, I felt welcomed, supported, and included. Working with older adults was a great fit for me, and I knew this was a place where I could continue to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference.

What is a typical day like for you as a therapist for older adults?

Every day is a little different, which is one of the things I enjoy most about my job. I meet with adults ages 65 and older and help them navigate a wide range of challenges, from life transitions and grief to anxiety, depression, caregiving, and adjustment to medical conditions. Some patients are with me for a short period of time, while others I糖心传媒檝e worked with since I was an intern.

What do you enjoy most about working with older adult patients?

I enjoy hearing about their life experiences and learning from the wisdom they糖心传媒檝e gained over the years. They often offer unique perspectives that I carry with me long after our conversations. It糖心传媒檚 a privilege to be trusted with those experiences and to help them navigate new chapters of life.

What are some common misconceptions about aging and mental health?

Many people believe depression, anxiety, or loneliness are normal parts of aging. While older adults face unique challenges, mental health concerns are treatable and should never be dismissed because of someone糖心传媒檚 age.

How does working as part of an interdisciplinary team benefit patient care?

I work closely with psychiatrists, other therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and various healthcare professionals to support our patients. Constant collaboration allows us to share information, coordinate care, and provide a more complete approach to treatment.

What message would you like to share with older adults and their families about seeking mental health support?

It糖心传媒檚 okay to ask for help for yourself or for someone you love. Mental health support can improve quality of life, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you could describe your journey from intern to therapist in three words, what would they be?

Purpose, rewarding, meaningful.

The post Living Our Values: A spotlight on older adult mental health services appeared first on Office of Human Resources.

What changes if you transition to the bi-weekly pay cycle?

• Receive a paycheck every two weeks
• Your pay schedule changes
• Most benefit and other elected deductions are spread across more paychecks

The bi-weekly pay cycle supports staff who prefer to receive pay more frequently. Staff who transition will receive pay every two weeks while maintaining the same salary. Paychecks are smaller but more frequent and will be received six days after the end of each pay cycle. This differs from the semi-monthly and monthly pay cycles which provide pay on the last day of the pay period.

How to request the transition

Staff interested in making this transition to the bi-weekly pay cycle should carefully review the information provided. Staff who wish to move to the bi-weekly pay cycle must complete and submit the request form emailed by the Office of Human Resources on Monday, July 27, 2026. The submission deadline for this form is Monday, August 17, 2026. HR will only accept requests submitted through this form as payroll must have formal employee authorization to make the change. If you need assistance, please contact Ask-URHR via email or phone at (585) ASK-URHR (275-8747).

Upon confirmation by the Office of Human Resources, all positions you hold at the University will permanently transition to the bi-weekly pay cycle for the duration of your employment.

Due to anticipated high interest in the new bi-weekly pay cycle, the transition will be completed in phases:

• The first 250 submissions received will transition to the bi-weekly pay cycle on September 20, 2026.
• The next 750 submissions received will transition on November 1, 2026.
• If there are more than 1,000 requests to transition, the University will offer additional dates throughout calendar year 2027.
• Applicants will be notified of their pay cycle change request status along with the effective date of the transition on or before September 4, 2026.

This phased approach allows HR and the payroll office time to carefully process and validate each request to the new pay cycle.

Important dates听

• Monday, July 27: Request form opens via email from the Office of Human Resources.
• Monday, August 17: Submission deadline for transition forms.
• Friday, September 4: Notification email with pay cycle transition status sent to employees who submitted a request.
• Sunday, September 20: Transition to the bi-weekly pay cycle for first 250 submissions.
• Sunday, November 1: Transition to the bi-weekly pay cycle for next 750 submissions.

Benefits and deductions听听

Benefits eligibility are not impacted by this change. However, pay will be distributed over more pay periods. Paycheck amounts and payment dates will change. Some tax and benefit deductions will be spread across more paychecks, resulting in smaller deductions each pay period.

Employees who transition should:

• Review and if necessary, adjust any voluntary deductions or allocations based on a flat dollar amount per paycheck, such as contributions to a savings account or retirement plan through the Benefits and Pay app in myURHR Workday.
• Review and if necessary, adjust any automatic bill payments or personal financial arrangements aligned to your new pay cycle.

The post Bi-Weekly Pay Cycle Option appeared first on Office of Human Resources.

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Compassionate service & support at every step糖心传媒擬eet members of the Guest Services Team

They are often the first faces to greet patients and visitors at the hospital.

Autumn Hall

Guest Services
Ambassador

What does 糖心传媒済uest service糖心传媒� mean to you personally?

Guest Services is about being there for people in moments that really matter. Whether someone is visiting a loved one, celebrating something special, or going through a difficult time, I糖心传媒檓 able to guide and support them. It makes my job feel meaningful because I know I糖心传媒檓 helping people in real ways every day.

How did you begin your career at the University of Rochester, and what are your key responsibilities during a typical shift?

I began working at the University of Rochester during my junior year of high school. It was my first job, and I wanted to be part of a place where I could help others and feel like my work mattered. During a typical shift, I assist at the hospital front desk by creating passes, giving directions, answering phones, and sometimes transporting visitors to their destinations.

How do you feel your role contributes to the overall patient and visitor experience at the hospital?

My role often serves as the first point of contact, which sets the tone for a visitor糖心传媒檚 experience. By being patient, helpful, and welcoming, I can make people feel more at ease during what might be a stressful time. Even small interactions can make a big difference in how someone feels when they enter the hospital.

What training or skills have been most critical in this role?

Empathy, communication, and patience have been the most important skills in my role. You never know what someone is going through, so it糖心传媒檚 important to treat everyone with kindness and understanding. Being able to clearly communicate and stay calm helps ensure visitors feel supported and respected.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I糖心传媒檓 making a difference in someone糖心传媒檚 day. I also really appreciate the environment my coworkers, supervisors, and managers create, because it feels supportive and welcoming. It feels good to work somewhere where I糖心传媒檓 constantly learning and have people I can rely on, which makes the experience even more meaningful.

How has this role changed the way you interact with people throughout your day?

This role has helped me become more confident and open when interacting with others. I糖心传媒檝e learned how to communicate more clearly and step out of my comfort zone. It糖心传媒檚 made me more aware of how I can help people, even in small everyday situations.

What advice would you give someone starting in Guest Services?

I would tell someone starting in Guest Services not to be afraid to ask questions and take their time learning. It糖心传媒檚 okay to make mistakes, as long as you糖心传媒檙e willing to learn from them. Being patient, observant, and open to growth will help you succeed in the role.

If you could describe your service style with three words, what would they be?

Empathetic, attentive, reliable.

Tasha Turner Abdullah

Guest Services
Representative

What is something about your role that might surprise people?

Good question! A lot of people are surprised at how quickly I learned the majority of the hospital. I tell them I have to know it all so I can help them. But we continue to expand, so there will be a lot more to learn.

What does 糖心传媒済uest service糖心传媒� mean to you personally?

Guest Services means being the face of the hospital. When people come in, I am the first person they interact with; whether they need directions or are visiting a loved one, I am here for them.

How did you begin your career at the University of Rochester, and what are your key responsibilities during a typical shift?

My career here at the University of Rochester Medicine began, actually, by word of mouth. My husband (who worked at the gift shop) heard my boss talking about how his department was hiring. And the rest, as they say, is history. This year I mark five years here at the University. My key responsibility is ensuring people reach their destination in a timely manner. If someone is having a surgical procedure or needs assistance to an appointment, I will get them there. If they need any other help, such as finding a patient’s location or an appointment, I am here to help.

How does your team support each other during busy and stressful times?

I have an AMAZING TEAM!听If one of our team members is having a rough day, we step in to help. Whether it’s a transport that they are unable to do or answering phone calls, we’re there. Even if one of us just needs a listening ear, we’re here.

What is your go-to way to make someone feel welcome instantly?

A BIG smile! It sometimes makes the individual feel better in an already stressful situation.

How has this role changed the way you interact with people throughout your day?

This role has encouraged me to listen more. Listening helps me better understand what’s going on. I am more compassionate towards people.

What advice would you give someone starting in Guest Services?

Have a big heart and a listening ear. Please don’t be afraid to ask questions. You need patience, and lots of it.

If you could describe your service style with three words, what would they be?

Personable, engaging, and harmonious.

The post Living Our Values: A spotlight on guest services appeared first on Office of Human Resources.

The University has been awarded a $3.8 million, five-year Healthcare Education and Life-Skills Program (HELP) grant from to expand career opportunities for employees, while helping to fill high-demand healthcare roles.

What this means for employees

This funding builds on the University糖心传媒檚 Career Pathways Program, which supports eligible staff who pursue high-demand careers with education costs, including tuition, fully covered. The HELP grant enhances this program by providing additional assistance and resources for participants training to become surgical technologists, radiologic technologists, and . These added benefits include paid work or release time (based on position), expanded coaching and advising, life-skills training, emergency funding, and other wrap-around services to support success in school and at work.

How the grant expands Career Pathways

Over the next five years, the grant will significantly expand the Career Pathways program by helping to:

• Increase participation to 200+ employees
• Intensify focus on radiologic and surgical tech roles
• Add 40 dental assistant students annually
• Strengthen coaching, support services, and job placement outcomes

This investment reflects the University糖心传媒檚 ongoing commitment to filling high-demand healthcare roles while creating meaningful career opportunities for employees.

Since launching in 2022, Career Pathways has retained 78% of its graduates in mostly clinical roles.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Career Pathways program for?

Full-time 糖心传媒 employees who have met service requirements and are interested in training for high-demand healthcare roles, including surgical tech, radiologic tech, and .

What costs are covered?

All education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, uniforms, and required materials are covered through the Career Pathways program.

What support is available beyond training?

Recognizing the realities of balancing work, education, and life responsibilities, through Career Pathways, the HELP grant provides wrap-around services to participants, including:

• Career coaching through Career Pathways
• Life-skills training (time management, financial literacy, resiliency)
• Emergency support for unexpected expenses such as housing, transportation, childcare, and food, which could impact a participant糖心传媒檚 ability to complete the program
• Online learning through MyPath

How do I learn more or apply?

More details, eligibility criteria, and application information can be found on the Career Pathways webpage.

The post New $3.8M NYS grant supports career advancement for URochester staff appeared first on Office of Human Resources.

Community. Service. Support.糖心传媒擬eet members of the Public Safety team

Kamaran Moss Sr

Peace Officer, Community Resource Officer
Department of Public Safety

How did you begin your career at the University of Rochester?

I started my career journey at the University of Rochester at 18 years of age in the Emergency Department as a Patient Care Technician. I continued serving in the Emergency Department after becoming an officer. Working in the ED taught me patience and how to better communicate with individuals.

How long have you been with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and what is a typical day like in your position?

I have been with the Department of Public Safety for over five years and currently serve as the Community Resource Officer. In this role, my typical day involves engaging with faculty, staff, and students. I do this in a variety of settings (medical center and academic campus) to strengthen collaboration between DPS and the URochester community.

What skills are important for your role?

Strong communication, active listening, and empathy are essential skills for a successful Community Resource Officer. Equally important is the ability to develop thoughtful, practical plans to maintain a healthy and connected community.

What makes working at the University of Rochester different from other public safety roles?

I believe what sets the University of Rochester apart from other public safety roles is the strong sense of camaraderie and officers’ genuine willingness to support one another. Additionally, the unique nature of our campuses and the diverse locations allow us to wear many different hats, giving us the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles and situations.

How does the University and DPS support your professional growth?

The University and DPS support professional growth through tuition assistance and diverse training opportunities. I have taken advantage of several of these opportunities, serving as a Peer Support Officer and completing training in crisis intervention, field training, and other professional development programs.

Sandra Rivers

Public Safety Officer, Peer Support Officer
Department of Public Safety

How long have you been with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and what is a typical day like in your position?

I have worked in the Department of Public Safety for more than 18 years. A typical day with DPS is focused on maintaining a safe, calm environment and also fostering beneficial community relations with everyone you come in contact with throughout the day. I really enjoy giving stickers to little kids when I see them on the units. Watching their faces light up makes my heart happy.

What do you enjoy the most about working with the campus/community?

What I enjoy most about working for DPS is that the day-to-day calls for service are always different. You get to work with a variety of people while serving the University community. It’s a job that is so rewarding and makes a difference in people’s lives. Also, as a Peer Support Officer, I am there for my coworkers when they have something going on at work or in their personal lives.听听

What skills are important for your role?

Skills that are important for the role of a Public Safety Officer begin with the ability to be able to communicate with all different types of people. Also, the ability to think on your feet and to keep your composure and professionalism in all situations.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in public safety?

I would advise someone considering a career in DPS to take the leap of faith. You will have the most amazing coworkers while doing a job you will grow to love. Sometimes people are having a really tough day, and being able to stay calm and meet them with understanding makes all the difference

The post Living Our Values: A spotlight on Department of Public Safety officers appeared first on Office of Human Resources.

Build your skills, boost your confidence, and grow your career 糖心传媒� one playlist at a time.听

Whether you糖心传媒檙e looking to become a stronger leader, communicate more effectively, or better manage your time, MyPath offers learning playlists to guide your growth. Each one pulls together high-quality content you can access anytime.

Playlists make learning approachable and practical. Each one is organized around a theme 糖心传媒� like leadership, productivity, or innovation 糖心传媒� so you can focus on what matters most to your development.听

You can complete lessons between meetings or even during your morning coffee. The goal is simple: to make learning part of your day, not another item on your to-do list.听

Content is organized by topic, personalized picks, and trending courses by job role. Education fits every type of learner with options for classroom sessions, videos, materials, and online courses. You can launch now or save for later.听

Each month, the Office of Learning and Development spotlights educational content aligned with the University糖心传媒檚 Meliora values on topics ranging from neurodiversity to emotional intelligence. These are available by searching 糖心传媒淟earnnow糖心传媒� in MyPath.听

Every playlist is designed to help you build real-world skills that strengthen your performance today and prepare you for opportunities ahead. Find a complete list of playlists in MyPath under My Learning tab – Professional Development Playlists and Leadership Development Playlists.听

MyPath糖心传媒檚 Learner Home, offered under the main MyPath drop down menu, provides a personalized workplace for your unique learning journey. Similar to your Netflix home, Learner Home provides a summary of completed training and suggestions for future learning content, based on your previous history.听听听

Karen糖心传媒檚 Top Playlist Picks

By Karen Scott, Director of Learning and Development听

• Time Management: Big Skills for Busy Schedules
  In today’s fast-paced world, mastering the art of time management is crucial for success in both personal and professional realms. Whether you’re navigating a demanding career or simply seeking balance in your daily life, this content provides invaluable insights to help you make the most of your precious time.听听
• Level-up with AI
  Discover how to use artificial intelligence tools to work smarter, boost creativity, and save time. Learn practical ways to apply AI in your daily work 糖心传媒� from writing and brainstorming to analyzing data and organizing projects. Search “Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)” in MyPath.听
• Ready to Lead in 2026? Here糖心传媒檚 Where to Start
  Interested in stepping into leadership or growing as a manager?听The “Team Building for Leaders” playlist teaches you how to develop and maintain a work environment with clear expectations set through effective communication, role modeling, and positive reinforcement.听

The post Advance your career journey, one playlist at a time appeared first on Office of Human Resources.

We found inspiration for our own New Year糖心传媒檚 goals in Stephanie Von Bacho, EdD, MSEd, MS, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Director of Learning and Development, who has spent 37 years at the University of Rochester and proudly calls herself a lifelong learner.听

Recently inducted into the Monroe Community College Alumni Hall of Fame, Stephanie holds multiple degrees in nursing and education and founded the organization now known as , a summer program for children who have experienced burn injuries. Her dedication to learning and helping others inspires us all to pursue growth in the year ahead.听

You糖心传媒檝e spent 37 years at the University of Rochester糖心传媒攚hat has motivated you to keep learning and growing throughout your career? Did you envision your current career when you began as a nurse in the burn trauma unit?听

When I started my career as a new graduate registered nurse from Monroe Community College, I specifically sought a position at the University so I could further my formal education. Little did I know at the time how many opportunities would evolve from that single decision over the years. One thing about learning something new and making connections is that you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your abilities, and your passions. I never envisioned my current career when I began as a new nurse so many years ago. The people I have worked with have inspired me throughout my career path, as have both formal and informal learning experiences. I have built my career at the University of Rochester because it offers numerous development opportunities and ample career mobility, allowing me to apply new skills, continue learning, and challenge myself.听听

What University resources or programs have helped you grow personally and professionally糖心传媒攁nd which ones do you encourage employees to take advantage of to build their own skills and advance their careers?听

I have utilized the University糖心传媒檚 tuition benefits multiple times to ease the financial burden of expanding my education. Tuition waivers are available for courses taken at the University of Rochester, as well as for courses taken at other colleges and universities.听

The University now offers a great opportunity for employees seeking higher earning potential and career development in high-demand positions with upfront tuition payments and release time through the UR Career Pathways Program.听

I also highly recommend employees take advantage of our self-led career navigation that is designed to help you find your career pathway by offering tools to align your skills with your interests by completing self-assessments.糖心传媒痀ou糖心传媒檝e got to know where you糖心传媒檙e going before you can figure out how to get there.听

What advice would you give employees who want to set meaningful career or personal growth goals for the new year?听

A wonderful time to reflect on the last year of work and look forward to the next is during the performance evaluation process in February and March. Built into the process is the opportunity to discuss your professional growth with your manager and set goals that will not only fulfil your key job responsibilities, but push you to identify specific areas where you want to learn, improve, or expand your impact in the year ahead. It could involve building new skills, strengthening leadership abilities, pursuing education or certification, or taking on new challenges that stretch your capabilities.听

The most effective goals are intentional and actionable糖心传媒攖hey align with your career aspirations and the organization糖心传媒檚 needs, while also fueling your personal motivation. Think of it like creating a roadmap for your own development: where you are now, where you want to go, and what steps will help you get there.听

How has the culture of learning and development evolved at URochester during your time here, and what excites you about its future?听

I think some of the biggest evolutions in the recent L&D space have been the addition of online learning at your fingertips with , our learning management system. It allows employees to take control of their growth both personally and professionally.听听

The job catalog, which was created as a result of the CPM (Career Path Modernization) project opens up a whole new resource for growing your career and allows you to see opportunities available for you and what experience and education is required.听听

The program that makes me most excited for the future is the UR Career Pathways Program, which focuses on creating and supporting career pathways for entry-level employees into high-demand positions. Through this work, we have fostered numerous community outreach relationships and resulted in the development of new educational programs to support the need for high-demand positions in healthcare. It is creating pipelines and pathways for current and future employees alike.听

You糖心传媒檝e earned multiple degrees and continued your education throughout your career. What advice would you give to employees who are thinking about going back to school or pursuing professional development?听

Lifelong learning isn糖心传媒檛 just about gaining knowledge糖心传媒攊t糖心传媒檚 about opening doors. When you pursue further education, you糖心传媒檙e investing in your future, your confidence, and the opportunities you haven糖心传媒檛 met yet. Your ideal career path may not be a ladder糖心传媒攊t may be a winding road that still brings you to your goals and gives you a richer, more fulfilling experience along the way.听

The post A conversation with Stephanie Von Bacho: Time to grow, thrive, and reach your goals appeared first on Office of Human Resources.

What we learned

Across the University as a whole, we saw clear strengths in:

• Respectful, trusting relationships with managers and team
• Clarity of expectations and access to training to perform effectively in the workplace
• Access to wellness initiatives and benefits that promote well-being
• A strong sense of purpose: commitment to students, patients, and our community

The survey also pointed to areas where we can improve. Faculty and staff told us they want to see improvements in:

• Balancing workloads and accountability
• Leadership alignment and clearer communication at all levels
• Greater transparency during periods of change
• More clarity on pay practices and how compensation is set
• Improvements related to area specific operational practices and policies

Top themes that emerged

• Leadership, Strategy & Communication: strengthen trust and alignment around our mission, vision, and goals.
• Manager Tools, Support and Education: better equip managers to lead and communicate with confidence, consistency and transparency.
• Culture of Safety: Better understand area specific safety concerns and identify ways to best support employee safety.
• Collaboration, Feedback & Belonging: foster belonging and stronger connections through cross-team collaboration and open feedback opportunities.
• Action in response to the survey: Ensure meaningful follow-up will occur as a result of the survey.

What happens next

Beginning in February, we will share more details about the results and the steps we will take to address them:

• Transparent Communication: We糖心传媒檒l share overall results and dashboards beginning in February of 2026.
• Manager Training: Over 60 sessions have been scheduled from December through February to help leaders interpret results, collaborate with their teams, and create action plans in response to your feedback.
• Action Planning: This will occur at the organizational, school, and unit level. In the schools, each Dean will work with leaders within their school to create a framework for their school for reviewing results and action planning with both faculty and staff. In Central Administration, the Medical Center and in other units such as the Library, Admissions, MAG, and LLE, to name a few, unit and department leaders will collaborate with their leadership teams to deliver results and action plan to make improvements specific to employee feedback in their areas.

At the organizational level, we will begin working to address opportunities that span the entire University or that impact larger groups of employees across units, departments and schools.听 We will gather feedback on proposed action plans by topic through various forums and employee meetings from February 糖心传媒� April, followed by formal plans communicated to the University community, which includes our schools, central administration, LLE, MAG, and URMC.

Our commitment

Your feedback is important to us. It helps us understand where we are strong and where we need to improve to support a more welcoming, connected, and positive employee experience. This will take all of our collective efforts. We must collaborate to develop and implement the plans we need to affect progress. We are committed to the process and hope we can also count on your participation and support.

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