Susan StAmand, Assistant Administrative Office, Prevention Unit of Behavioral Healthcare, BHDDH
Could you tell us about your position at BHDDH?
My official title is assistant administrative officer. I am the administrative clerical support and customer service function of the Prevention Unit of Behavioral Healthcare – the “go to” person for communicating with agencies, setting up meeting appointments, collecting invoices, taking meeting minutes, and assisting in processing the invoices for each of the funding sources. I am the liaison between the department and the community coalitions. I work closely with Elizabeth Kretchman and Linda Barovier.
Prior to BHDDH, where did you work?
I started at BHDDH in April of 2015. I was previously the assistant administrative officer to the principal at the Henry Barnard Laboratory School at Rhode Island College (RIC). I had been there since 2004. I received the RIC president’s award for excellence for support staff at in 2011.
My entire adult career has been devoted to delivering excellent customer service. I take pride in that. Customer service is listening to the people you are serving (in this case, the communities) and getting an answer to their questions or referring them to someone who has the answer. There is a difference between listening to people and just hearing them. My service is not scripted; it’s very individual. My mantra is “If I don’t have the answer, I’ll get the answer.”
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Over the past few years I have been completing my masters degree, online, in organizational leadership with Southern New Hampshire University. I consider myself a lifelong learner and enjoy communicating virtually with other students from around the world. I recently completed my masters in sports management and athletic administration certification. I like to spend time by my pool with family and my two puppies. I live with my husband of 42 years, Paul, and our daughters are nearby and visit often. Most of my leisure time is spent at home with my husband and daughters however I do enjoy going to DisneyWorld on vacation.