Professionally Speaking
A long-time employee who has enjoyed working in a variety of
departments, August Employee of Distinction Charlene Paradise said, “I
have truly found my niche in the Student Counseling Service (SCS).” The
satisfaction is mutual: “We were looking for someone who could not only
handle a one-person administrative service, but who would also be
innovative and creative. We found that person in Charlene,” wrote
nominator Ruthann Rizzi, MD, director of SCS.
Upon joining
SCS in 2007, Paradise embraced the opportunity to bring a fresh
perspective to the clinical staff and a friendly first face seen by
students when they come to the office. Whether creating a computerized
scheduling system that is user-friendly for clinicians while ensuring
confidentiality for patients; designing forms that help patients obtain
prescriptions faster; streamlining the patient charting system and
creating a database to capture service statistics; or fulfilling any of
a myriad of other responsibilities, Paradise enables clinical staff to
best help those who come to the service.
Points of Pride
Empathetic with SCS users’ concerns and wanting to provide them with a
calm as well as confidential setting, she took it upon herself to
revamp the waiting room, making it an attractive, comfortable and
welcoming space, complete with private sitting area, soft music and
complimentary tea. “When students come through the door, they need to
be reassured that they will be helped,” said Paradise. “It is wonderful
to be part of the team providing this wonderful service for our
students.”