Operations Specialist Michele, a native of Delaware, found herself at a crossroads when her husband's military service transferred him to San Diego. Michele initially chose to stay in Delaware and continue working at Aveanna's Milford office. Then her husband pitched the idea of her transferring to Aveanna's San Diego office.
"It was definitely a little nerve-wracking to consider transferring across the country because I had no friends or family in San Diego," said Michele. "But as soon as I met the San Diego executive director, we just clicked, and the rest is history. Now, I truly consider my teammates here in San Diego to be like my family."
As mom to a one-year-old military child, Michele has also found connection and support in raising her daughter while her husband is deployed. In moments when she feared she would be isolated as a parent, her Aveanna team has stepped in to assist where needed, attending birthday parties, celebrations, and other events to show their support.
"My team has been so supportive of me and my daughter over the last year," said Michele. "When my daughter was born prematurely and was in the NICU, they would come visit us and bring meals. They even helped watch my daughter on their own time so I could sleep. It was just so genuine. If I didn't join Aveanna, I wouldn't have met some of my closest friends."
Michele's experiences as a military wife and mom have also given her a unique opportunity to connect with Aveanna military families in her area. When others feel alone or isolated during their loved one's deployments, she can empathize and offer support because she understands what they are going through on a personal level.
"My daughter is also medically fragile, and I can definitely relate to the feelings of many of our patient families," said Michele. "Sometimes, our families just need a listening ear, and I am happy to offer that to them. That's a huge reason why my team and I make it a priority to go visit patients and families in our area."
No matter where Michele's journey as a military wife takes her, she knows Aveanna will be there too. We are proud to support families like Michele's every day and in a variety of ways. From partnering with the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, to providing job opportunities for veterans and services for TRICARE patients -- our teams across the country are honored to serve those who serve our country.
"The support my daughter and I have received from my team at Aveanna has been incredible," said Michele. "I know 100% that wherever another Permanent Change of Station might take us, I'll be researching Aveanna's locations in the area. It's a family, and I don't see myself ever leaving that."