February & March Staff Spotlights: Eilis Nowak and Devon Strong

Today, we’re honored to highlight two recent Employees of the Month at Hidden River. Recovery Assistant (RA) Eilis Nowak received the recognition in February, while Administrative Assistant Devon Strong received the award in March. Keep reading to learn more about these team members and their contributions to Hidden River!

First, let’s meet Eilis Nowak, our February Employee of the Month.

How long have you worked at Hidden River?

I’ve been a Recovery Assistant at Hidden River for about a year and a half.

How has your role evolved since joining Hidden River?

My role has changed quite a bit since I started. I began working night shift and then switched to day shift. I have had the opportunity to run activity groups and work with both adolescents and young adults.  

What’s your favorite part of your workday?

My favorite part of the day is getting to sit down with the clients and play a game or activity. We often use games like Jeopardy or Bananagrams to have a fun break in the day.  The clients love choosing the Jeopardy categories, and it helps me get to know them and what they like to do outside of Hidden River.  

What do you find most meaningful about the work we do at Hidden River?

One of the most meaningful things about working here is being able to make even the smallest difference in someone’s life. Knowing that playing their favorite music, talking about pets, or laughing at jokes may make a difficult day a little easier for someone is truly rewarding.  

What’s a moment in your work here that has stayed with you? 

One part of my job that stays with me is getting to see clients complete their program at Hidden River. After spending several weeks getting to know them and watching them work hard, it’s so exciting to see how they have succeeded in their goals. Seeing and hearing the client’s excitement when they get to the end of the program and sharing what they are excited for in the future outside of Hidden River will always stay with me.  

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this field?

I like to say there is never a dull moment! My days are often filled with laughter, games, and rewarding conversations. I am so glad I chose to go into eating disorder care, and I encourage everyone to go for it. The people in this field are very supportive and will help in any way they can.  

What’s a quote, mantra, or piece of advice that has stuck with you?

One of my favorite sayings is, “One step at a time.” I think it helps remind us that every step helps us reach our goals. This is a saying I often say to the clients at Hidden River.  

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Outside of working at Hidden River, I am in my second year of a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program. I am passionate about my program and helping others any way I can. I also volunteer for a teen youth program, helping kids in my community.  

Is there a place you’d love to visit or something you’d love to experience someday?

I’d love to travel to Italy and spend some time traveling around to different cities. I specifically would like to visit Rome and Florence! 

What’s your favorite way to recharge or practice self-care?

One of my favorite things to do is bake. When I practice self-care, I often bake my signature chocolate chip cookies and listen to music or watch a comfort movie.  

Now, let’s get to know Devon Strong, our March Employee of the Month.

How long have you worked at Hidden River?

I started in March of 2022.

How has your role evolved since joining Hidden River?

Over the past four years, Hidden River has grown, and I’m happy I’ve gotten to be a part of that growth and change. I have taken on more responsibilities as the program has evolved, and I work closely with the leadership team daily to improve the program and patient life.

What do you find most meaningful about the work we do at Hidden River?

Hidden River gives the patients a chance. I’ve learned that there aren’t a lot of programs dedicated to eating disorders and that there are a lot of people out there who aren’t educated about the disorders. Not only does Hidden River provide that treatment, but the treatment team also educates the families on what they need to know to help. Our treatment team and supporting staff are outstanding. They are all educated, and they support our patients in any way they can.  

What’s a moment in your work here that has stayed with you?

There was one patient who left me a thank-you card when they were discharged. They thanked me for giving them a sense of normalcy while they were here, making sure the MILIEU had the things they needed. They loved that they were able to decorate for the holidays and make little art projects to give to their family when they came for a visit.

What’s a quote, mantra, or piece of advice that has stuck with you?

“You can’t control how the world spins, but each morning, you can decide how you’ll dance with it.”

What’s your favorite way to recharge or practice self-care?

I love dancing. I’ll put on some music and have a dance party with myself sometimes, and I love it when my daughter joins me…we jump and dance the stress of the day away!

What’s a small thing that brightens your day?

My kids — they are truly the best. Watching them shine and grow into the amazing people they will be one day is my favorite.

We’re so grateful for the team members who make Hidden River such a special place to heal and recover.

To learn more about Hidden River, visit our website or contact us at info@hiddenriverhealing.com.