What do you do at Paradigm?

I’m a Director of Clinical Services in chronic pain. We provide individuals a second chance at life by helping them come to a decision to reduce or completely eliminate their dependence on opiates. We work closely with these injured workers and create plans to help them manage their chronic pain without having to use narcotics.

What is attractive or appealing about working with Paradigm?

Where do I begin? Paradigm is at the forefront of trauma and chronic pain. I started here 6 years ago, and I’ve witnessed how our approach has become best-in-class. We are industry leaders. Our success lies in addressing the bio-psycho-social aspects of an individual and how that effects their recovery from injury. We treat the whole person. I love that. I love the culture here too. We keep pushing ourselves to get better at managing the most difficult, complex claims.

Opiate dependence is an epidemic that has a devastating impact on people and prevents them from living to their full potential. Here at Paradigm, we put the patient at the center of what we do and we empower them to make choices that help them take back control of their lives.

I started in this industry 21 years ago as a telephonic case manager. Back then no one ever asked about an injured workers’ mental well-being. It was considered taboo. We also never asked about the effectiveness of having people on certain meds for so long. We’ve come a long way from those days.

Paradigm has proven that understanding the bio-psycho-social aspect of a claimant’s history is at the core of helping people get back on their feet. Bill McAweeney and Dr. Steven Moskowitz are real pioneers and I am so happy to have them as mentors and teachers. The models they’ve developed are now being adopted as industry standard.

Our competitors and other industry players are trying hard to copy what we do, but none have achieved our outcomes! I love knowing that we are leaders in this field.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My passions include fitness, women’s basketball and travel.

I am a “fitness” nut. My day starts at 5:30am where I join friends in a spin class, boot camp, or weight training at my local gym. I’ve also recently incorporated running outdoors into my routine (about 15 miles per week along the Schuylkill River here in Philadelphia). I’m training for a half marathon. Getting my exercise in early every morning sets the tone for a great, positive day. Mindset is everything.

I also love cheering on my daughter, Evelina. She’s a high school senior and a starter on the varsity basketball team. I admire her discipline, determination and sportsmanship. She’s worked through some injuries this year that required surgery but she’s back on her feet and getting back into the game.

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of? It can be work-related or personal.

I’m also proud of my son, Alex, who is an infantryman in the U.S. Army. He’s based in Germany and is specializing in flying drones. He’s trained with NATO forces from Britain, Poland, Germany, Romania and The Netherlands. Watching him develop into a young man with purpose is especially gratifying.

Is there one piece of advice you would like to share?

Be kind to yourself and do something that makes you happy every day.