Meet the Faces Behind the First Impressions: UTHealth Houston’s Employee Services Team!

At UTHealth Houston, the Employee Services (ES) team is the engine that powers a smooth and welcoming experience for every new hire. Their mission is clear: to provide effective employment processes and data management solutions that support faculty, staff, applicants, and hiring managers. But behind that mission is a team full of personality, passion, and purpose. They are the champions of first impressions—the friendly faces who ensure every new hire feels like they’ve just joined something truly special.

Take one Onboarding Ambassador, who loves saltwater fishing and connecting with new hires. Her excitement for life spills into her work: “I love interacting with new hires,” she says, and it shows in the way she helps them feel at home from day one. A Human Resources Assistant II brings a similar energy—his favorite karaoke song is T.G.I.F. by Katy Perry—and he thrives in a role that lets him work at his own pace while stepping in to support others when needed. “I am also able to pivot and help others when they are out of office or need backup,” he shares. That kind of flexibility and teamwork is what makes ES so effective.

Teamwork That Transcends Titles

The ES team isn’t just about processes—it’s about people. A fearless Employee Services Operations Manager, who’s afraid of spiders but never afraid to support her colleagues, says, “We’re more than just coworkers, we’re a support system.” That sentiment is echoed by an HR Visitor & Onboarding Coordinator II, who calls her team “the greatest I’ve ever worked for!” and by a Program Delivery Lead, Faculty & Residents, who loves to travel and finds great satisfaction in working with her team: “I enjoy collaborating with various departments across our schools to support the recruitment and oversight of onboarding of talent that will directly or indirectly impact health care and patient care.”

A Human Resources Assistant III, a world traveler who’s visited 14 countries (Jamaica is her favorite), finds joy in helping candidates like Postdoctoral Research Fellows and Residents cross the finish line. “It’s extremely satisfying and gratifying for me,” she says. Whether it’s onboarding, problem-solving, or simply being there for one another, this team knows how to work together to make a difference. Another Onboarding Ambassador, a comic book and horror movie fan who also loves cats, brings that same enthusiasm to onboarding: “I love having the chance to work with new employees starting a new career or job—it’s a really exciting process to be a part of!”

First Impressions Matter

Front desk team members, like two of our HR Visitor & Onboarding Coordinators, know just how important first impressions are. One, who loves crocheting blankets and cheering on the Space Cowboys, says, “I love meeting all the new and current faces that make up the UTHealth Houston team.” She takes pride in providing “Technicolor service” that makes every employee feel seen and supported. The other, a fan of the movie Interstellar and black holes, brings a thoughtful approach to his role: “Being able to shape those initial perceptions is meaningful,” he says. “I consider it an honor to represent the values and culture of UTHealth Houston.”

An Onboarding Ambassador who loves Top Golf for its ability to bring her challenge and laughter finds strength and smiles through the ES team. Her role brings her a great sense of fulfillment: “I love my role in Employee Services because it brings gratification to me to know that each candidate that is hired will have the opportunity to experience a quality work environment with UTHealth Houston.” That trust and confidence are key to the ES team’s success.

Insight, Impact, and Innovation

Behind the scenes, team members like a Talent Experience Operations and Business Process Lead and the Director of Employee Services are making sure the gears keep turning. One enjoys helping others visualize their impact: “It goes a long way to providing insights to how important each role is in getting folks through the door.” The other appreciates the often-unseen influence of his work: “Although at times unnoticed, the fact that we have such an impact on each and every hire is exciting to me.”

A Human Resources Records Coordinator brings curiosity and care to her role, diving into the complexities of citizenship and immigration processes. “I have enjoyed learning about how employment eligibility works,” she says. Outside of work, she enjoys playing golf and working in her yard. “I have enjoyed working with this amazing team and getting to meet all the new hires.”

An Onboarding Ambassador finds balance and creativity both at work and in her personal life. “In my free time, I enjoy trying new recipes and practicing yoga,” she shares. “Working with supportive colleagues in a collaborative setting really brings out my best.”

A Human Resources Assistant III, who has been with UTHealth Houston for seven years, has spent six of those years onboarding classified employees—a role she truly enjoys. Recently entering a new chapter as an empty nester, she’s picked up crocheting and finger knitting while watching Beyond the Gates or rewatching classics like A Different World and 2 Broke Girls. Her go-to karaoke song? “Turn Your Lights Down Low” by Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley. “What I love most about my role is being part of a team that truly supports one another,” she says. “It’s rewarding to witness changes from the ground up and know that I’m contributing to something that makes a difference.”

A Human Resources Assistant II brings a love for storytelling and melody to her work. “I love to get lost in the enchanting world of the Hobbit series,” she says, “and listening to classic Bollywood melodies fills me with bliss.” Her appreciation for her team is heartfelt: “Absolutely love and enjoy working at UTHealth because of my exceptional team. Their unwavering support and genuine care are rare treasures I’m truly grateful for.”

Passion Meets Purpose

Whether it’s a Human Resources Assistant II who loves to travel and cheer on the Alabama Crimson Tide, or a Human Resources Assistant III who enjoys Days of Our Lives and has over 30 years of HR experience, each team member brings their full self to work. One says, “I love my role because it involves a piece of the puzzle to make sure candidates are hired,” while the other enjoys “interacting with new faculty and department contacts.” Their enthusiasm reflects the ES team’s commitment to making every step of the hiring process meaningful.

An HR Visitor & Onboarding Coordinator I, our resident TV critic, puts it best: “I love being part of the onboarding experience for new employees—it’s a great opportunity to help them feel welcome, supported, and set up for success from day one.” And with a team like this, success is always just around the corner.

A heartfelt thank you to the Employee Services Team for your unwavering dedication! From being the welcoming face of UTHealth Houston and embodying our core values, to expertly guiding exceptional talent through our doors, your contributions are deeply appreciated and never go unnoticed.