Mary Ann Arneel, Clinical Director, Intake Services, Business Development

“At the end of the day, it’s really not about me but about what the patient needs.”

As Clinical Director for Regional Intake in Business Development, Mary Ann oversees the day-to-day operations of a team of onsite managers and clinical and non-licensed staff who work with our referral sources to identify patients in need of home care. As was the case within many departments across the organization, one of her greatest challenges last spring lay in transitioning her team to working remotely, making sure that nothing—and nobody—slipped through the cracks during the chaotic early days of the pandemic.

She credits her team for their flexibility, dedication, and support. “As the saying goes, there is no ‘I’ in team,” says Mary Ann. “As director, I’m given a directive, and it’s my job to make sure that our operational needs are met, but I don’t just delegate—I see myself as a working manager, and try to assist whenever and wherever I can.”

Mary Ann is every bit as modest about her ESPRIT Award. “I’m not sure why I was nominated for this award, but I’m truly grateful and humbled to know that people think I deserve it,” she says. “Success is really measured by productivity. If the people on my team are doing their jobs and getting things done, they make me look good. At the end of the day, it’s really not about me but about what the patient needs—and about effectively and efficiently managing patient care. We’re all advocates for our patients, which is what makes working in this department so great.”