Introducing Our New Benefits Specialist, Juliette Houseman

As our annual benefit enrollment approaches, now is a good time to remind everyone that Benefits Specialist, Kathy Martin, will be retiring at the end of March. (So please don’t try to contact her with insurance questions after March 27!) Juliette Houseman was hired in January to fill Kathy’s position, and she has been working side-by-side with Kathy the past two months to learn the ins and outs of the position. Since so many of you come in contact with the Benefits Specialist, we wanted to help you learn a little more about Juliette and below are some questions she answered for us. 

What was your most recent place of employment and position before coming to Heartland AEA? 
I was a Human Resources Generalist at the Lennox Industries NAPC, Inc. in Urbandale for over 22 years until the manufacturing/distribution site was closed. 

What drew you to seek the Benefits Specialist position? 
After being a Generalist, which handles all aspects of Human Resources and more, my first thought was that the Benefits Specialist position would be like looking at the tree instead of the forest and that it might be time to specialize rather than generalize. (Plus, my Magic 8 Ball told me “Definitely” when I asked it if I should apply for this position!) 

What do you enjoy most about your position/profession? 
I enjoy people, people watching, people interaction, meeting new people, helping people and inspiring people! Isn’t it incredibly intriguing that each person on this earth is a unique individual? And how boring would it be if everyone were alike? People are what I enjoy most about my profession and my new position. 

What is one thing that has surprised you or you have found interesting in the time you’ve been at Heartland AEA? 
I grew up knowing OF Heartland, and as a parent I knew OF Heartland, but I don’t believe I truly understood what Heartland actually does for our children, students and families. Through my training with Kathy, the other HR members and employees I have met and/or job shadowed, I am beginning to get a better understanding of the Agency. I’m really proud to say I’m a Heartland employee and share that distinction with so many wonderful and uplifting co-workers. I can’t wait to job shadow all of the different positions to get a true sense of our people and those who we help. From what I have seen so far and the co-workers I have met, Heartland is making a difference in the lives of others and that is really exciting! 

Anything else you’d like staff to know about you? 
I want everyone to know that for a little gal, Kathy leaves behind some huge shoes to fill! It is kind of funny because she and I have so many similarities that sometimes I think we are two peas in a pod! Probably what I most want people to know is that I don’t have all of the answers, and I don’t have the Heartland knowledge that Kathy has after 13 years. But if I don’t have the answer, I will find it for you, and if I don’t have the knowledge, I have met enough people at Heartland so far that I can find it! Oh, and one more thing…I raised four kids!