Saint Rose Alums Get Creative with Work During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Except for those of us who were already full-time working from home (WFH), the COVID-19 outbreak has changed our job situations dramatically. We checked in with some Saint Rose alums in different industries – and in different parts of the country – to see how they’re coping.

Whether they’re out in the field and on the front lines, or telecommuting while sheltering in place, they’ve come up with some creative ways to stay productive and connected with their stakeholders. (Our education alums, who face a whole different set of work-from-home challenges, will be featured in a separate story.)

Neenah Bland G’04, counseling
Executive director, Albany Community Action Partnership (Albany, New York)

As the executive director of a leading human service organization, we are providing essential services to the most vulnerable families within our community. I am working to ensure our families are receiving vital services, such as food, resources and support. During this time, I have been able to lead with compassion and keep my staff encouraged. We know we will get through this and stay true to our mission.

Nerissa Roberts G’04, counseling
Assistant director, early childhood education, Albany Community Action Partnership (Albany, New York)

As the assistant director of ACAP’s Early Childhood Education Department, my main focus is to continue to provide resources and support to our families, children, and staff. The COVID-19 situation has changed the world for all of us. Even though our classrooms are closed, we continue to stay connected.

Jermaine A. Brookshire Jr., Esq., ’13, philosophy
Corporate and healthcare associate, Wiggin and Dana LLP (New Haven, Connecticut)

My setup isn’t as elaborate as it was in St. Louis, mainly because I’m working from an Airbnb right now. Last night, we had our corporate department social hour. I recorded myself for part of it.

This was out Zoom corporate happy hour, hence the reason why you are seeing belly laughs. It was a riot, and so much fun!

Aside from the times, we find ways to enjoy ourselves a little, it’s really busy on my end trying to help clients navigate through this COVID-19 crisis. Sending my love and well wishes to you all there in Albany.

Sara Biancosino ’17, business administration
Product development manager, Baltimore Orioles (Baltimore, Maryland)

Being that I started with the team on March 10, just three days shy of us closing the office down, my transition has been interesting for sure!

However, I have a fantastic boss and team, who have been extremely helpful during this rather strange transition period. We have been conducting weekly Zoom meetings and handling the changes that come to us daily. I’ve been taking notes to learn my role and learn about the team as well.  As of late, we have been transitioning our calls to video conferences so we can have face-to-face interaction. My typical work day is from 9 to 5, so I make sure I am at my work space to begin the day.

I believe keeping a routine is crucial during this period. I get up every day, shower, even put on some jeans (what!), and get to work. I will take a break during the day to eat some lunch and stretch. Following work, I will have an at-home workout, and decompress for the night. As you know,  I am a huge music fan and supporter, so I could not get through my workday or any normal day without my music playlists.

Being in the sports industry, it is difficult not knowing when your potential season will begin. So, we are constantly communicating to have contingency plans in place, and re-organize the schedule as needed. The most important part is that our fans, players, and staff are safe.

Rob Caserta ’10, business administration
Manager, management consulting, KPMG (New York, New York)

Still working to help my NYC government client even though we’ve been told to work from home. Managed to set up a temporary workspace in my small apartment. As you can see, I’ll always be a proud Saint Rose alum!

Edson Chipalo ’17, social work
Doctoral candidate, the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)

At this moment, I am doing all my work via Zoom. It’s been a very difficult time for all of us, but we are trying to adjust to the new normal.

Andrew Cotton ’18, G’18, information technology/computer information systems
Manager of technical operations, Valimail (San Francisco, California)

I recently started a new job in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was quite an adjustment in multiple ways. Thankfully, my new job is expected to be 95% remote (under normal circumstances), but this is the first time I’ve worked remote for a significant period. Here are a few key things that have allowed me to not fall into a nonproductive rut as the days in isolation continue:

• Overcommunicate with people to make sure you’re not losing touch with people and keeping communication skills sharp. Also, it makes sure that you know what others are feeling and can help each other through this difficult time.
• Always plan for meetings to include video calling so you can see people and not have to guess on tone or body language over a standard phone call.
• Come up with a schedule for your day and stick to it. Make sure to plan a time to step away to eat lunch, take a walk, or putter around away from screens to clear your head.

Patrick Cullen ’08, G’10, computer science and MBA
Vice president of product and engineering, Carrot Fertility (San Francisco Bay Area, California)

How does this affect our company? Our landscape is continually changing. We, at Carrot, are commonly selling into the HR Benefit teams at companies. Those people are overwhelmed right now so we’re doing our best to support them. For example, we built https://www.get-carrot.com/covid-19 as a resource center for how COVID-19 affects fertility journeys across the world.

How does this affect me? We’ve moved to 100% working from home. That being said, our teams were already big proponents of Slack and Zoom so on a day-to-day basis, it wasn’t very disruptive. The biggest acclimation is that we’ve been thrust into a work environment with zero boundaries from our home environment. You have to be more diligent with time management or you’ll find yourself working way too many hours.

Eric Fletcher ’13, business administration (certified financial planning concentration)
Executive assistant to the chief audit executive, New York State Office of Information Technology Services (Albany, New York)

First off, I would like to say how grateful I am to have my job in this environment. The COVID-19 outbreak has been jarring, to say the least. My love for the in-person workplace experience has been replaced with a remote virtualized desktop infrastructure. The transition to remote working was seamless, but I most certainly miss seeing my coworkers. On the bright side, I’ve started jumping rope again, which is something I haven’t done since elementary school!

Chad W. Foster ‘08, G’09, social work
Lead site clinician, SaVida Health (Bennington, Vermont)

Taking into account the world we live today, “change” is the word that describes it all. That being said, I am currently working from home via telemedicine/telephonic with the hope of still meeting the therapeutic need of my patients.

Yes, it was difficult in the beginning, like an unsolvable puzzle, but for me it begins with remembering why I do this job. When that happens, the anxiety lessens, my focus comes back, and then the puzzle pieces become visible, and that unsolvable puzzle turns into a beautiful work of art.

During this crisis, they need me more than ever, and as a social worker, I am charged with championing positivity in their lives. Though the mode of communication has changed, the goal is still the same: to be there for my patients in their darkest hours and provide them the light they need to get through.

What motivates me to continue this journey? Still the same, I love people and want them to be the best versions of themselves, especially during challenging times. Yes, it has been a challenge across the board, but I am their warrior, who fights beside them through the many battles that are to come.

Peter Gannon ’02, public communication
President and CEO, United Way of the Greater Capital Region (Albany, New York)

As CEO of United Way, I’ve been working with partners across business, government, and nonprofit sectors to coordinate the regional philanthropic response to the COVID-19 crisis. We began preparing early by testing my team of 20’s remote capabilities so we were fully prepared to minimize our health risks by working from home. So far, our team has remained healthy and led efforts with our partners to raise $500,000 and mobilize hundreds of volunteers. We also launched a guest reader series on Facebook Live to connect with donors during the crisis — it’s been so well received that (New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy) Hochul and (Albany) Mayor Sheehan reached out to read (You can watch every weekday at 11 a.m.!).

Kevin Graber ’92, public communication
Senior associate director of admission, varsity baseball coach, Philips Academy Andover (Andover, Massachusetts)

As an independent school admissions dean, our department’s greatest challenge at present is convincing families to #sayyestoandover, without the benefit of spring visits for newly admitted students. We’re responding with a wealth of email correspondence, carefully curated social media campaigns, good old-fashioned snail mail, and an array of virtual spring visit events via Zoom webinars, highlighted by Q&A sessions with current students and panel discussions featuring faculty members and administrators, several of which I’ve moderated. So far, so good, as our yield is trending toward target!

Alexandra (Ali) Kirsten ‘13, G’13, business administration 
Channel marketing manager, Noregon Systems (Greensboro/Winston-Salem area, North Carolina)

I’ve been fortunate to work for a company that allows me to work from home, so that’s what I’ve been doing. It’s been a bit of an adjustment, but I’ve made sure to try to keep a work/life balance, even if it’s all being done from the same space. My animals are enjoying having me home more, though!

Ameerah Palacios G’09, business administration
Senior strategic communications coordinator for Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas, HDR (Louisville, Kentucky)

My husband and I both work for global companies and have the pleasure of working from home.

I am leading virtual engagement for public involvement projects and act as a producer for engineer project managers/teams. Reminds me of my days as a TV producer for WNYT. The principles are very similar – incorporating sound, live video, discussions and graphics for audiences.

Keith Payet G’05, not-for-profit management
President and CEO, UnitedHealthcare C&S of Tennessee (Nashville, Tennessee)

As the number of COVID-19 cases continued to rise, I had to react to ensure the safety of my staff and the people we serve. As a company, we were well prepared to manage our business relying heavily on mobile technology (laptops, virtual meetings). Once I made the decision that we must all work from home, it took no more than 24 hours to execute and respond. Today, I have over 500 employees throughout the state of Tennessee working from home. We must all do our part to flatten the curve.

Janell Sluga ’85 sociology
Geriatric care manager, Senior Life Matters (Jamestown, New York)

As we cope with COVID-19, it means changing some of the ways we behave. Our community of individuals over 55 has restricted community activities of all types. We are using the phone more than ever. We are calling all apartment residents every few days to check on them and see how things are going. For my Geriatric Care Manager clients, we are reducing the frequency of visits. We are doing as much as we can via mail and over the phone.

This is a hard time to live alone and need help to stay in your home. We are also encouraging seniors to read, call friends and family, listen to music, and watch LESS news, particularly the 24-hour news channels. They simply add stress!

Now I will go wash my hands again!

Vito Van Dunk ’19, marketing
Operations associate for business consulting, McDonald’s (Albany, New York)

For me, my position is supporting our McDonald’s restaurants in the area, so we are open, and I am still out in the field. Obviously COVID-19 has affected many people with the way they work and live their daily lives, but my role hasn’t changed that much. We’ve shifted our focus as a company to ensure we are still able to serve our communities in such a time, and I’m proud to support that in the field.

Memoli Ward ’12, graphic design
Senior designer, Love Wellness (New York, New York)

It’s been a busy couple of weeks as I’ve transitioned to a new role at a new company during quarantine. I was really lucky to have great support from the Love Wellness team; they sent me a laptop AND full set of product to familiarize myself with the brand.

My best WFH advice: start every morning with even a short burst of exercise to generate energy for the rest of the day.

P.S. The poster on my wall was made by another Saint Rose alum, my friend Patrick Brophy!

Chandra Wells, Chandra Wells G’12, communication sciences and disorders
Private speech-language therapist (Albany, New York)

I have a small private practice, Cogito Speech Therapy, PLLC, and I provide services to preschool students in a local school district. We now have the go-ahead to offer teletherapy. Transitioning to online services has posed some challenges with technology and logistics, but the families I serve have been very flexible. It is a pleasure to see the kids again and find creative ways to keep them engaged through the computer!

By Irene Kim