Employee of the Month: Reese Howell, Office Manager
How long have you been with EA? What roles have you had? 
14 years. I started working as a part-time transporter; I needed a second job and I loved the flexibility that the position offered. A year later, Melody offered me the Office Manager position and I gladly accepted.
Please describe a particularly memorable or impactful experience in your EA career.
Three years ago, a life-changing event happened that turned my world upside down. My EA family was there for me from day one and helped me navigate through my grief journey. I will be forever grateful to those who supported me.
What’s been the most challenging thing about working in your field? What's been the most surprising?
Sometimes things do not go the way you hoped for, and with that can come sadness. The resilience of our foster youth is amazing to witness.
Do you have any advice for newcomers to social work, or those interested in pursuing it as a career?
Do not expect every day to be the same. It is a rewarding job even on difficult days.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I have been blessed with 2 amazing OM supervisors, Kathy Roddy and Kitty Cannon. They are amazing and only a phone call away when you need their support, as are all the directors and the supervisor team. The OM team is an amazing sisterhood. I am happy to be part of this organization!
See Reese's previous Employee of the Month feature