PICS Employee Spotlight [Get to know Gretchen Tona, Senior Service Coordinator]
At PICS (Partners in Community Supports), a subsidiary of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), much of our work is behind the scenes. Our Employee Spotlight helps you learn more about our team. This month, get to know Gretchen Tona, senior service coordinator with PICS!
Q. Tell us a little bit about your career PICS.
Gretchen: I am a senior service coordinator at PICS, and this was the position I took when I started with PICS four years ago.
Q. Could you tell us what attracted you to PICS/LSS and how your vision aligns with the organization’s?
Gretchen: I remember in my interview, it felt like PICS was truly dedicated to doing more than just the work required; they were interested in integrity and having a positive impact on their community. Since being with PICS for four years now, this has been proven true. It's the people at PICS who create a work environment that allows us to do the meaningful work, that we all hope changes lives for the better.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working at PICS?
Gretchen: The people! The people served and the other folks who work at PICS. Serving members of your community makes you feel more connected to it, and working alongside folks who also care about those connections makes the work feel more meaningful.
Q. PICS' Shared Values include being trustworthy, compassionate, knowledgeable, collaborative and responsive. How have you been able to implement your own personal values while working at PICS?
Gretchen: I have been working with individuals with identified needs since I was a teenager — working in various roles in various agencies. PICS is a standout for me because, as an agency, they lead with empathy. Whatever the discussion at PICS is, the first question(s) is usually, "How will this affect the people we serve?" or, "How will this affect PICS employees?" We don't often get a vote on rules and regulations that change our work, but by asking those questions first we seem to find the best way forward for everyone so we can provide a service that we feel good about.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Gretchen: I like to travel, do photography and participate in social engagement for my local and global community.
Q. What is your favorite line from a movie?
Gretchen: “I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Q. Share a fun fact about yourself.
Gretchen: I was voted class clown for my senior year in high school. My brother had won the honor when he graduated the year before me. Our parents are beside themselves with pride at this family legacy, still.
Q. Where is your favorite place to be?
Gretchen: Either the Rocky Mountains or one of those perfect white sand beaches with bright blue water on Lake Michigan.
Q. If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
Gretchen: To learn another language fluently.
Q. Do you have any pets?
Gretchen: Two cats, Loki and Louise.
Q. You're happiest when...
Gretchen: There is a thunderstorm.
Here is what some of Gretchen’s colleagues have to say about her…
“Gretchen goes above and beyond for those who need it and has established close relationships with many of the families that she serves. She treats everyone the way that she hopes her own family would be treated if they were in need of services. She enjoys being challenged and works hard to ensure that she provides a high-quality service to everyone she interacts with. We are so lucky to have someone with her experience and heart for others on the PICS team!”
“Gretchen has been such an asset to the PICS team. She demonstrates understanding and patience when speaking with her families, and it's evident that their needs are her first priority. While the days can get long, she is always ready with a ridiculous story about her cats. We are so lucky to have her on the team!”
We are grateful to have you on PICS’ team, Gretchen! Thank you for all you do!