PICS Employee Spotlight [Get to know Michelle Chamberlin, Project Manager]

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 Michelle Chamberlin, project manager with PICS!

Q. Tell us a little bit about your career at PICS/LSS.

Michelle: I'm the Project Manager at PICS — helping our special projects move forward! I started at PICS as a temporary Office Coordinator and then transitioned to an HR Specialist role, which I held for approximately six years.

Q. Could you tell us what attracted you to PICS/LSS and how your vision aligns with the organization’s?

Michelle: What has drawn me to apply and continue working at PICS/LSS is our passion for the people we serve. I'm proud to tell others that I work for PICS/LSS because we have a strong reputation for supporting the community across the state and in so many aspects of life. 

Q. What do you enjoy most about working at PICS? 

Michelle: Not only do I love helping our families thrive, but I also love coming to work because of our welcoming team! As we grow our team, we continue to learn from each other and share our experiences and special talents to make our team stronger and our services even better. 

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?

Michelle: Collaboration is an important value to me because I thrive on teamwork and learning from others. This is so true at PICS because without the teamwork of PICS staff and the valuable feedback we receive from families and caregivers, we wouldn't be where we are today. 

Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Michelle: I love playing the piano, rollerblading, and gardening. 

Q. What is your favorite line from a movie?

Michelle: "Beautiful things don't ask for attention." - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Q. Share a fun fact about yourself.

Michelle: I met my husband while at film school and have worked alongside Big Bird at a puppet museum! 

Q. Where is your favorite place to be?

Michelle: Lake Harriet! Walking around the lake and rose garden, listening to the birds, and treating myself to ice cream.

Q. If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?

Michelle: I will be learning how to use my sewing machine at a sewing class this summer! 

Q. You're happiest when...

Michelle: Thrift store shopping or exploring a new city. I love traveling to a new place with no schedule.

Here is what some of Michelle’s colleagues have to say about her…

“Michelle was the first person I worked with when I came to PICS 8 years ago. She was welcoming, knowledgeable, and a trustworthy person to work with. She set me up for success in my new role all those years ago, and she is still one of the people I go to for anything PICS-related to this day. She knows it all! She is a safe place for questions and new ideas. Michelle contributes her creativity and organizational skills to every project here at PICS.”

“Michelle is an amazing friend and coworker. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. She's been with PICS for over a decade and remains committed to our mission every day. She treats everyone she meets with respect and is known for her quiet leadership. Every team needs a Michelle, and I'm grateful that at PICS, we get the real deal!”

“Michelle is extremely innovative and knowledgeable! She learns about new tools, how they work, and how they can improve our systems and services. She is incredibly organized. She considers our future needs and helps us make the best plans for optimal positioning. She completes tasks and projects in advance of someone asking her to, as she has already anticipated the need. She is amazing. PICS is very lucky to have her on our team!”

“Michelle is an absolute gem! She's truly a collaborator and a helper, always making things better with her incredibly positive attitude. She's a key member of the PICS family, and we're so grateful for her contributions.”

We are grateful to have you on PICS’ team, Michelle! Thank you for all you do!