Coordinating the compensation (insurance, benefits, and, of course, pay) for more than 500 employees is a big, complicated project. The Human Resources team works hard to make sure staff members get everything we're entitled to. Megan Fagyas is Evergreen's human resources coordinator. She helps to process payroll and benefits such as the Employee Assistance Program or Evergreen's College Discount Program. She also manages our wellness program and open enrollment. Open enrollment is a two-week period where staff can make changes to their benefits. It's also when changes to insurance plans are provided for review. You'll be hearing more about open enrollment in coming weeks.
"I really love getting the opportunity to interact and connect with our employees," said Megan. "Whether educating them about benefits, assisting with a timecard issue, or supporting them through a wellness challenge my interactions with employees are always positive. It's rewarding when staff are grateful for support or guidance we can provide."
Megan noted that managing deadlines and making sure employees get everything they need completed on time is a big part of her job. "There's often a lot happening. It's important that everything be completed in a timely manner so that people receive their full range of benefits. HR is busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!"
Megan is currently preparing for the agency's annual flu shot clinic. "There will be convenient, on-site flu shot clinics at multiple locations in October. This will help employees get their flu shot before the deadline, which is October 31." All staff must have their flu shot or declination on file by the deadline. With this, and open enrollment coming up in November, Megan notes that
autumn is always a busy time at Evergreen.
Megan has been with Evergreen since January of 2021. "I heard about what a great place this is to work from someone who worked here. I was looking for a job at the time and noticed a position that sounded like a good fit. I started my career here as a data specialist with the Evergreen Health Foundation team (shout out to Richard Ridenour and Steve Jagord!). I quickly learned about the great things Evergreen does in the community. I also had the opportunity to connect with donors to see how much they love the work we do, as well." After about a year and a half with the Foundation, Megan applied for a position with the HR team. "I was interested in working in HR, but never had the opportunity. I've been fortunate to learn so much and take on more responsibilities in the department. I've worked at various companies in the past, from small local businesses to corporations. I can truly say Evergreen is like no other. I look forward to coming to work each day. The atmosphere is so welcoming, and it's clear that this company truly cares about their employees' happiness. What other company has a yearly employee celebration, allows you to wear jeans, has monthly birthday parties, Bills days, food trucks, and a therapy dog?"
A Buffalo native, Megan graduated from SUNY Buffalo State University. Outside of work, she is a dog lover. "I love dogs because I truly think they show us what unconditional love is. I have a dog named Louie that I adopted from a local rescue last year. He's 2 years old and very active, so I like to take him on walks or to the dog park as often as I can. My retirement dream is to own a senior dog sanctuary, where senior dogs without homes can live our the rest of their lives getting the love and care they need."
René Marburger began bringing her dog Shadow to Evergreen in January 2023. René’s willingness to bring Shadow to Evergreen twice a month exemplifies her profound commitment to enhancing the emotional and mental well-being of our patients. Shadow is a 4-year-old Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles spaniel mixed with a poodle) and a certified therapy dog. A certified therapy dog is a dog that has been trained, tested, and certified to provide comfort and support to people in various settings. Certification for therapy dogs involves ensuring that the dog is well-behaved, gentle, and comfortable around different people and environments. The certification process typically includes obedience training, temperament testing, and evaluation of the dog's ability to interact calmly with strangers, including those with special needs. The dog's handler must also be trained to manage the dog effectively and interact appropriately with the people they visit. Certified therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs, which are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks. Instead, therapy dogs are primarily focused on providing emotional benefits through their presence and interactions.
René’s dedication to helping others extends far beyond Evergreen. She co-founded the nonprofit Partnering4Africa, which aims to provide sustainable relief and opportunities throughout Africa through initiatives in health, agriculture, water, and education. One of their notable projects includes raising funds to build a school in Uganda. The funds have been used for essential improvements such as providing fresh water, installing solar panels, furnishing the school, building a playground, and a garden project! Thanks to René’s fundraising efforts and grant writing, they are now ready to move forward with building a first-grade classroom and library.
I am treated with kindness and respect. My concerns are always addressed.
