We’re celebrating Kelly, an outstanding Special Education Aide who is passionate about helping students succeed. 

To continuously strengthen Cross Country’s efforts of commitment to providing our employees with critical professional and leadership development support, we have announced our second class of the Cross Country Mentorship Program! The program features one-on-one mentorship relationships that span a six-month duration. Mentees were selected based on leadership recommendations and a subsequent review process by the human resources team. We asked our new class of mentees to articulate why the mentorship program is important to them, and also advice they would give to their younger selves. Enjoy what some of them had to share below. Plus, be sure to read Meet the Mentees <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/meet-the-mentees-part-two-cross-country-launches-internal-mentorship-program" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">part Two</a> to see the answers provided by the rest of our mentees. <img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fed97272f3c9547a99e973e31783ac20c%2Fdf8a8908445947659e8f91fbb83b0298" alt="Henry Payne" width="90%"> Henry, HRIS Manager“The mentorship program has given me the opportunity to grow my career and strengthen my professional skills with such an amazing company that I truly enjoy working for. The program is allowing me to learn more about Cross Country and the opportunity to be paired with an excellent mentor who can help guide me and answer questions about what it takes to be an effective leader.” Henry would tell his younger self to continue to work hard and speak up when you have questions about processes or tasks given. Hard work pays off and that a work culture is key to a successful company!<img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fed97272f3c9547a99e973e31783ac20c%2Fb34c741306ee4c778786501fff7ae175" alt="Bryan Gorman" width="90%"> Bryan, Sales Manager“The mentorship program is an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best and brightest minds in our industry. My experience in healthcare has been on the Locums side and I’m getting the opportunity to learn about the other service lines that we offer and how we can be a complete solution for healthcare organizations across the country.” Advice Bryan would give to his younger self would be just go for it! Stop focusing on why it can’t be done or the fear, and just do it!<img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fed97272f3c9547a99e973e31783ac20c%2F71ca897894e2441698e116437e4007da" alt="Courtney Keppen" width="90%">Courtney, Marketing Manager B2C B2B“The mentorship program has allowed me to envision my future professional and personal growth. It forces me into self-reflection and to dive into topics that are often avoided. It provides an opportunity for my bucket to be filled.” Courtney would tell her younger self to not judge yourself in comparison to others. Instead, judge yourself against what you know you’re capable of. And always wear sunscreen!<img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fed97272f3c9547a99e973e31783ac20c%2F10cc8ec628f34a5597a3447b2a9ff3bf" alt="Griffith Roberts" width="90%"> Griffith, Educator Support Manager“The Cross Country mentorship program is important to me because its foundational principles are learning, support, and development. This not only aligns with my personal ‘why’, but it aligns with the student centered approach CCE takes every day.” Griffith would tell his younger self to not be afraid to speak up if you have an idea or find a solution to a problem. Great work cultures are built on collaboration and sharing ideas.<img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fed97272f3c9547a99e973e31783ac20c%2F9c63bca4b8874cb899bee76540986124" alt="Ben Binning" width="90%"> Ben, Director of Client Operations“The Cross Country mentorship program is important to me because it shows the belief and trust Cross Country has in me as a member of this company. It also makes a company that is nationwide feel much closer with the relationships I have been able to build across divisions.” Ben would tell his younger self to always ask questions and figure out why we do the things we do. It is important to know your own role, but learning about other roles and how everything ties together will make you a stronger employee and help you contribute to the bigger picture and attack challenges in different, unique ways.<img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fed97272f3c9547a99e973e31783ac20c%2Fc64c465ec89b4c59b4116b545f6e6a2a" alt="Sarah Parris" width="90%">Sarah, Onboarding Ambassador Team Lead“The mentorship program has given me the opportunity to get invaluable insight from an experienced leader that will help me tap into my potential. It has provided me with tools to grow professionally and build my confidence. Having the ability to set my own goals and expand on new skills and ideas is a dream for me. I have always wanted to make an impact, regardless of what I do in life, and this program is giving me the space and resources to find my way in my career.” Sarah would tell her younger self to take more risks. Great things can happen if you take a chance on something whether it’s yourself, a job, or a personal goal.<img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fed97272f3c9547a99e973e31783ac20c%2Ff4face1359e444d9b71807fe6f2dfa74" alt="Maggie Lopez" width="90%">Maggie, Field Payroll Manager“The mentorship program has helped me transfer knowledge. It has been helping me become more component in my role and is preparing me for growth opportunities in the future.” Maggie would tell her younger self to ask for help, you don’t have to do everything by yourself; there are many people who want to support you. Also, mistakes are part of being human and part of growth.<img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fec23c65f480b4f8699dc832816bf2973%2F7ffd2746daab460eba2f90bf747275fd" alt="Kristen Neyman" width="90%"> Kristen, Operations Manager “This program introduced me to an amazing leader who embodies everything I hope to be someday! Jeannine Kelley is a one-of-a-kind leader who is bubbly, creative, and extremely knowledgeable. She approached things with compassion and I’m so grateful this program paired me with a strong female leader like her. This program further supports the sentiments that I’m exactly where I need to be, working for a company that recognizes and invests in its talent and the future generations. I am proud to call CCH home and hope to one day give back to an organization that has given so much to me! “ Kristen would tell her younger self the grass isn’t greener on the other side, it’s greener where you water it. I often find myself looking around for something better or anxious for what's next. While there is nothing wrong with seeking new pastures and bigger and better opportunities, the mistake is not recognizing that the greatest opportunities are often right under our feet.<img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fed97272f3c9547a99e973e31783ac20c%2F118446469a964371a40af0ff9c3de699" alt="Giovanna Miceli" width="90%"> Giovanna, Onboarding Supervisor “The mentorship program gave me the opportunity to develop myself in my role as well as prepare for growth opportunities in the future.” Giovanna would tell her younger self to take time to celebrate your successes!<img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fed97272f3c9547a99e973e31783ac20c%2F94ea279641a642dab9b826975ec7f3ca" alt="Melissa Warshavsky" width="90%"> Melissa, Senior Program Director, MSP“Our mentorship program affords personal and professional development opportunities to both mentees and mentors. The sense of community and shared commitment to growth is inspiring.” Melissa would tell her younger self to be kind to yourself and patient along your journey. Treat your failures as teaching moments and approach all endeavors with compassion for yourself and others working through their own discovery.

Meet the Mentees Part One: Get to Know the Second Class of Mentees of the Cross Country Mentorship program