There are many things that may surprise you about Angela Natalie, Pam Rhoden, and their collective work history at St. John’s. It is true that the two share similar values, strong work ethics, and the penchant for finding answers to questions nobody else can.
The two share the same ground floor office suite as well. Also, if you happen to come downstairs with a question for one of them, it may be the other who provides you with the answer you need.
Because they have such a shared knowledge of the ins and outs of each other’s work, it is not uncommon for people to assume that Angela and Pam actually do the same job. That assumption, however, is incorrect.
“She is in HR (Human Resources). I work for Employee Health,” says Rhoden of this common misconception. “We do different jobs, though we’re both under Work Life.”
Angela Natalie began her St. John’s career in 2000, while still an elementary education student at SUNY Brockport. “I started here as a temp in the HR department as a filer, and helping out in the office,” says Natalie. As she explains it, “I was going to school to be a teacher, but I ended up liking it here.”
Aside from a brief stint working for the social work department, Natale has held various roles in human resources at St. John’s for almost a quarter century since deciding to pass on a teaching career. Her current title is St. John’s HR Operations Specialist; however, her duties were on the recruitment side of human resources in 2007 when Pam Rhoden applied for a position.
“I remember that Pam had longevity in her previous job, she was very knowledgeable, and she dressed professionally,” says Natalie of her successful interview of Rhoden, who was soon hired as an assistant working in the medical department.
Rhoden is now employee health and wellness coordinator at St. John’s and colleagues rave about her impact across the Work Life team. “She does a lot as far as pre-employment, like making sure new hires have all of the documentation they need to start,” says Tanya Henderson, St. John’s Employee Health Manager. “Even though I’m the nurse, people think that Pam is the nurse because she is so knowledgeable and has answers to everybody’s questions.”
As for Natalie, Henderson calls her “the keeper of all,” meaning she consistently provides information to St. John’s new hires, seasoned employees, and even retirees about the benefits for which they qualify. “Angela is very dedicated to her work,” adds Henderson.
Collectively, the two have spent over 40 years at St. John’s. While their job descriptions are quite different, they have worked together closely for more than a decade. “They are almost like sisters,” adds Henderson. “I admire their working relationship.”
That close professional relationship pays dividends during difficult times and also when the two collaborate on important projects. Next month’s Employee Recognition Dinner is at least the eighth such annual event Natalie and Rhoden have planned together. This successful event always highlights their collective hard work and attention to detail, making for a well-organized, fun evening for employees who have worked at St. John’s for five years or longer.
Natale is a mom to 10-year old twins and Rhoden’s daughters are 13 and 8. Both cite the family-oriented environment at St. John’s as reasons why they have stayed for so long. “St. John’s is a flexible work atmosphere,” says Natalie. “I think that really makes a difference for a lot of us long-time employees.”
Both are past winners of the Vincent S. Parks, Jr. Award as Employees of the Month. As Steadfast Servants, they have a unique, shared opinion about what characteristics are important for employees to have at St. John’s. “Dependability, reliability, work ethic, job knowledge, professionalism—those are the attributes,” says Natalie, while Rhoden nods her approval.
They may have different job descriptions, but Angela Natalie and Pam Rhoden share a love for St. John’s and a dedication to support the employees who are critical to the organization’s continued success.