HealthStar Home Health has some pretty impressive employees with an extraordinary range of skills and backgrounds. From our Nurses and Caregivers in client homes providing one-on-one care, to our team of administrative professionals working “behind the scenes” to make sure operations are running smoothly, HealthStar has quite the team focused on providing the best care possible to our clients.
Today we recognize Kelsie Hopkins, Licensed Social Worker out of the Duluth office! Kelsie started with HealthStar in 2020. She is adored by both her clients and those who have the opportunity to work along side her. Kelsie’s work at HealthStar touches multiple service lines. She works as a QP for the PCA program, is a champion of our Behavioral Health Home services, and has been invaluable. Kelsie radiates our 24 ECC values; radiating calm/peace and positivity wherever she goes. This month we celebrate Kelsie!
Q: What do you do at HealthStar? What does a typical day look like for you?
A: I’m a licensed social worker for HealthStar. In general, there are a lot of avenues in social work you can take, and in my position I wear a lot of hats. I am a “Systems Navigator” for the Behavioral Health Home program, a Social Worker and a “Qualified Professional” that oversees our client/PCA care.
My day varies day to day, but one thing all my days have in common is that I’m providing care and support to my clients to enhance their quality of life.
Q: How has HealthStar helped in your career development?
A: Many of us in the Duluth branch at HealthStar started our career here at the same time. Together all of us here in Duluth have rebuilt the foundation of this office and mended many relationships with our clients and employees. I’m very proud to have been a part of that process.
Q: What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on at HealthStar?
A: HealthStar has also allowed myself and others in our BHH team the freedom to build our BHH program in a way that works best for us and our community. It’s been quite a challenging learning experience, but I think the success feels more rewarding when you’re working in a program you’ve been a part of building, rather than having come into an already established program.
Q: What is your proudest moment working at HealthStar?
A: My proudest moment at HealthStar is whenever I see a BHH referral from other agencies in the community come across my desk. It says a lot when both the client and the referring agency are putting their trust in you to help clients navigate some of the most vulnerable aspects of their life.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
A: I like to tend to my houseplants, shop for houseplants, and propagate more houseplants. I have two toddlers and a 10 year old, so most of my time not working is spent with them. The two toddlers are starting to get to a point where every outing does not end in disaster, so some more fun outings MAY be in our horizons this summer… fingers crossed.
Q: If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing (except money), what would it be and why?
A: Food. I’m a huge foodie with boujee tastebuds!
Q: Tell me about the best day you’ve had working at HealthStar?
A: One of my favorite days at HealthStar was our team-building day. We went to a nice local restaurant for lunch, and then toured the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. One of us had a summer job in college working as a tour guide at the Glensheen, so we got all the inside scoop on the place!
Q: If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
A: Instant teleporting. SO many places I would love to travel to, but not enough time!
Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I never knew this answer until I had a baby at 16 years old. I knew I wanted to be like the folks at the county who connected me to the benefits I needed to be successful given my situation.