Donation Essentials Blog
Staff Spotlight: Leslie Gonzales
We’re so proud to work with each and every one of our staff members here at Donor Alliance. In our Staff Spotlight, we like to take a minute to share who we are and why we work at Donor Alliance. In this month’s staff spotlight, meet Leslie Gonzales, an Aftercare Coordinator. In this role, Leslie works to support heroic donor families after donation has taken place.
This Month’s Staff Spotlight is on Leslie Gonzales:
Name: Leslie Gonzales
Position: Aftercare Coordinator
Years at Donor Alliance: 6.5 years
Tell us a little about your role with Donor Alliance: I have the unique and very privileged role of continuing support to our donor families after donation, or if for one reason or another, we are unable to move forward. Supporting our donor families looks different for each family; it is wonderful that we are given so many resources, tools, and events to help them if they should need it. We also have a unique perspective as we have the ability to work with some families for many years after their loved one has passed.
What do you enjoy most about your role/what’s the most rewarding aspect of your role? Our donor families have and continue to remind me about the good in world. Sometimes it is an interaction with a donor family member, other times it is the wonderful stories they share with me about the person their loved one was. Those are precious memories they choose to share and I am honored when they do.
Tell us about a time at work that really moved you, a lasting memory you made: I had a very small part in helping one donor family get in contact with one of our tissue processors. This allowed that family member to receive a tissue graft from their loved one. Now, a piece of their loved one will always be with them.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun? I enjoy being at home with my family and dogs. When I have the opportunity, I love to travel and see new places.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self? Do not be in such a hurry to grow up; it is okay if the path you choose does not look like everyone else’s.
