Meet the Family: Melissa Ketron

This is our employee spotlight series where we pull back the curtain and shine a spotlight on the incredible people who make Monument Recovery a place of hope, healing, and big-hearted support. Each month, we’ll introduce you to one of our amazing team members - the movers, shakers, and difference-makers who bring their passion and personality to everything they do. Get ready to meet the faces behind the mission and hear their stories. Let’s dive in and get to know the folks who make Monument a true family!

How long have you been with Monument?

I've been with Monument, in some form or another, from the very beginning. I left my other job and came on full time when we opened our Residential level of care.

What inspired you to work in the field of substance abuse treatment?

Being a nurse who's worked in many different settings, I've seen first hand  faces of addiction and the toll it takes on people and their loved ones both mentally and physically. I've always felt a deep empathy for people suffering with mental health and substance abuse. I feel the deepest sense of fulfillment and purpose when I get to work with clients overcoming something so challenging, and watching them get their lives back. The most important thing I tell clients is that I am not judging them, that they are accepted and welcome.

What do you find most rewarding about working at Monument?

The best part of my day is when I am sitting down with clients, one on one, and finding ways to help them. Sometimes it's the smallest moment, a conversation that comes up during med pass. Someone who's struggling and needs to hear an outside perspective. I'm frequently given the opportunity to be a listening ear, to give feedback, or find solutions. 

How do you motivate yourself and stay positive in challenging situations?

For me, utilizing the many tools I've gained through therapy helps me get through stress, anxiety, and tough times. I feel motivated by reflecting on the positive impact we've made as a company, as well as the positive impact I know I've made in those moments where I've had the chance to be useful to someone who is suffering. There are hard cases, times when you can feel defeated or mentally exhausted. Taking care of myself and reflecting on the positive changes help me in those times.

What is a personal value or belief that you bring to your work?

Empathy, in my experience, is the most important and fundamental value to have in this line of work. I strive to look at every client, situation, and interaction through a lense of empathy. Empathy is what guides my decision making, my nursing practice.

What's one thing your coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?

I think my coworkers might be surprised to learn that I used to have dreadlocks and listen to black metal. 

What’s the best advice you’ve received in your career, and how has it shaped you?

"Always remain teachable" is the best advice I've received in my career, and I think it's a tenant that will be important to remember for my entire career. It creates space for acknowledging that I do not know everything, and I need to always stay humble and continue learning. It keeps me learning, improving, always working to expand my knowledge and experience.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone entering this field, what would it be?

I would say, to anyone entering the field of substance abuse treatment, keep empathy always, and take care of yourself first in order to be able to take care of people in this work.

In three words, how would you describe yourself?

 Analytical, compassionate, and (forever trying to become more) punctual.

Any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?

I love drawing/sketching, yoga, traveling, and I'm very good at jeopardy.