25 Years With Brandi Switek

Not everyone comes forward whenever their team needs them, but we have been lucky enough to have Brandi Switek working with us since September 30, 1996. She has earned our respect for being there for us every time we needed her. She goes above and beyond for others – no matter the time, day or night.

Firetree’s Vice President, Amy Ertel, echoes our thoughts by saying, “Brandi has been a team player from day one. She is dedicated and caring and goes the extra mile all the time.”

For those of you attempting the math, we have had the pleasure of working with Brandi for the past 25 years! Today we celebrate her. We sat down with Brandi as she reflected on her time thus far with Firetree.

 

What is your title?
Director of Admissions and Billing

Tell us a little bit about your Firetree journey.
My journey starts at Capitol Pavilion. I started with Firetree Ltd right out of college as my first position in the field. I majored in Criminal Justice. In honesty, I planned on just using Firetree as a stepping stone to a career in probation/parole. Figured, I would get some experience and when a position opened in probation, I would move on. Firetree saw potential in me, I suppose. I was promoted to Assistant Director there at Capitol Pavilion then asked to run the program at Wernersville. I have grown and learned so much through Firetree over the year as we expanded programs offered. I have held various other roles from HR and Administration at Wernersville with over 150 employees, and Facility Director to name a few. As Wernersville closed its doors, I was then moved into a corporate roll working on finance matters and invoicing billing for all the drug and alcohol programs as well as training for employees. As time passed, the company streamlined our drug and alcohol admissions processes creating a specific unit to handle this. My focus then turned from training to admissions where I am still at currently. I continue to focus on invoicing and financial matters with our insurance and SCA’s contractors and oversee the admissions line for our programs.

What do you love about working at Firetree?
I love the flexibility they have with employee’s, allowing them to grow and move up within the company based on what they see as a strength.

What is the best career lesson you have learned so far?
I have learned that you need to be flexible yourself and open minded. Learn from others and try to feedback as a positive and not a negative. If you work hard and give your best, you will be recognized. Sometimes it is not in the time frame you think it should happen but patience is key.

What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this?
Nursing or some kind of care giver for elderly.

Tell us a bit about yourself! Hobbies, pets, family, interests, something fun!
Hobbies- I enjoy doing Zumba and am a licensed Zumba instructor. I enjoy watching my two nephews grow up and complete their sports. My husband and I enjoy traveling (primarily warm weather areas). Beach/Sand and this girl is happy.

If you could have a superpower what would it be?
Enhanced Memory

What is one thing you can’t live without?
My mind.

 

I don’t think we could live without your mind either, Brandi. T

hank you for being such a vital member of our team. We’re looking forward to working alongside you for the next 25 years!

Next time you chat with Brandi, be sure to congratulate her on this impressive milestone!