Cecilia Haynes, Transition Specialist
A phrase that you will hear often at Independence Plus is “patient-first mentality.” For more than three decades we have been committed to providing people with complex medical and respiratory needs the opportunity to live fulfilling lives at home. It has long been our goal to expand our coverage area and bring our brand of quality services to people who don’t have access to the type of complex healthcare Independence Plus routinely offers at home. We kicked that plan into high gear when we opened an office in the San Antonio, Texas area in 2019. Lucky for us, earlier this year we found Cecilia “Ceci” Haynes, whose dedication to the healthcare industry and passion for providing the best possible patient care made her the perfect fit for our team! We sat down with Ceci recently to discuss her background, where she gets her inspiration, and why she is excited to be part of the Independence Plus Team.
Q: Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to Independence Plus.
For the past 25 years, I have been involved in different areas of healthcare from administration, community education, and sales in a clinical setting, a hospital, rehabilitation, long-term care, hospice, and home health. When I initially moved to San Antonio, it didn’t take long before I met Leah Eubanks-Hallam, a wonderful case manager in one of our local hospitals who I immediately felt a great connection with due to our similar passion for patient care. Leah not only continuously inspired me in providing the best patient care but also served as a link to the company who she believed provided the best care in the industry – Independence Plus.
Q: What does your job entail and what are you enjoying most about your new role so far?
As a Transition Specialist, my job is to assist case managers and discharge planners to find the best healthcare solutions for patients and families transitioning from the hospital, rehabilitation, or clinic setting to accommodate the patient’s healthcare needs. One of the things I like best about this role is feeling that I am an integral participant in making these transitions as effective and flawless for the patients and their families.
Q: What was your first impression of Independence Plus?
Considering that Independence Plus is a national company, my first impression was how close everyone is; the feeling of familiarity among field clinicians, sales staff, administrative members is very warm and welcoming.
Q: Who inspires you?
My parents. Setting aside the chance meeting, the different cultures, customs, languages, and initial distance between them which within itself is already inspiring, they showed me day in and day out that ultimately love is the most radically subversive activism of all. The only thing that ever changed anyone. Love conquers all.
Q: What are you most proud of?
My children. Since they were little, my four children always taught me very valuable lessons in life. Being able to experience life with them and watch them navigate through this world has always filled me with pride. I’ve seen them take on challenges, go though tough times, accomplish many feats. Regardless of what has been set before them, they’ve always shown resilience, compassion, hard work and dedication. Reflecting on all the years we’ve shared, I am proud. Proud of their unity, loyalty, kindness, courage, empathy, ethics, love, and their passionate determination for life.
Q: What words do you live by?
A King may move a man, a father may claim a son but remember that even when those who move you may be kings or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone.
Q: What is the one thing about yourself that you think people would be surprised to know?
I am a huge Star Trek fan.
Q: What volunteer efforts do you support?
UNICEF