We are kicking off our first super staff series feature of 2022 with one of the newest member of the Healthy365 team: Christina DeWitt, MSW, LSW. Christina joined the Connection Center as a Support Navigator in July 2021, and has been doing a great job of supporting our local residents in their wellness journeys.
Stumbling upon Healthy365
Christina first heard about Healthy365 after a search for local helping agencies. Christina served as a Social Worker for the Indiana Department of Child Services prior and was excited to hear about an agency serving the local community so close to her home in Henry County. “I was trying to find something where I would be able to make an impact with the local community,” said Christina. “I kind of stumbled upon Healthy365 and had the opportunity to become a Support Navigator and Licensed Social Worker for the Connection Center.”
A “dual citizen” in Hancock County
Christina was especially excited to return to Hancock County for work after spending time here during her days with the Department of Child Services. “Although I technically live in Henry County, I count Hancock County as my ‘home’ for work.” she said. For Christina, coming back to Hancock County truly felt like “coming home” in a way, in large part due to the people who live and serve in our community.
“It doesn’t matter which organization or agency you go to, it could be going to Hancock Regional Hospital or walking into the Wellspring Center, it just feels like home,” Christina explained. “Everyone wants to help anyone who is in need, improving the overall climate and environment of the county. It’s always so nice to be able to walk in and know you’re going to see a friendly face.”
Walking alongside your wellness journey
Christina’s favorite part of the job has been the navigation part of her Support Navigator role. “It’s not only connecting individuals that are in need to other community resources, but that true navigation of walking alongside them,” she said. Our Support Navigators are dedicated to helping clients get connected to local resources for whatever needs they or their family may have, but they also go above and beyond a simple introduction.
“It’s making sure that they have that actual connection to be engaged with mental health resources,” said Christina. “And continuing those conversations and being able to check in, follow up and go on that journey with them.”
Making a community impact
And with her original goal of making a local community impact, it’s no surprise that that continues to be Christina’s favorite part of the job. “I love working at Healthy365 because of the impact that it has on the community overall,” she said. Although Support Navigators work one-on-one with individuals and families, as Christina explained, “in the big scheme of things it makes a lasting impact on Hancock County and the local residents.”
Rapid-fire questions:
If you were a superhero, what superpower would you have? “My superpower would be healing. Not only physical healing of an injury, but the overall healing and holistic care for those who are struggling with mental health, etc.”
What is your favorite Indiana season and why? “Spring because I love the idea of newness. The things of the past are going down, and the spring brings the flowers and birds and everything kind of springing to life again.”
What is your favorite way to kick off a Monday? “Coffee, tons of coffee. I’m also a huge promoter of mindfulness, meditation and yoga. For me, Mondays are typically a reflection for the week, getting my priorities straight and really setting intentions for what I hope my week will look like with at least a couple cups of coffee.”
What’s your most recent favorite read or movie? “‘Joe Bell.’ It has Mark Wahlberg and is based on a true story where the dad is on a walk to end the stigma of bullying. Throughout the story you find out that his son actually passed by suicide. We just watched this a few weeks ago and I was like, ‘I think this is my favorite movie ever.’”