EvenMORE For You

Spotlight: Volunteer Manager Natalie Traves

How Student Talent Boosts Crossroads

Northeast Ohio is an area that’s rich with higher education being the home to many fine universities and colleges. That’s where Natalie Traves has found a treasure trove of local student volunteer talent on behalf of Crossroads in her more than two years as a Volunteer Manager. 

While Natalie is humble about her success recruiting student volunteers, she attributes it to two key factors. The first is having a pipeline to students through building rapport and being a resource to their professors. 

Experienced, generous Crossroads nurses who are willing to mentor students is the second factor. Natalie can’t say enough about the more than 15 dedicated nurses who are mentoring more than 90 nursing students at Crossroads in NEO this fall semester!

Natalie is a true ambassador for end-of-life care. In the classrooms where she is a guest speaker, she dispels hospice myths and advocates for students to be open to new experiences, some that might be unexpectedly inspiring.

She traces her passion for working with the elderly back to her student days when she had planned to be a speech pathologist until taking a “Death & Dying” class that changed her career trajectory.

Natalie Traves, Volunteer Manager, Crossroads in Northeast Ohio

High School Students Working on Life Journals

Now she finds it rewarding to pay it forward and it’s not just college students who benefit. Natalie introduced Crossroads to a service-learning program at a local high school where students are placed in local agencies. Crossroads in NEO is now where two high school seniors volunteer on a regular schedule. As part of their work, under Natalie’s direction, they are excelling at working on Life Journals with patients and their families.

In the future, Natalie hopes to expand student volunteer recruitment to the bereavement department and to create opportunities for students to shadow Crossroads’ EMC program during the last seven days of life.

Natalie personally onboards student volunteers and finds it very rewarding to observe their professional growth and increased confidence during their time with Crossroads. She shows students how to focus on patients’ joy of living and embracing hospice care and she does it very well.

Are You EQ?

By Katherine Skorny

In roles that require human connection, emotional intelligence (EQ) is a transformative force. A strong EQ shapes how we engage, communicate, and support others. Whether in healthcare, leadership, or client services, it equips us to navigate complex emotional landscapes with empathy and understanding.

At its core, EQ begins with self-awareness—recognizing and understanding our emotions and their influence on our thoughts and actions. In high-pressure environments, this awareness helps individuals with composure. 

Empathy is one of the cornerstones of emotional intelligence. It involves tuning into others’ emotions, creating a deeper understanding of their experiences. When we listen beyond words, seeking to understand how another feels, we foster trust and mutual respect. This skill is particularly vital in leadership in helping create a connection that logic alone cannot.

Effective communication is also a hallmark of EQ. It’s more than conveying messages; it’s about engaging in meaningful dialogue. Emotionally intelligent individuals are present and listen to others and adapt their communication to accommodate for the tone of the conversation. Whether delivering guidance, sharing difficult news, or simply listening, its good practice to make every interaction feel authentic and respectful.

In team environments, EQ fosters collaboration and resilience. By building psychological safety and trust so teams can navigate conflicts with confidence, support one another, and celebrate successes collectively. This creates not only stronger performance but also a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

Ultimately, emotional intelligence transforms ordinary interactions into opportunities for connection and growth. It helps us address the human side of every situation, ensuring our actions align with both practical and emotional needs. After all, it is people who make companies tick. 

Whether leading teams, supporting patients, or building relationships, emotional intelligence provides a pathway to deeper, more impactful interactions. It teaches us that care, in its purest form, stems from understanding—not just what others need, but who they are.

How to De-Stress

By Emily Hammer
Many of us know the things we can do to mitigate stress in our lives. But how many of us take action to do that? Sometimes we may not even be aware that we’ve reached a stress boiling point. Do you know the triggers that help you recognize when you’re stressed?

What can we do to relax?

• Meditation – Research says that just two months of meditation is enough to rewire your brain in ways that encourage greater focus, emotional control, and thoughtful decision making. Consistency is key. Start with a few minutes daily and see what happens.
• Exercise – Movement has long been touted as a stress reliever. Find some type of exercise you enjoy. If you’re having fun, you’re more likely to stick with it. Even better, bring a friend along for extra accountability.
• Visit your doctor – Stress could be making you physically sick. Our medical insurance allows one covered wellness visit per year. Don’t skip it.
• Help other people – Nothing makes the heart feel better than to help someone else. Of course, there’s a balance for everything. Even this can be overdone.
• Love on your pets – Sign me up! I’m happiest when I’ve got a cat (or three) on my lap vying for my attention.
• Don’t take yourself too seriously – Life should be fun. We’re in charge of our own happiness. It requires intention, especially during tough times, but it’s ultimately my responsibility, not yours.
• Laugh! – It’s my favorite. Perhaps my favorite way to de-stress, tied with loving on my pets.

So, let’s de-stress. Choose something from the above list or add your own. Schedule it on your calendar (I’m more likely to follow through if it’s on my calendar). Ask for help, include your family, friends, and coworkers in this effort as it will benefit them too.

It’s within our power to create more health and happiness in our lives by not sweating the small stuff and taking action against the sickening kind of stress.