Meet Vikki Donnelly, Western Regional Quality Assurance Manager
In recognition of Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight some of our colleagues and the work that they do. Today, we meet Vikki Donnelly, Western Regional Quality Assurance Manager. Vikki studied psychology at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and has been with Gaudenzia in her current position for five months.
What is it like to be a woman working in this industry?
I have had the pleasure of being surrounded by women my entire career. Men were in the minority! I have found that I enjoy my work the most when the women around me hold each other up when they need it, encourage each other to do their best and believe in their goals no matter what they may be. I hope I do this for the women I encounter in my work and life. It is disheartening when I see women tear other women down, almost like it is a competition they must win.
What is an accomplishment you are most proud of while working at Gaudenzia?
I am proud of helping programs identify the positive things they are doing and helping them improve. The programs I have the pleasure of working with are doing great things and are eager to learn. Sometimes they just need someone to show them how to document it for others to see. The substance use treatment field has seen many changes in the past five years. Some have been positive, while others have not. But the one thing that is constant is the dedication of the people who work the programs. They continue to do their best for the clients they serve because they believe in the work.
What inspires your motivation for work?
I have been in the D/A field for over 30 years, and it is always changing. New research comes out, new ideas are shared and new opportunities come along. I enjoy the challenges of this field, and I like doing new things. Although I am not in direct service anymore, I can help people differently by doing my best to help clinicians and supervisors be the best they can be, which is very rewarding.
