“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and for the growth it has provided me.”
After nearly two decades as a military spouse, frequently moving with her husband and three children, Kayla M. can’t wait to set down more permanent roots.
“We actually just purchased our final forever home, and we’re going to stay there so our kids can all graduate high school and not have to move again,” Kayla says.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Kayla has lived with her family in Tennessee, Georgia, Hawaii, Ohio, and Texas. She’s excited to return to Clarksville, Tenn., where they previously lived for about seven years.
With two of her three children in high school, including one learning to drive, the timing seemed right.
“They are very happy to go back,” Kayla says. “They really have grown up there because we were there for so long.”
However, raising a family, coupled with frequent moves to support her husband’s military career, made it difficult for Kayla to carve out a career of her own. As it turns out, she had someone in her extended family who could help.
Kayla’s sister-in-law, Colleen, works as a military spouse recruiter on UPMC’s Military Engagement Team. She suggested Kayla explore a unique partnership between UPMC and ULEAD. The collaboration provides six-month paid internships to military spouses and veterans to help start their careers.
Colleen previously participated in an internship and thought Kayla would be a good fit. She put her in contact with Erik Orient, the director of Military and Veteran Affairs for UPMC Health Plan.
With Erik’s assistance, Kayla interned as a leave associate with the absence management team at UPMC-affiliated Workpartners. Workpartners offers programs, strategies, and tools for improving employee health, wellness, and productivity.
At the conclusion of her internship, Kayla was hired full-time.
“This experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful to have had Erik as a mentor throughout the program,” Kayla says.
She adds that participating in the ULEAD program opened new doors for her, including assistance with her resume and job interviews.
“They really changed my life,” Kayla says. “It really is hard being a spouse and moving around just because of the uncertainty, and having this remote job, it really has changed our lives.”
Now, Kayla’s found a home for both her family and her career.
“Before this, I never imagined I could find a fulfilling, long-term job that would accommodate our frequent relocations,” Kayla says. “I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and for the growth it has provided me.”
At UPMC, Life Changing Medicine means supporting military spouses and providing opportunities for meaningful and rewarding careers.
