Leading with Empathy

Liza Kerr believes a healthy work environment – and excellent job performance – starts with sensitivity.

Preparing the next generation for success as direct care providers keeps Liza Kerr motivated in her role as the training coordinator at St. Joe’s. The former Radio Disney deejay had a 15-year stint in social services before transitioning into human resources. Liza trains staff and foster parents, but her role extends beyond training sessions. “My job is research-based. I create some of the training materials, and I find resources for our staff that will help them excel in their job.” “I do new employee orientation, so I get the new employees acclimated to St. Joe’s.”

Liza says the organization’s inclusive approach to training makes it shine. “We look at ourselves as one unit. We are one agency rather than different departments within a common agency so if we have a training requirement that one part of the agency is required to know, the administrative staff will be required to take it too. You may not have direct interaction with the kids, but it is still important for all the staff to understand those values.” 

Her work philosophy is rooted in empathy. She developed a self-care training designed to show employees how to prioritize their well-being and instill these same principles into the children who live on St. Joe’s campus. “I think I have a unique perspective having come from the direct service side because I can use my experiences as examples for the trainings, so it doesn’t just become someone up there saying ‘you need to do this’ it is ‘I know it’s hard to do this but if you are able to do this, it helps more.’” 

Liza celebrated Halloween with our residential kids last year and dressed as the 1980’s cartoon character Rainbow Brite.

And when she schedules trainings, Liza considers the needs of the employees first. “We are a 24/7 facility. We’ve got kids here all the time…I can’t do trainings all the time during business hours because some of the staff work second or third shift, so rather than having them come to us, I am going to come to them. I am going to set up those evening trainings and yeah, that might be more difficult for me, but it is easier for them to meet those requirements. If you are working a 10-hour third shift, you don’t want to stay at the end of your shift at 9am for a 2-hour training.”

Liza’s thoughtful approach lets the staff know they are valued, which is beneficial for the kids they serve. “I love being one of the first people our employees get to meet, and I enjoy passing that knowledge I have from my own experiences – as well as new knowledge – on to them.”

Thanks for sharing your story, Liza!

Want to become part of the SJ team? Apply for one of our open positions.