At Neighborhood, we are fortunate to have some of the most talented, hard-working employees of any organization around. What you may not know are the intricacies of your fellow employees’ jobs or the wide array of talents, hobbies and interests outside of their day jobs that make each employee truly unique. That’s why the Human Resources department in collaboration with the Corporate Communications team created this special series in 2021. We want you to get to know the amazing people you work with! To achieve this, we use a Q&A format paired with photos to spotlight employees.
Our latest Spotlight features Angela ‘Angie’ Leone, Clinical Quality Assurance Specialist, Medical Directors Office department. Enjoy “meeting” Angie!
How long have you worked at Neighborhood, what do you do here and what part of your job do you most enjoy?
I have been at Neighborhood for 15 years; the first nine years in Utilization Management and almost two years as a Nurse Case Manager. I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge while working in the Medical Management department and am grateful for the experience and time spent with my co-workers. For the last four years, I have been fortunate to serve as the Clinical Quality Assurance Specialist, investigating clinical complaints and concerns to help ensure that our members receive safe and high-quality care.
What did you do before joining Neighborhood?
Before joining Neighborhood, I worked as a dialysis nurse in both outpatient and hospital settings.
Of all the projects you have worked on at Neighborhood, do any stand out as being especially meaningful?
For several years, I participated as a Neighborhood volunteer at the Back to School Celebration event. We always had a great time talking with the community about Neighborhood’s mission and values while handing out school supplies to families.
Tell us a little bit about the years you spent growing up – sharing what helped shaped your future.
I grew up in Slidell, Louisiana (about 30 miles outside New Orleans). My childhood and early adult years were filled with flavorful Cajun cuisine, jazz music, parades, and warm weather. I grew up eating crawfish, red beans and rice, gumbo, and many other rich, flavorful foods. Mardi Gras season was also a beloved activity. King Cake parties and parades were always lively and fun. Another fond memory was attending the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans and riding the huge Ferris wheel. My accent has since faded over the years, but my Louisiana memories are far from lost.
After high school, I enrolled in Delgado Community College and quickly decided on a nursing major, earning my nursing degree at Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans. After graduation, I followed my high school boyfriend to Rhode Island as he wanted to attend Johnson & Wales University. This was our first time away from home, and we had to get used to many things, including the COLD New England weather. Seeing that first snowfall was like an early Christmas present! I quickly learned that walking and driving in the snow was not easy.
My mom was a hardworking single parent. Through the years I witnessed the sacrifices she made to provide for me. Her dedication and sacrifice inspired me to work hard to meet my goal of becoming a nurse.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love spending time with my fiancé, son, and mom, especially watching football, cooking for the family, taking part in outdoor activities, and indulging my son’s passion for aviation.
Share a “Fun Fact” with us. Something about you that others might find surprising or intriguing?
My son, JP, is an aviation buff. He knows everything a teenager can know about the business of flying. We have been plane-spotting at TF Green, Logan, and JFK airports many times and have attended an aviation convention in Atlanta. We have learned so much as a family because of JP’s passion for planes.
What advice or recommendations would you give to someone interested in the type of career you are in? Learn as much as you can, even if it puts you out of your comfort zone. Healthcare is complicated, and the more you understand it, the better prepared you will be to help our members and our providers through the process.