Catalight Pathfinders: Maribel Reynoso

Pathfinders is a new series created to celebrate Catalight employees. Each month, we’ll spotlight an incredible employee working in one of the many diverse roles across our organization – shining light on both their work advancing care within the autistic and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) community and their passions outside of the office.

Meet Maribel Reynoso

Can you describe your role at Catalight?

I am a care coordinator, which is primarily an administrative role and part of the clinical team at Catalight Care Services. Care coordinators work directly with families, providers and Kaiser, overseeing several important tasks such as correcting, issuing and tracking authorizations, processing reports for accuracy and resolving issues related to insurance coverage. My favorite part of this role is sending families community resources, such as support groups or Individualized Education Program (IEP) support information.   

What inspired you to join Catalight?

I have worked directly with families since graduating from college many years ago. I began working at a center that provided services to children with autism. My interest continued to blossom in this field. When a position opened at Easterseals Bay Area (now Easterseals Northern California) for a bilingual early interventionist, I applied and the rest was history. In 2007, I moved into the Catalight care coordinator role.

Which of Catalight’s values do you connect with the most and why?

I connect with the value ‘equity-informed.’ As a Mexican-American woman, I have experienced firsthand inequality, biases and disadvantages in my personal life. I strive to ensure that all families I interact with have access to the resources and information necessary to address specific needs or concerns regarding their family members’ services, regardless of their background. 

What’s a recent project/accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?  

I am most proud of being a part of the company’s Resource Committee. Several employees in different positions came together cross- functionally to develop helpful resources to better support those we serve better and make these resources easily accessible for the rest of the clinical team to use.  

What does a typical workday look like for you?  

A typical workday begins by looking at my dashboard to see what is due so I can access what is in progress and urgent and how many reports I must process. This helps me prioritize and manage my day. I then check the tasks assigned by my colleagues, which indicates that an action is needed from me. I then move on to my new inquiries. I process reports last – these need the least amount of urgent communication with other departments.  

What’s a fun fact about you that most people may not know?  

I am an animal lover to the max! I have five goats, two dogs, two cats and about 30 Koi fish. I would love to someday have a rescue center and sanctuary.  

What’s a goal or dream you have for your career?  

My goal is to get a master’s degree in psychology. I’m not sure which direction to head yet, but I’m close to narrowing it down to which school to attend and what to study – clinical or child psychology. Maybe when I retire I will go for a Ph.D., because I love to learn. 

What’s your favorite way to start the day?

I wish I could say I begin my day with a cold plunge, nice walk and stretch session, but I’m just not a morning person. Consequently, the way I start the day is with a delicious cup of hot coffee with my favorite creamer. I open the blinds to let light in and watch an episode of a true crime series. I stretch and exercise later in the day as it’s part of my physical therapy and beneficial to my mental health. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?  

The best piece of advice I have received is that I can’t change people. I can only change and control how I react to them.  

If you could only listen to one musician for the rest of your life, who would it be?  

It would have to be Bob Marley. His music always makes me smile and puts me in a good mood.  

Where do you see yourself in five years?  

In five years, I see myself having my master’s degree and helping people in a more direct way. I see myself having less responsibilities at home with the ability to get more help to manage it.