Employee Spotlight – Amy Deist

We would like to introduce you to one of Career Path Service’s newest employees Amy Deist; Amy has been with the organization for about two months and works as an employment specialist in our Kennewick office. Amy says her time at Career Path Services has been amazing, challenging, and exciting so far. “I love my team, love what we do, and love what Career Path Services supports. I’m excited to see how much we can grow from here.” Amy, who is originally from Northwest Wisconsin, met her Husband Dustin in Minnesota in 2015. Dustin grew up in Spokane, which is what brought them to Eastern Washington in 2018. Amy said, “I’m excited to be on the Eastern side of Washington for our new adventure and non-snowy winters! Yes, Wisconsin winters are as horrible as people say they are.”

We welcome Amy to the team and to get to know her a bit better we asked her some questions about herself; see what she had to say below.

1. How was it starting a new job during a pandemic?

Challenging and refreshing. Training in a virtual setting is not optimal; however, it’s refreshing to know that CPS is flexible enough to provide the support and understanding to work through this. My team has been by my side since day one.

2. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?

I love cooking, traveling, and exploring, and being with family. I have a four-year-old named Brenton, and I love being a mom to him. I’m sure as my time in the tri-cities goes on, I’ll be finding new favorites to add to my list!

3. What do you like most about your job?

Besides being able to help those in need become self-sufficient, I love the people I work with, both customers and my team. Plus, every day presents a new challenge; I love problem-solving.

4. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Tacos, for sure. You can do so much with tacos, and almost anything is good in a tortilla!

5. Before working at Career Path Services, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

Being a claims manager with L&I., that job has stretched my comfort level in ways I can’t explain. However, the people I was able to help during their recovery from their workplace injury, was a blessing. I’ve made great connections with people, I’ve learned a lot about myself, I’ve gained valuable skills, and I wouldn’t change anything about my time there.

6. What is the last book you’ve read or the last movie you’ve watched? 

I’m currently reading Whiskey Creek (Nora Roberts) because I’m a total mush; other than that, textbooks! The last movie I watched was Rounders. 

7. What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is different; we have our team meetings, all staff meetings, and all that fun stuff (I promise, I love it all.) Outside of the meetings, I contact our customers via phone, email, and text. I screen people for eligibility into our program and refer them to other resources if they don’t meet the eligibility requirements for the Dislocated Worker Program. I complete enrollment calls, help people with job search and resume reviews, get people their completed training documents, and congratulate them on their new jobs. I mainly check in on people to see how we can serve them and answer their questions. Our job is to ensure that success comes with their active participation. That success and involvement look different for each person. 

8. What is an ability you wish you had? 

I wish I could sing well. I love music, and I sing in my car with my kiddo, but that’s the extent. I think music is its own language, and it fuels our mental health. 

9. What is one thing on your bucket list? 

Sky diving. Who wants to join me?

10. Anything else you’d like to share?

I’m excited to be part of this team, not just my local team but the entire Career Path Services team. I feel beyond blessed to be in an organization that understands that we are all human and will ensure that I have the support and the tools to become a better version of myself. Thanks for being a part of the team with me! If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I love meeting new people!