Stacy Christenson

I attribute my success to having the grit and strong will to handle high-stress situations without losing focus. This job is incredibly stressful - you get a lot of people angry at you, and injured workers are depending on you to pay their bills on time because if we don't pay them, their whole life crumbles. But it's also deeply rewarding. When an injured worker tells me I've been very helpful or that I helped them get back to work, that's what keeps me going. My hospitality background taught me how to handle pressure and work with all kinds of people, and my master's in project management gave me the strategic tools to manage complex workflows and keep things moving efficiently. I focus on closing claims quickly while making the process smooth for everyone involved - both the workers and the employers. The compliments I receive from clients and claimants mean more to me than any award. I've also been fortunate to have amazing mentors like Danielle Vivian and Heather Bryman who showed me the ropes when I was starting out. Now I'm mentoring others myself, helping them navigate the overwhelm. I believe growth doesn't happen in isolation - it happens when knowledge is shared and standards are raised. If you can handle the stress and have the determination to push through the hard days, this work gives you the chance to make a direct impact in people's lives during moments that really matter.

Actively mentoring colleagues; influenced by Danielle Vivian and former supervisor Heather Bryman. I’ve also come to value mentorship, both receiving it and giving it. I’ve learned from strong leaders along the way, and today I make it a point to support others entering the field. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when knowledge is shared and standards are raised.

You have to have the grit and strong will to do what we do. This is a very high-stress job, and you can't be someone who crumbles under pressure. You're going to get a lot of people angry at you - that just comes with the territory. But if you can handle high-stress situations and have the determination to push through, it's also incredibly rewarding. When an injured worker tells you that you've been very helpful or that you helped them get back to work, it's an amazing feeling. These people are depending on us to pay their bills when they're off work - we're paying their paycheck. If we don't pay them on time, their whole life crumbles. So if you have the grit and can handle being in high-stress situations, it's a good job. You get the chance to make a real difference in people's lives during some of their most difficult moments.

In claims, that means moving cases forward, reducing delays, and making sure people—both employees and employers—get the outcomes they need without unnecessary friction. It’s not always easy. The work can be high-pressure, and the stakes are real. But there’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone navigate a difficult moment and come out the other side with clarity and support.

Networking and professional connections, grit and perseverance, operational efficiency, and delivering high-quality client service are central to both my professional and personal values.