Daniela Z. – “Passionate”

This quote has been a guiding premise in Daniela’s story. Life can lead to some tough places, but when you have someone to talk to, who will intently listen and lend a helping hand, it makes a difference.  

Since she was young, Daniela has always been a voice for others. In the ninth grade, her family moved from Florida to Texas. This led to an encounter with a school counselor whose ability to be present in the moment was a true inspiration. To this day, Daniela makes it a priority to do the same for others.

During college, Daniela’s dad had a stroke. While he recovered quickly, one year later, he had a heart attack. This was a really difficult time in her life. More than a father, her dad is her best friend. Daniela recalls how the social workers, nurses and doctors all worked together to make sure she was okay. They explained things in a way she could understand and listened closely to her questions and concerns. Daniela takes this same thoughtful and informative approach with her clients today. 

After graduating with her Master’s degree in Social Work, Daniela moved to Oklahoma City. While her intention was to begin working with children, she came upon an unexpected opportunity with Interim HealthCare that changed everything. Although she knew nothing about healthcare, she was moved by their heart and dedication for others and their trust in her, which led Daniela down a new path. 

In 2018, Daniela joined Interim HealthCare in Oklahoma City as a Home Health Social Worker and shortly thereafter became the Director of Volunteer & Social Services, expanding into hospice and overseeing their volunteer coordinators and social workers. A big part of Daniela’s job is connecting clients to resources in the community. When those resources are unattainable, she thinks outside the box to meet her clients’ needs. In 2019, Daniela opened a closet where employees and organizations could donate money, food, supplies and equipment that clients desperately needed and could not get. The staff at Interim are always supportive of any ideas she has to help clients, and this one was a big one.

Another rewarding aspect of her job is their commitment to education. Interim HealthCare’s University Learning Center offers a wide range of online training courses that have helped Daniela maintain her license and build her skills. The Dementia Care Program not only helped her do her job better, it enabled her to help families who are grappling with the disease understand as well.

Daniela’s focus is always on the patient. She is passionate about helping them; being present in the moment; and providing the resources they need to make things better. One client she worked with in home health eventually transitioned to hospice. They had a fun, joking kind of relationship. He would always say, “I will never make it to my 85^th birthday.” And, Daniela would reply, “Oh, yes you will.” So when he turned 85, she threw a birthday party for him and many of the Interim staff attended. It touched him so much, he said he wanted to live five more years. Unfortunately, he passed one month later. But, Daniela had made a difference in this man’s life and he had made a difference in hers. This is what it’s all about.

Daniela wants her clients to know, she’s in their corner and she is going to do everything she can to make things better. Her passion to advocate for others is truly inspiring. Without question, Daniela is made for this!