At Empath Health, we know that culture isn't built in boardrooms—it's built in break rooms, during team huddles, over shared patient stories, and sometimes, even in Halloween costumes.
That's the spirit behind our re-energized colleague referral program, Mission Match.
Mission Match is about more than filling roles. It's about connection. It's about matching great people with meaningful work—through those who already know and live our mission each day.
Because one of the clearest signs of belonging is this: when someone feels so supported, so proud of where they work, that they can't wait to bring someone else into it.
A Salon Conversation, A Career Spark
That's exactly how one Empath journey began. Renee Stoeckle, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, first heard about Empath Health during a routine visit to the salon. Across the room sat two Empath colleagues—Brooke and Cat—one getting a manicure, the other a haircut. They struck up a conversation.
"They talked about how much they loved their work, how supported they felt, and why it mattered," Renee remembers. That one conversation planted a seed. She applied, and she's still here—leading the very team that now helps tell Empath's story.
But that connection didn't end there. A few years later, someone from Renee's past—a former teaching assistant from her classroom days—reached out. She had just completed her Master of Social Work and was looking for a place where she could make a difference. Renee shared an opening in the pediatric department, and that former assistant is now a valued member of the Empath team.
The Research Reflects What We Already Know
These moments of connection have impact. According to national data, candidates who are referred by current employees are more likely to stay longer, onboard more smoothly, and thrive within the organization. They're 45% more likely to remain with a company for three or more years—because referrals are built on trust, shared values, and firsthand experience.
Mission Match in Action: Carlos and Sean
Carlos Caballero, a Professional Relations Liaison, knows the power of Mission Match firsthand. Just a few months ago, in April, he referred Sean Krasensky, RN Admissions, to Tidewell Hospice.
Sean had been a nurse manager at an assisted living facility in Carlos's territory, and over time, the two built a strong professional rapport. "When Sean told me he was interested in working at Tidewell," Carlos shared, "I told him I'd make sure our HR team reached out with a welcoming spirit."
Today, Sean is a valued member of the team—and the camaraderie between him and Carlos runs deep. One favorite throwback? A Halloween photo featuring Carlos dressed as Elvis, and Sean dressed as… well, we're not quite sure what. But he's in a red cape, draped in stuffed dalmatians, and wearing a grin that says it all: these two already had the kind of rapport that makes a great team.
Growing the Mission—One Connection at a Time
Mission Match is more than a program. It's a movement. It's about empowering colleagues to shape the future of Empath by sharing what makes this place special. Every referral is a chance to grow not just our team, but our culture.
Because at Empath Health, we're building more than a workforce.
We're building belonging.
One match at a time.