Our new ASD Spotlight series introduces you to the dedicated Team ASD superstars you have been speaking with over the phone for the years to learn about the real people behind the voices you hear every day. In this post, we profile four of our dedicated Call Specialists and ask them a few questions about their experiences working for our company.
NyKia Oggs
Joined ASD: August 2021
Positions Held: Call Specialist and Training Specialist
What made you decide to apply to work at ASD? A few months prior to seeing the ad for ASD, I lost my father and my grandfather back to back, three days apart. When I saw the ad, I thought about what it was like to be on the other end of that phone call. I wanted to be that person to show compassion or to assist in any way I can with someone who is experiencing those losses. I have a servant’s heart and I don’t know what I would be doing if I wasn’t helping people.
As one of ASD’s remote Southern employees, what has your experience been like working remotely for ASD? This is my first remote position I’ve ever had and I love avoiding the hustle and bustle of the commute and the fear of not being on-time because of traffic. It’s a lot easier to establish reliability. It’s important for me to know that my company knows they can depend on me. It helps me take pride in my work.
What made you decide to become a Call Specialist Trainer? What do you hope to gain or learn from this position? I was so thrilled when my team leader told me I was approved to be a trainer. I had a smile from ear to ear. I’m looking forward to learning new things. A lot of times when you get into a position where you are a teacher or a leader, you end up learning something new from meeting and interacting with so many people. When we were in training, we had a different trainer every day and they all had different styles. It was so helpful to be able to cherry-pick different techniques to create your own. I have a servant’s heart, so I am always wanting to build up others and make sure everyone feels confident in themselves. I was always one of those people in school who didn’t want anyone to feel dumb, so it feels good to have an opportunity to be able to give people that encouragement. I hope to help others come to love the job as much as I do.
What do you find most rewarding about working for ASD? I really believe in ASD and what we do. This job gives so many opportunities to people. ASD has people from so many different cultures, so many different walks, so many different places. It’s exciting. Everybody comes together and wants to help each other.
Salvatore Monastra
Joined ASD: October 2018
Positions Held: Call Specialist and Training Specialist
What have you gained or learned since working at ASD?: ASD has been the north star of my journey through understanding the aspects of COVID we work with. I learned how Funeral Homes have served their communities through generations. This service they provide nearly 24/7 across the board. Funeral Directors and their dedication are inspiring. Hope to share the inspiration I see.
What are some of your hobbies, interests and passions outside of ASD? Studying the Tao & attempts at creative expression.
Do you have a favorite funeral director you enjoy talking with? What do you like about him/her? I love the directors we assist. As far as talking with – it depends on if the director is in a talkative mood. I don’t want to get in the way of their busy schedules, so, if the director wants to talk I’m honored. Plus in this age of social platforms I appreciate the content funeral homes put out that help educate us.
What is your favorite memory from a Team ASD event held in the past? Making Christmas Cards was a blast: Imagining the Seniors and families getting the cards that we made made my heart smile.
What is a fun fact about you people might not know?Before ASD I had a contracted position behind the scenes at Saturday Night Live at 30 Rock.
Erika Garcia
Joined ASD: November 2014
Job Titles Held: Bilingual Senior Call Specialist
What have you gained or learned since working at ASD? Since working at ASD, I’ve learned sympathy and experienced empathy on a level I would have never thought possible while at work. When I first found this job on craigslist 7 years ago, I would of never thought I would be so hands on helping to service loved ones in need.
What advice would you give to a new trainee at ASD? I will say to always keep a positive mindset. Our job is hard on us as Call Specialists, but we have to be there for the families on the other end waiting for our help. Keeping a friendly and compassionate attitude while assisting emotional callers is key. Their pain doesn’t compare to ours. We are there to bridge the gap.
What is your favorite memory from a Team ASD event held in the past? I really enjoyed going to the Tough Mudder event with the ASD Family and it was even better that they allowed for me to bring my man to enjoy the experience as well!! Very memorable day.
Audrey Fogle
Joined ASD: July 2021
Job Titles Held: Call Specialist and Training Specialist
As a member of our remote Southern team, what has your experience been like working remotely for ASD?
I began my career at ASD training remotely. It was a very well rounded experience. Working together with other individuals in class toward the same goal was great. And having a professional and encouraging training staff made all the difference. You are provided with all the tools and material to succeed. My favorite part is the convenience of being home with my family. No need to rush through traffic or worry about childcare. Planning and scheduling daily life is so much easier, and ASD is willing to work with your schedule.
What made you decide to become a Call Specialist Trainer? What do you hope to gain or learn from this new role? I really enjoyed my training experience. Everyone seemed so willing to help and provide feedback. The trainers I had during my classes were great especially with all the material you have to get through. And the trainers I had during calls really helped put everything together for me when I went out on my own. They were so patient and informative. I want to give others the same positive experience.
In what ways does ASD’s training program help you to be successful working from home? I like ASD’s approach in training. They first go through all the terminology but then walk you though hands on learning the system. Only then do you start listening and participating in calls. It really helps put everything together instead of just giving you all the information at once and throwing you in rotation. They have high standards for punctuality and will definitely hold you accountable for your time. This way you know what is expected and you have to hold yourself to those same standards.
Be sure to check back next month for more Team ASD Staff Spotlights to help you get to know the dedicated individuals answering calls for your funeral home.
