May 30, 2022
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.
Mandie Dix
Joined ASD: March 2013
Positions Held: Call Specialist, Training Specialist & Assistant Supervisor
What have you gained or learned since working at ASD? I have gained even more patience than I already had and more compassion since working at ASD. I enjoy being able to help someone who is grieving and provide that calming, reassuring voice on the other end of the phone when they are going through one of the most difficult times of their life.
What are some of your hobbies, interests and passions outside of ASD? I absolutely love to cook and bake! I am always trying new recipes! I also love to golf and try to get out any weekend I have free time!
What advice would you give to a new trainee at ASD? To always take your time and to not take things personally! I make sure to always mention that while training. Everyone deals with loss and grief in different ways. Callers are never really upset with us, they are just dealing with a very difficult situation.
What is a fun fact others might not know about you? I have my cosmetology license and worked in a hair salon for 5+ years & still worked there when I first started at ASD
Dana Fasy
Joined ASD: January 2017
Positions Held: Call Specialist, Training Specialist & Assistant Supervisor
What have you gained or learned since working at ASD?: Patience. Computer knowledge. Who knew tab and shift tab was a thing? I now use that anytime filling out a form online.
What are some of your hobbies, interests and passions outside of ASD? I love the beach, hiking and reading. I’m currently coaching my son’s little league which is a ton of fun, and very amusing.
What advice would you give a new trainee at ASD? For rude/upset callers BREATH and kill them with kindness, 9/10 times they calm down.
Do you have a favorite funeral director you enjoy talking with? What do you like about him/her? Tough one, but I’d have to say Mr Sherrill Kirk. He is always so kind and polite.
What is a fun fact about you people might not know? I like to collect old books. Whenever I go to an old book store I buy at least one.
What is your favorite memory from a Team ASD event in the past? My first Tough Mudder. I was kinda new to ASD and didn’t know what to expect, not really knowing anyone. Everyone was so friendly and kind and we worked as a great team. Never been so scared and excited going into something before and come out so fulfilled.
What’s your motto or personal mantra? You have to find the silver lining.
Alena Pitts
Joined ASD: May 2017
Job Titles Held: Call Specialist, Training Specialist & Assistant Supervisor
What have you gained or learned since working at ASD? I’ve become a better listener working at ASD, more empathetic and I’ve learned to allow others to speak before I interject on most occasions. But the most helpful thing I’ve learned working at ASD is becoming more comfortable with computer technology.
What are some of your hobbies, interests and passions outside of ASD? I enjoy having family gatherings, hairstyling but my favorite passion is dancing: line dancing, old school dancing such as the Bop, Cha-Cha, The Hustle (popular during the Disco era) and I’ve dabbled in Ballroom dancing for a short while. Still love it though.
What advice would you give to a new trainee at ASD? Try to come to work every day. Repetition builds confidence and when you feel more confident, you’ll have better responses to those questions from callers that used to baffle you. Believe the process that practice will make you a better Call Specialist. And don’t be hard on yourself.
What is a fun fact about you people might not know? I’m quirky around my family and friends and have a great sense of humor.
What’s your motto or personal mantra? Always follow the Golden Rule. Treat others how you want to be treated.
Julia Kapusta
Joined ASD: June 2017
Job Titles Held: Call Specialist,Training Specialist & Assistant Supervisor
What have you gained or learned since working at ASD? Since working at ASD, I have learned the meaning of life and how short life can be. Working through the pandemic and answering all them calls was draining and I felt bad for the families who had a hard time finding a funeral home that was not full.
What are some of your hobbies, interests and passions outside of ASD? Outside of ASD, I love to go camping and exercising. We have a seasonal site at a campground which is where I am most when I’m done work.
What is your favorite memory from a Team ASD event in the past?
My favorite memory of a Team ASD event was when we did a walk at the Philadelphia zoo. My husband and I had a great time participating!
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.
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ASD Staff Spotlights – March 2022
ASD Staff Spotlights – February 2022
ASD Staff Spotlights – January 2022
About The Author
Jess Farren (Fowler)
Jess Farren (Fowler) is a Public Relations Specialist and Staff Writer who has been a part of the ASD team since 2003. Jess manages ASD’s company blog and has been published in several funeral trade magazines. She has written articles on a variety of subjects including communication, business planning, technology, marketing and funeral trends. You can contact Jess directly at Jess@myASD.com
