Spotlights
Spotlight: Celebrating National Mentoring Month with Kelly & Victoria
At Amergis Healthcare Staffing, our team members are at the heart of everything we do. Each month, our Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) board highlights stories of Amergis employees who demonstrates our core values. In honor of January being National Mentoring Month, the D&I team spoke with Kelly, a mentor, and Victoria, a mentee, about their experiences as members of our mentorship program.
Every January we celebrate National Mentoring Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mentoring and becoming mentors. This month highlights the positive impact mentoring can have on both mentors and mentees, including personal growth, increased confidence, and the development of valuable life skills. By fostering supportive relationships, mentoring helps build stronger communities and empowers individuals to reach their full potential. At Amergis, we offer a Mentorship Program that pairs experienced mentors with individuals throughout the organization to help them establish meaningful relationships, gain knowledge, and develop skills to help them progress in their careers. We wanted to learn about the impact of the program, so we spoke with Kelly and Victoria to gain some insights.
Learning About Kelly & Victoria’s Mentorship Experience
Tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined the company.
Kelly: “My name is Kelly Maxwell, and I am the director of the Fayetteville, NC, office. I was introduced to Maxim (at the time) by a friend who worked as a homecare recruiter and knew of an opportunity in the staffing division. I became a recruiter in June 2016 until January 2018, when I transitioned into the BDM role. Our staffing division grew to split an additional commercial business line; we created a school business line and an opportunity for a government AM. My team rose to the occasion, allowing me to become a director in January 2023.”
Victoria: “My name is Victoria Kabernagel, and next month marks 4 years with the company. I joined Amergis (aka Maxim) back in February 2021 after being referred to the company by my previous manager Katherine Lawrence. I was a recruiter for 11 months before moving into a Geo BDM position. I later transitioned to the Government BDM position in December 2022 and have been happily in that position since. All of my positions have been with the Charleston, SC office.”
What initially inspired you to become a mentor/mentee, and join Amergis’ mentorship program?
Kelly: “Back in 2023, thanks to the wonderful Kate Hills, I was introduced to Mel Hanley, who kindly took me under her wing. Mel was a beacon of wisdom and an amazing sounding board, helping me navigate the tricky waters of being a new director. Her mentorship showed me just how transformative a great mentor can be. Fast forward, Victoria approached me at a national meeting, and I was both surprised and deeply honored that she saw me as a potential mentor. I was thrilled to be part of her journey, especially since her reputation for growth and excellence preceded her. It was like being asked to coach a rising star—you can’t say no to that!”
Victoria: “In order to continue growing both personally and professionally, it is imperative to surround myself with role models that I aspire to be like. I specifically sought out Kelly Maxwell to be my mentor. From the beginning of my career with Amergis, I’ve always heard Kelly’s name paired with success. From her days of being a rockstar BDM in our region to now running one of the most successful offices on the East Coast, Kelly has always given off the powerhouse impression. What I thought to be even more impressive that I eventually learned through women in-leadership calls and personal conversations, was that Kelly was just as much a rockstar at home as she was at work. From coaching her three kids in sports to actively giving back to her community, Kelly embodies so many qualities that I aspire to possess as a hopeful future mom in the workforce. When I approached her at last year’s national meeting about the program, she was extremely humble and receptive about the idea. The rest is history!”
How has being part of Amergis’ mentorship program influenced your career growth and development?
Kelly: “Mentoring Victoria has been a game-changer. It’s taught me the impact of being intentional and present in daily interactions. Mentoring is a two-way street—while I’ve shared my experiences, I’ve gained fresh insights and built connections with amazing colleagues, like Victoria, across the organization. Honestly, mentoring has been as much about my growth as hers!”
Victoria: “Being a part of the mentorship program has helped expand my view of and network within Amergis beyond my specific office. It is imperative to build relationships outside of your circle. Kelly has not only been able to give me a perspective of the DBO role, but her experiences and lessons have helped me understand what a long-term career at Amergis could look like.”
Can you share a specific skill or knowledge area that you’ve improved through this mentorship?
Kelly: “One skill I’ve developed is empathy in leadership. Everyone’s experience is unique and challenging, and Victoria’s experiences deepened my ability to understand and relate. This allowed me to provide more compassionate and practical guidance as our journey continued”
Victoria: “Kelly has immensely helped me develop my interpersonal skills as a leader, shared tools to help me drive engagement, vision and purpose within my team, and she has helped me navigate conflict and build resilience. “
What is a particularly memorable moment or interaction you’ve shared during your mentorship journey?
Kelly: “The standout for me is Victoria’s honesty and openness throughout the year. She’s made mentoring a breeze with her dedication and willingness to grow. Her fresh perspective and relentless drive have been little reminders of how crucial our roles are in the bigger picture. It’s been both humbling and inspiring to witness her journey.”
Victoria: “It would be a culmination of little moments for me. Whenever I speak with Kelly, I feel like I’ve walked away with an arsenal of wisdom and a new or changed perspective. Her authenticity and vulnerability has allowed us to develop the trusting and open relationship that we have. For that, I am so grateful.”
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in starting a mentorship journey?
Kelly: “Dive in with both feet! Stay committed and consistent. And if you can, be like Victoria—bold, fearless, and laser-focused on your goals. Remember, mentorship is a two-way street; the impact you have on your mentor can be just as profound as the guidance you receive. Plus, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and maybe even share a few laughs along the way.”
Victoria: “DO IT! If you are looking for a mentor, be brave and seek out that person who WOWs you. They likely will be happy you asked and will be eager to share their story. I am all the better for it and cannot thank Kelly enough for her time, wisdom and ongoing friendship.”
We thank Kelly and Victoria for sharing their inspiring journey and valuable insights about mentoring. We are proud to highlight their dedication to growth and look forward to seeing the continued impact of their partnership at Amergis!
Join the Amergis Healthcare Staffing Team and Make a Difference
Amergis Staffing always has a wide range of available opportunities for people who are ready to accelerate their careers. We embrace employees from all different backgrounds and always strive to foster a welcoming work environment by following our core values of:
- Promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Winning with integrity and trust.
- Prioritizing quality.
- Investing in development.
- Championing innovation.
- Driving for results.
Learn how you can join the Amergis Staffing team by reaching out online or visiting our jobs site today.
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