Employee Spotlight – Zully De Lorenzo

Zully, a Senior Bilingual Specialist, has been with Vital Decisions since 2016. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut where she completed an accelerated program! She’s most proud of her ability to work full time while achieving her graduate degree. Prior to Vital Decisions, she worked as a residential counselor with adolescent boys where she facilitated individual, group, and family therapy.

What brought you to Vital Decisions?

A need for change. I think it was time for me to take on a new challenge and this was an opportunity for a different experience. I was also enticed by the number of clients Specialists talk to everyday. We get into social work to make an impact on people’s lives, because this work is phone based we’re able to connect with so many more individuals on a daily basis.

What makes Vital Decisions different than any other organization you’ve been a part of?

I think what makes Vital Decisions different is the flexibility and the positive support you receive. I think as an organization leaders take care of their Specialists and want them to have a work life balance.  For instance, the different opportunities provided like Flex Fridays (the opportunity to work half days on Fridays during the summer months and winter holidays) and supervision sessions that are filled with encouragement.

How do you find meaning in your work? What brings you to work every day?

What keeps me motivated in my work is the impact I feel with my clients,  how thankful they are to have that space to explore these difficult decisions with me.  I can feel my impact especially when they complete their advanced directive or have that difficult conversation with loved ones.

What are some the things that have made you successful in your role or in transitioning to this current role?

I think my own flexibility and learning how to measure success in different ways; like not losing sight of impactful conversations while also completing daily work goals. My supervisor and upper management wants you to continue to learn and grow.

What advice would you give to colleagues looking to progress at Vital Decisions?

I think patience and being open to opportunities they may want you to be a part of.  To not give up or be afraid to take opportunities provided to you, even if it’s something new to you. Being able to identify and take part in self-care is important in order for us to continue to be our best self for our clients.

What’s a lesson you feel like you’ve learned in working here?

Gratitude. Listening to the stories of clients who are having to adjust their lifestyles due to serious illness made me more present. I take the time to enjoy my family and people who are around.  I also make sure I call my mom every day. When we speak on the phone, we often hear clients who don’t have anyone or are the last people surviving in their family.  I’ve learned to be grateful and stay in the moment.

Alyssa Galletto, Living Well Supervisor

“Zully brings such dedication to her work with her clients, as well as makes sure that the workplace can still be fun! She is always a team player, and always brings her best to everything she is a part of.”

“Zully has always felt immense pride and satisfaction in being able to work with the Hispanic population. She spends a lot of her time in practicing and perfecting her language and skill to be able to make an impact for each one of those clients.”

Stephanie Ochoa, Specialist

Olivia Sterling, Specialist

“I’ve worked alongside Zully over the past 4 years and have learned so much from her. I’ve learned to embrace humility and humor as a gift and skill, and that it can make all the difference in our service to others. Through Zully’s leadership, I’ve learned the values of self-perseveration, integrity and professionalism. Through her patience and partnership, I have learned why it is important that we seek to understand first, and then to be understood. I am even more proud of my work here at Vital Decisions because I have the honor of working with amazing professionals like Zully De Lorenzo.”

“Zully is a ray of sunshine, greatly contributing to the culture with humor, playfulness and support for others. I had the privilege of being a part of her ACP Certification process, featuring one of our first cases using video. Her deep compassion and empathy were so apparent as she lead the couple through their ACP process, honoring both of their voices, and helping them gain clarity and insight. Not only did she facilitate in depth discussions, she navigated video and working with 2 people with grace and ease, a true testament to her clinical skills!”

Pamela Edgar, Living Well Supervisor

Annabys Jordan, Senior Specialist

“Zully is a sweet, caring and genuine person. It has been a pleasure working with her in the Edison office and on the bilingual team. She is compassionate and really cares about doing her best for her clients.”