Special Edition 10 Year Anniversary Employee Spotlight – Ariana Noto

As Vice President of Clinical Operations, Ariana Noto has an important role overseeing the daily operations of our largest program, Living Well. A Licensed Professional Counselor and astute business leader, Ariana believes empathy and compassion serve as a primary compass when working with those facing serious medical challenges. Ariana celebrates a decade of service to Vital Decisions and in this special highlight we learn more about her career journey, earlier roles at Vital Decisions, and what matters most as she leads our clinical team.

What do you consider to be some of your significant career milestones in your journey to Vice President, Clinical Operations?

I am successful today because I had the honor of joining Vital Decisions as a Specialist – delivering direct services to people with advanced illness.  I served in this capacity for more than 3 years. What I loved most about my Specialist role was the opportunity to speak with so many different people. It was in my role as a Specialist where I became passionate about our mission to change the way care is delivered during advanced illness. Soon after I was promoted to clinical supervisor where I got to lead a team of passionate and smart clinicians. The company then opened up a new location in the greater White Plains, NY area and I was invited to serve as Director. This led to my current role overseeing all of our locations and services offered for our Living Well program. It is a great honor. I also think my prior roles as a clinician  and manager of people in other organizations helped prepare me for the work I would eventually come to do at Vital Decisions.

What’s been your proudest moment during your 10 years here?

I have many proud moments. One of the biggest has been witnessing the evolution of Vital Decisions. We’ve grown from offering a single program into an organization with a suite of services serving a nationwide clientele. It’s impressive and I’ve been proud to be a part of that journey.

From a personal scope, I feel extremely proud of my contribution to the launch of our White Plains office. I really grew as a leader during that time and I had an opportunity to build relationships while working closely with our talented White Plains team.

Looking back, what contributed to your success at Vital Decisions?

There’s no question that my work as a Specialist and clinician has been fundamental to my success at Vital Decisions. I learned firsthand the importance of our work and cherish the interactions I’ve had with clients over the years – these experiences keep me anchored . Additionally, I’ve benefited beyond words from being in the presence of exceptional leaders, and grown personally and professionally under the guidance of Tracy Brubaker and Leah Puccio.

It’s an amazing feat to be with any one company for 10 years, but in our field it can be especially difficult work, what lessons can you share with others on achieving longevity in your career?

I’ve always felt “at home” at Vital Decisions. I’m grateful to this organization in more ways than I can express. The lessons I’ve learned, relationships built, and perspective I’ve gained have been life changing. If I look back and wanted to coach myself ten years ago, I’d tell my younger self that the next 10 years will fly by – enjoy every second!

My time with Vital Decisions, becoming a mother to two wonderful boys, and my work as a clinician have all taught me to enjoy the journey, literally and figuratively. It’s far too easy to overlook the many gifts we’re afforded.

I have worked closely with Ariana for the past 10 years. Ariana is an extremely fair, level headed and compassionate leader. It has been a pure joy to watch her flourish in her career. Ariana is self-reflective, has a succinct and powerful communication style and remains strong in her conviction to lead in a way that is authentic to her. She has contributed in countless ways over the years and adds tremendous value to those around her. For one could only be so lucky to know her and to be led by her.

Leah Puccio, CEO

Alyssa Galletto, Supervisor

Ariana is the BEST! She is poised, polished, and has a way of always making difficult times feel manageable. I have never felt as supported as I do working for Ariana. It’s amazing to see how she has evolved over the last decade at Vital Decisions! Hoping to have another ten years with her and many more!

I started working with Ariana more closely about a year ago and it has been my pleasure. I have loved learning and growing with her. Ariana does a beautiful job of making sure your voice is included. She really allows you the space to be the best leader you can be. She wants to hear feedback and concerns and genuinely wants the best for all. Thank you for all you do!

Rasheeda Bush, Supervisor

Bethany Cardillo, VP Corp. Learning & Development

Ariana is the type of person you wish you could work with, but rarely have the opportunity to. She is dedicated to her teams, has an ability to think through though multiple layers, an articulate vision for the future, a gifted communicator, thoughtful in her approach with others. I truly appreciate how incredibly smart she is and her approach to the world. It is such a privilege to work with some of her caliber. Congratulations to a decade with Vital Decisions, we are better because of you, Ariana!

It’s been great getting to know and work with Ariana this past year. Her collaborative approach and openness to different ideas has helped navigate all of the different aspects of being a supervisor. I continue to learn and grow from her leadership and knowledge.

Elizabeth Aguilar-Dooley, Supervisor

Steve Gramiak, Supervisor

I have experienced Ariana as a calm and thoughtful leader. I find her responses to questions or concerns empowering and trusting on those she supports.

Ariana is an honest leader who is open to hearing new ideas and solutions. She remains calm while navigating challenging waters and stays the course because she understands the importance of the mission. Her feathers are rarely ever ruffled as she always finds a solution to every problem that may come up. I feel heard and supported by her as my leader. Above all, Ariana is a kind and funny human being!

Erika Herits, Supervisor