Spring 2023 Member Spotlight

In an effort to enhance connection within the association, we are spotlighting different members of NERVES. In this issue of the NERVES Newsletter, we are featuring Erica Gonzalez, administrative director for the Texas Brain & Spine Center.

Meet Erica Gonzalez

Erica Gonzalez Video ThumbnailHow long have you been a NERVES member?
I have been a member for about a year and half. I went to my first NERVES conference last year and loved every minute of it. I learned so much and I am looking forward to the one in April.

How long have you been in your current position? How did you get there?
I have been in this role since July 2021 but I have been with TBSI since 2008. I started out as a receptionist, then moved into the surgery scheduling role, eventually into an Administrative Assistant role, office manager and now, I am the Admin Director.

I feel having been part of many of the roles in our front office area has benefited me in how I can help out the team.

Being here at TBSI and seeing the people I work for and how amazing they are motivated me to go back to school. When I started here, I had an Associates degree. Now, I have a Bachelors, Masters in Management and finishing up my MBA. Anything I can do to help me be better in my role is my goal. I still have so much to learn but I am excited about it.

Tell us about Texas Brain & Spine Institute.
We have 4 neurosurgeons and 4 Physician Assistants. Each of them are part of the College of Medicine program here at Texas A&M University and actively involved in research.

What are your favorite parts of your job?
My favorite part of the job is the people. The people I work for and with. I couldn’t have asked for better surgeons and PA’s to work for. Besides my family, they are the reason I get up and come to work each day. They truly are genuine people who care about you as a person and not just a staff member. I want to be able to take care of them so they can do what is needed to take care of our patients. I love my team. Many of them have been here as long as I have or even longer. They are like family and truly are the best!

Gonzalez Family

I also love that although my role/job is very busy, it allows me to be the mom I want to be to my girls and be present in their activities.

What have you’ve struggled with or had success with during COVID this year?
The biggest struggle this past year with COVID is that we are still seeing patients via telephone visits and for some patients, they are ready to be back face-to-face. Additionally, having telephone visits creates a different work flow for the front office which often creates additional work on their part. The staff are all ready to go back fully face-to-face but we also understand how it does have its benefits for the providers.

How NERVES has helped you with the struggles or successes?
Being new in the Admin Director role was a bit scary and knowing that I had a resource to go to helped relieve some of that stress. The NERVES conference last year was great and I learned so much. I love the monthly webinars – lots of great information. I try to attend each one or go back and listen to the recordings.

Tell us a little something about yourself.
I spend most of my days running around like a crazy person. LOL! I am a wife to a wonderful husband, a mom to three beautiful girls and recently became a GiGi to a beautiful boy. We have a family-owned business that my husband manages and I have an online boutique with my daughter. When I am not working or going to school (currently working on my MBA), I love spending my time sitting on the sidelines watching my girls compete in cheerleading, softball and volleyball, and of course, now spending time with my grandson.

Gonzalez Family Photo 2

If you could choose another career, what would it be? OR What was your dream job as a child?
My dream job as a child was to be a juvenile probation officer and at some point, it was then to be a director of a child care center. I always knew I wanted to help people and make a difference. Even when I began at TBSI, I remember telling them in my interview that I saw myself in 5 years being a director of a day care center. Somehow, I still managed to get the job even though I basically told them I wanted to leave in 5 years. LOL

Do you have any hobbies, likes/dislikes, or super powers?
I love to read, do puzzles, and really anything that involves being with my family.

Will we see you in April 2023 for our Annual Meeting?
YES!! I can’t wait!

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