At Bethany Children’s Health Center, our employees truly are the heartbeat that drives the organization. Every day, through the care and service they provide, they live our mission of maximizing the potential of every child and exemplify our core values of compassion, integrity, excellence, service and stewardship.
We hope you enjoy getting to know our amazing employees through our Heartbeat profiles.
Hollywood’s Loss is Our Gain
Guest Relations and Credentialing Manager Anita Ricketts Shines Bright
Growing up in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Anita Ricketts was sure she would move to Hollywood and be a big star. Little did she know, she would be a star – just shining in a different way. “I love serving others and being the bright spot in someone’s day,” she says of her career in customer service.
Anita’s positive energy and desire to serve others carried her through 16 years as a Customer Service Supervisor in the Williams-Sonoma call center. “Any position in retail comes with its challenges,” she admits, “but I loved helping solve problems and connecting with my customers.”
She learned about TCCRH through connections at Williams-Sonoma, and in 2019, just as she began thinking about making a change, the Guest Relations Manager position at the hospital became available. “I knew it was meant for me!” she says. “From my very first tour of the hospital, I could tell that the positivity and energy here were contagious. Everyone seemed like they felt equally called to be here and just like me, they wanted to be the reason someone else smiled.”
While you might think the role of Guest Relations is simply greeting visitors, Anita and her team work hard to serve our patient families on an ongoing basis. “Just as nurses serve our patients, we serve their families. We know the ins and outs of the approved guest lists; we develop relationships with patient families and listen when they need to talk. We take pride in knowing them and making sure they feel comfortable coming to us, no matter how big or small the need,” she explains.
When she’s not connecting with patient families, Anita is taking care of her own blended family of seven kids (three of whom work at the hospital) with her husband, John. “I love to spend time with my family. With seven kids we spend a lot of time running from one thing to the next. Never a dull moment at our house!” she exclaims.
Fun Facts:
Favorite Movies: “I LOVED the “Twilight” series and have watched them more times than I can count.”
Favorite Song: “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter
First Job: “I was a waitress at Pizza Hut. I couldn’t wait to get my first job and have my own money, so I started working as soon as I turned 16.”
How to Feed 9: “John and I both cook. The air fryer and crockpot are my BFFs! He loves the Instapot, but the technology on that thing stresses me out.”
Dream Weekend: “Beaches are my jam! Anywhere on a beach with my husband and the kids makes my heart smile.”
From the Bucket List: “Own an RV and travel the world with my hubby – my best friend.”