PICS Employee Spotlight [Get to know Plua Her, Senior Service Coordinator]
At PICS (Partners in Community Supports), a subsidiary of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), much of our work is behind the scenes. Our Employee Spotlight helps you learn more about our team. This month, get to know Plua Her, senior service coordinator with PICS' Individualized Home Supports (IHS)!
Q. Tell us a little bit about your time at PICS.
Plua: I am a senior service coordinator with the IHS team. I’ve been with PICS for seven years and have worked in the enrollment, CDCS/CSG and IHS teams.
Q. Could you share with us what drew you to LSS/PICS and how you see your own vision aligning with the organization's mission?
Plua: Throughout my professional career, I have worked in nonprofit organizations. When my husband and I moved to Minnesota in 2017, I saw LSS offered a variety of programs. I applied to be a service coordinator at PICS and was accepted. As a refugee myself, I understand how hard it is to struggle to get help, so I wanted to contribute my service to the community as other nonprofit organizations had done for me.
I love helping people achieve their goals of living and working in the community. With the IHS program, one of our goals is to help our Participants live independently and/or work in the community by providing support to remain in their own homes.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working at PICS?
Plua: I like the flexibility and teamwork that PICS offers.
Q. PICS’ Shared Values include being trustworthy, compassionate, knowledgeable, collaborative and responsive. How have you been able to implement your own personal values while working at PICS?
Plua: I love PICS values: trustworthy, compassionate, knowledgeable, collaborative, and responsive. I believe I utilize all these effectively and sufficiently with the families I work with. I advocate for and support the families as requested, and try to respond by email or phone within one business day.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Plua: I enjoy walking, gardening, playing badminton, and going up north to hike or just to relax and enjoy nature on the weekends.
Q. Share a fun fact about yourself.
Plua: At this past Valentine's Day event gathering at our local Hmong Minnesota Churches, my husband and I won the most interesting story on how we first met as a couple.
Q. Do you have any pets?
Plua: I do not have any pets, but my son, who lives with us, has a dog. Her name is Shasta, and she is three years old. My husband and I recently returned from a two-week-long vacation, and her reaction to us coming back was so loving that it made me want a dog, too.
Here is what some of Plua’s colleagues have to say about her…
“Plua makes every day so bright! Her energy is vibrant. She is such a positive team member and helps us come up with solutions to problems. She works hard to ensure that those we serve have the best experience with PICS.”
“Plua is always an advocate for the families she works with, going above and beyond to find the best solution for them that is quick, thoughtful and friendly.”
“Plua has been with PICS for many years and is truly an expert in her role. She is kind and generous and never has a bad word to say about anyone. As a Conference and Events team member, she shares her knowledge and great attitude with everyone she comes in contact with. Plua works hard to ensure that PICS Participants have everything they need to be successful and is a great role model for how to provide excellent customer service.”
We are grateful to have you on the PICS team, Plua! Thank you for all you do!