When Maribel first stepped through the doors of NHC in 2012, she had no idea she was beginning a career that would span over a decade and lead her to a position helping to shape the organization's future. Over the years, Maribel has worn many hats at NHC, from patient services to clinic management and, now, community relations. With every step, she has seen firsthand how much NHC has evolved — expanding its services, strengthening its infrastructure, and growing into a vital resource for the communities it serves. Her drive to connect people with healthcare is part of a larger story filled with personal and professional transformation. 

This is the story of how Maribel found her place at NHC, how she has helped shape its journey, and why she’s more passionate than ever about the work ahead. 

A Career Rooted in Service 

In 2012, Maribel joined NHC through a partnership with Lifeworks NW, working at the front desk of our Milwaukie location. At the time, NHC and Lifeworks NW shared a building, and receptionists like Maribel helped check in patients for both organizations. Though she was officially employed by Lifeworks NW, Maribel quickly connected with NHC’s mission. Encouraged by a colleague, she applied for an open front desk position at NHC’s Aloha clinic in 2014, taking the first step in what would become a remarkable career journey. 

For the next year and a half, Maribel thrived at the front desk, gaining valuable experience and discovering a passion for helping patients navigate healthcare access. She was particularly drawn to assisting patients with Oregon Health Plan (OHP) applications, an aspect of her job that allowed her to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. So, when a Referral Coordinator (RC) position opened, she saw an opportunity to grow further. Even though she lacked a medical assistance or clinical background, the encouragement of her colleagues gave her the confidence to apply. Not only was she offered the RC role, but also a new Front Desk Lead position. She ultimately chose the RC role to gain more clinical experience. 

Stepping Into Leadership 

Community Relations Manager Maribel volunteers at the 2023 Health Fair.

After over a year as an RC, life changes and a long commute led Maribel to consider new opportunities. In 2017, a supervisor role opened at NHC’s Canby location, much closer to home. Though she hadn’t initially seen herself in a leadership role, the support of her manager and colleagues convinced her to take the leap. In this position, she realized her role fulfilled many of the same responsibilities as a clinic manager, and by 2019, she officially transitioned into the Clinic Manager position. 

Through each step of her journey, Maribel remained deeply passionate about NHC’s mission. Even in her early days at the front desk, she would jump at the chance to represent NHC at community events. “The Events Manager would come around asking for help, and I’d always say, ‘Pick me! I’ll go with you!’” she recalls. Her drive to connect with the community made her a natural fit when the opportunity arose to become NHC’s first Community Relations Manager in 2023. 

A Mission That’s Personal 

Maribel’s commitment to NHC is deeply personal. As a college student newly arrived from California, she was once uninsured and unaware of affordable healthcare options. Without access to a clinic like NHC, she had to rely on expensive urgent care visits—an experience that fuels her passion today. Maribel says,

“If I had known about a place like NHC back then, it would’ve helped me tremendously."

That’s why she’s dedicated to spreading the word about NHC’s services and ensuring that more community members know where to turn for care. 

Witnessing NHC’s Transformation 

Looking back on her early years at NHC, Maribel is in awe of how much the organization has grown. “When I started, there was no HR department, no structured orientation for new hires, and no standardized workflows,” she recalls. “It felt like everyone was just figuring things out as they went.” Since then, NHC has blossomed into a well-established, highly organized healthcare provider with robust support systems, expanded services, and a strong infrastructure ensuring employees and patients have what they need. Maribel says,

“It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come."

“Now, we have dedicated onboarding for new hires, clear processes, and so much more support for staff at every level. Everything from registration forms to patient assistance programs has been refined and streamlined to better serve our community.” Beyond internal improvements, NHC’s footprint in the community has expanded significantly, offering more services, reaching more patients, and building stronger partnerships with organizations that share its mission. 

Looking Ahead: Expanding Community Impact 

Maribel is eager to build on this progress, particularly expanding NHC’s Community Relations efforts. Her biggest goal? Mobile health services that bring medical and dental care directly to those who need it most. “It would be so cool to make use of our medical and dental vans and have ‘NHC on Wheels,’ reaching more rural towns and making sure patients get the help they need,” she says. “I want to stay in this role for a while and grow this department into something even bigger.” 

Maribel’s journey is a testament to the power of growth, perseverance, and a deep commitment to serving the community. Her story embodies the heart of NHC — an organization that cares for patients and fosters opportunities for its employees to thrive.