Wendy Ruiz
Human Resource Director
Destiny in the Desert? I guess you could say that. When my husband asked me if I would consider moving away from Hawaii, I said "No way!". Leaving my family, friends and a comfortable job wasn’t very appealing to me at the time. A couple months later, I found myself in Oakland, California. Four months after that, Phoenix, Arizona. That’s quite a bit of traveling for a girl born and raised on the island of Kauai. Having moved to Arizona in August, you can sympathize with me and relate to my desire to return home. Being cooped up in an apartment all day long didn’t help. It was either join the work force once again or go stir crazy in the apartment. I opted for the first. My days of leisure had come to an end.
I responded to an ad in the newspaper for a Human Resources Assistant position at META Services. Not knowing what META was about, the Director of HR explained that META Services was a provider of behavioral health services for the State of Arizona. Destiny indeed. I had someone very dear to me going through a very tough time in his life. What better way to learn more about mental health and substance abuse, help a friend, and get out of the house. I had spent the last 10 years working at various hospitals in the Human Resources field. I knew I had the skills for this position but had a lot to learn about behavioral health field. Within a year, I was promoted to my current position and couldn’t be more thrilled.
In my present role as the Human Resources Manager, I have the privilege of working with amazing individuals. I find myself in constant awe of my co-workers and all the dedicated individuals that work in our facilities. It really does take that special person who has compassion and dedication to extend themselves day in and day out in the name of Recovery. I continue to learn and experience a different way of being each and every day. I’ve been at META Services going on five years now and have seen this company grow and expand to twice the size it was when I started. I believe in the mission of META Services and am privileged to part of the team that is making that it happen.
Destiny in the Desert. Most certainly. Life is good. I have my husband and two dogs (our version of kids) to keep me busy. I continue to enjoy the pleasures of traveling with friends and family, reading, bowling and being with loved ones. I have found an "Ohana" (family) away from home and best of all, my friend is on his way to Recovery and doing great. What more can I ask for?