RSS Employee Spotlight: Zaira Rebollar
Meet Zaira Rebollar, Operations Director
Next up in our employee spotlight series is Zaira Rebollar! She has gone from RSS Intern to Operations Director in about a year, and we couldn’t be more proud of and impressed by her. Read all about her below!
RSS: What led you to your decision to start a career as a community health worker?
ZR: I graduated with a bachelor's degree in public health from Hamline University in 2021. During my studies, I learned about Dr. Paul Farmer, a renowned medical anthropologist and physician. I distinctly recall watching the documentary film, "Bending the Arc," in which he emphasized the significant impact of community health workers on their communities. His appreciation for community health workers was evident and inspirational.
After gaining a year's worth of experience at a private dental practice, I started considering new opportunities in my field. I contemplated relocating to Illinois and came across several job openings that caught my interest, most of which involved community work. Many of these positions preferred candidates with training as community health workers or included the training as part of the role. After researching community health workers, I found a few programs in the Twin Cities. I eventually decided to apply and attend the program at Saint Catherine's University.
RSS: How did you learn about good oral health? Or who was most influential/a role model to your oral health growing up?
ZR: My dental hygienist, Brianne, had a significant impact on my life. She always made sure I was comfortable and took the time to ensure I truly understood everything. Brianne made it clear that there was a difference between simply giving information and passing on knowledge. She even encouraged me to consider a career in the dental field. Brianne made it a point at every visit to continue educating me. Whether on the topic of oral hygiene or the dental field, I always left my appointments with new insights.
RSS: What’s been your favorite part of working at Ready, Set, Smile?
ZR: One of the best things about working with Ready, Set, Smile is the amazing relationships I've developed with school staff, children, volunteers, and the Ready, Set, Smile team. It's truly a joy to collaborate with our exceptional clinical providers, community health workers, and volunteers. We are lucky to have such a wonderful, diverse, and inspirational team at Ready, Set, Smile!
RSS: What lessons have you learned at Ready, Set, Smile?
ZR: Working at Ready, Set, Smile has been a valuable learning experience, highlighting the importance of fostering deep connections. This focus on building meaningful relationships is what truly sets Ready, Set, Smile apart. Together, we are dedicated to nurturing and expanding our connections with school liaisons, families, and children. Our mission at Ready, Set, Smile is to prepare and empower children in our community to care for their oral health through education and preventive services. We aim to go beyond providing education and atraumatic preventive dental care. Our goal is to create a long-lasting impact on children's lives through the connections we build, not just the services we provide.
RSS: Where has your community health worker job led you?
ZR: My community health worker position has motivated me to seek other ways to apply my skills and knowledge to support my community. I began as an intern at Ready, Set, Smile while I was enrolled in the community health worker program at St. Kate’s. A few months later, I was promoted to clinic lead. Now, one year later, I hold the position of operations director.
My experience at Ready, Set, Smile has allowed me to develop both personally and professionally. I have had the chance to build on my strengths and work on my weaknesses. I am excited about the opportunities for growth in my new role.