If you’ve reached out to Classic LifeCare, chances are you’ve had the pleasure of speaking with our Senior Administrator, Natasa Mihajlovic. She’s the welcoming voice that embodies the essence of Classic LifeCare’s values.
With the conflict in her native Croatia, Natasa and her husband fled to Canada in 2002 for better life opportunities. Adjusting to a new country wasn’t easy at first, with cultural differences posing a significant challenge. Following employment in retail, Natasa joined Classic LifeCare as a Receptionist in 2005. In a foreign land without family, her Classic LifeCare colleagues became her family away from home. The sense of belonging helped her feel more settled in Canada.
A 17-Year Journey at Classic LifeCare
Seventeen years have passed since Natasa started at Classic LifeCare, and her love for her role at the front desk remains unchanged. “Answering the phones is my favorite part of the job,” she admits. “I love hearing about our clients and employees, their stories, and assisting them with their queries.” Despite offers to switch roles within the company, Natasa’s heart always brought her back to reception, where she feels most content.
Aside from her role at Classic LifeCare, Natasa actively contributes to CONNECT Communities, CONNECT Partners, and Driving Miss Daisy. Juggling administrative tasks, payroll, accounts, phone inquiries, mailouts, office organization, and decor keeps her consistently occupied.
From Collaborating on Projects to Crafting Inspiring Spaces
Reflecting on her journey, Natasa fondly recalls the energy and camaraderie during projects, particularly when collaborating on contracts. “Working on RFPs was a team-building experience,” she shares. “Late nights, pizzas, and the rush to meet deadlines – it was immensely rewarding when we completed and submitted our proposals. Back then, we also had to deliver our proposals in person so I was responsible for handing our work to the contractor.”
Another aspect of her role that she loves is decorating offices. As Classic LifeCare and our sister companies have expanded over the years, we have introduced many new offices. She remembers moving from the 15th floor to a new office space on the 10th floor of Airport Square. “I worked closely with Andrea to decorate the office we are in now. I was involved in reviewing the floor plan, measuring office spaces, ordering furniture, and planning designs. I was given a lot of responsibility and independence which I appreciated. John was happy for me to manage this move and just asked me to keep him updated on the progress.”
Warmth, Growth, and Technological Evolution
Describing Classic LifeCare in three words, Natasa chooses “awesome place & people”. From her early days, she sensed the company’s warmth and support, leading to cherished moments of bonding over dinners, socials, and walks. Joining Classic LifeCare boosted her confidence and offered a platform for personal growth, particularly in refining her organizational skills during the busy holiday season.
Over the years, Natasa has witnessed significant changes in technology adoption, incorporating various systems like AlayaCare, Hireology, and HubSpot. These innovations have significantly enhanced her efficiency in managing tasks.
Natasa’s journey at Classic LifeCare reflects not just professional growth, but the invaluable connections and sense of belonging she has found.
