UVA_HRBeth Danehy and the Fantastic FEAP Team
The Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) has been on the move these last few years. Under the visionary leadership and unwavering advocacy of its director, Beth Danehy, FEAP has implemented innovative programming, strategically expanded its team, and developed an internal culture that has improved its ability to support the University community.
Previously part of University Medical Center, FEAP transitioned to UVA HR in early 2020. With the support of HR Leadership, Beth and her team were given the green light to improve and expand FEAP's offerings. This included introducing specialized roles focused on well-being, prevention, and crisis management.
Enhancing Crisis Support
Additionally, Beth integrated feedback from her team and navigated a complex process to secure an after-hours answering service. This service, among many other improvements, optimizes crisis support and reduces wait times. Currently, the FEAP team is focused on refining this service while working on leveraging technology to facilitate seamless scheduling. FEAP is determined to meet its goal of delivering appointments within three days of a request.
Improving FEAP Facilities
Senior Director for Total Rewards, Merica Shepherd, worked with the FEAP team to improve the space and its facilities. Merica adds that, "Beth and the FEAP team recognize that the way the space receives our faculty and staff is important. This space is not just where we hold appointments; it's also about how it looks, feels, and functions. Together, Beth and I oversaw the renovation of the FEAP facility at the West Complex—championing these improvements to enhance the overall experience. We are filled with gratitude for the teamwork that brought it to fruition and are very pleased with how it turned out."
Outreach and New Online Offerings
Shane Moran, a communications specialist in HR, says, “Having a late-night phone number and a more comfortable space is not all you need to get people in the door. And Beth and her team know that—I’ve enjoyed working with her because her number one goal is letting the University know that FEAP is Here For You." Over the past year, FEAP has reinvigorated its marketing approach to engage the entire University community with materials focused on every type of employee, from new staff to leadership to tenured faculty. Moran adds, “Beth's ability to listen to her communications support while holding true to what FEAP stands for has allowed exciting new projects like Step Forward Together. This campaign combines many pieces of what FEAP offers while spreading awareness for destigmatizing mental illness and cultivating a supportive culture at UVA."
On top of their marketing approach, FEAP developed the FEAP for You Portal to support employees when they can’t reach a consultant or need self-help materials. This secure platform highlights the creativity and skill of the FEAP team. Constructed with HR Communications expertise and support, the Portal provides robust, on-demand, self-guided support via recorded webinars, virtual libraries, and articles – enhancing accessibility for employees. Tim Rose, a Clinical IV Registered Nurse at the UVA Medical Center and user of the resources available in the FEAP for You Portal says that the self-care services are a “gift.” When Tim lost a long-time patient, he felt “worn out and depleted.” He visited with FEAP Consultant Anna Delong, and they worked together to identify his inner energy gauge and work through restorative exercises to refill his energy tank. After that experience, Tim added, “I am deeply grateful to have this soothing and transformational tool so readily at my fingertips. FEAP has provided us a great gift to help us tend to and sustain ourselves and thus be all the more effective and unencumbered as we serve our patients.”
FEAP's Future
Beth is renowned for her open-door policy, her “yes, and” philosophy, and her incredible ability to develop cross-ground relationships to best support you. Monica Maughlin, Clinical Lead, shares, "Beth brings an amazing blend of insight, innovation, strategy, and compassion. She fosters a culture of appreciation that feeds our team so that we can better serve others and challenges us to stretch and grow in ways we weren’t even aware that we needed to. She cares, leads by example, and never loses sight of the importance of the employee experience. I feel fortunate to be mentored and supported by her."'
FEAP has accomplished a great deal in the past two years, and they’re just getting started. Thanks to the FEAP team’s focused vision and Beth’s leadership, FEAP will continue to deliver high-quality service while improving to meet the needs of our university workforce. With Beth leading this excellent team, we can only look forward to growth from FEAP that fosters open dialogue, encourages collaboration, and rolls out innovative, meaningful programming.
Contact FEAP
If you need support from the Faculty Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional reasons, don't hesitate to contact us.