Meet Michelle. Based in Texas, Michelle brings a thoughtful, organized, and people-focused approach to her role as an HR Generalist at Calista Brice. Her path into human resources started in a place many people know well: customer service.
After more than 10 years in retail, Michelle moved into recruiting, where she learned how to connect with candidates, understand their goals, and help companies find the right people. Today, she supports recruiting, onboarding, interviews, and day-to-day HR needs across several Calista Brice companies.
For Michelle, the work is about more than just hiring. It is about helping candidates move through the hiring process with clear communication and support.
Finding Her Way Into HR
Michelle did not start her career with a fixed path in mind. She earned a degree in psychology, knowing it could open doors into different fields. After working in retail management, she was recruited into the staffing industry.
That first recruiting role gave her a new direction. She spent several years in agency recruiting—sourcing candidates for industries like telecommunications, oil and gas, accounting, finance, technology, and supply chain.
Over time, Michelle realized she wanted to grow beyond recruiting alone. She wanted a role that would let her build broader HR experience and be part of a company long term. That’s when she found Calista Brice.
“I feel really lucky to have the opportunity here,” Michelle said. “I’m still constantly learning as our teams continue to grow.”
Supporting Candidates from Application to Start Date
When Michelle first joined Calista Brice, her work focused mainly on sourcing candidates and posting jobs for the holding line. Since then, her role has grown into a much broader HR position. Michelle supports the hiring process from the first application through the employee’s first-day orientation. It is a busy role, and no two days look exactly the same.
A hiring manager may need support with an open position. A candidate may have questions about next steps. A new employee may need help getting through onboarding. Michelle helps keep those pieces moving so candidates and managers know what to expect.
For someone applying to a Calista Brice company, Michelle may be one of the first people guiding them through the process.
Growing with the Company
Michelle says her current role is exactly the kind of opportunity she was hoping to find when she joined Calista Brice. She wanted to keep learning, expand her HR skills, and move into work that felt more connected to a larger purpose.
She also values the team around her. Michelle describes the HR team as supportive and collaborative. People help each other when the workload gets heavy, and that teamwork makes all the difference.
“Michelle is a perfectionist and a keystone member of our HR team,” said Teri Nienhaus, Director of HR and Employee Development. “There are close to a hundred individual tasks associated with the recruiting, application, and onboarding processes. Michelle has excelled at tracking those details and suggesting improvements. Because supporting candidate confidence is important to Michelle, I receive many compliments from new hires on her behalf who appreciate Michelle as their point of constact.”
Advice for New Team Members
Michelle understands what it is like to step into a new role, learn a new company, and build confidence along the way. Her advice for new employees is simple: stay curious, stay organized, and take good notes.
“Stay open to learning,” Michelle said. “You may not know how to do something yet, but if you’re willing to learn, there’s room to grow here.”
For Michelle, organization has been another important tool for success. She relies on notes, calendar reminders, and systems that help her keep track of details in a fast-moving environment.
That advice applies to candidates too. A willingness to learn, ask questions, and stay engaged can go a long way.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with family, traveling when she can, and catching up on her favorite Bravo shows. “I’m a big Bravo fan,” Michelle said. “Right now, I’m obsessed with the latest season of Summer House.”
She works remotely from Texas, but hopes to visit Alaska and meet more of the team in person. She is especially interested in visiting during the snowy winter months. Growing up in New York, Michelle remembers real winters and still gets excited when snow is in the forecast.
“When Texas gets even a little bit of snow, my inner child instantly comes out to play!” Michelle said.
Helping People Start Strong
Michelle’s path to Calista Brice included retail, management, psychology, agency recruiting, sourcing, onboarding, and HR support. Each step helped her get to where she is today, connecting with people from many backgrounds. Now, she uses those skills to help candidates and new employees move through the hiring process with more confidence.
Interested in starting your own career journey with us? Explore opportunities at Calista Brice companies and discover where your path might lead.
