Say Hello and Happy Birthday to Kristen Koukos, RVNA Human Resources Coordinator

Genuine, altruistic, hard-working, upbeat…these are just a few adjectives that describe RVNA’s Human Resources Coordinator, Kristen Koukos.  Arriving less than a year ago, Kristen has rolled up her sleeves and dived right in, making an immediate impact and fitting right in on the RVNA team.

If you happen to see Kristen this week, be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday.  Monday the 17th was her big day!

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Bethel, CT. I went to college in Rhode Island and lived in Tampa, FL for a little while. Now I am back in Bethel, CT.

How long have you been at RVNA?
I have been at RVNA for about 6 months, I started on June 18, 2018.

What brought you here?
I was working for a community mental health organization in Florida, so when I knew I was moving back up north and saw a job posting for a Human Resources position at RVNA, I had to apply. I love working with people and helping others in any way I can. Now I can combine my skills as a Human Resources professional and my love of others in one role.

Describe your role at RVNA?
I work to help support the agency. I am responsible for recruiting qualified and motivated individuals to join our team, as well as the onboarding of new employees. I support our Director of Human Resources, Kelly Klein, in various ways as well. I have found that in this role, the responsibilities are ongoing and always changing, which I love!

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is by far getting to know all of RVNA’s wonderful team of professionals. I also love interviewing and bringing in new employees.

What do you love to do when you’re not working?
I love spending time with my family and friends. I am a very simple person and enjoy the simple things in life. I enjoy doing anything outside – hiking with my dog, Beckett, going on daily adventures, finding new places to explore.

What is your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is dog training. After I graduated college, I decided to become a certified dog trainer and start my own little business. I have always loved working with dogs so I just made it a fun hobby on the side.

How will you be spending the holidays?
I will be spending Christmas with my family and enjoying opening gifts with my 2.5-year-old nephew, Logan. He is most of the reason I moved back to Connecticut – to spend more time with him. He is a typical boy, never stops playing and smiling – and I love him for it.

Do you make any New Year’s resolutions?
I actually do not believe in New Year resolutions… I make resolutions all the time, not just on New Year’s. 

What would you do if you won the lottery?
If I won the lottery, I would take a year off from work and travel the world. Then I would open a dog shelter where I could train all rescued dogs to become certified therapy dogs for Veterans. This would be a non-profit organization to not only save dogs that do not have a home but also help Veterans coming home. (Can you tell I’ve thought a bit about this?)

Do you have a favorite RVNA moment or story?
My favorite RVNA memory, so far, was the Holiday party. I loved the atmosphere, getting to talk to others I normally do not see all the time, and spending time with colleagues outside of the “office role.”  I had such a blast!

What’s your favorite book or movie of all time?
My favorite book is Comeback by Claire Fontaine and Mia Fontaine. My favorite movie is Pretty Woman.

If you had a racehorse, what would you name it?
Orion.

If you could only eat one food for a year, what would it be?
Pizza.