Why did you choose to create Sarita Turner Mental Health Virtual Assistance?
I had been working as a Virtual Assistant for mental health practitioners for a few years and was receiving more referrals than I could personally manage. So I decided to try hiring my first subcontractor. Because I wanted to match clients and assistants based on fit not just availability, hiring one subcontractor turned into hiring ten! We continue building and growing as we add new clients, but only at a pace where we can maintain high quality services and personalized attention. Building this business has been very exciting and one of my proudest accomplishments so far! I love the work that I have created for myself and others, while being able to support many clinicians and practices across the country. Receiving positive feedback from clients and assistants is very rewarding.
What type of background do you have in this industry?
I have a masters degree in School Psychology, and social work experience as an ACT Team member providing housing and services to homeless adults with psychiatric disabilities and substance abuse issues.
What does a typical day look like to you?
A typical day has me juggling lots of hats! Throughout the day, I am meeting with new clients, interviewing potential assistants, onboarding on both sides, having training/supervising sessions with current virtual assistants, creating contracts and BAAs, handling all things financial from invoicing to payroll, approving social media posts, and constantly learning new things while strengthening infrastructure, policies and procedures…Somewhere in the midst of all that, I am helping my 6th grade daughter with her learning and teaching my son to drive.
What is your favorite task about your job and why?
I love the discovery calls with potential new clients. I enjoy hearing about their areas of specialty, how they want to build their practices, and helping them figure out how a virtual assistant would best suit their needs. I enjoy the challenge of trying to find the right matches between clients and assistants. The hiring process is by far the most challenging thing I do, but it feels so rewarding when I set up just the right fit between a clinician and their new assistant.
What is your favorite thing about being a virtual assistant?
I love the diversity of all the people I’ve met and practices I’ve been able to provide support to. I like the flexibility of the job and how I can interweave it within my life. Finding balance is a constant challenge, but I like the movement and diversity of the many different tasks – it keeps things moving in a way that working for one person or in one office setting would not give me. I am constantly needing to learn new things which I love! I am proud to say that much of what I have accomplished has been self-taught.
What was the weirdest job you ever had?
Hmmm…I sold wedding dresses for 2 days – thought it would be fun, spoiler alert: the prices are scams! I was trained to price the gown according to what people could afford – within set ranges. I do still love watching “Say Yes to the Dress” though…My favorite somewhat odd job ever was taking pictures of people on Circle Line and World Yacht dinner cruises in NYC, and then trying to sell the photos to them later in the day. Again, chances to meet so many different people from all over the world, albeit briefly. I got to sail and watch hundreds of sunsets in the NYC harbor, and then enjoy the NYC summer nightlife when completing my shifts near midnight.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I would have loved to study neuroscience. I am fascinated by research on cell memory in particular – how human memories are stored in cells throughout the body, not just in the brain itself.
What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
Funny, ambitious, and empathic/intuitive
If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring 3 things, what would they be?
Hate to admit it, but my phone (with my favorite music, camera, and contacts so a lot of bang for my buck with that one choice), a good tent, and some sort of solar charger to keep that first choice working for me:)
Describe your life outside of work (hobbies, activities, etc)
I love walking by water or a natural setting (but not deep enough in to find ticks or bears:) I love reading, creative writing, and listening to music. I am currently enjoying Just Dance and very proud to have hit Megastar on an Abba song:)
What was your greatest vacation?
A trip to Florence, Italy to visit my friend living there for a semester in college. We were young and just starting out – we went to Venice, Siena and all over Florence. Loved the food, the museums, gardens, incredible views, the shops, the leather, and even met a cool Naval officer named Beniamino:)
If you are interested in finding a virtual assistant who can help you with your practice, contact Sarita Turner today at sarita@mentalhealthvirtualassistant.com!