This month, we’re delighted to introduce you to another integral part of the HeartWorks team, Bethany Reformat!
Born in Rochester, NY, Bethany’s early life took an exciting turn when, at the age of 11, her eccentric musician parents moved the family to England, where she lived until 2007. At home, she and her wife Monique are now happily settling into their newly purchased house – a project they’re incredibly excited about! Their bustling family includes four children, with the oldest recently married and the youngest having just graduated high school. The animal members of the household are equally charismatic: Falco, a giant dog with a charming habit of learning only obscure human commands (he has no interest in tradition!), and Snok, a corn snake with a clear belief in mammalian subordination. Bethany’s hobbies are as dynamic as her life, changing with her mood and whatever life happens to offer; currently, she’s all about house projects, but she admits, “give it a few months and I’m bound to be interested in something else!”
Among her many passions, Bethany is particularly passionate about being vegan, a choice driven by her deep care for animals and the environment.
In February 2023, Bethany joined HeartWorks as a Database and Prospect Research Manager. She describes her role as essentially a non-profit operations specialist, stepping in wherever her versatile skills are most needed.
She describes her role with a unique and vivid analogy she once shared with her children: “You know how when you’re taking care of your home, everything has a place? Spoons go in the drawer, cars in the driveway, laundry in the hamper, etc. Data Management is a lot like being the housekeeper. Except if it gets messy, no one can live in the house. Also, if you put something in the wrong place, inexplicable things happen… like if you put your socks in the t-shirt drawer a tree might fall down in the yard, or the bathtub might turn into a shoe.” she’s not meticulously managing data, she’s dedicated to introducing new people to HeartWorks!
Bethany finds her greatest inspiration in moments where she can forge a tangible link between her work and the mission. She explains that “it’s easy, when you’re in data, to feel a bit disconnected.” So, when she gets to meet a heart family, help a donor, or witness something she’s done contribute directly to a coworker’s success, she feels the most motivated and connected.
Looking ahead, Bethany is excited about contributing to the growth of HeartWorks’ donor base to a self-sustaining size. She is also eager to help her team connect with more individuals like the Waneks, whose incredible generosity can help achieve the organization’s biggest goals.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have Bethany’s dedication, unique perspective, and delightful sense of humor on the HeartWorks team!
