Today is National Superhero Day! We want to shine the spotlight on one of our superhero’s, Isa Sanchez, who is our Administrative Supervisor and Billing Coordinator. Heather, our lovely clinic director, had the chance to interview Isa for this special spotlight announcement. Check it out below to learn more about this amazing woman! And say hello next time you’re in the office!
What do you like about working at Healthy Connections?
There are two things that really stand out to me. First, I love that I get to learn about functional healthcare every day — it’s such a forward-thinking approach to wellness. Second, I also cherish the culture that’s been built here. It’s a rare environment where you genuinely feel comfortable being yourself, whether that means sharing a laugh or leaning on your colleagues during harder moments. That kind of authenticity is hard to find.
What drew you to working with us?
I love this question! What drew me to Healthy Connections was honestly a turning point in my career. I was experiencing burnout from working in a fast-paced medical facility where I felt patient care was being compromised. I knew I wanted something different: a smaller clinic with a more intentional approach to medicine.When I came across Healthy Connections and read about their philosophy of slow medicine, it immediately resonated with me. It was exactly what I had been looking for. And then from the very first interview, I could tell that this was a place that genuinely valued both its employees and its patients. That combination of culture and care is what really sealed it for me.
How have you grown in your role and what have you learned since starting to work here?
When I first applied, the position was listed as part-time front desk receptionist—and honestly, after experiencing burnout, I was perfectly content with that. But even from that initial interview, I sensed a deeper need for an experienced person who could help stabilize and run the front office.I’m so grateful they gave me that opportunity, because it really allowed me to rise to the challenge. Since then, my role has evolved significantly. I’ve grown into more of an administrative leadership capacity, focusing strongly on the practice’s billing side. I’ve come to truly appreciate how critical that function is when billing and admin operations run well, everything else in the practice runs better. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be a part of that
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Honestly, the last few years have been a bit of a personal journey for me. I’ve been navigating some health challenges that have temporarily sidelined some of the more physical activities I love — like swimming and hiking through the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge. But I’m happy to say I’m heading in the right direction and really looking forward to getting back to those things.In the meantime, I’ve genuinely embraced the slower pace: lots of reading, spending time outside in my hammock chair, and just being present with my family and pets. It’s actually given me a greater appreciation for the quieter moments.And truthfully, going through my own health journey has only deepened my passion for the work we do here. It’s given me a real personal understanding of how important good patient care is
How many pets do you have and what are their names, breeds/types and temperaments?
Oh, I love this question — where do I start? I have quite the little crew at home. First there’s Sofia, my sweet elderly mixed breed who has been with our family for over 12 years. She’s earned the right to be a little grumpy at this point, but she is an absolute cuddle bug at heart. Then there’s Bruno, my young Corgi — and he is pure joy. He comes with me everywhere. He’s absolutely mastered the art of the coffee shop stop because he figured out very quickly that good treats are involved! We also have Mochi, a green cheek conure — basically a small parrot with a very big personality. Mochi will absolutely talk your ear off, and I’ll warn you, he occasionally acts on his intrusive thoughts and goes in for a little bite! And last but not least, I have a lovely little hen flock who have been incredibly productive — not a single break in two years of egg laying. They are very dedicated!
What is your favorite food?
Aside from typical Mexican food, I love me a good restaurant Caesar salad with chicken!
Favorite song?
I don’t necessarily have one favorite song, but recently I have been really into Bad Bunny (he was the performer at the most recent Super Bowl).
Favorite book?
I wouldn’t call myself a bookworm yet…, but I recently got completely sucked into Greek mythology fiction. I just finished The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and I was absolutely captivated! I didn’t want it to end! It’s one of those books that just stays with you
Favorite movie?
The Titanic… but I am also really into very scary movies!
Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
I would say Hawaii; it was beautiful, especially the snorkeling.
Favorite way to help people?
By showing compassion while remaining honest.
What are three fun facts about you that our clients might enjoy knowing (Besides about your pets!)
I have never broken a bone, I am missing a frontal sinus, I’m very intuitive.
At the end of the day, what makes Isa truly special isn’t just her skill set — it’s the way she shows up: with compassion and honesty. She’s not just advocating for patients from behind a desk, she understands health journey’s on a personal level. We are endlessly grateful to have Isa at the heart of Healthy Connections, and if you’ve ever had an interaction with her that left you feeling taken care of, well — now you know a little more about the person behind that warmth. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating her, not just on National Superhero Day, but every day!