Meet Alyson, one of your Senior Benefits Specialists!
Curious about our Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! program? Want to know more about health coaching? Each month, Alyson will shine the light on all things wellness, answer your questions and so much more! From financial, to work/life balance, to your physical well-being, Alyson will cover the benefits that keep you covered.
Enjoy short videos that feature interviews with special guests, insights, tips and tidbits to help you stay in the know when it comes to navigating your wellness, benefits and feeling your best.
Disclaimer: Alyson’s Spotlights have been previously recorded and links may no longer be active.
Mental Health Awareness Month: The Power of Kindness and Support
May 2026
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder to pause, check in with ourselves and others, and know that support is available when we need it. In this month’s Spotlight, Alyson shares how Modern Health can support employees and family members, while Jennifer McCormick, Service Contracts Inside Sales Representative from ACT, shares a personal reminder of how kindness, connection, and support can make a meaningful difference during difficult moments.
One Action Changes Everything: Join the Volunteer Movement
April 2026 In this month’s Spotlight, Alyson and Jill Romeo-Plunkett, ZOLL’s Employee Engagement Manager, team up to show how one small action, like using your Volunteer Time Off, can drive real impact. Through Hearts in Action, ZOLL employees have already contributed 1,500+ hours of service. Watch now to learn how you can get involved and start making a difference, then visit the Hearts in Action page on The ZONE to learn more.
Join the Financial Wellness Challenge!
February 2026 Haleigh Urbowicz, Benefits Coordinator, joins Alyson this month to discuss the Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Financial Wellness challenge. Registration starts February 11th with the Challenge beginning on February 25th. Start by taking a financial personality quiz to see if you’re a saver, spender, planner, or avoider. Your challenge will be tailored based on your quiz results. Let’s kick 2026 off on the right financial foot and earn points toward your Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Reward!
You Can be Sure, with Surest!
November 2025 Annemarie Silver, ACT’s Vice President of Business Transformation, joins Alyson to share her family’s excellent experience with Surest. Switching from the PPO Plan to Surest in 2025 helped her family save big with lower premiums and reduced out-of-pocket costs. She even had extra funds left in her Health Care Flexible Spending Account at the end of the year. See why Surest was the right choice for her family of five, and discover how it could be for yours too!
Not Sure Which Plan is Right for You?
October 2025 This month Alyson is joined by Bryant Westerholm from Pasito, your decision support tool. Struggling to choose the right benefits during Open Enrollment? Making the best decisions starts with clear understanding of all your benefit options — that’s why we’re highlighting our free tool, Pasito during Health Literacy Month! Pasito provides confidential, personalized recommendations based on your unique health, financial, and family needs. Review your initial recommendation or answer a few quick questions to receive a more personalized plan recommendation you can trust. Get your recommendation today!
Navigate Life with a Newborn
September 2025 Join Alyson and Punam Patel, a Senior Clinical Specialist with ZOLL Respicardia, as they spotlight Maven, the world’s largest virtual clinic for women and families. Hear how Maven became Punam’s go-to source of guidance and reassurance after welcoming her second child. With 24/7 access to trusted experts, easy appointment booking, and personalized support across countless parenting and health specialties, expert advice is always within reach. The best part? Maven is free for all ZOLL employees, no medical plan enrollment needed.
Celebrate with ZOLL Pride ERG
June 2025 Alyson is joined by Julie Lahr, a Senior Clinical Support Specialist and Lead of ZOLL’s Pride ERG, to share all the exciting June events in celebration of Pride Month. From a live/virtual session on Hope and Inspiration, to meet-and-greets, the Boston Pride Parade, and more, there are so many fun ways to celebrate. Join us to discover how you can participate, support the LGBTQ+ community, and connect with your peers.
Thrive with Modern Health
May 2025 ZOLL’s new mental wellness benefit through Modern Health provides you with access to personalized one-on-one, group, and self-serve digital resources for your well-being, so that you can be the best version of yourself — at home, at work, and in your relationships. To promote the significance of Mental Health Awareness in May, Alyson is joined by Cece Rupprecht, Director, Customer Empowerment, ACT, to discuss the importance of emotional self-care, recognizing you need help, and finding a support system that works for you.
Finding Care Doesn’t Have to be so Hard!
March 2025 When you have symptoms, it’s important to know where to find care that is appropriate and affordable. Tanya Riley, Director of Health Plan Programs, joins Alyson as they share how to find the care you need, when you need it. Learn how to navigate the many health care options available so you can get the right level of care while saving time and money.
Take the Time You Need with Paid Parental Leave
January 2025 We heard your feedback and want to enhance your leave of absence experience in 2025! ZOLL’s new leave administrator, Broadspire, is dedicated to assisting you every step of the way during your Paid Parental Leave, FMLA, and Short-Term Disability leave. Alyson is joined by Meaghan Mistro, a Senior Territory Manager at ZOLL CMS, to share her recent positive experience with Paid Parental Leave, letting her focus on her recovery and her family, without worry.
Emotional Well-being
Destress with Calm
December 2024 Alyson is joined by her special guest, Natalie Toomey, Quality Assurance Engineer at our ACT division, to help you find ways to destress this holiday season. Natalie shares some of her favorite tips for using the Calm Health app, available to all UnitedHealthcare members. Whether you are into meditation, stretching, or even podcasts, Calm Health can help you put your emotional well-being first.
IT’S OPEN ENROLLMENT!
November 2024 Join Alyson and her special guest, Lynn Hersey, Vice President, Corporate Human Resources as they explore Open Enrollment 2025, November 6-15. ZOLL’s menu of benefits is changing. Alyson and Lynn share all the details about what’s new for 2025, where to find more information, what you need to do next, and most importantly, what’s in it for you and your family. With more choice and more value, it’s time to take control over your health care costs in 2025. All employees should review and confirm their elections in Workday by November 15.
Learn about the ZOLL Black Employee Network (BEN) ERG
October 2024 Alyson welcomes special guest Yendia Tanner, the Downstream Marketing Manager for our ZOLL Itamar division and co-lead of the ZOLL Black Employee Network (BEN) Employee Resource Group. Yendia shares with us how BEN accomplishes its mission to attract, retain, empower, motivate, and inspire Black employees. She also invites all ZOLL employees to register for their upcoming webinar on October 10th, focusing on the importance of the CROWN Act. This event will address the issue of hair discrimination and how to promote diversity in hairstyles at work. The discussion will be lead by guest speaker Adjoa B. Asamoah, the key figure behind the legislative strategy and spearhead of movement. #EmbraceYourCrown Event Registration
Get Ready for Fall
September 2024 With so much happening this Fall, Alyson and Sophia Owens, ACT’s Health & Wellness Administrator, are here to share all important events and reminders, so you can stay informed. From the Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Reward deadline on September 30th, to flu shot clinics and benefit fairs starting in early October, all the way to Open Enrollment in November, you don’t have to miss a thing. Listen in and mark your calendars as we head into a new benefit year in 2025.
Maximize Your Pharmacy Benefits
August 2024 Join Alyson and her guest, Tanya Riley, ZOLL’s Director of Health Plan Programs, as they share how to get the most out of your pharmacy benefits. Learn how these benefits work with your medical plan and get expert tips on saving money. With August being National Immunization Month, it’s the perfect time to discover how you and your family can optimize your pharmacy benefits for substantial cost savings. Tune in now for valuable insights and practical advice!
Improve Your Health with Coaching
July 2024 July is the perfect time to start earning your $500 Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Reward before the September 30 deadline. Crysta Wilson, Senior Clinical Support Specialist at our ACT division, joins Alyson as our first Wellness Champion to share how the Health Coaching has impacted her life, and helped her improve her overall well-being. She encourages us to take advantage of all that Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! has to offer. Watch to learn more and visit the Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Portal to get started.
Quality Sleep Can Be Life Changing
June 2024 In celebration of Men’s Health Month, Manu Robertson, a CMS Territory Manager, joins Alyson to share his life-changing experience using the WatchPAT® ONE Home Sleep Apnea Test. Quality sleep plays a huge role in your overall well-being. That’s why Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! is offering employees and spouses the opportunity to get tested for free!
National Mental Health Awareness Month
May 2024 As we recognize National Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we’re honored to have Verge Manyen, Senior Mechanical Engineer, share his personal mental health story. Verge’s candid account of resilience serves as both an inspiration and a reminder that prioritizing your mental health matters. By courageously stepping forward, he empowers others to do the same, fostering a culture of openness and support. Please note that he touches on very sensitive topics, such as suicide. Viewer discretion is advised.
Attend the Financial Wellness Education Series
April 2024 April is Financial Literacy Month. ZOLL and Fidelity have teamed up to help you get fiscally fit through the 2024 Financial Wellness Education Series , developed especially for you. Jenn Bare, Senior Benefits Specialist, joins Alyson to share information about our Q2 series webinars, focusing on Foundation Building. Listen in so you can learn how to get your financial questions answered and be entered to win a prize.
Be First on the Scene to Screen
March 2024 Alyson and Sophia are here to remind you that onsite Biometric and Blood Screenings are happening now at various ZOLL locations. Check here to locate one near you and register today. Need help? The Quest Registration Job Aid can guide you every step of the way. By completing your screening and other requirements by September 30, 2024, you will be on your way to your $500 Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Reward. Watch to learn how you can win a prize if you are First on the Scene to Screen by May 31.
Improve Your Zzzz!
February 2024 As part of the 2024 Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! program, you may qualify for a free home sleep apnea test (HSAT). Eric Knudsen, President of Itamar Medical, joins Alyson to explain the importance of addressing sleep disorders and how the HSAT can improve your Zzzz! Watch to learn more.
Let’s Make Your Financial Wellness a Priority in 2024
January 2024 Join Alyson and her guest, Jenn Bare, ZOLL Senior Benefits Specialist, as they start off the year with great news for you! ZOLL and Fidelity have teamed up to present the Financial Wellness Education Series to help you make your Financial Wellness a priority in 2024. Listen in for all the participation details, including how to earn an entry into a raffle drawing.
Delta Dental Earns a Smile
December 2023 Douglas Flott, WatchPat Direct Team Lead at Itamar, joined Alyson this month to share his great Delta Dental experience. It’s always reassuring to hear positive benefit experiences from our peers, which encourages us to get our preventive checkups. Alyson also reminds us to use our benefits before the year ends to take full advantage of the benefits that we pay for all year long.
Stay Mindful of Your Mental Health
October 2023 Alyson and Jess DeMarte, Respicardia’s Quality and Regulatory Affairs Senior Manager, as well as a certified life coach, share how to introduce balance and ease into your workday. Learn how you can reduce stress and prevent burnout with simple tips to manage your time, energy, and focus to get through your day. Jess will explain how to prioritize your health and well-being so you can bring your best self to work.
Hurry, There’s Still Time to Earn Your $500 Reward by September 30, 2023!
September 2023 Alyson and Sophia Franzese, Resuscitation’s Health & Wellness Administrator, are here to remind you that there is still time to earn your 500 points toward your $500 Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Reward by September 30, 2023. Not sure where you are in the process, visit the Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Portal today to check your points. From there you can register and complete your Health Assessment Questionnaire, schedule your Biometric and Blood Screening and reach out to a Health Coach to earn your points. Hurry, you got this!
Another Reason to Smile
August 2023 August is a great time to focus on preventive care and protect your smile. Alyson and Raelyn Mains from CMS remind us that our in-network routine dental cleanings and checkups are covered at 100% for plan members. Learn how getting a dental cleaning is the first step to saving money to spend on future dental expenses through Delta Dental’s Rollover Max feature. Good oral health and saving money keeps you smiling.
Get Active Outdoors!
July 2023 July is Parks and Recreation Month and a great time to get active outside and enjoy all the benefits that nature has to offer. Alyson is joined by Kyle Reslow, a Drafter CAD Operator from resuscitation, who shares how he and his family like to enjoy the great outdoors. Alyson reminds us that The Invitational Team Steps Challenge registration is open July 12 – August 1. Register now and remember your steps help you earn points toward your $500 Reward.
Be Mindful of Your Well-being During Men’s Health Month
June 2023 In June, we encourage the men in our lives to be more mindful of their well-being, as we celebrate Men’s Health Month. Alyson is joined by Zach Silvia, an account manager at UnitedHealthcare, to discuss why paying attention to your health is just as important for men as it is for women and children. Join them as they share more about men’s preventive care and screenings, as well as virtual and mental health care options.
Get Fit and Get Reimbursed!
May 2023 May is Global Employee Health and Fitness Month! Join Alyson and her guest, Tanya Riley, Sr. Manager of Health Plan Programs, as they discuss ways to stay healthy and fit, and get reimbursed. Visit Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! to learn more about our FREE award-winning wellness program. And be sure to claim your Fitness and/or Weight Loss reimbursements.
Financial Literacy Helps Build Financial Wellness
April 2023 April is Financial Literacy Month and a great time to think about cleaning up your finances. Join Alyson and John Halk, an Account Manager from CAPTRUST, as they explore how their advisement services can help you keep up with your financial wellness. Learn more at CAPTRUST or by calling 800-967-9948 to speak with a financial advisor for free.
LEADing the Way for Women!
March 2023 In March we honor the women in our lives as we celebrate International Women’s Day. Alyson is joined by Sarah Paratore, Resuscitation’s Copy Writer and Content Editor and a representative of the Women LEAD ERG. They discuss ways the ERG is helping women at ZOLL build their leadership skills and increase confidence to grow and prosper in the workplace.
Put Your Heart First!
February 2023 February is Heart Month! Join Alyson and guest Sophia Franzese, Resuscitation’s Health & Wellness Administrator, as they talk about ways we can be proactive about our own heart health and also help others.
New Year, New Habits
January 2023 It’s a new year, and there’s no better time to take your health and wellness to the next level. Alyson and guest Stephen Bittner, a Wellness Coordinator with ZOLL, talk about easy ways to focus on your healthy habits and how ZOLL’s Wellness Coordinators can help you feel your best.
Happy Holidays Start with a Happier, Healthier You
December 2022 Stressed about the holidays? Alyson and guest Mary Long, a Human Resources Generalist at ZOLL Circulation, share money-saving strategies, tips to help with seasonal depression and ways to stay balanced throughout the upcoming holiday season.
Your Mental Health Matters
October 2022 Feeling stressed? Alyson and guest Raelyn Mains, the HR Coordinator for Cardiac Management Solutions (CMS), dive into stress management to boost physical and mental health.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Earn $$
September 2022 Time is running out! Alyson and guest Kizzy De La Cruz-Nunez, an HR representative in Pawtucket, talk about the steps you can take to earn the Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! reward before the deadline.
Stay Fiscally Fit with a Checkup
August 2022 As we celebrate National Wellness Month and explore financial wellness too, Alyson welcomes guest Haley Karrick, a Communications Consultant at Fidelity Investments, to chat about the importance of regular financial checkups.
Enjoy the Sun Safely
July 2022 As we are in the midst of hot summer days, Alyson welcomes guest Sophia Franzese, a Health and Wellness Administrator at Resuscitation, to discuss tips to summer safety.
Bringing Awareness to Men’s Health and Brain Health
June 2022 This month, Alyson welcomes guest Matthew Wright, one of ZOLL’s Senior Human Resources Systems Analysts, to discuss creative ways to boost physical and emotional health.
Take a Step Toward Health
May 2022 This month, Alyson welcomes guest Dana Faulkner, one of our Wellness Coordinators, to chat about the Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Invitational Teams Steps Challenge.
Keep Stress Out of Your Finances
April 2022 In April, our focus is on managing stress during this financial season. Alyson discusses helpful ways to handle your financial responsibilities and manage the stress.
The Importance of Self-Care
March 2022 In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. Alyson explores the importance of self-care with her guests, Marium Khalid and Sarah Rogers from Pawtucket.
Welcome to Alyson’s Spotlight!
February 2022 This month Alyson welcomes guest Renee Cocozza, one of our Wellness Coordinators, to discuss how your blood pressure can impact your stress. With Healthy Hearts! Healthy You!, you will find the support you need to improve your health and your stress, and even be rewarded. Watch to learn more.
