The Quad Squad: Thriving Together Through Personal Support and Tuition Assistance

L to R: Humana Associates Maggie Hoyle, Anthony Deluna, Amber Cavaness and Bayley Terry

Empowerment is at the heart of social work. Social workers at Humana not only care deeply for our members and the programs that support them, but they also genuinely care for each other. 

“Caring, compassion and empathy are at the core of the social work profession,” said Amber Cavaness, Senior Quality Assurance Clinical Professional. “As social workers, we have skills that are transferrable, meaning we add value to any role.”

When one social worker, Maggie Hoyle, Manager with the Illinois Medicare-Medicaid Care Program, decided to embark on the journey of higher education, she recruited her husband and two other social work colleagues to join her. With the goal to expand their educational development with graduate degrees in a new field, they banded together to support one another and affectionately called themselves the Quad Squad.

Geographically separated but joined by a single goal—Amber in Louisiana, Bayley Terry, Senior Quality Compliance Professional in Kentucky, Maggie and husband, Anthony Deluna, Claims Research and Resolution Supervisor in Florida—each successfully earned their Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from Louisiana State University in Shreveport with support from Humana’s Tuition Assistance program for employees.

“Humana’s tuition reimbursement program was a huge deciding factor for me to pursue my MBA without having incurred any debt,” said Bayley. “I cannot speak more highly of this program,” said Amber. “We always have room to grow. Supporting that is such a profound human care benefit offered to our employees. I am so grateful.”

The Quad Squad was never alone on this journey. Humana may have provided the funds, but it was human connection that provided the emotional support and motivation to make it to graduation.

From health concerns to natural disasters, the Quad Squad ran into a few hurdles along the way but were always there to lift each other up and push forward.

“We provided support and encouragement along the way. Sometimes that meant an encouraging call or text, sometimes it meant helping to carry the other when a deadline was approaching—but we did it—we did it together,” said Bayley. “If it had not been for Humana, I most likely would never have met these wonderful people that are now truly lifelong friends that I was able to share this educational experience with every step of the way!”

If you are considering the pursuit of another degree or certification, listen to these final words of advice and know that Humana thrives when you thrive.

“My advice for anyone considering continuing education is this – GO FOR IT! You will gain a greater understanding of communication styles, technical skills, and ways to adapt to change. And that is a great thing!” said Maggie. “Stay open minded; listen to understand versus listen to respond. In this way, we can all thrive together.”

Interested in working for an organization committed to your personal and professional growth and development? Visit Careers.Humana.com to learn more and explore open job opportunities.