TCOM Staff Engagement Committee lays foundation for staff engagement
When staff members across UNT Health Fort Worth come together, meaningful connections can extend beyond the walls of their individual departments.
That was the vision behind the inaugural TCOM Staff Engagement Committee, launched in 2026 to foster collaboration, communication, recognition and engagement among staff across the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Departments of Public Health and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Clinical Practice Group.
The inaugural committee included Annie Mathew, Beth Lucy-Speidel, Ashley Gomez, Dahlia Gomez, Jessica Arroyo, Tiffany Gardner, Ashley Leon, Maya McMillian, Kimberly Rossiter and Lizbeth Rodriguez. In its first few months, the committee established the foundation for continued staff engagement and connection across the newly aligned colleges and programs.
The committee kicked off its work May 4 with a Star Wars-themed staff appreciation event inspired by the cultural holiday. Embracing the theme of “joining forces,” the event celebrated the organizational changes bringing the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Public Health, Physician Assistant Studies and the Clinical Practice Group together.
The event gave staff across programs and departments an opportunity to meet and connect with colleagues they might not otherwise work with.
“Our staff are essential to TCOM’s success, and the Staff Engagement Committee provides an important avenue to celebrate the incredible contributions of our staff while creating opportunities to build relationships and forge new friendships,” said Lisa Nash, DO, MS-HPEd, FAAFP, vice president of clinical affairs and dean of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. “I am grateful to the leaders for their willingness to serve and help foster an engaged, connected and supportive workplace.”
The inaugural committee continued its efforts on June 23 with the “Better Together Summer Social,” which drew on one of UNT Health’s core values. The value emphasizes fostering an environment of respect, belonging and access for all while supporting efforts to remove barriers to working together.
The come-and-go event featured snacks, games and a dirty soda bar, giving staff an informal opportunity to connect with colleagues. Its flexible format was particularly convenient for members of the Clinical Practice Group, whose schedules can make it challenging to participate in traditional staff events.
Together, the events established a foundation for the committee’s broader mission: creating meaningful opportunities for staff engagement, recognition, communication and fellowship across departments and disciplines.
Continuing the work
In addition to organizing events and activities, the TCOM Staff Engagement Committee provides input and recommendations to the college’s leadership team on matters related to staff well-being, interdepartmental networking and workplace culture. The committee also serves as a forum for sharing information and resources and for identifying staff concerns related to engagement and communication.
As the inaugural committee concludes its term, a new group of staff members will continue that work.
Members of the 2026-27 TCOM Staff Engagement Committee were nominated and elected to serve one-year terms beginning Sept. 1. The new committee includes:
- Holly Hennig, chair
- Nora Cantu, vice chair
- Alyssa Overbey, secretary
- Esme Anaab, data/assessment liaison
- Marvis Orzek, budget liaison
- Maya McMillian, communications liaison
- Celeste Castorena, events liaison
Together, the new committee will build on the foundation established by its inaugural members while continuing to create opportunities for staff to connect, collaborate and contribute to the TCOM community. Its work reflects the broader goal of creating an inclusive environment where staff can participate in ways that align with their interests, availability and preferences.
As TCOM continues to evolve, the Staff Engagement Committee will help ensure that staff have opportunities not only to navigate change together but also to celebrate the people who make the community stronger.