Values Ambassador Spotlight: Grecia Nebel

Value: Leadership     |     Nominated by: Cara Rapp

Leaders earn trust by building relationships, rapport, and reinforced consistency, because strong organizations are built not just on systems but on people and the leaders who invest in them.

While Grecia’s role is within Human Resources, her impact extends far beyond policies and processes because she understands that when employees feel heard and supported, they are better equipped to care for the children we serve. With more than 20 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, her perspective is invaluable in guiding conversations, offering solutions, and helping leaders navigate workplace situations with confidence.

“On any given day, you can walk past Grecia’s office and see staff lined up at her door,” said Cara Rapp, Heartspring Director of Admissions & Student Outreach. “Whether it’s a quick question or a deeper conversation, Grecia makes time for every single person.”

Grecia wanted a job where she could apply her extensive experience while also diving into more HR responsibilities, and at Heartspring, she found the best of both worlds.

Grecia’s leadership helps reinforce a culture where relationships, empathy, accountability, and teamwork are valued alongside performance and outcomes.

It’s important to help others succeed.

– Grecia Nebel

Hearing that you need to speak to HR can feel like the adult equivalent of being called to the principal’s office, but Grecia puts relationships and collaboration at the forefront of every conversation. From someone who’s been in the same shoes as the employees who enter her office, Grecia knows that fostering staff’s development and growth circles back to the services and quality of care we provide children and families.

Even in the face of competing priorities, her approach has remained consistent: accessible, thoughtful, focused on solutions, and with a genuine commitment to helping staff succeed.

“She actively listens, engages thoughtfully, and provides guidance, coaching, and input where appropriate to support employees and leaders,” said Makala Navarro, Heartspring Chief Talent & Culture Officer. “By continuing to show up with humility, warmth, and unwavering commitment to people, she will continue to positively shape our culture and serve as a meaningful example of our organizational values in action.”

Through her calm and confident presence, she helps create an environment where leaders and employees feel supported, heard, and respected, even during difficult or complex situations.

We are deeply invested in making Heartspring a better place for every child we serve and staff member we hire. As our latest Values Ambassador, we know Grecia will continue to coach leaders, strengthen teams, and support staff’s career growth.

At Heartspring, we value excellence, celebration, leadership, service, possibility, and integrity.

Our Values Ambassadors put Heartspring’s mission into action — going above and beyond to empower children to realize their full potential, support families, and help young people build skills for life beyond our campus.