A Path to Confidence and Leadership: Inside Strive Health’s Mentor Program 

Renee Dreiling saw an opportunity the moment she was promoted to Lead Care Coordinator, just six months into her role at Strive Health. She wanted to grow with intention as she managed a growing team and navigated leadership for the first time. So, Renee asked for a mentor. 

That decision sparked a mentorship with Strive RN and Clinical Services Manager Tammy Smith. Their relationship has shaped Renee’s confidence, leadership style and career trajectory for the past year and a half. 

At Strive, mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development. The Mentor Program pairs employees with experienced leaders who offer guidance, perspective and support. Renee and Tammy’s story shows what happens when that structure meets initiative, trust and shared purpose. 

Renee Dreiling | Lead Care Coordinator | Mentee 

Q: What prompted you to apply for the mentor program? 

A: I was promoted to Lead Care Coordinator within six months of joining Strive. I’d never been a manager before. I knew immediately that guidance would accelerate my growth, especially in leadership and team management. My first thought was that I need a mentor now. 

Q: How did your mentorship relationship work in practice? 

A: My first conversations with Tammy were about where I wanted to grow and how she could help me get there. Tammy let me drive our focus, but she always helped me think through the ‘how.’ If I brought up a challenge, she wouldn’t just give me the answer; she’d ask questions that helped me get there myself. That made a huge difference in my growth and confidence. 

Q: What specific career challenges or goals did you tackle during the program? 

A: Leadership. This was my first time as a team lead. Tammy helped me understand different leadership styles, how to step back and let my team work through problems and how to prepare for difficult conversations. She even suggested leadership books, which we read and discussed together. 

Q: What surprised you most about having a mentor? 

A: How personal and lasting the relationship with Tammy became. I didn’t expect to find such a steady, trusted presence in my life. My connection with Tammy has been the most meaningful part of this journey. 

Q: What’s one concrete outcome from this mentorship you’re proud of? 

A: The confidence I’ve gained to step into new opportunities without hesitation. I recently raised my hand for expanded responsibilities in 2026, which I never would have done before. I’m also a much more confident leader day-to-day. I manage a team of 10 now and give my team space to think, ask questions and grow, just as Tammy did for me. 

Q: How does this program reflect Strive’s values and culture? 

A: It shows that Strive truly invests in its people. In my previous roles, opportunities like this didn’t exist. Here, mentorship builds confidence, encourages growth and helps people feel supported as they take on new challenges. 

Q: What advice would you give someone considering the program? 

A: Do it! Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. It’s the best decision I’ve made at Strive.  

Tammy Smith | RN and Clinical Services Manager | Mentor 

Q: What drew you to volunteer as a mentor? 

A: I had such a great experience being a mentee myself that I wanted to pay it forward. Mentorship helped me navigate my role and grow professionally. I knew I wanted to offer that same support to someone else. 

Q: How did you approach your first meeting with Renee? 

A: We focused on getting to know each other as people first: personal background, interests and life outside of work. Then we talked about her goals, both short- and long-term, and decided what to tackle first. 

Q: How do you balance providing direction while letting the mentee drive the relationship? 

A: By listening first. Renee came in knowing what she wanted to work on, and my role was to help her think through the path, not dictate it. 

Q: What’s one concrete outcome from this mentorship you’re proud of? 

A: Watching Renee step forward with confidence has been incredibly rewarding. She didn’t shy away from change — she embraced it. Seeing her grow into a leader who’s focused on patients, not just tasks or titles, showed me the true impact of this partnership. 

Q: What did you learn from this experience? 

A: The Mentor Program made me a better leader, too. Renee became a sounding board for me, and her fresh perspective helped me think differently about my own work. 

Q: Why should other Strivers consider mentoring? 

A: It is incredibly rewarding to see your mentee grow and step into their potential. As a mentor, you give back in a purposeful way and grow alongside your mentee. 

Q: How does this program reflect Strive’s values and culture? 

A: This mentorship program brings Strive’s values to life. It’s about care, growth and excellence, not just in theory, but in action. Mentorship helps people see their own potential and gives them the tools and confidence to step into it. 

At Strive, mentorship is a partnership built on openness, shared growth and the belief that people do their best work when someone truly invests in their success.  

Join Us 

If you’re passionate about building your career while making a meaningful impact, Strive is where you belong. Learn more and apply to join Strive’s team today at https://strivehealth.com/careers/