Calmerry Turns 3: Chats with the Team Behind the Scenes
In this article
Celebrating milestones gives us a moment to pause, reflect, grow, and express gratitude.
As we mark the third anniversary, we thought it would be a great opportunity to pull back the curtain and introduce you to the Calmerians – people behind the scenes who keep Calmerry’s blue heart pulsating with care, innovation, and commitment. 💙
In this intimate chat, we’ll share the experiences, insights, and personal stories of six of our team members.
Nick Kalinich – Product Manager
I’m responsible for technically complex pieces of product.
How has working at Calmerry influenced or changed your understanding of mental health?
Before I worked in Calmerry, I understood the importance of working with mental health and generally understood what types of issues people encounter. Now I know dozens more of arcane medical abbreviations, assessments, and credentialing types and can almost cite HIPAA guidelines when woken up at night.
However, more importantly, I understand now that each person needs a personalized approach with no golden bullet, even for similar types of issues: some love messaging with no videos, some prefer face-to-face sessions, and some want to do self-therapy exercises with therapists acting more like coaches.
And therapy progresses for each person differently, and that’s why a platform like ours should have a set of various tools that help clients walk their own path of self-exploration and healing.
What do you find most rewarding in your role at Calmerry?
The most rewarding is targeting the painful issues of users and solving them by exceeding their expectations (be it clients, therapists, or internal users).
Do you have a story about some challenging aspects of your role at Calmerry? How did you handle them?
Maybe the most challenging part is when a non-reproducible technical issue happens.
For example, a client may say: “I had issues with my audio at the session,” but we know that the majority don’t have these issues. And so much detective work is involved in understanding whether it was the issue with the device of the user, the device of the other person on the session, network quality, permission set-up by the user, the issue with our infrastructure, or something else completely.
And so we are both building this advanced infrastructure which helps us to better understand the reported issues, improve the stability even for edge cases, and in the process do lots of communication activities where we try to help users to set up their device and permission correctly or notify them if their network connection is not the best right now.
So definitely challenging, but interesting at the same time!
What’s your personal go-to coping strategy that helps you navigate challenging times outside work?
My most used coping strategy is immersing myself in relaxing exploration (which may include immersing myself in new geographical, historical, or fictional worlds).
What does Calmerry’s mission mean to you personally?
For me personally, Calmerry’s mission is to help people build their mental infrastructure on a scale.
Developments in technology and economy helped create strong utilities, markets, and entertainment ecosystems. But one still needs an additional mental layer above that to learn how to cope with modern challenges and use modern opportunities to make or maintain oneself a fulfilled person.
And another mission for me is helping therapists to be fulfilled professionals with less amount of repetitive tasks and burnout risks. So, I am glad that we recently started making our team stronger in terms of the tools we build for therapists, even if we have a relatively strong set already.
My journey with Calmerry has been insightful and a joy. The flexibility I have in providing care to my clients allows me to have a great work-life balance and make time for self-care so I don’t experience burnout.
What 3 words come to mind when you think of the Calmerry team?
Optimistic, energetic, evolving
Is there a particular thing about Calmerry, the team, or our community that keeps you motivated during challenging times?
I’m most often motivated knowing that we have thousands of clients who got the needed life boost from the service. And more narrowly – seeing grateful comments for the improvements we make in feedback surveys or conversations with customers.
Which moment at Calmerry made you feel most proud to be a part of this team?
I guess the strongest one was when we completely rebuilt the product from scratch and were launching it to thousands of users on the launch weekend, with the team working around the clock to make this experience as smooth as possible, genuinely caring for each client or therapist who encountered any obstacle in the process.
What advice or insight would you give to someone looking to lead or manage in the mental health sector?
One needs to be ready to look at everything through compliance lenses, as your hands are much more tied in what you can do product-wise compared to, let’s say, Netflix or Tinder. But you learn with time to look at everything compliance-first and have it as a part of your product mindset and company DNA.
Is there specific feedback or testimonial from a client that has stayed with you? Maybe, there’s the one that became valuable for growth and improvement.
Almost all of our product decisions take inspiration from past customer feedback. So, for me, it’s an organized process working with that.
But what stays with me for longer are often the stories of customers with broken lives who didn’t have strong social support and, for a long time, weren’t able to get help because of their insurance limitations or the low availability of their local therapists. And when they were finally able to find what they needed at Calmerry, learning to get their life back on track with the help of a caring professional.
How do you feel when you come across negative feedback from a client?
For me, as a product manager, it’s a great opportunity to get more ideas for new features.
But more short-term, always trying to find a temporary solution to a client’s needs, even if it sometimes involves recommending them a different solution (as the format we have is useful for most, but not for everybody).
What’s one thing about Calmerry that you wish more people knew?
It’s more of a light-hearted variety, but it is that our support team are real people, just who are experienced in responding and acting quickly.
We have one of the best support teams in the whole healthcare market, and people are sometimes incredulous when they get a solution to their request in minutes, when with the other services, they often need to wait days.
So yes, these are real caring people, just very efficient.
Maryna Semchenko – Product Marketing Manager
I’m a Product Marketing Manager, responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies to tell more people about our mental health platform.
My duties involve understanding the needs of our audience and the therapists community, working closely with the product team, and ensuring that our offerings and messages resonate with potential users.
What’s cool about Calmerry?
Working at Calmerry is exhilarating because of the freedom to experiment and test. As a startup, we move rapidly, testing hypotheses and quickly pivoting away from strategies that don’t align.
Beyond our strategic approach, what sets Calmerry apart is its exceptional team and dedicated therapists, all working cohesively towards our shared vision.
I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with you in the past few months. Thank you for pushing me professionally. Happy Birthday to Calmerry!
– Angelika Paulina Kołomańska, Psychologist, Clinical sexologist at Calmerry
And the last one, I believe we’re not just a platform that offers a service – we’re literally on a quest to redefine mental well-being and make it accessible to all.
What do you find most rewarding in your role at Calmerry?
It fills me with immense pride and purpose to see individuals finding support and renewed hope through our platform, knowing that we do contribute to their journey towards better mental well-being.
It’s so important for me to really get to know our users and understand what they’re going through.
As I dive into diverse people’s experiences, it becomes clear that we need to keep innovating and adapting our platform to make sure we’re providing the best support they need.
I love that we identify new opportunities and tailor our strategies to make sure that Calmerry is always there for as many people as we can reach.
What’s your personal go-to coping strategy that helps you navigate challenging times outside work?
First, it’s important for me to change my activities regularly. I attend new sports classes every week or at least once every two weeks, as it helps me feel invigorated and provides me with a fresh perspective.
The last time I attended an outdoor yoga class, it was my second experience with yoga after an unsuccessful first 🙂 And it really helps me calm down and relax.
And, of course, I have 2-3 regular sports activities a week.
I also set aside some “me-time” during the weekends. It helps me recharge and navigate challenging times more effectively. By having a day to myself, away from the hustle and bustle, I can rejuvenate my energy levels and approach the upcoming week with greater enthusiasm!
What does Calmerry’s mission mean to you personally?
I absolutely share Calmerry’s mission is to provide accessible and effective mental health resources and support. We’re inspired to foster a community where everyone feels understood and empowered to take charge of their well-being.
I’m passionate about mindfulness and well-being, and I strive to incorporate this passion into promoting the values and benefits of our platform.
I strongly believe that mental health is as important as physical health. Working with Calmerry allows me to support the importance of improving people’s lives and join in creating a world where mental health is a top priority and where we fight against the stigma.
How do you feel when you come across negative feedback from a client?
Negative feedback from clients is valuable to me. It’s an opportunity for growth and development. I approach it with an open mind and want to understand the root cause of their dissatisfaction.
I see it as a chance to gain valuable insights into areas of my and my tram’s work that may need refinement.
Every feedback, good or bad, helps us improve our services and provide the best possible experience for our clients.
Kate Datsiuk – Senior Sales Development Specialist
As a Senior Sales Development Specialist for Calmerry, my primary goal is to bridge the gap between individuals who may be silently struggling and the empowering support provided by online therapy sessions.
What’s cool about Calmerry?
Calmerry is making people’s lives better. Literally.
How has working at Calmerry influenced or changed your understanding of mental health?
A decade ago, mental health support was out of reach for many people. Today, with the entire world living an active online life, anyone in urgent need can access the help they require promptly.
I’m grateful to Calmerry for making it so easy to obtain support when needed.
My journey at Calmerry has been wonderful, and a lot of learning. It gives me joy to be able to help those who need it.
– Cristy M. Alvarado Torres, Doctor in Psychological Counseling, Licensed Counseling Psychologist at Calmerry
What do you find most rewarding in your role at Calmerry?
Contribution to a greater good. Knowing that people who are struggling can now receive the help they need brings me a sense of emotional fulfillment.
What’s your personal go-to coping strategy that helps you navigate challenging times outside work?
Listen to what my intuition wants to say. And, of course, turn on my favorite music and drink a hot cup of black tea.
What does Calmerry’s mission mean to you personally?
Promoting the importance of mental health saves numerous lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our team of professionals who make a difference every single day.
What 3 words come to mind when you think of the Calmerry team?
Koala, support, blue heart 💙
Which moment at Calmerry made you feel most proud to be a part of this team?
Knowing that every day, someone can change their life and become a happier and healthier person.
What advice or insight would you give to someone looking to lead or manage in the mental health sector?
Make it your mission to help. Do it from the bottom of your heart.
– Kate Datsiuk, Senior Sales Development Specialist at Calmerry
What’s one thing about Calmerry that you wish more people knew?
It has a lot of potential!
Albina Galiza – Partnership Manager
Here at Calmerry, my role involves helping employers expand their mental health and well-being programs to meet the ever-growing demand for mental health care among employees.
I also collaborate with other providers to combine our efforts in making mental health services more accessible, seamless, and normalized.
What’s cool about Calmerry?
Its mission and its people 💙
What do you find most rewarding in your role at Calmerry?
As a person who faced burnout in the past, I’m inspired to work alongside leaders who promote mental health, creating a workplace culture that values interpersonal skills, empathy, and emotional well-being.
Do you have a story about some challenging aspects of your role at Calmerry? How did you handle them?
When I joined the project over two years ago, there was no B2B direction, and I had no prior experience in B2B development.
Nevertheless, my intuition guided me to start it from the ground up because I had the support of my manager and the entire team. I will be forever grateful to them.
What does Calmerry’s mission mean to you personally?
Help people along their way to becoming better versions of themselves.
What 3 words come to mind when you think of the Calmerry team?
Collaboration, alignment, professionalism
Is there a particular thing about Calmerry, the team, or our community that keeps you motivated during challenging times?
The initial support I received from the team when I joined the project. I can’t let these people down.
What advice or insight would you give to someone looking to lead or manage in the mental health sector?
If it resonates with your sense of purpose, don’t hesitate – just go for it. When you’re dedicated and motivated, you’ll always discover a way to tackle challenges and achieve success. Consistency is the key.
Is there specific feedback or testimonial from a client that has stayed with you? Maybe, there’s the one that became valuable for growth and improvement.
“I am thankful that the Calmerry has allowed me to support and care for my team. Work and life in general can be difficult and I feel, as and employer, I need to help my team process their emotions. My team knows that I care about them.”
How do you feel when you come across negative feedback from a client?
I consistently seek feedback and genuinely value everyone who takes the time to share their thoughts. Negative feedback, in particular, guides us in improving our service, and, to me, it’s truly invaluable.
What’s one thing about Calmerry that you wish more people knew?
We place a strong emphasis on a personalized approach in our work. With us, you won’t merely receive a vendor – you’ll gain a caring partner.
Olha Hrynenko – Senior UI/UX Designer
I’m an amazing designer. I do my best to make our website and social media pages look magical.
What do you find most rewarding in your role at Calmerry?
I’m happy when people share or find helpful and resonating the content I’ve contributed to. This is the fastest and most obvious reward, which helps me understand that I’m not doing my work in vain.
What’s your personal go-to coping strategy that helps you navigate challenging times outside work?
I give myself a little time to analyze any challenging situation. For me, it’s best to do something pleasant during this time. Then, the next morning, I wake up with a ready-made decision or action plan in my head.
If the challenge is urgent, I collect several opinions from people who can help me solve the situation. This doesn’t mean I will follow each piece of advice, though. But this gives me the opportunity to look at the problem from different angles.
How do you feel when you come across negative feedback from a client?
At first, I’m a little sad 🙁 And then, I go find out the reasons for the negative feedback.
Communication is key for the productivity and mental health of the team and clients.
– Olha Hrynenko, Senior UI/UX Designer at Calmerry
Asking the right questions helps me understand the reasons for such feedback, reduce client’s dissatisfaction, understand their preferences better, and improve my work.
Anastasiia Goryanska – Content Marketing Manager
I orchestrate different communication channels and help people feel validated through content.
How has working at Calmerry influenced or changed your understanding of mental health?
Profoundly! Working at Calmerry has changed not just how I think about mental health but also how I feel about my own.
You see, being a content marketer means you really get deeply into what you’re building and talking about. In my case, it’s been all about mental health. I’m always engrossed in research, have discussions with wonderful mental health professionals, and listen to personal stories.
It’s much more than just knowledge, though. It’s about feeling and understanding the emotions behind every story and fact. It’s made me more introspective and helped me become much more self-aware and improve empathy toward extremely diverse people’s experiences.
I’ve noticed this change in our team, too – based on how openly we talk about mental health without any stigma.
But perhaps the most significant shift for me was a personal one. Joining Calmerry pushed me to start my therapy journey. Well, that’s a whole new story of a more balanced and happier me:)
What do you find most rewarding in your role at Calmerry?
Every day, with every content piece, I get the chance to deliver that supporting voice for someone who might have felt isolated or misunderstood. It’s incredibly fulfilling to bridge the gap for those who, for various reasons, couldn’t access or find the help they needed.
Knowing that my and my team’s efforts can potentially light up someone’s path, even if just a little, gives me that important feeling of meaning and purpose in my role.
– Anastasiia Goryanska, Content Marketing Manager at Calmerry
Do you have a story about some challenging aspects of your role at Calmerry? How did you handle them?
I’ll share a challenging aspect content marketers need to talk about more. The most significant one is emotional burnout.
Being immersed daily in mental health content related to people’s struggles, traumas, anxieties, and emotional hardships can be enlightening but definitely leaves its emotional weight. Especially when grappling with personal life stressors.
You empathize, you resonate, and sometimes, you absorb.
And then there is this push to be timely and relevant and the need to ensure the accuracy and sensitivity of the information you’re putting out to people. It may become a balancing act between delivering helpful mental health content and maintaining your own mental health.
How do I handle these? Honestly, it’s enough material for its own article! But if I were to give a key message to every specialist out there – prioritizing your well-being isn’t a buzzword. The way you eat, sleep, exercise, enrich your days with hobbies – and, overall, add life to your life – does matter.
What’s your personal go-to coping strategy that helps you navigate challenging times outside work?
The toolkit depends on a challenge! But I usually immerse myself in the sacral “me-time” day(s). Nothing extraordinary, just going with the spontaneous flow of my inner needs – whether to play video games, binge series, make something artsy or tasty, stroll around the mall, or escape to my own fantasy worlds.
What 3 words come to mind when you think of the Calmerry team?
Energetic, invested, caring.
What advice or insight would you give to someone looking to lead or manage in the mental health sector?
I’d say, “Lead with passion, integrity, and mental health culture in mind.”
We at Calmerry see that more and more businesses in different domains are adopting the evolution of mental health understanding and how to support employees. And when it comes to the mental health field, this is literally what you’re “breathe in and breathe out” as a leader – this field is about connecting, understanding, caring, and emphasizing with your clients, professionals, as well as the internal team.
Empathy is everything here. I believe this field is for those who genuinely want to make an impact. So, in the whirlwind of business goals and team management, it’s important not to lose sight of the primary mission – helping people.
– Anastasiia Goryanska, Content Marketing Manager at Calmerry
What’s one thing about Calmerry that you wish more people knew?
My team is made up of amazing people, each with their unique personal stories, traits, challenges, joys, and sorrows. They truly rejoice in our clients’ progress and take it to heart when things don’t go as planned.
As I have the honor of finishing this article right now, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Calmerry team to our exceptional mental health professionals and to every person who has trusted us with their journey.
Happy Anniversary, Calmerry! 💙
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