Hunter Hospitality House's incredible Administrative Assistant, Toni Forstner, at Hope Blooms 2024 with her beautiful daughters Aubrey and Savannah.
Hunter Hospitality House wouldn't be the same calm, cozy and organized place without our awesome Administrative Assistant, Toni Forstner, so we wanted you to get to know her a little better, so here's a little interview. Honestly, it took her FOREVER to decide on her answers to these questions. She's one of the most humble people you'll meet, not to mention kind and selfless.
Introducing...Toni!
Introducing...Toni!
Can you tell us a bit about your role at HHH and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
On a daily basis I process guest folders of when they check in and out, I am responsible for keeping our guest information numbers up to date for our impact reports and dashboard reports, I greet and interact with guests, I assist with any administrative needs that Tracy, Jeff, or Cullen may have. I also create most of the marketing materials you may see posted at the hospitals or for our fundraisers.
What do you enjoy most about working at HHH?
I enjoy meeting and assisting guests when I can, knowing that what I do on a daily basis helps make things a little better for our guests by them not needing to worry about lodging or amenities that we provide, reinforcing my belief that my work is meaningful and impactful.
What are some of the key projects or initiatives you've been involved in during your time here?
I have been involved with six Hope Blooms events, and the opening of the Family House.
What do you find most challenging about your role, and how do you overcome those challenges?
Managing tasks during busy periods like Hope Blooms planning can be quite a juggling act. To stay on top of things, I’ve made it a habit to keep a small notepad on my desk, jotting down daily to-dos and important reminders. With so much going on, remembering every detail can be a challenge!
Also, public speaking has always been an area of growth for me. I am gradually becoming more comfortable with it.
Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced while working at HHH?
Memorable moments for me often revolve around the bonds formed with our guests, especially during extended stays. As they become part of my daily routine, there’s a joy in greeting them each morning as they begin their day eating breakfast at the table. Listening to their stories, sharing in their journey, and offering well wishes. Over time, these long-term guests become more than just visitors, they become friends.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally in your role?
I stay motivated by participating in local workshops like the Blue Water Chamber's Lunch & Learns and attending networking events to discover fresh strategies for enhancing my role and adding new skills.
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy going out to eat, shopping, or playing board games. I love the warm weather and spending time swimming in my pool or the lake.
What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to pursue a career similar to yours?
For someone pursuing a career with a nonprofit, I would suggest they volunteer and become familiar with the nonprofit, its mission, and its goals.
How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
Balancing my work life with my personal life may be a little easier for me because I only work part-time. My workday currently ends when my children get home from school, leaving the afternoon and evenings open for family time.
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that the reader might not know?
Interesting fact about myself- I have a special bond with my grandmother and I normally spend Wednesday evenings visiting with her, chatting, and sometimes having a glass of wine. My daughters like to stop by on their way to or from dance to join us. When we leave my grandma will stand in the doorway and wave goodbye. It’s the highlight of our week.
What are some professional goals or aspirations you hope to achieve in the future?
Over the next year, I will be starting a new chapter in my personal life as both my daughters will be graduating high school and moving on to new adventures. I will also start a new journey and I aspire to attend more events and volunteer more, which I believe will enrich both my personal and professional life.
How do you contribute to HHH's culture and values?
I contribute to HHH’s culture and values by always putting the guests first, and spreading awareness to anyone I may meet who isn’t familiar with HHH and what we have to offer.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about yourself or your experience working at HHH?
My experience working at HHH has been unlike any other position I have had in the past. I have had the opportunity to connect with an array of individuals from community members and our guests to our dedicated volunteers, other nonprofit leaders, and local business owners. It is truly an enriching experience and has shown me all the wonderful things Port Huron has to offer.
On a daily basis I process guest folders of when they check in and out, I am responsible for keeping our guest information numbers up to date for our impact reports and dashboard reports, I greet and interact with guests, I assist with any administrative needs that Tracy, Jeff, or Cullen may have. I also create most of the marketing materials you may see posted at the hospitals or for our fundraisers.
What do you enjoy most about working at HHH?
I enjoy meeting and assisting guests when I can, knowing that what I do on a daily basis helps make things a little better for our guests by them not needing to worry about lodging or amenities that we provide, reinforcing my belief that my work is meaningful and impactful.
What are some of the key projects or initiatives you've been involved in during your time here?
I have been involved with six Hope Blooms events, and the opening of the Family House.
What do you find most challenging about your role, and how do you overcome those challenges?
Managing tasks during busy periods like Hope Blooms planning can be quite a juggling act. To stay on top of things, I’ve made it a habit to keep a small notepad on my desk, jotting down daily to-dos and important reminders. With so much going on, remembering every detail can be a challenge!
Also, public speaking has always been an area of growth for me. I am gradually becoming more comfortable with it.
Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced while working at HHH?
Memorable moments for me often revolve around the bonds formed with our guests, especially during extended stays. As they become part of my daily routine, there’s a joy in greeting them each morning as they begin their day eating breakfast at the table. Listening to their stories, sharing in their journey, and offering well wishes. Over time, these long-term guests become more than just visitors, they become friends.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally in your role?
I stay motivated by participating in local workshops like the Blue Water Chamber's Lunch & Learns and attending networking events to discover fresh strategies for enhancing my role and adding new skills.
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy going out to eat, shopping, or playing board games. I love the warm weather and spending time swimming in my pool or the lake.
What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to pursue a career similar to yours?
For someone pursuing a career with a nonprofit, I would suggest they volunteer and become familiar with the nonprofit, its mission, and its goals.
How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
Balancing my work life with my personal life may be a little easier for me because I only work part-time. My workday currently ends when my children get home from school, leaving the afternoon and evenings open for family time.
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that the reader might not know?
Interesting fact about myself- I have a special bond with my grandmother and I normally spend Wednesday evenings visiting with her, chatting, and sometimes having a glass of wine. My daughters like to stop by on their way to or from dance to join us. When we leave my grandma will stand in the doorway and wave goodbye. It’s the highlight of our week.
What are some professional goals or aspirations you hope to achieve in the future?
Over the next year, I will be starting a new chapter in my personal life as both my daughters will be graduating high school and moving on to new adventures. I will also start a new journey and I aspire to attend more events and volunteer more, which I believe will enrich both my personal and professional life.
How do you contribute to HHH's culture and values?
I contribute to HHH’s culture and values by always putting the guests first, and spreading awareness to anyone I may meet who isn’t familiar with HHH and what we have to offer.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about yourself or your experience working at HHH?
My experience working at HHH has been unlike any other position I have had in the past. I have had the opportunity to connect with an array of individuals from community members and our guests to our dedicated volunteers, other nonprofit leaders, and local business owners. It is truly an enriching experience and has shown me all the wonderful things Port Huron has to offer.
