In celebration of Availity’s 25th anniversary, we’re highlighting associates whose impact and dedication have helped shape who we are today. Through this special Associate Spotlight series, we’re honoring the people behind our story—past, present, and future.
In this Q&A, we’re proud to spotlight Sonya A., who shares reflections on her journey, the moments that mattered most, and what continues to inspire her as part of Availity.
When did you join Availity, what was your first role, and what do you remember most about your first year?
I joined Availity in 2006, and my first role was executive assistant to Julie Klapstein. What I remember most about my first year was learning the pace and culture of Availity. It was a time of building relationships and understanding how Availity operated.
What’s kept you here the longest?
I’ve stayed at Availity because of the people, the culture, and the work we get to do. It’s always felt like a place where relationships matter, people care, and there’s always something new to learn.
What are you most proud of from your time at Availity?
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built and the role I’ve played in supporting our leaders, board members, and teams through important moments in Availity’s growth. Whether coordinating meetings, preparing materials, managing logistics, or helping keep priorities moving, I take pride in being a dependable partner behind the scenes.
Who mentored you in the early days, and what craft or standard did they pass down that still defines us?
Anita Thomson mentored me in the early days. She demonstrated the importance of holding a high standard, paying close attention to detail, and approaching the work with professionalism and consistency.
When you think about our Core Values, which one resonates the most with you and which do you think will propel us through the next 25 years?
Do the Right Thing and Explore Fearlessly.
What are three words you’d use to describe Availity today?
Evolving, exciting, ever-changing.
What’s a time Availity’s reliability or recovery made a difference (for a provider, plan, or patient experience)?
Change Health. When issues are resolved quickly, it helps create a smoother experience for patients.
What’s one “tiny way” your team removes friction from healthcare that most people never see?
A lot of the admin teamwork happens quietly behind the scenes—coordinating calendars, preparing materials, managing logistics, and making sure the right people have what they need at the right time. It may seem small, but those details help reduce delays, keep communication flowing, and support the bigger work of making healthcare simpler.
What’s one small improvement that made work noticeably better?
Electronic board books made a huge difference. It may sound simple, but moving away from printed board materials made everything easier—faster updates, less paper, fewer last-minute printing issues, and a much more efficient process.
What’s the best part of your day‑to‑day work?
The best part of my day-to-day work is the variety and the people. No two days are exactly the same, and I enjoy being able to help keep things moving, solve problems, and support the team in ways that make their day a little easier. It’s rewarding to be part of work that matters and to know that even the small details can make a big difference.
If you wrote “Dear Availity, 2050”, what would you tell future colleagues to protect—or to boldly change?
Boldly change anything that creates unnecessary friction. Keep exploring fearlessly, challenge outdated processes, and use new tools and ideas to make healthcare simpler and faster.
Thank you, Sonya, for your dedication and the impact you’ve made in helping shape Availity’s story over the past 25 years!