November Ambassador ‘is a constant source of positivity and encouragement’

Hearing Nader Nayeri's outlook on life can put a smile on anyone's face.

"I wake up each day with a sense of wonderment about what life has in store for me," he said. "I look forward to challenges and enjoy every moment. I truly believe happiness is a choice you have to actively work on, so I choose to be happy and strive for it every day."

Nayeri has been with Reid Health for a little more than a year, working as an office assistant at Reid's Urgent Care location in Richmond.

"The best thing about my position is interacting with people. When you see patients at their lowest points - feeling sick or low on energy - if I can make them feel a little more comfortable or bring a smile to their face, it makes my day," said Reid's Ambassador for the month of November.

Nayeri's colleagues say he can make anyone's day a little brighter.

"From the moment patients walk through our doors, they're greeted by a friendly smile, a warm welcome, and a positive attitude that immediately puts them at ease," one person said. "Nader serves as the voice and face of our office, consistently creating a welcoming environment for patients, families, and co-workers alike.

"He's a constant source of positivity and encouragement within our team. His uplifting attitude boosts morale, fosters teamwork, and helps create a culture where both patients and staff feel valued and supported."

Nayeri's journey to Richmond and Reid Health was a winding one. Born in Cebu City in the Philippines, he moved to Iran when he was 2 years old. He later returned to the Philippines for college and then back to Iran to work in the telecommunications industry for 15 years while he progressed through the U.S. immigration process before finally reuniting with his mother - a U.S. citizen - here.

"It has been a long journey, requiring me to embrace a new culture and a new life, but it brought me to a brand-new, wonderful world," he said.

While at Reid for a test, Nayeri mentioned to a staff member he was looking for a job.

"She suggested, 'Why not apply at Reid? It's a wonderful place to work, and your background in telecom and IT would be very helpful here,'" he said. "As soon as I got my documentation in order, I applied. I was so happy to be given the chance to work here, and now, a year later, here I am!"

A gamer who enjoys horror and sci-fi movies, Nayeri likes to sing (he used to do musical theater) and swim and he's teaching fencing at Earlham College (he was a college champion in the sport in the Philippines). He also can speak three languages - English, Farsi, and a bit of Filipino.

"Nader is amazing in so many ways," a co-worker said. "I've never seen him without a smile on his face. He's extremely kind on the phone to our patients and staff and will help anyone who needs it. He's so thankful to be a part of Reid and it shows in his daily tasks. We are blessed to have him!"