Finding Purpose in Recovery
Aaron Watson calls on his intimate experience to help him help others through his work at Chestnut Health Systems™.
“I am in recovery,” he said unapologetically. Aaron started his career at Chestnut late 2025 as the first voice people hear when calling the main number. He was transitioned to an access and admission specialist after his delivery of excellent service and now connects patients to recommended services.
“This is not always a place you call when everything is going perfectly well,” he said. It takes a special personality to consistently display the patience needed to help callers feel supported.
“I understand where they're coming from ─ at least I know my own story and how I traveled through it,” he said. “Being able to exercise that humility ─ that understanding ─ that compassion ─ that kindness ─ it's a spiritual experience getting to do that.”
Smart Business Models
While compassion remains at the root, Chestnut operates under a philosophy that goes beyond that. Meaningful help requires more than good intentions. It depends on thoughtfully designed structures and effective processes that ensure people truly get the support they need.
“I’m kind of a nerd for workflows,” he said, adding he is fascinated with his role in the chain and how his performance affects things down the road. These workflows come alive at Chestnut through the dedicated personnel.
“There's a great open-door philosophy with our management team,” he said. “I love the team that we have here… just being able to gel with them ─ know that they are there and that we can help support each other, means the world.”
Powered by Purpose
Work at Chestnut comes with more than just a paycheck. For employees like Aaron, who have experienced similar struggles as some Chestnut clients, it can be the chance to help people the way they were once helped.
“A job where you are helping people get the services they are looking for is in and of itself a reward. Having worked in different areas since graduating college in 1997, landing here has been sort of a culmination of figuring that out over the past 30 years. And I'm grateful for it. It's very humbling.”
Chestnut is a place where you can excel among the industry’s best talent and your personal experience is an asset. Find your path today at chestnut.org/careers.