Employee Spotlight: Maryann Lao

Every organization has those rare individuals who quietly make everything better just by being there. The ones who never seek the spotlight but somehow shine the brightest. At Alexander Youth Network, that person is Maryann Lao.

For the past ten years, Maryann has been more than just a team member. She has been the heartbeat of our Charlotte office. The one who remembers everyone’s name. The one who makes new staff feel instantly welcome. The one who finds solutions before anyone else even realizes there’s a problem. She is the kind of person who shows up fully and consistently for everyone.

Maryann’s story with Alexander Youth Network began in 2015 as a bright and eager intern at the Charlotte Outpatient office. Her work ethic and warmth didn’t go unnoticed, and shortly after, she accepted a role as a Medical Records Specialist. From there, she transitioned into the HR team as an Administrative Assistant, where she found a new rhythm in supporting staff. And now, in 2025, we are overjoyed to celebrate her well-earned promotion to HR Coordinator.

“This promotion means the world to me,” Maryann shared with a smile. “It is more than a title, it’s a recognition of every moment I have poured into this place. It is the start of something new and meaningful, and I am ready to embrace the challenges ahead.”

In her new role, Maryann will take the lead on onboarding new staff, deepening employee engagement, and strengthening compliance. But for those who know her well, the impact of this new chapter goes far beyond tasks and job descriptions. Maryann is the person who gives people the confidence to begin. The one who ensures new hires feel heard and supported. She is the kind of leader who leads with heart.

What makes Maryann so special is her ability to connect, to truly see people. Over the years, she has helped hundreds of staff, families, visitors, and children. Whether someone is walking through our doors for the first time or facing a tough day, Maryann greets them with a genuine smile, a calm presence, and a can-do attitude that never fails to lift spirits.

When asked what has kept her at Alexander Youth Network for nearly a decade, she paused thoughtfully and said:

“I have been challenged and stretched in the best ways here. I have learned to believe in myself, to trust the process, and to grow through every change. But more than that, I have stayed because I believe in the mission. I believe in the people. I feel lucky to be part of something that truly matters.”

Her advice for those just beginning their journey at Alexander Youth Network is as heartfelt as she is:

“Be patient with yourself. You won’t have all the answers right away and that’s okay. Stay open to learning, ask questions, and build relationships. Your growth will surprise you if you let it.”

Maryann defines success as creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive. And she lives by that definition daily. She brings joy and compassion to her work, always ready with a helpful answer or a light-hearted laugh to make someone’s day a little brighter.

And when the workday winds down, Maryann recharges by doing something many wouldn’t guess—cross-stitching. “It helps me relax and gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she said. “Plus, it reminds me that something beautiful takes time and care. That’s how I try to approach life, too.”

It is fitting that Maryann loves cross-stitching because she has spent the last ten years stitching the fabric of AYN together—thread by thread, moment by moment—with care, intention, and love. To know Maryann is to know grace in action. We are beyond proud to have her on our team and cannot wait to see all the ways she will continue to grow and inspire others in her new role. Maryann, thank you for everything. You are the glue, the heartbeat, and the light at Alexander Youth Network. We are better because of you!

Written by Shay Woodard