Staff Spotlight: Meet VBC Katalina Bonds
This week’s Staff Spotlight features our Veteran Benefits Counselor!
Name: Katalina Bonds
Role at ADVS: Veteran Benefits Counselor
When did you start at ADVS: January 10, 2023
Did you serve in the military: Yes, I served in the U.S. Army for 2 years as a E-4 Supply Specialist and Armorer, stationed in Heidelberg, Germany.
Did anyone in your family serve: My oldest brother joined the Navy in 1984 and served on the USS Kittyhawk aircraft carrier.
What do you do at ADVS: I started out as an Administrative Assistant scheduling appointments for our veterans to meet with our Veteran Benefit Counselors (VBCs) and now I am a VBC myself. I help advocate for service members, Veterans and their families by helping Veterans navigate the VA system.
Why did you decide to join ADVS: As an Executive Assistant most of my career, I have always had a desire to serve people and after raising two son's on the autism spectrum and being a contribution in the special needs population, I saw my opportunity to serve another population in great need of people who will assist them figure their way through the VA system.
Why is your job important to helping Arizona Veterans: I have spoken to thousands of veterans over the course of my time as an Administrative Assistant at ADVS and so many are relieved when they find us because we are that hand that will assist them through the VA process to obtain the benefits they are entitled to.
What do you enjoy about working at ADVS: The people who work at ADVS have a desire to help others, I have not found that kind of genuine care of others in all my years of working in the corporate world.
Outside of ADVS, what do you enjoy doing: I enjoy physical activities most of all, hiking, swimming, walking, bike riding, etc. I also enjoy music and dancing.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be: My superpower would be knowing at all times the next step to take in anything I am working on.
Thank you for the work you do for our Arizona Veterans!