#TeamAlegeus wants to learn more about you. Tell us a bit about yourself and your role here at Alegeus.
My name is Sara DeAvilla, and I’ve been with Alegeus for six years. I was recently promoted to Team Lead for the newly branded Education team. In this role, I lead a group of trainers who work closely with both our partners and staff, ensuring they have a solid understanding of our organization, industry, and the necessary navigation skills within our various proprietary software systems.
What initially attracted you to Alegeus and more importantly, what keeps you coming back for more?
I was initially drawn to Alegeus by the opportunity for growth. Prior to joining, I was stuck in a dead-end role that didn’t play to my strengths, leaving me completely unfulfilled. A few good friends who were working on the Service Delivery team at the time encouraged me to apply. What keeps me coming back is the same reason that brought me here – growth. Since joining, I’ve experienced tremendous personal and professional development. My raw skills have been refined, and I’ve learned how to use my strengths to benefit both myself and others.
You’ve had the unique experience of working in Talent Development and now Partner Education. What techniques or methods have you found most effective in engaging and educating your trainees?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it comes down to a specific technique or method. What I’ve found most effective is understanding that context is key – both for me and the trainee. If I don’t fully grasp their disconnect or perspective, I can’t effectively address the issue. It’s also my responsibility to provide the necessary context for any information I want them to understand. Being a slow learner myself, I tend to ask countless questions until I fully grasp a concept. This helps me relate to those who struggle with learning, allowing me to present information in various ways that cater to different learning styles. Anyone who has worked with me knows that I always provide the long answer to a short question because, to me, context is everything.
Humble brags welcome. How have you made a meaningful impact in your role as Team Lead, Education?
I’m proud to say that I make a meaningful impact in my role every day! As a trainer, I operate in a unique gray area where I’m neither a peer nor a leader to most, which allows me to connect with individuals across all levels of the organization. This position of trust lets people share their struggles with me, and I’ve been able to represent various voices anonymously and bring their concerns to light in impactful ways. I appreciate the flexibility of my role, which lets me bypass some of the bureaucratic red tape to drive change. Whether it’s identifying a missed topic in training, spotting trends in support tickets, or advocating for better access to benefits, I enjoy my job because it lets me make real, meaningful changes, even if they’re just within my small corner of the organization.
What do you believe sets Alegeus apart in terms of its culture and approach to innovation?
In my experience, something that truly sets Alegeus apart is the culture of safety around admitting, “I don’t know.” Many companies view this as a weakness, but at Alegeus, it’s seen as an opportunity for growth. People here are not only willing to say they don’t know but also eager to help those who ask for assistance by sharing their knowledge. This psychological safety removes the fear of retribution, fostering an environment where real progress can happen.
Let’s switch things up. We’d love to learn more about you outside of work. Tell us about a hobby you enjoy in your free time.
I’ve been playing Roller Derby 
for nearly 14 years, and it’s one of my greatest joys. There’s nothing quite like lacing up my skates and hitting the floor. Over the years, I’ve played on numerous teams, trained new skaters, coached, captained, and even competed in national tournaments. I’m proud to be part of a team that ranks in the top 20 east of the Mississippi and the top 150 worldwide, and we’re still climbing. For those curious: no, there’s no ball; yes, I’ve been injured (torn ACL and PCL); and no, we don’t throw elbows like in the ’70s. Today, derby is more like a mix of rugby and chess – with wheels!
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I’m always up for an adventure, and I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Alaska with the goal of visiting every national park – I’ve made significant progress so far! One of the most incredible experiences I’ve had was witnessing Yosemite’s Firefall. This rare natural phenomenon occurs each February when the sunset hits a specific waterfall at just the right angle, making it look like flowing lava. It’s difficult to predict and even harder to find the perfect viewing spot, but I did my research, hiked the right trails, and made my way up – and back down – in the dark. It was an unforgettable experience.