Building Trust and Delivering Hope: Corry Michaelis’ Service Coordination Story

Whether you’re new to service coordination or have been in the field for years, I think you’ll find inspiration in Corry’s story and our discussion about what it truly means to serve our communities.

Welcome to the Heartbeat of Housing podcast! In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my dear friend and colleague, Corry Michaelis, who has dedicated over 20 years to the work of service coordination in affordable housing. T

ogether, we explore Corry's inspiring journey—from starting as a secretary to finding her calling as a service coordinator, and the powerful impact she continues to have in the lives of residents.

We talk about building trust with residents, the evolution of our roles over the years, and share heartfelt moments—like the time Corry helped a resident hear for the first time in decades.

Corry also opens up about navigating the emotional challenges of the job, the importance of embracing technology, and why advocacy for affordable housing and supportive services is more crucial than ever.

This conversation is close to my heart and packed with real-life experience, wisdom, and hope for the road ahead.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Evolving Role of Service Coordination: Corry’s journey from front desk receptionist to leading remote service coordination shows how the profession has adapted to technology and changing resident needs. Remote coordination is growing, allowing broader reach—especially in rural areas.
2. Making a Tangible Impact: Whether it’s helping a resident hear for the first time through a grant-funded hearing aid or crawling into a dumpster to retrieve a lost checkbook, Corry demonstrates that small acts of support can dramatically change lives.
3. Future Advocacy and Resident Empowerment: As the population ages, the need for affordable housing and compassionate service coordinators will only increase. Corry highlights advocacy as essential—not just for more housing, but also for more support systems, urging service coordinators to educate and empower residents to have their voices heard.

Our Mission

Advancing national standards of practice for service coordination by amplifying the voice of our members.

Our Vision

We are committed to enhancing service coordination through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and partnerships.

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