“I’ll ask Patty”

Over the years that phrase has been uttered hundreds of times all across the Spectrum360 organization, with staff turning to Human Resources Manager Patty Nelson again and again for the answer to pretty much anything.

Patty joined Spectrum360, then The Children’s Institute, as an HR Assistant in 2002. Before becoming head of the Human Resources department, she worked in a number of Accounts and HR positions which no doubt gave her the great insight she brought to her role as department leader.

Patty came to The Children’s Institute from Honeywell (formerly Allied Chemical) where she worked for over a decade. As she built her career with Spectrum360, Patty’s interest in personal development never faltered and at the age 65 she enrolled at the County College of Morris to be certified in Human Resources.

In 2023, Spectrum360 employed nearly 400 full and part-time employees. With her staff of three HR professionals, Patty has juggled the necessary multitude of HR tasks with aplomb: preparing state reports, benefits, leave requests, COBRA, payroll questions and more. She truly knows – or knows where to find – the answer to every staff question.

This week, the HR manager is stepping away from Spectrum360 and retiring to enjoy her favorite pastimes: traveling to new places, spending time with her three grandchildren and watching the New York Yankees.

“Spectrum360 is so grateful for Patty’s service to our company over the years. She has been a critical member of our team and her contributions have been invaluable. She will be greatly missed,” says Ken Berger, Spectrum360 Executive Director.

Patty may be moving on from answering all of our many, many questions, but we are thankful for all she has done for us. Enjoy your retirement, and enjoy all of the exciting adventures ahead of you!