Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Shabunia.
Hi Mary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career on the East Coast working in the human resources department of a hospital, where I built a strong foundation in healthcare operations and employee relations. From there, I transitioned into physician office management, which gave me hands-on experience in running medical practices and understanding the business side of healthcare.
Due to my travels across the country as part of a military lifestyle, I had the opportunity to start and lead multiple physician practices in different locations. In each role, I focused on building operations from the ground up—developing systems, supporting providers, and helping practices grow and succeed.
After relocating to Central Texas, I spent some time in marketing and worked briefly with the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce. That experience connected me to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, which ultimately changed the direction of my career. I also earned my human resources certification through Central Texas College to further strengthen my leadership and operational skills.
All of those experiences led me to where I am today—Trevor’s Place, where I combine my background in healthcare, business operations, and HR to serve children and families while leading a strong, mission-driven team.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest recent obstacles we’ve faced has been navigating the transition from Tricare East to Tricare West. The processes were unfamiliar and evolving, which created challenges for our operations and for ensuring continuity of care for our clients.
To address that, I took the initiative to connect directly with the appropriate representatives at Tricare West, learn the system in depth, and establish a clear, reliable process for our team. Through that effort, we were able to successfully transition our operations and maintain stability for both our staff and the families we serve.
As a result, not only did we overcome the obstacle internally, but I’ve also been able to support and guide others in the field who have struggled with navigating the Tricare system. It’s turned into an opportunity to strengthen our operations and be a resource to others in the community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’m most proud of is the experience I’ve gained through overcoming challenges in my life. Those experiences, combined with my background in healthcare, have really shaped how I lead—with compassion and understanding. I’m able to connect not only with the families we serve, but also with the employees I work alongside every day.
I think what truly sets me apart is my passion for helping people who are in need. That’s where I find the most fulfillment—being able to support others, whether it’s guiding a family or helping a team member grow and succeed.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as making a meaningful impact on the people I encounter every day. Whether it’s through a small gesture or something that truly changes someone’s life, what matters most to me is knowing I’ve helped someone in a positive way.
At the end of the day, success isn’t just about outcomes or metrics—it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives. If I’ve been able to support, uplift, or improve someone’s situation, then I consider that a successful day.
