Staff Spotlight: Sanae Maouhoub Creating a Sense of Belonging
For nearly seven years, Sanae Maouhoub has been helping students, faculty, and staff navigate the many moving pieces of life at the MGH Institute. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt every day across the Genetic Counseling program and the broader SHRS community.
What first drew Maouhoub to the IHP was the opportunity to contribute to healthcare in a different way.
“After working in a hospital setting, I was drawn to academia because it offered a different kind of impact—supporting students as they grow into clinicians, counselors, and leaders,” she says.
What has kept her here is the sense of community.
“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by colleagues who are supportive, dedicated, and genuinely invested in student success,” she says. “That sense of purpose, connection, and teamwork is what continues to make the IHP feel like home.”
Behind the Scenes
Ask Maouhoub what a typical day looks like, and she laughs.
“One thing I love about my role is that there is really no typical day.”
Some days involve helping students navigate academic and administrative questions. Others are spent collaborating with faculty, planning initiatives, or managing the countless details required to keep an academic program running smoothly.
People often see the outcome—a successful semester, a well-run event, or a student reaching an important milestone—but not the coordination that made it possible.
“A big part of my work is anticipating needs before they become challenges,” she explains. “The best days are often when everything runs smoothly and no one realizes how much coordination went into making it happen.”
Inspired by Students
Working with students remains one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
“I’m continually inspired by students’ determination and resilience,” she says.
She is particularly impressed by the way many IHP students balance coursework with careers, families, and clinical placements while continuing to show up fully committed to learning and growing.
One of her most memorable experiences at the IHP was watching the first Genetic Counseling cohort graduate in 2021.
“That cohort faced challenges unlike any other while navigating their education during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she recalls. “Despite the uncertainty and obstacles, they showed incredible resilience, adaptability, and determination.”
Building Community
When asked what helps students feel welcomed and supported, Maouhoub returns to a theme that appears throughout her responses: belonging.
“Students feel most welcomed when they feel a true sense of belonging,” she says. “It starts with a culture of respect and inclusion where students are encouraged to show up as their true selves and know their voice matters.”
For Maouhoub, community means creating an environment where people feel connected, supported, and valued for who they are.
“At the IHP, it means celebrating our shared purpose while also recognizing the unique experiences and contributions each person brings.”
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Maouhoub enjoys spending time with family, playing with her children, traveling, reading, and cooking.
She also enjoys stepping outside her comfort zone.
“Whether it’s traveling somewhere new, taking on a challenging project, or learning a new skill, I enjoy opportunities that push me to grow and see things from a different perspective.”
That spirit of curiosity shapes her approach to work as well.
“I try to approach both work and everyday interactions with empathy and curiosity,” she says. “Everyone has a story, and we never know what someone might be going through.”
Rapid Fire
Favorite place on campus: 1CW Conference Room
Coffee or tea: Tea—I’m definitely a tea person
Most underrated part of my job: Building relationships and helping connect students with the resources they need to succeed
A small thing that makes my day better: A student sharing good news or celebrating a milestone
Something that always makes me smile: Seeing students gain confidence and realize how much they’ve accomplished
One word that describes the SHRS community: Belonging
Why She Loves This Work
What keeps Maouhoub energized each day is simple: the people.
“I’m fortunate to be part of a supportive team where we collaborate closely and work through challenges together,” she says.
In many ways, that sentiment captures her approach to work—and her contribution to the SHRS community. While much of what she does happens behind the scenes, her focus remains clear: helping others feel supported, connected, and able to succeed.
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