Growing with Guardian: Paying It Forward Through Mentorship and Leadership
For Krystin Pyle, Director of Finance and Administration at Guardian Pharmacy of the Heartland, success has always been about more than personal achievement—it’s about lifting others up along the way.
Krystin’s journey began in the small town of Seneca, Missouri, where her early ambitions took her from a nursing path to cosmetology school, and eventually into retail pharmacy.
“I’m that person who always wants to grow and move up,” Krystin said. “When I landed in the pharmacy space, I just knew it was something I wanted to be part of long-term.”
Finding a Home at Guardian
After five years in retail pharmacy, Krystin joined Guardian in 2017 as a billing specialist. The pharmacy was still new, and the billing department was small—giving her the opportunity to play a key role in shaping its foundation.
It was a time of building—when teams were encouraged to challenge processes, create solutions, and establish best practices from the ground up. Krystin was empowered to help define how her department would operate—and she ran with it.
“I really feel like I got to help build the billing department from the beginning,” she said.
That early groundwork laid a strong foundation—not just for her team, but for the continued growth and success of the pharmacies in the years to come.
Career in Motion
Krystin’s path with Guardian has been one of continuous growth. Starting as a billing specialist, she advanced to billing supervisor, then business manager.
Today, she serves as Director of Finance and Administration for four pharmacies—in Springfield and St. Louis, Missouri, and Kansas City and Wichita, Kansas—which support hundreds of care communities across a four-state region. These include skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and mental health communities, as well as organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
At every step, she’s embraced new challenges and expanded her impact—helping not just the business run better, but bringing strategic insights, building teams, and helping people thrive.
The People Behind the Numbers
Every role at Guardian plays a part improving the experience for community staff and enhancing resident care—especially those working behind the scenes to keep operations running smoothly.
As a billing specialist, Krystin was on the front lines of insurance navigation and claims support, serving as a critical link between the pharmacy, payers, and residents.
Billing specialists at Guardian research and verify insurance eligibility, troubleshoot rejected claims, and help residents understand their coverage options. They proactively run plan comparisons to find more affordable coverage—often helping residents save hundreds of dollars annually. They also respond to billing inquiries from residents, families and caregivers, working to resolve issues with accuracy and compassion.
It’s a role that requires both analytical skill and empathy—and one that ensures residents receive the medications they need without unnecessary financial stress or delay.
Leading with Insight: How Operations Power Resident Care
In her current role as Director of Finance and Administration (DFA), Krystin oversees more than numbers—she drives the operational backbone that helps her pharmacies deliver exceptional care.
DFA roles at Guardian combine financial strategy, business planning, and people management into one mission: to keep the pharmacy running efficiently, responsibly, and in alignment with community needs. From managing billing and collections to tracking margins and analyzing operational workflows, DFAs ensure resources are used wisely so the pharmacy team can stay focused on what matters most—supporting staff and residents.
DFAs also play a behind-the-scenes role in resolving billing challenges, managing vendor relationships, and onboarding new team members. It’s a role that requires analytical thinking, operational know-how, and strong leadership—all working together to make sure every pharmacy decision supports accurate service, trusted care, and lasting relationships with customers.
The Power of Mentorship
Throughout her career at Guardian, Krystin benefited from the guidance and support of experienced leaders who invested in her growth. Pharmacy President Michael Counts and Vice President of Operations and Finance Denise Eleiott played pivotal roles—offering day-to-day mentorship that helped shape her leadership style and sharpen her operational and financial acumen.
“Both Michael and Denise have been very hands-on and supportive since the beginning,” Krystin said.
Their investment in her development not only helped Krystin advance her career—it instilled in her the importance of lifting others along the way.
Today, she brings that same high-touch, encouraging approach to her own team, mentoring her billing supervisor and leading with the same care she once received. She proudly notes that her department has one of the lowest employee turnover rates in the company—proof that a positive, people-first culture pays off.
“I could not ask for better coworkers,” Krystin said. “They are all considered family.”
For Krystin, career growth has never been a solo climb—it’s been a team effort fueled by mentorship, support, and a commitment to paying it forward.
Discover Your Path at Guardian
From pharmacist and pharmacy technician roles to positions in finance, administration, and support services, Guardian offers opportunities across 50+ locally managed pharmacies and its corporate office in Atlanta.
If you’re looking to grow with a company that values collaboration, innovation, and professional development, VISIT OUR CAREERS PAGE TO LEARN MORE >
