Employee Appreciation
The week of September 8th is dedicated to recognizing Direct Support Professionals, and at The Arc NCR, we additionally take this time to recognize the team that supports them from behind the frontlines.
Celebrate the outstanding team members we have at The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region!
At The Arc NCR, we empower people.
Our mission is to empower people with differing abilities to live, work and thrive, and this applies to our team members as well. We partner with the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals to participate in their E-Badge program where team members can level-up through training and certification. In addition to the increase in knowledge, the certification process also comes with an increase in pay. Please take time to look through the image slideshow below to see all who are achieving with us.
The Arc NCR’s Most Outstanding Nominees
Please read about all of the team members who have been nominated for our Most Outstanding Employee Award below. Click on the link below each team member to read their nomination.
Idak
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year
Nominated by
Name: Callista Eboh
Position: Community Living Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Patient
• Respectful
• Supportive
Advocacy:
Idak makes time to do activities with the people she supports and is always sympathetic to their needs. She is a wonderful employee and a special gift to The Arc NCR.
Mission Driven:
Idak is very patient, caring, loving and respectful. She is very smart and loves her job. She fills in quickly with any job or shift at short notice without complaints.
Hyacinthe
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 7 months
Nominated by
Name: Erna Coley
Position: Program Manager
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Compassionate
• Loyal
• Teamwork
Advocacy:
Hyacinthe makes sure the people he supports have a meaningful life daily and that they grow and learn life skills. He makes sure to get out into the community to make sure the person he supports is building relationships with people around him.
Leadership:
Hyacinthe is a wonderful leader. Recently, there were quite a few employees struggling with the new timeclock system, but Hyacinthe was quick to lend a hand. He would take the time each day to show his coworkers what they needed to do without ever complaining. It is great to have him on the team!
Corrin
Department: Quality Enhancement
Years in company: 5.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Michelle Wright
Position: Quality Analyst
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Dependability
• Visionary
• Humility
Mission Driven:
Corrin is kind, patient and always quick to help out fellow team members. She is a loyal and dependable team member here at The Arc NCR.
Leadership:
Corrin is a fearless, compassionate, and goal-driven leader. Since joining the QE team, I’ve felt welcomed and valued, which is a testament to her dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Corrin challenges me daily because she recognizes the potential within me and is committed to bringing out my best. Recently, during the implementation of a new training for Community Living, Corrin was involved in the training’s planning, creation, and implementation, but empowered her team to take the lead. She encouraged us to fully immerse ourselves in the process, inspiring creativity and allowing our strengths to shine. It was an incredible experience to have a leader who supported us every step of the way while giving us the space to grow. Corrin is truly an example of a remarkable Leader!
Martine
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year
Nominated By
Name: Iva Mack
Position: DSP
Also nominated by an anonymous submission.
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Name: Martine Benjamin
Top Attributes:
• Dedicated
• Dependable
• Friendly
Mission Driven:
Martine is a very dedicated employee. She enjoys planning events for the people she supports to make sure they are involved in their community. She’s a team player and is always willing to step in for coverage. She’s the decorator of the home whenever there’s a holiday coming up. She’s been an asset since she arrived a year ago and her presence brings joy to the house.
Advocacy:
There was a new person that moved into the Community Living home that Martine was supporting. It was Martine that made him feel comfortable by introducing the other people living in the house to him so they could build relationships. She advocates for him by inquiring what activities he’d like to engage in and making sure she follows through so he can be a part of activities that he enjoys.
Nicole
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 7 years
Nominated By
Name: Cheyenne Simmons
Position: House Supervisor
And,
Name: Cindy Poist
Position: Community Living Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Caring
• Dedicated
• Supportive
Advocacy:
Nicole goes above and beyond with everything she does and is always concerned about enhancing the life of the person she supports. Nicole will do whatever is needed in the house, whether it is cleaning out a basement, going out of her way to provide and fix a great meal, taking down Christmas decorations, finding and implementing activities that she knows will be beneficial and enjoyable to the person she supports.
Leadership:
Nicole takes the initiative to make sure things around the house are done and complete. Nicole is an awesome part of The Arc NCR team. She goes above and beyond for the people we support.
Jessica B.
Department: Personal Supports
Years in company: 5 years
Nominated By
Name: Heather Strong
Position: Personal Support Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Dedicated
• Hard Working
• Mission-Driven
Advocacy:
Jessica advocates for the needs of the person she supports and makes sure they are involved in different activities. The person she supports is interested in building more relationships, so Jessica has been finding different ways for this person to be more social and meet more people.
Leadership:
Jessica leads by example and is always willing to go above and beyond for the people we support. Jessica is an inspiration and is exactly how a support coach should be.
Corrinthia
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 2.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Anonymous
Position: Community Living Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Advocate
• Dedicated
• Hard Working
Mission Driven:
Corrinthia loves to see the people we support and team members interacting and getting to know each other better. She has planned cookouts in order to build up the relationships between team members and people we support.
Advocacy:
Corrinthia is always advocating for the people we support and urges other team members to do the same. She has advocated for the Community Living home she supports to be painted and she has also planned a vacation for one of the people we support. Corintha leads by example by advocating and being dedicated to the mission on The Arc NCR.
Christanna
Department: TFC
Years in company: 5.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Steve Acerno
Position: Director of Family and Children Supports
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Work Ethic
• Positivity
• Dedication
Mission Driven:
Christanna goes above and beyond to support the children she works with. There have been many times in which Christanna will work in the early mornings and late nights to support a youth in need. Examples include attending a youth’s graduation ceremony, dropping off/picking up a youth from the airport on off hours, and spending countless hours in the hospital supporting a youth in crisis. Christanna is a great example of a team member who does whatever is necessary to support her clients. Christanna’s work ethic combined with her positive and calming nature makes her a wonderful asset to the TFC team and to The Arc NCR.
Advocacy:
Christanna advocated for a youth who was experiencing some significant health issues so that the youth can experience “normal” teen activities and milestones. Christanna also makes it a point to connect her youth with as many community resources as possible. She has taken her youth to job interviews and ensured that the older youth had a plan to attend local colleges.
Ashley
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 1.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Daneisha Tittle
Position: Community Partners Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Dedicated
• Energetic
• Patient
Mission Driven:
Ashley is a dedicated team member of The Arc NCR. She takes the time to build relationships with the people we support and makes sure they are connected to the community around them. She is patient and has great energy that is contagious to the people around her.
Community Participation:
Ashley makes sure the people she supports feel connected to their community and feel valued and seen. Ashley is a great team member here at The Arc NCR!
Cynthia
Department: Personal Supports
Years in company: 6 years
Nominated By
Name: Marlice Roberts
Position: Personal Supports Supervisor
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Positive
• Dedicated
• Teamwork
Mission Driven:
Our mission is to empower people to live, work and thrive in the community. Cindy shows up to work every shift ready to add positivity to anyone’s day. Positivity is what helps people see endless opportunities in every situation. Cindy has given the person she supports a great sense of achievement, with her power of positivity, by assisting him with obtaining a volunteer position at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. Through this opportunity, the person she supports has grown in confidence which can be seen on his face when he has been featured on several occasions in our weekly highlights.
Advocacy:
Cynthia used another one of her superpowers, the power of advocacy, through helping the person she supports become a proud Decoy Museum volunteer. She went straight to the top and approached the President of the museum, who referred her to the volunteer coordinator. Cindy spoke of how much this opportunity would benefit the person she supports and how much the museum would benefit from having him join the team, that they gladly agreed to meet with him. After he showed them his strengths and skills, he was brought aboard as an official volunteer. What a proud moment that was for him. He has found such satisfaction being a volunteer at the Decoy Museum. A success story indeed.
Christina E.
Department: Admissions
Years in company: 8.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Iva Mack
Position: Community Living Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Dedicated
• Helpful
• Knowledgeable
Mission Driven:
Christina is very knowledgeable and has a passion for building up other team members. While teaching MANDT, if a person has a question regarding how to go about a problem or issue, Christina always has an answer. If she doesn’t know the answer, she’ll point you to proper channels to make sure your question will be answered. She always has an example to share with the class about a particular topic in order for the team members to understand the content better.
Advocacy:
Christina is always looking to enhance training. Recently the MANDT trainers were looking for more ways to save class time and engage more with those taking the classes. Christina made sure to attend all the meetings to discuss ways to enhance the trainings. They have implemented a new system that works better and, in the end, will benefit the people we support.
Leyshla
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 2.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Sarah Ortiz-Brown
Position: Director of Community Supports
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Dedicated
• Empathetic
• Mission-Driven
Mission Driven:
Ley meets the mission every day. Ley has been providing one on one supports with the same person for over 2 years. In that time, we have seen a complete 180 in the person’s behaviors, communication, participation in meaningful activities and interaction with peers, family, and friends. Everyone who has come in contact with Ley and the person she supports, including the Advocacy Specialist, DSPs, and the person’s family, speak about the wonderful supports she provides and the many goals this person has accomplished since being supported by Ley. This person is truly thriving thanks to Ley’s dedication.
Advocacy:
Ley has truly helped the person we support to advocate for themselves. Ley involves the person from beginning to end in creating a calendar of activities reflective of what is truly meaningful to them. Ley asks the person if they want to participate in all activities offered, she encourages participation in new activities and continued participation in those regularly preferred. In addition to providing a copy of the activity calendar to the family, she also maintains one in the drivers-side visor. Each day when the person is picked up, they look at the calendar and confirm they’re going to engage in the listed activity. At the end of the day, they again look at the calendar and the person confirm with Ley what they’ll be doing the following day. This simple task has helped immensely when a change of activity has been needed with short notice. An example of that is when an activity is scheduled for the following day and needs to be changed due to weather, closures, cancellations, etc. Ley has the opportunity to discuss this with the person the day before and they can change their plans, it may still be a bit difficult, but they’re able to make that change because they feel in control of their day and truly supported; their making the choice. The same is true if the change takes place at the beginning of the day. Ley has taken the time to repeatedly discuss how sometimes change needs to take place with very little, or no notice, and while that is not ideal, they can still choose another activity they enjoy with her support. Ley has always stepped aside to encourage and allow the person she supports to be the “driver” of their life and the person to shine.
Carolyn
Department: Human Resources
Years in company: 1.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Michelle Wright
Position: Quality Analyst
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Ethical Integrity
• Relationship-building
• Emotional Intelligence
Mission Driven:
Carolyn is not just an outstanding recruiter but a deeply empathetic and compassionate individual. She is a radiant light, inspiring everyone she meets and sharing her warmth and positivity. Her presence is invaluable; I cannot imagine the HR team without her. I am incredibly grateful to have her as part of our organization.
Advocacy:
Carolyn consistently goes above and beyond her role, ensuring that the DSPs she recruits are well-suited for the position and are passionate advocates for the well-being of the people we support. I recall a visit we made to a Community Living house together where her genuine investment in the lives of the people we support was clear. She didn’t just engage in conversation; she truly connected with them, appreciating that they shared their thoughts and experiences with her. When she explained her role at The Arc NCR, it was evident that her goal was to find DSPs who embody the qualities the people we support value most. Seeing the joy and eagerness on their faces as they shared stories about their past and present DSPs was a powerful testament to her impact.
Stephanie
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year
Nominated By
Name: Michelle Wright
Position: Quality Analyst
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Creative
• Empathetic
• Problem-Solving Skills
Mission Driven:
Stephanie goes above and beyond to ensure the people we support are living personally valued lives. She is empathetic and very understanding of the needs of the people we support. She is truly an amazing DSP!
Advocacy:
Stephanie doesn’t go a day without thinking of how she can help the people she supports, or her peers become the best version of themselves. She takes the initiative to be an advocate and a beacon of light, providing person-centered and culturally competent support. Stephanie creates a safe environment where the people she supports feel empowered to take risks that are a natural part of life. She understands that not all risks are scary or negative and meticulously shows the people she supports that they can make life-changing decisions—whether it’s choosing a new outfit, going on a new outing, or making a new friend. These moments can be monumental for someone in our services, and Stephanie is always there to celebrate those accomplishments with them.
Amber “Chantel”
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 1 year
Nominated By
Name: Kearan Sharkey
Position: Community Group Coach
And,
Name: Michelle Wright
Position: Quality Analyst
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Professional Leadership
• Resourceful
• Team Player
Mission Driven:
Chantal has a genuine personality. She strives to understand her peers and the people she supports by relating to their experiences and challenges. She connects with people on a level where they feel heard, acknowledged, and appreciated. Chantal offers genuine and ethical support and guidance tailored to the person’s needs and circumstances. She actively identifies and encourages people we support, who are capable of performing volunteer work to get more involved in the community. She acknowledges achievements and promotes learning to encourage the people we support to live person-centered lives.
Community Participation:
Within Chantal’s Community group, she strives to ensure their participation is based on what they want to do and is inclusive within the community. She makes essential connections with business leaders to create volunteer opportunities for those in her group who wish to socialize and have fun in their community. Her group never has a dull day, she ensures that their activity choices are present in their community. She strives to ensure that each person she supports lives life to the fullest!
Emma
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 3 years
Nominated By
Name: Carla Wood
Position: Community Partners Supervisor
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Flexible
• Dependable
• Reliable
Advocacy:
Being the flex coach and having different groups daily, Emma has advocated for the people we support when they have faced some challenges in the community. If it’s from people being rude or ignoring them. Emma has stepped up and gave them confidence to use their own voices. Emma continues to show each person they matter each day. Emma has helped create a volunteer calendar and worked with supervisors to ensure each monthly activity calendar is set to standards for the people we support to enjoy fun activities while out in the community.
Leadership:
Emma has stepped in with the onboarding of the new hires. She brings her unwavering knowledge and attention to detail, which has helped shape the standards when onboarding and learning the daily routine of CP. Emma has a big heart for The Arc NCR and is always willing to learn and grow. Emma shows up ready to tackle whatever is in front of her with understanding and passion. Emma goes out of her way daily to ensure that the people we support here at The Arc NCR are enjoying each day.
Christine
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 4.5 years
Nominator Info
Name: Lakea Burke
Position: Community Living Coach
Top Attributes:
• Helpful
• Knowledgeable
• Problem-Solving
Mission Driven:
Chrissy is dedicated to empowering people with differing abilities to live, work and thrive in the community. She is unwavering in her dedication to providing person-centered support.
Leadership:
Chrissy goes above and beyond for the team members around her, she is always organized and put together. She is diligent in finding a way to help team members or fix any current issues. She never has a problem helping those around her and building up others.
Mellisa I.
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 1.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Daneisha Tittle
Position: Community Partners Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Understanding
• Patient
• Team Player
Mission Driven:
Melissa is dedicated to the mission of The Arc NCR. She is passionate about helping the people we support live, work and thrive in the community. She is also patient with the people she supports and team members and always understanding to those around her.
Community Participation:
Melissa ensures that the people we support feel connected to the community. She encourages everyone she works with to get involved and participate in activities that are meaningful to them.
Erica
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1
Nominated By
Name: Hillary McArthur
Position: Clinical Support Specialist
Name: Anonymous
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Dedicated
• Passionate
• Patient
Mission Driven:
Erica recently shared with the team that she noticed a change in a person she supports. She advocated to have an appointment made and bloodwork completed to ensure everything was okay. This experience shows how truly passionate she is and mission driven. Her efforts show how she is willing to ensure the people we support are thriving.
Leadership:
She is always willing to cover shifts and lend a hand whenever needed. She regularly advocates for the people she supports and communicates gracefully and professionally. She also makes sure the people she supports can attend community events they are interested in.
Monolyne
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 5 years
Nominated By
Name: Madicella Martinez
Position: Advocacy & Database Manager
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Kind
• Passionate
• Dedicated
Mission Driven:
Monolyne knows the interests of a specific person she supports very well and has helped him try new arts and crafts, attend new community events, and helps this person to explore new areas of opportunity. She has also helped facilitate and coordinate for him to meet a potential new housemate. Monolyne and another team member helped cook a feast of a meal for both families, employees, and the people we support living in the home to meet and get to know one another. She was a great host and added a lot to the conversation about what The Arc NCR and the Community Living program offers, how people have choices and shared activities she helps each person to participate in. She has also shared her own artwork with the person she supports to show him different versions of art options. She is person centered and creative.
Community Participation:
Monolyne works hard to get people involved in activities in the community, offers to help this person with exercise goals, plans activities with friends, and finds fairs and festivals that include art or crafts. She is very engaging, and I often receive feedback from the person she supports about how much they enjoy her presence.
Dana
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Kim Albert
Position: Vice President of Family and Clinical Supports
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Passion for the mission
• Advocacy for those she supports
• Thorough in ensuring compliance in care and follow-up for those she supports
Leadership:
Dana models respect and dignity in her communication, community inclusion and advocacy with people supported. She has assisted peers and the agency in getting other houses into compliance and is always willing to assist and help others.
Community Participation:
Dana planned a vacation for two of the people she supports in the home where she works. It was the first time flying for one of them. The other person got to go and see and be with family in Florida. She makes sure the people in the house get out to their preferred activities in the community, including, Taco Bell, Special Olympics Flag Football and she also supported one person in applying and being approved as a Board Member at The Arc NCR.
Lakeisha
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 3 months
Nominated By
Name: Anonymous
Position:
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Willing to go above and beyond
• Team player
• Loves working with people we support
Mission Driven:
This person goes above and beyond to make sure the people she supports are happy. When a person supported was sad, they worked tirelessly to lift their spirits throughout the day to make them smile.
Community Participation:
This person works hard to ensure the people supported in the home are engaged in activities in the community, making sure they are participating in activities of their choosing.
Breana
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 6 months
Nominated By
Name: Richard Mahoney
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Advocate
• Empathetic
• Supportive
Leadership:
Breana exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities by taking the lead and offering assistance when her coworkers encounter technological challenges in the workplace. Some of Breana’s colleagues have expressed frustration and difficulties with technology, prompting her to step in and provide support. Breana’s proactive approach includes constantly checking in with her coworkers to see if they need help, demonstrating her commitment to their success and well-being. When faced with tech-related issues, Breana quickly jumps in to assist her colleagues, working collaboratively to identify and solve problems. Her willingness to share her knowledge, offer guidance, and patiently troubleshoot technical issues showcases her leadership in action, as she empowers her coworkers to navigate technology with confidence and efficiency. Breana’s supportive and proactive approach fosters a positive work environment where colleagues feel valued and supported in overcoming technological challenges.
Community Participation:
Breana plays a pivotal role in enhancing community participation for the people she supports through her dedication, advocacy, and proactive approach. By fostering strong relationships and building trust with the people she supports, Breana creates a supportive environment that encourages community engagement and active participation. She goes above and beyond to understand the unique needs and preferences of each person, tailoring activities and outings to align with their interests and goals. Whether it’s organizing social events, volunteering opportunities, or community outings, Breana ensures that the people she supports have meaningful and enriching experiences that promote social connections and inclusion. By empowering people to explore and engage with their community in a safe and supportive manner, Breana significantly enhances their quality of life, fosters independence, and promotes a sense of belonging and fulfillment. Her unwavering commitment to facilitating community participation reflects her dedication to advocating for the well-being and overall growth of the people she serves.
Char
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year
Nominated By
Name: Kim Albert
Position: Vice President of Clinical and Family Supports
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Leadership
• Advocacy
• Persistence
Advocacy:
Char advocated and supported a person we support and their family during a difficult time. She utilized the agency’s Clinical Supports to get this person an assessment, supported the family and person through the process. She also supported a Supervisor in completing all the steps necessary to allow three people we support to go on vacation. When Char started with The Arc NCR, we had a new admission into the Community Living program who was struggling. She supported that person in getting to appointments and embraced our philosophy of person-centered supports, showed trust in the person and provided clear expectations that helped him be successful.
Leadership:
Char has supported a team of House Supervisors, provided clear expectations for those who struggled to meet them, then provided additional support in meeting those expectations. She was integral in creating an onboarding training plan for new House Supervisors which has proven successful with the initial cohort.
Nicole
Department: Personal Supports
Years in company: 1.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Kierra Kimmel
Position: Community Living Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Mission driven
• Achiever
• Supporter
Mission Driven:
Nicole is passionate about supporting people every day she can, focusing on helping them achieve their goals and planned activities. She is also great about teaching each person how to be self-sufficient and independent. She thinks like a manager and goes above and beyond.
Community Participation:
She regularly brings the people she supports out and about in the community, whether it’s a one-on-one activity or a larger group outing. She ensures this person is engaged in their community. She has met many other people supported during weekly visits to Mt. Zion, who often comment on how they wish she could support them too.
Keirra
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year
Nominated By
Name: Jasmine Chavis
Position: House Supervisor
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Cooperative
• Compassionate
• Eager to assist
Mission Driven:
Keirra consistently models person centered care. She engages the people she supports in goals and growth. She encourages them to expand on their goals and praises them for all victories small and large.
Community Participation:
Kierra encourages the people living in the Community Living home where she works to actively participate in the community. She regularly supports them on outings, helps connect them with friends and supports them in any events they choose to participate in.
Blandine
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Dana Jones
Position: House Supervisor
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Reliable
• Willing to help any location with short notice
• Lovable and friendly
Advocacy:
Blandine works night shifts. She always communicates any changes she is seeing throughout her shift to ensure the next team member is fully aware of anything that may be going on with someone she supports. She ensures the gentlemen living in the house she supports are always dressed and shaved and smiling. Blandine is helping in being community focused too, always leaving printouts for upcoming events that she feels the guys would love to do during the day when she is not there.
Leadership:
Blandine is an awesome trainer. She has trained most of the new employees that come in for the awake overnight shift. Blandine is also a blast of fun to work with, always polite and positive and greets with a big smile. She is reliable and an amazing team member.
Richard “Dickie”
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 2.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Jeanne Beaman
Position: Vice President of Adult Supports
And,
Name: Toni Cobb-Cannon
Position: Director of Employment Services
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Unwavering commitment
• Exceptional work ethic
• Resilient
Advocacy:
Dickie is always advocating for people we support and aligning his actions to promote inclusion. Dickie has developed great relationships with those we support. Everything he does is with them in the forefront. He has spent endless hours creating curriculum for people supported to provide them with skills assessments, skill building, and a broader range of knowledge on employment opportunities. This will lead to the ultimate goal of many people we support working independently in the community.
Mission Driven:
Dickie and his team help supported employees to thrive in their chosen place of employment by providing AWESOME job coaching, thorough follow through with family members, and responsiveness to employers. Additionally, Dickie and his team help and support employers to be good employers to the population we serve by offering disability awareness training, helping identify reasonable accommodations, being attentive to their business needs, thus balancing a relationship with The Arc NCR, the people we support, and the employers’ needs. Dickie has created multiple checks and balances to ensure the people we support are getting the support they need in their jobs. Each meeting Dickie has with his team, he makes sure he discusses any concerns, creative suggestions, or new ideals specifically for the people we support. Dickie knows the purpose of the mission and exudes it. He is very dedicated to the people we support, family members and his team. Dickie aligns his priorities with the values of The Arc NCR and is driven by his genuine passion for what we do.
Hillary
Department: Clinical
Years in company: 10 years
Nominated By
Name: Keith Balsamo
Position: Clinical Support Specialist
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Sincere
• Knowledgeable
• Compassionate
Advocacy:
I have observed Hillary coaching employees on respecting the people we support as well as their property. She advocates for the people we support in this way and does her best to ensure employees are using best practices as support professionals. She trains in a way that people listen and want to learn from her.
Leadership:
Hillary has displayed leadership by taking on numerous roles and responsibilities. She works as a Clinical Support Specialist, she takes Honor, The Arc NCR’s Facility Dog, out and about to visit people we support, she is a Mandt certified trainer, trains on Behavior Support Plans, and even filled in at the front desk while the regular receptionist was out on vacation. And I learned she previously held many other positions including being a Direct Support Professional in her 10 years with the company. Leaders show up and Hillary shows up in each of these ways, every day.
April
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 12 years
Nominated By
Name: Anonymous
Position: Community Living Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Dedicated
• Innovative
• Motivated
Advocacy:
One of the people living in the home April supports wanted a guitar, however, none of the residents wanted a guitar in the home. April talked through their concerns, alleviated their fears, and advocated for him to get a guitar, which he eventually did. April is also great at ensuring the people she supports are active in the community events that they wish to attend.
Mission Driven:
April works extra hard to ensure the people she supports have their needs met. She has managed a house without an official House Supervisor in place. She has done this in addition to her other roles for a long time. April has worked through a number of challenges in the home but carries on with a lot of grace and professionalism.
Angela
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Marie Melong Epse Towonde
Position: Community Living Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Team player
• Hardworking
• Compassionate
Mission Driven:
She supports the people we support with all her heart. She helps them reach their goals in each shift she works, and she treats them with respect. She is engaged, supportive and a team player. Angela is a very good person, an outstanding employee, and a big blessing to our team. I am glad to have her as a coworker.
Leadership:
Angela’s leadership is on display in the way she organizes the house where she works. She always makes sure the team is doing their job correctly. She also organizes all documents, anything important for the house, shops for the people she supports, makes sure everything is cleaned, displays documents that other team members need to know about, and created a board with strong words to encourage the team supporting people living in the home. All I can say is that it is very rare to meet such an amazing employee in the work field.
Tatiana
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 2 years
Nominated By
Name: Iva Mack
Position: Community Living Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Team player
• Dependable
• Mission Driven
Advocacy:
Tatiana advocates by listening and then putting actions into place. When one of the people she supports in the home where she works mentioned she wanted to get healthier, Tatiana stepped up and began planning walks and assisting her with better food options. They take walks on the weekend weather permitting and she has been positive and encouraging towards this person.
Community Participation:
The annual Prom held at Mt. Zion Church is a big deal for many people we support. This year Tatiana ensured the ladies living in the home where she works were dressed up and felt good about themselves. She assisted with not only getting them ready, but RSVP’ing, taking them, and ensuring they had a great time. She is great at encouraging everyone she supports to get out and about in the community.
Adebayo
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 7 months
Nominated By
Name: Madicella Martinez
Position: Advocacy & Database Manager
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Kind
• Dedicated
• Determined
Advocacy:
Adebayo advocated when a person he supports and his former housemate were struggling to get along. He assisted with helping facilitate a very resourceful dialogue to make sure both people were heard. He helped Case Advocacy facilitate a house meeting for the two guys as well. Adebayo listened to both sides and was able to be unbiased in sharing suggestions for next steps.
Community Participation:
Adebayo is often out in the community with the people he supports. They would be out daily when he was working. Adebayo is engaged and the people he supports speak very highly of him. When I was taking a specific person, he supports to meet someone new, he requested Adebayo join us as well. Adebayo has taken this person to meet with friends at Ripken Stadium and participated in our cookouts too.
Renner
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 4.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Andrea Rumbaugh
Position: Community Living Coach
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Team player
• Positive
• Committed
Advocacy:
Renner takes the time to make sure all the women in the home where she works feel included and important. Without hesitation she will stay late and show up early to make sure everyone feels comfortable, and all bases are covered. Renner’s patience is never-ending. She sat down with one of the ladies when they were upset, and although she had worked all night, Renner stayed and worked through the issue, making sure it was resolved before the next shift took over. Renner has shown me what true kindness and patience look like. She has also taught me that in the midst of chaos, if you lead with patience, kindness and an open mind you can be the calm in the storm.
Mission Driven:
Renner makes sure our team and the ladies are taken care of. She is always putting in extra effort and is the most patient, kind and encouraging person! She makes sure everyone feels like they matter, they are heard and that they belong in their home. She really has a positive, joyful influence on everyone here. Renner always communicates clearly and takes the time to understand. Renner takes the initiative to ensure all cycle meds, expiring meds, PRNs, LOAS, are always stocked and in good standing.
Bruce
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 15 years
Nominated By
Name: Richard “Dickie” Mahoney
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Empathy
• Advocate
• Leadership
Mission Driven:
Bruce Page exemplifies The Arc NCR’s mission of compassion, advocacy, and empowerment in his daily interactions with the people he supports. One impactful example of how Bruce embodies this mission is through his unwavering dedication to empowering people to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. For instance, Bruce works closely with a person he supports, helping them navigate their employment goals and develop essential skills for success in the workplace. By providing personalized support, guidance, and encouragement, Bruce empowers the people he supports to build confidence, overcome challenges, and thrive in their chosen career path. Through his compassionate approach, advocacy for their rights, and commitment to their well-being, Bruce actively promotes the mission of The Arc NCR in fostering independence, self-advocacy, and personal growth for the people he supports. His dedication to empowering and uplifting those in his care exemplifies the core values and mission of The Arc NCR on a daily basis.
Community Participation:
Bruce actively promotes community participation for the people he supports by organizing social events and outings in the community. One notable example is when Bruce took the initiative to arrange a visit to Mt. Zion for a cultural event with the person he supports, enhancing their social connections and enriching their experiences outside of the usual routine. Bruce’s dedication to facilitating community engagement demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that the people he supports have opportunities for meaningful social interactions and community involvement.
Briana
Department: Treatment Foster Care
Years in company: 7 years
Nominated By
Name: Steve Acerno
Position: Director of Family and Children Supports
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Strong advocate
• Strong Clinical/therapeutic skills
• Culturally sensitive to the needs of children and families
Mission Driven:
Briana has a strong focus on trying to ensure permanency for the youth she supports. During the past year Briana worked very hard in making sure that a sibling group of three children were able to be reunified with their biological family.
Leadership:
Briana shows her leadership skills through her collaboration with external professionals and often rallies the members of the Treatment Foster Care team together to overcome obstacles that help the children achieve their treatment goals. Briana has been with the organization for 7 years and during this time has grown tremendously as a clinical social worker. During her time at The Arc NCR, Briana has achieved her advanced social work license and has been a stabilizing force for her children and families.
Cindy
Department: Finance
Years in company: 3 years
Nominated By
Name: Michele Pizzini
Position: Resource and Benefits Coordinator
And,
Name: Pam Rohde
Position: Staff Accountant
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Patience
• Kindness
• Willingness to help
Advocacy:
Although Cindy works in Finance and is more of an administrative support, she continuously goes above and beyond to support our agency’s Direct Support Professionals that do work directly with the people we support. Ensuring with meticulous detail that everyone is paid for every minute they have worked and verifying the accuracy of every paycheck. If there is a discrepancy with someone’s pay, she immediately rectifies the situation by cutting a manual check. Most (if not all) of these instances were of no fault to Cindy, however she still goes the extra mile to make sure the employee is taken care of right away.
Leadership:
We have recently changed over to a new platform for payroll. Cindy had spent countless hours learning the new system to ensure that payroll would be processed correctly and efficiently. Cindy is so patient with each and every one of us! No matter what the struggle, she takes the time to explain the process to be sure we understand the system. She remains so pleasant and professional even if the issue arises each week and she has to explain it a thousand times! Cindy is committed to her role here at The Arc NCR and does a commendable job each and every day.
Kathy
Department: Family Support Services
Years in company: 3 years
Nominated By
Name: Angela Sonnemann
Position: Family Support Manager
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Dedicated to ensuring her families have what they need, often going above and beyond.
• Professional in all her dealings with families and outside partners despite some being difficult.
• Her problem-solving skills are excellent, and she can assess problem areas before things happen and suggest fixes.
Advocacy:
Kathy has a family she supports that has a very difficult situation going on that involves multiple agencies. She has not only advocated for this family with the different agencies but has taught the father how to do the same. This is a prime example of empowering a family to self-advocate. They are now in a better position with more resources due to Kathy’s support.
Mission Driven:
Kathy embodies the mission of The Arc NCR in everything she does. She volunteered to work extra hours for an extended time while the department was down a team member, ensuring the program continued without a break in services offered. This also included taking on more new families, family workshops, and game nights. Kathy is someone I can always count on to help where needed regardless of if it is ‘her’ job or not. She is very knowledgeable about the community and can turn that into a great source of knowledge for our families and program. Lastly due to her knowledge, persistent high quality of work, and dedication to the mission of The Arc NCR, I consider her not only a great employee, but my right hand in the Family Support Services program.
Michele
Department: Finance
Years in company: 6 years
Nominated By
Name: Ivy Walker
Position: Advocacy Specialist
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Reliable
• Honest
• Knowledgeable
Mission Driven:
Michele assisted in the emergency transition of a person needing food and clothes over the weekend. She and her supervisor provided timely access to finances and general support to me as an advocacy specialist. During that time and in every urgent situation, Michele is always a helping hand and resource to people we support and their teams and families. I often hear her say that she wants to see the people supported be able to enjoy their lives. Michele is truly a mission driven employee that is evident through her actions every single day at work.
Community Participation:
Michele was a great addition to the Christmas party this year portraying the Grinch in costume. Contrary to the character, she is always working to provide more robust holiday gifts to the people we support supported at The Arc NCR. She works well with the Community Living team as well. She also has been part of the Planning Party Committee for the agency to provide a welcoming culture of celebration and diversity through Friendsgiving this past year and other events. Michele is always upbeat and friendly while out in the community as well.
Brian
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 2.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Dani Title
Position: Community Partners
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Team Player
• Patient
• Mission Driven
Mission Driven:
Brian knows what it means to be mission driven. From the moment he starts his day, his actions and decisions are guided by the organization’s core mission of empowering people to live, work and thrive in the community. He is deeply committed to ensuring that every person feels valued and has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and independent life.
Community Participation:
Brian goes above and beyond to engage the people he supports in the community. Understanding that each person has unique strengths, interests, and challenges, he tailors his approach to ensure active participation. He takes the time to learn what truly excites and motivates the people he supports, whether it’s attending community events, pursuing hobbies, or exploring new opportunities .
Ginger
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 5 years
Nominated By
Name: Jenny Conde
Position: PSS
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Team Player
• Reliable
• Passionate
Advocacy:
Ginger is always the first to make sure that the ladies she supports are living their best life. She advocates for the people she supports at their doctor’s appointments and always makes sure they are treated with kindness and respect. She is a true advocate in her role as a DSP at The Arc NCR.
Leadership:
Ginger always steps up as a leader. She is open to always picking up hours to make sure the job gets done. Ginger loves taking the ladies to get their hair done and is always making sure groceries are in the house. She is a true team player to the rest of the team and supervisors.
Kaitlyn
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 5 years
Nominated By
Name: Shannon Scott
Position: Community Partners
And,
Name: Dani Title
Position: Community Partners
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Team Player
• People Person
• Excellent Listener
Mission Driven:
Kaitlyn is always teaching the people she supports about value, respect, integrity, and manners. She cares so much about each person in her group. She supports the mission of The Arc NCR by her daily actions.
Community Participation:
Kaitlyn is always up for volunteering with her group and encouraging them to be a part of volunteering in the community. She values each of them as a person and wants them to feel part of something bigger.
Melissa S.
Department: Supported Employment
Years in company: 2.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Richard “Dickie” Mahoney
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Empathy
• Resilience
• Leadership
Mission Driven:
Melissa demonstrates the core values of The Arc NCR through her daily interactions with the people she supports. One specific example of her commitment to the mission is evident in her advocacy for a person facing a challenging situation. Melissa fearlessly spoke out and took proactive steps to support this person, ensuring their rights and well-being were protected. Her advocacy efforts exemplify her dedication to empowering and standing up for those in need, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the mission of The Arc NCR.
Leadership:
Melissa exhibits leadership in her position by proactively addressing issues, providing guidance and support to her colleagues, and fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Her ability to lead by example and empower those around her reflects her strong leadership qualities and dedication to excellence in her role.
Cheyenne
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 6 years
Nominated By
Name: Michelle Wright
Position: Quality Analyst
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Resilience
• Adaptability
• Empathy
Advocacy:
Cheyenne is a strong advocate for anyone who seeks her guidance, and she takes the extra step to empower them to advocate for themselves in the future. She always is empathetic about peoples’ feelings and emotions, which makes her so likeable by all.
Leadership:
As a leader, Cheyenne ensures her DSPs are provided with an inspiring and motivating environment that makes you truly enjoy the work, challenges, and successes. She embraces mistakes and successes because she understands that while the work can be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding and fun. Cheyenne creates this positive atmosphere not only for her DSPs but also for the people she supports. She is a strong advocate for anyone who seeks her guidance, and she takes the extra step to empower them to advocate for themselves in the future. Cheyenne is a phenomenal leader!
Latisha
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 3 years
Nominated By
Name: Michelle Wright
Position: Quality Analyst
And,
Name: Dani Tittle
Position: Community Living
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Respectful
• Patient
• Reliable
Mission Driven:
Latisha lives and breathes our mission at The Arc NCR to empower people with disabilities to live, work and thrive in the community. She is always respectful and patient with those people we support. Her positive attitude is infectious as she spreads the mission every day at The Arc NCR.
Community Participation:
Latisha creates a welcoming and warm environment for those she supports, establishing a meaningful rapport that makes them look forward to her daily presence. Her attentive listening to their preferences ensures that their daily activities align with their goals. Additionally, she fosters strong relationships with her peers by dedicating time to training new hires and assisting them as they acclimate to their roles. Her consistently positive demeanor and readiness to offer help make her an invaluable resource to the team.
Ken
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 1 year
Nominated By
Name: Richard “Dickie” Mahoney
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Compassion
• Innovative
• Advocate
Mission Driven:
In embodying the mission of The Arc NCR, Ken demonstrates a deep sense of compassion and advocacy in his daily interactions with the people he supports. One example of his advocacy is when he noticed a person facing challenges when it comes to employment. Ken courageously analyzed the situation, supported the person, and took proactive steps to address the situation, ensuring their success was prioritized. Ken’s unwavering advocacy and commitment for those in need highlight his alignment with the mission of empowering and supporting people.
Leadership:
Ken’s leadership in his position shines through in his proactive approach to addressing issues, providing guidance to colleagues, and fostering a collaborative work environment. His willingness to take on new challenges, share his knowledge, and support his team members reflects his dedication to fostering a positive and cohesive workplace culture where everyone can thrive.
Jessica S.
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 3 Years
Nominated By
Name: Michele Wright
Position: Quality Analyst
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Empathetic
• Good Listener
• Mission Driven
Mission Driven:
Jessica has profoundly impacted both the people she supports and her peers through the passion she brings to her role. Every day, she arrives at Locust excited to see how she can support the people who live there, and that excitement is met with equal enthusiasm from them. I recall visiting the residence one day, and one of the people Jessica supports shared with me how much Jessica had brightened her day. She wasn’t feeling well that morning and didn’t want to talk to anyone. When Jessica arrived, she greeted her warmly and asked how she was doing, and though she asked to be left alone, Jessica assured her that it was okay to feel that way. This simple, empathetic response made her feel understood and helped her feel better, and she was eager to share her plans for the day with Jessica. Jessica’s empathy towards the people she supports, and her peers, is truly admirable. Jessica has a unique ability to put herself in others’ shoes, which makes her instrumental in helping new employees acclimate to the organization and build rapport with the people supported. Jessica’s unwavering compassion and understanding make her an invaluable part of the team.
Leadership:
Jessica shows leadership by her actions when she is around people she supports. She is empathetic and compassionate in her approach to handling all situations. Overall, she shows leadership by making those around her feel seen. She is truly compassionate in her leadership style, which makes her so loved by so many.
Heather
Department: Personal Supports
Years in company: 5 Years
Nominated By
Name: Jessica Bonsiero
Position: DSP
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Empathetic
• Advocate
• Flexible
Advocacy:
Heather is truly an advocate for the people we support at The Arc NCR. Last year when we were at the annual Christmas Party, she noticed the person she was supporting was not feeling well, and she called the nurse, and our supervisor, and an ambulance. She got the person we supported the help he needed and kept him calm. I believe she helped uncover the person’s big picture illness and since everything was taken care of so timely, he is doing much better now.
Community Participation:
Heather helped support a person to find a church to attend. This person is now very happy and peaceful on all the Sundays. Heather took the time to help him find a community he felt comfortable in and that made all the difference.
Bill
Department: Employment
Years in company: 1 year
Nominated By
Name: Richard “Dickie” Mahoney
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Advocate
• Leader
• Great Role Model
Advocacy:
Bill played a pivotal role in supporting a person in managing their emotions, improving communication skills, and addressing behavior concerns that had been longstanding challenges. Through patient guidance, empathy, and a deep understanding of the person’s needs, Bill helped them develop essential coping mechanisms and strategies for expressing concerns and emotions effectively.
Community Participation:
Bill’s dedication to enhancing community participation for the people he serves is truly commendable. By fostering meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for active engagement, Bill plays a vital role in promoting social inclusion and enriching the lives of those under his care. One remarkable example of Bill’s commitment to community participation is the initiative he took to organize volunteer time to the human society for the person he supports. By coordinating this meaningful activity, Bill not only encouraged community involvement, but also instilled a sense of purpose and connection in the person, fostering personal growth and a deeper sense of belonging within the community. Through his proactive efforts and genuine care, Bill continually demonstrates his dedication to empowering people to actively engage with and contribute to their community, enriching their lives and promoting social connections that are truly meaningful and impactful.
Daneisha
Department: Community Supports
Years in company: 2 years
Nominated By
Name: Sarah Ortiz-Brown
Position: Director of Community Supports
And,
Name: Melissa Irwin
Position: DSP
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Empathetic
• Joyful
• Kind
Advocacy:
Dani demonstrated exceptional advocacy by promptly recognizing and addressing concerning behavioral changes in a person she has been supporting for almost 2 years. Through persistent communication with supervisors and relevant departments, she ensured that the person’s needs were prioritized. Dani’s actions directly led to a referral to a neurologist, which could potentially identify and address a serious health concern. This example highlights her commitment to the well-being of those she supports.
Community Participation:
Dani always tries to get everyone together in activities so it’s more fun for everybody. Dani works closely with the people she supports to ensure they are active participants in developing their calendar of daily activities. Dani provides guidance and offers informed decision making to ensure people supported truly have a choice in what they want their day to look like.
Johnnie
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 20 years
Nominated By
Name: Deborah Oluyemo
Position: DSP
And,
Name: Andrea Rumbaugh
Position: DSP
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Supportive
• Problem-Solver
• Inspirational Leader
Mission Driven:
Johnnie is deeply committed to the mission of providing exceptional care to the people we support. He initiated a quality support and supervision that has enhanced the care services we provide, ensuring that people receive the best possible support and attention. Johnnie always puts the person first. He always picks up the phone on the first ring, and always makes it happen, whatever it takes. Everyone adores Johnnie!
Leadership:
Johnnie’s strong leadership skills inspire and motivate the team. He sets a great example through his dedication and work ethic, guiding us to achieve our best. He consistently provides clear direction, makes well-informed decisions, and fosters an environment where team members feel empowered to contribute their ideas. His ability to remain calm and composed under pressure instills confidence in the team, and his commitment to professional development encourages us all to strive for continuous improvement.
Johnnie shows up when he is needed, even on his days off. He is reliable and such a great inspirational leader to all of us!
Ivy
Department: Case Advocacy
Years in company: 4.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Iva Mack
Position: DSP
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Compassionate
• Service with a Smile
• Mission-Driven
Advocacy:
Ivy is front and center of the Diversity Fair that’s held annually. Ivy makes it her business to ask those we serve how we can expand more every year. She takes their ideas into consideration and brings them to life at the fair. She wants all people we suppor to feel included and seen. She advocates for all those she works with each week.
Mission Driven:
Ivy works in Case Advocacy and provides one-on-one support to people. She’s always in the community with people we support helping them to live, work and thrive to align with the mission of The Arc NCR! She always has a smile on her face while working at The Arc NCR. She is compassionate and cares for others and for the organization.
Auriel
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 5.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Kenda Smith
Position: Community Living-DSP
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Empathy
• Patience
• Compassion
Mission Driven:
When Auriel is out in the community with the ladies she supports, she empowers them to order their food for themselves when talking to the servers at restaurants. She cares deeply for the people she supports and always represents The Arc NCR so well while out in the community. She is mission driven and is compassionate about the mission of The Arc NCR.
Community Participation:
Auriel loves getting the people she supports out into the community. They participate in all kinds of fun activities and events. One of their favorites is the Snowball Crawl, which the ladies look forward to every year.
Julia
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 10 months
Nominated By
Name: Michelle Wright
Position: Quality Analyst
And,
Name: Anonymous
Position: N/A
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Advocate
• Mission-Driven
• Leader
Advocacy:
Julia advocates for the people she supports by making sure they are out in the community and encouraging them to be active while communicating with others. She likes to coach those she supports about their rights and how they can learn to advocate for themselves.
Community Participation:
Julia gets the clients out at least 3 -4 times a week and often takes them on new adventures. She loves to involve them in learning to advocate for themselves while out in the community.
Lakeeta
Department: Clinical
Years in company: 10 months
Nominated By
Name: Keith Balsamo
Position: Clinical Support Specialist
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Insightful
• Patient
• Supportive
Advocacy:
Lakeeta has been an advocate for a person that wanted to leave their current job because it was too stressful. This person wanted to look for a job better suited for them. Lakeeta has supported this person through all the tough decisions they have had to make regarding employment. She fully supports this person’s decision to find a new job and has been patient throughout the process.
Leadership:
Lakeeta has displayed characteristics of leadership by being an incredibly effective trainer, teacher, and mentor. She makes time for 1:1 training, encourages me to ask questions, demonstrates skills and techniques, and uses fun team building activities to connect.
Carla
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 10 months
Nominated By
Name: Kaitlyn Royston
Position: Community Partners
And,
Name: Michelle Wright
Position: Quality Analyst
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Integrity
• Decisiveness
• Trustworthy
Advocacy:
Carla advocated for two people I support during a recent meeting. They both wanted to volunteer. She let me know that they were interested in this, so we were able to get them into volunteering activities during the week. They are now meeting all their goals.
Leadership:
Carla exemplifies authentic leadership within the organization, having played a crucial role in fostering cohesiveness between the DSPs and the people they support. Her warm and welcoming demeanor, greeting everyone with a smile each morning, sets a positive tone for the day and makes her presence something I genuinely look forward to. Her unparalleled guidance and inspiration have been instrumental in her team’s professional growth and driving innovation within the program. For example, she has created an open environment for her team to express concerns, challenges, and successes during team meetings and anytime they want to share. This welcoming environment has encouraged many team members to take risks to challenge themselves and improve processes.
Michelle
Department: Quality Enhancement
Years in company: 2.5 years
Nominated By
Name: Corrin Beach
Position: Director of Quality Enhancement
Nominee is recognized for the following:
Top Attributes:
• Mission Driven
• Positive
• Relationship Builder
Mission Driven:
After the QE department completed the Fatal Five: Bowel Obstruction training, a survey was distributed, resulting in an impressive overall satisfaction score of 4.90/5. Feedback from colleagues highlighted Michelle’s exceptional performance: one colleague remarked, “Michelle is the best, always offering a wonderful point of view and being highly informative,” while another praised, “The instructor, Michelle Wright, was fantastic at keeping us engaged and interested.” When asked about the most engaging aspects of the training, a respondent noted, “Michelle actively asked questions, sought our knowledge, solicited our opinions, inquired about our experiences, and posed conclusion questions.” This feedback underscores Michelle’s commitment and dedication to her colleagues and to The Arc NCR’s mission.
Leadership:
Michelle maintains a high standard of excellence, which is evident in her diligent work ethic. Throughout her transition from HR to QE, she demonstrated remarkable flexibility and continued to support her HR colleagues. Upon becoming a Quality Analyst, she went above and beyond by dedicating time to training the new QE Coordinator, ensuring a smooth onboarding process and thorough training for her new teammate.
In addition, Michelle was crucial in increasing the number of people within the organization who received their DSP badge by providing constant assistance and support to her teammates with this initiative. Because of Michelle’s effort, The Arc NCR welcomed 12 new DSP badge certificates: 6 new DSP 1 badge certificates, 2 new DSP 2 badge certificates, 3 new DSP 3 badge certificates and 1 new front line supervisor certificate.
Thomas
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 5 months
Nominator Info:
Name: Amanda W.
Position: Discovery Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Approachable
- Connector
- Funny
Advocacy:
There are many times that Thomas is faced with a participant who may seem disengaged, not wanting to focus on employment skills. He uses informed-decision-making, and ultimately will not pressure if they need time to disconnect before reengaging. He communicates and strategizes with his team members to ensure everyone is actively engaged and that activities are created with each participant’s employment interests in mind.
Leadership:
Thomas is calm. There are many situations in Discovery where we face participant urgencies, schedule changes, transportation flukes, and lapse in communication due to being on the road or in meetings. Thomas keeps the team grounded, and where appropriate, he sheds light on the positive within the situation- maybe cracking a joke or two. The team looks to him for stability when it seems a bit wobbly.
Zakiyyah
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year, 4 months
Nominator Info
Name: Dana J.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Hard worker
- Reliable
- Caring
Mission Driven:
Zakiyyah has so much patience and understanding and goes above and beyond for the men who live in the Community Living home she supports. She ensures the home is respected and tasks are completed. She cleans the home without any compliments. Zakiyyah has patience and grace when she’s supporting people and has been a great addition to the Community Living team.
Advocacy:
Zakiyyah has gotten to know each person she supports and what they need from her. In working with one gentleman, she ensures she communicates properly in the home’s communication log about any changes so that the team is aware. In addition, she ensures that on Sunday’s another gentleman is dropped off and picked up from his weekly visits with his mom.