Employee Appreciation
The week of September 10th 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. But, as an agency we are about empowering all of our team members to achieve 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 click through the neighboring tabs and see the lists of those who have achieved in each level of certification. An “*” means that they achieved their certification this year.
- Alice M.*
- Angela M.
- Omobolare O.*
- Marlice R.
- Kristen S.*
- Michelle W.t*
- Amanda W.
- Alexander K*
- Courtney E*
- Carol S*
- Christine C.
- Nataysha J.*
- Kaitlyn A.
- Alexeea A.
- Juel E.
- Joel G.
- Courtney H.*
- Emma H.*
- Iva M.
- Judith M.
- Katelynn S.
- Jessica S.
- Michael W.
- Angela M*
- Sherry K.
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.
Abimbola
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 2 years, 9 months
Nominator Info
Name: Dana J. & Blandine M.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes
- Trustworthy
- Hard working
- Reliable
Mission Driven:
Cynthia does an amazing job working in her home. She is eager to learn and has built great relationships with the people we support and her team members. She has the right positive spirit towards the people she supports. She gives 100% when working on the job, and she believes in the mission at The Arc NCR of empowering people with disabilities to live, work and thrive in the community.
Leadership:
Cynthia has helped me by peer training new hires that work the 9 am-3 pm shifts. She leads by example. Always on task, always setting up the next shift by completing tasks that may be assigned to the 3 pm-11 pm shifts. She always completes her work accurately and on time. She is a great communicator and is always showing her leadership qualities in her role at The Arc NCR.
Adeniyi
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 4 years, 4 months
Nominator Info
Name: Reanna D.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Dedicated
- Team player
- Hardworking
Leadership:
Adeniyi is always going above and beyond. He is always professional and pleasant. He continues to offer support wherever necessary; he doesn’t mind helping at other locations and when we are short-staffed he always offers to assist when he is available. He is mission driven and very dedicated to our organization. He often helps not only the supervisors, but his team members too. He always has a positive mindset and adapts well to changes. I appreciate all his hard work and dedication to our mission here at The Arc NCR.
Community Participation:
Adeniyi believes that the people he supports should live meaningful lives. Every weekend he takes them out on adventures to the mall, stores and restaurants. He provides exceptional support to the people he supports. He loves getting out into the community here in Harford County.
Alexeea
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 2 years and 4 months
Nominator Info
Name: April M.
Position: Program Manager
Top Attributes:
- Hard-working
- Reliable
- Patient
Advocacy:
Alexeea is a true advocate. One of the people she supports wants to go on a cruise. The planning has taken a little longer than expected, but one of the first things she did was hand me a whole packet of information that she has been working on for him. She said this was everything that he wants to do, and all the places he wants to go. Currently, we are in the process of working on his activity plan and hope to get him on his cruise by the fall.
Leadership:
Alexeea is a great team player and she rally’s her coworkers and gets them to come together for the people we support. She takes the lead on getting all their input for groceries and supplies needed, she does the weekly paperwork, she calls doctor offices to make appointments and communicates everything to me as needed. When I ask about something, she’s the one that all other staff will say, “Oh talk to Alexeea, she would know that.” She has the respect of her team and that says a lot about someone. The house runs smoothly because they all work together as a team and Alexeea encourages that every day.
Alicia
Department: Discovery
Years in company: 1 year, 5 months
Nominator Info
Name: Amanda W.
Position: Discovery Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Patient
- Caring
- Hard-working
Advocacy:
There are many instances where Alicia has worked with participants in both Discovery and Job Development where she has advocated for the desires and goals of the participants. Alicia uses informed-decision-making, goal-tracking, and full transparency with the people she supports to ensure they are receiving the services they want, are obtaining the jobs they desire, and receive the best in their competitive, integrated employment.
Community Participation:
Alicia engages her participants in community-based assessments, job trials, and shadowing. She is not afraid to scoop someone up and take them to see an employer, resume in hand. She recently got a job for a long-time supported employment participant at a local diner as a busser. They showed up asking if they were hiring, interviewed on the spot, and he accepted an offer right then! She is always supporting each person’s goals, with their skills and best interests in mind.
Andrea
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 11 months
Nominator Info
Name: Lauren N.
Position: Clinical Supports Manager
Top Attributes:
- Thoughtful
- Organized
- Extensive
Mission Driven:
Each day, Andrea comes to work the mission to build and maintain positive relationships with the people she supports and their community. Andrea was instrumental in assisting three people we support to connect with their case managers and community living teams to get a table at the flea market to sell items they’ve been crafting. Andrea is always the first person to say “hello” to team members who are in and out of the house. She ensures that if there are outings in the community during her shift, they are sorted out so everyone can engage in their community.
Advocacy:
Andrea advocates for needs of the ladies in the house through documentation in iCare, reaching out directly to the House Supervisor/Program Manager, as well as their case manager and Clinical Support team. Andrea is well spoken and thoughtful, making sure her advocacy is reaching the correct audience. She is not their voice; she is simply their microphone.
Becky
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 1 year
Nominator Info
Name: Richard M.
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Results Oriented
- Organized
- Autonomous
Mission Driven:
Becky is a compassionate and dedicated employee who possesses a unique ability to empower the people we support and their families throughout “The Arc of a Lifetime.” With her unwavering commitment, she empowers people with differing abilities to not only live but also work and thrive in their communities. Becky understands the importance of inclusion and strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. She works tirelessly to provide the necessary resources, guidance, and encouragement to the people we support and their families, ensuring they have the tools they need to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Becky helps people with differing abilities to lead fulfilling lives, fostering a sense of belonging and independence within their communities. Becky is an outstanding DSP who consistently goes above and beyond her duties, possesses exceptional problem-solving skills, is a valuable team player, demonstrates a strong work ethic, and exhibits excellent communication skills. Her contributions have had a significant impact on our organization’s success, and I wholeheartedly believe she deserves the recognition as the “Most Outstanding Employee of the Year.”
Advocacy:
Becky went above and beyond to support someone who was on the verge of losing their job due to unreliable transportation. Becky tirelessly researched various transportation options, exploring public transportation routes, carpooling possibilities, and even reaching out to local organizations that aid with such situations. She advocated for the person we support, speaking to their Supervisor, and highlighting their dedication and commitment to their work. Through her unwavering support and determination, Becky successfully helped the person she supports maintain their livelihood. Her selflessness and determination to help others truly make a difference in her caseload’s lives.
Ben
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year, 5 months
Nominators
Name: Madicella M.
Position: Advocacy & Database Manager
and
Name: Corrinthia B.
Position: Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Informative
- Passionate/Kind
- Dedicated
Mission Driven:
Ben makes a real effort to ensure the people he supports are working, living, and thriving. He shares with other departments like case advocacy and clinical when there are questions, concerns, or suggestions. He makes an effort to see the people he supports be as independent as they can be. Ben shows dedication and compassion for the people he supports. Ben goes above and beyond the scope of his job title, to make sure that the Personal Support is comfortable and well taken. Ben takes the initiative to learn the job.
Leadership:
Ben leads his coworkers by sharing suggestions and collaborating on how best to work as a team and individually with the people supported. Ben shows great leadership by taking charge of his shift, making sure that every task is completed, and documentation is done by the end of each shift. Mr. Ben shows great flexibility in his schedule, always willing to cover a shift to help out his team. Mr. Ben understands that everyone within the team has their own individual strength. He identifies them and tries to build on everyone’s strengths to allow them to shine.
Brian
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 1 year 4 months
Nominator Info
Name: Robert M.
Position: Supervisor of Community Partners
Top Attributes:
- Compassionate
- Organized
- Team Player
Leadership:
Brian serves as a leader to other community coaches and is a resource to them. He is always the first to ask questions about directives from supervisors and is very thorough in making sure that he fully understands how he is expected to implement them.
Community Participation:
This is the most important aspect of Brian’s job; he is in the community every single day helping those who are served by The Arc NCR to participate in activities in which they are interested. People may believe that seniors don’t need as much attention as the younger people, but Brian strives to help the people have meaningful and fulfilling lives even in their older years.
Brittiany
Department: DORS
Years in company: 1 month
Nominator Info
Name: Sherry K.
Position: Supervisor of Pre-employment and Adult VR
Top Attributes:
- Patience
- Critical thinking skills
- Creative
Mission Driven:
Brittiany is a new employee that is extremely mission driven. Her Supervisor has noted her professionalism, creativity and patience while working with student learners, as well as while job coaching adults. There is one person in particular, who has a very complicated health history that has been extremely challenging. Brittiany has been very patient and kind as she encourages this person to become more independent completing tasks at her job. She empowers those she works with to live, work and thrive in the community!
Advocacy:
Brittiany advocated with an employer to allow a student to learn additional tasks. She is a good listener and always advocates for those she is working with. Brittiany is helping students learn that “they can” be successful. She is helping to build confidence and is actively breaking down barriers that are impeding success.
Bruce
Department: Supported Employment
Years in company: 14 years
Nominator Info
Name: Amanda W.
Position: Discovery Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Calm
- Patient
- Hardworking
Advocacy:
Bruce is person-centered, putting the needs and goals of others above himself. Bruce worked with a participant who required 1:1 services. While in the community, he noticed the participant needed additional support from our clinical services and used informed-decision-making where the participant felt comfortable enough to leave the serenity of the library and preferred activities to meet with clinical and receive additional support.
Community Participation:
Bruce provided support for his participant in the community. He frequented the same places, requested by the participant, but also encouraged them to try new things. Bruce was always open to trying new things and encouraging positive changes in their daily schedule. Bruce is all about getting out into the community!
Carnetta
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 3 years, 6 months
Nominator Info
Name: Reanna D.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Flexible
- Team player
- Reliable.
Mission Driven:
Carnetta demonstrates great work ethic and fosters great communication with her supervisor and peers. She comes to work with a positive attitude always focusing on getting the job done. She does an amazing job with the people she supports. She aligns with The Arc NCR’s mission of empowering people with disabilities to live, work and thrive in the community.
Advocacy:
Carnetta is very observant and if she notices one of the people she supports is not at baseline, she communicates this information to all staff involved. One example of how Carnetta advocates for the people she supports is she noticed one of her individuals not being at baseline. He was not eating and swallowing like he used to. Carnetta immediately reported this to the supervisor and nurse. This person was taken to the hospital for observation, and the medical staff stated he should not have been eating purred food and he needed a feeding tube. If Carnetta did not act quickly, he could have aspirated. She is always advocating for the people she supports.
Carol
Department: Personal Supports
Years in company: 6 months
Nominator Info
Name: Marlice R.
Position: PS Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Devoted
- Innovative
- Passionate
Mission Driven:
Carol has only been a DSP for 6 months, and in this short time, it has been evident that she embodies The Arc NCR’s mission to live, work and thrive in the community. The person she supports is an artist and she has exposed him to new opportunities to get his artwork seen in the community, even introducing him to her military connections and exposing him to a new community and network. Carol not only helps this person find inspiration for new artwork, but she also helps him remain stocked with art supplies, transports him and his artwork to the locations, and sets up the display table for the art to be viewed. This has added tremendous confidence and joy to the person she supports. She is the definition of devoted, and I am so blessed to have her on my team. I highly recommend Carol for the Arc NCR’s Most Outstanding Employee.
Community Participation:
Carol has been very instrumental in assisting the person she supports remain active in his community through his passion of art. Since she has been supporting him, he has been invited to do a special painting for a military officer, display art at the Soroptimist Art Show in HDG, the Harford Plein Art Festival, the After d’ Arc Gala, and the Sprout Film & Art Festival, and has participated in various art functions in the community. The person whom she supports would be the first person to tell anyone how Carol’s support has enabled him to accomplish all of this. He often calls or comes to visit the office just to thank me for pairing him up with Carol. His heart’s desire is to be able to share his art with as many people as possible, and Carol’s support is helping him fulfil that desire. It is such a beautiful thing to witness!
Chandra
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year, 7 months
Nominator Info
Name: Nicole D.
Position: Frontline Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Leader
- Mission Driven
- Willing to Learn
Mission Driven:
Chandra is a mission driven employee. She encourages the people we support to believe that they can do anything their heart desires. She also has encouraged them to speak up and let their voices be heard. She always displays person-centered behavior and is a true advocate for those she supports.
Leadership:
Chandra is a natural leader. She takes the lead with her peers when the supervisor can’t be present. Chandra ensures the staff knows the instructions that have been given and the expectations of the supervisor. Chandra is always open to learning and always completes tasks assigned to her. She assists her peers and is a true team player.
Charles
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 11 months
Nominator Info
Name: Richard M.
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Strong work ethic
- Dedicated
- Detail oriented
Mission Driven:
Charles actively supports and encourages people we support and his team. He mentors and provides guidance to people who may be facing similar challenges, offering them support and empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Charles understands the importance of a strong support system and actively contributes to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for people and their families.
Overall, Charles embodies our mission of supporting people and their families over the “Arc of a Lifetime” by empowering people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive in the community. Through his actions, he promotes inclusivity, advocates for rights, seeks personal growth, and supports others, creating a more inclusive and supportive community for people with differing abilities. I am thrilled to provide a glowing DSP OF THE YEAR nomination for Charles, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills in maintaining boundaries while caring for and supporting the people he serves. Charles has an innate ability to strike the perfect balance between being compassionate and empathetic, while also respecting personal boundaries and professional ethics.
Advocacy:
Charles is a true advocate when it comes to supporting someone he believes in, especially when they are facing challenges in their professional life. He noticed that the person he supports was struggling at his job and instead of standing idly by, Charles took it upon himself to advocate for his abilities and potential. He approached the administration at the company, highlighting his supported personal strengths, dedication, and accomplishments. Charles also provided concrete examples of how this person had positively contributed to the organization in the past. Through his persuasive arguments and unwavering support, Charles successfully convinced the management to provide the person he supports with additional training and support, ensuring that he had the opportunity to thrive in his employment. Charles’ advocacy not only demonstrated his loyalty and belief in this person’s abilities, but also showcased his exceptional ability to influence and bring about positive change.
Christine
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 9 years, 9 months
Nominator Info
Name: Hillary M.
Position: Clinical Support Specialist
Top Attributes:
- Mission oriented
- Passionate
- Friendly
Mission Driven:
Christine is always showing she supports our mission at The Arc NCR. Christine supports one of the people in Community Living by helping him live his best life. They are always out and about together exploring and visiting new places. This person loves boat watching, visiting new places and simply going to see his mom. Christine empowers him each day to live, work and thrive in the community!
Community Participation:
Christine is all about going out into the community with the person she supports. She has taken him to several places in the community, near and far including NYC, Havre De Grace promenade, Aberdeen train station, Red Robin, Harford Mall and Virginia to visit his Stepmom.
Chuck
Department: Maintenance
Years in company: 10 years, 11 months
Nominators
Name: Erna C.
Position: Community Living Supervisor
and
Name: Rebecca R.
Position: DSP
Top Attributes:
- Reliable
- Dependable
- Problem Solver
Advocacy:
He treats every client like they are his best friends and speaks up for them anytime it’s necessary. One of the people we support needed a new bed. Chuck made sure that the bed was put up correctly and took the time to switch things around in his busy schedule to make sure this person did not have to wait to relax in her bed. He is always empowering and advocating for the people we support.
Leadership:
Chuck is a true leader. He does not wait on anyone to get the job done, and if he tells you he will be there at a certain time he will be there! He is a self-starter and a problem solver which is so important in his position at The Arc NCR.
Daneisha
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 11 months
Nominator Info
Name: Renee P.
Position: Community Partners
Top Attributes:
- Team Player
- Good Listener
- Mission Driven
Advocacy:
Dani listens to the needs and passions of the people she supports. She supports and loves them unconditionally and implements strategies to help assist them down the road of success, with them leading the way. Dani will suggest different options and re-direct them if they make a choice that may hurt them, but she always gives them room to make their own decisions.
Community Participation:
Dani has been volunteering the people she supports to donate their time to go to Mt. Zion to volunteer and make snack bags the day before Bingo. Dani shows up and gives her divided attention to each supported person to help them build independence by taking them out in the community and showing them how to manage money by scanning items at Five & Below, Walmart and other stores. She also takes them on scavenger hunts in the stores finding sales and teaching them basic math to learn money management.
Danyell
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year, 3 months
Nominator Info
Name: Corrinthia B.
Position: Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Dedication
- Mission Driven
- Advocate
Mission Driven:
Danyell has been a dedicated DSP and has made a significant impact on the lives of the people that she supports. In a short amount of time, she has gained the trust of all three guys living in the home she works in. Danyell entered the home and jumped right in showing the dedication and level of caring for the people that she supports. For example, Danyell will focus on making sure that the house is properly cleaned, making sure that the lunches are packed and well-balanced. She will sit in on conversations with the people that she supports just to find out how their day is going and what’s on their mind. Danyell actively listens to the person she is supporting often giving advice and support in helping them make a good decision. She always shows up with a happy face and smile.
Advocacy:
Danyell is a true advocate working as a DSP at The Arc NCR. Danielle has advocated for one supported person to go on vacation. Danielle has even offered to take this person on vacation when he is ready. She cares so much for all the guys in the house and is always advocating for them while out in the community.
Danyell
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 7 years, 10 months
Nominator Info
Name: Christine I.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Passionate
- Dedicated
- Responsible
Mission Driven:
Diane is mission driven as she empowers people with disabilities to live, work and thrive in the community. Diane makes sure she helps the people we support to be as independent as possible. She is person-centered and cares so much about the people she supports. She is passionate, dedicated and responsible.
Advocacy:
Diane is a true advocate. One of the individuals she supports wanted to go on vacation for her birthday. Diane has worked closely with her to plan effectively and make her wish come true.
Ebony
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 17 years, 4 months
Nominator Info
Name: Atari W.
Position: DSP
Top Attributes:
- Hard Working
- Patience
- Kind
Mission Driven:
Ebony supports the mission of The Arc NCR each day. She ensures the person she supports by empowering them to live, work and thrive in the community. She meets every week with this person’s family to ensure they know how everything is going. Ebony is an amazing DSP who cares deeply for the person she supports. Ebony is hard working, patient and kind!
Community Participation:
Ebony takes the person she supports out into the community often. She works closely with this person she supports in making sure they are part of the planning for the activities of the day.
Eric
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year, 4 months
Nominator Info
Name: Donald P.
Position: Community Living House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Hardworking
- Dedicated
- Reliable
Mission Driven:
Eric has shown in the short time he has been with The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region that he’s mission driven and dedicated. Eric is a great DSP and the employees, people we support and myself are lucky to have him on our team.
Community Participation:
Eric takes the people he supports out to church, shopping malls and other activities out in the community. Eric also played a huge role in helping plan and precure a flight for a person we support who was getting on a plane for the first time. Eric’s leadership and ability to plan this wonderful experience helped this person reach their goal. His dedication is much appreciated.
Gabe
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 6 months
Nominator Info
Name: Richard M.
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Positive
- Passionate
- Dedicated
Advocacy:
Gabe is a passionate advocate for people with differing abilities, and he demonstrated this recently for a person he supports. When Gabe learned that someone was at risk of losing his job due to his speed, lack of understanding, and skill, Gabe immediately stepped in to help. Gabe could see the potential of the person he supports, and he believed that with the right training and support, he could not only keep his job but also build valuable skills. Gabe worked closely with the person, providing him with the necessary training and accommodations to succeed in his role. He advocated for this person’s needs and ensured that his employer understood the value of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. Through Gabe’s dedication and advocacy, this person not only kept his job but also developed new skills and grew in confidence. Gabe’s commitment to empowering people with differing abilities is exemplified in his efforts to save this person’s job and create an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
Leadership:
Gabe’s exceptional leadership abilities stem from his unique talent of being able to find himself in each person he supports. He possesses an innate ability to empathize and connect with people on a deep level, understanding their struggles, motivations, and aspirations. By putting himself in their shoes, Gabe can provide guidance and support that is tailored to their specific needs. This approach not only fosters trust and rapport but also allows him to effectively address their concerns and help them overcome obstacles. Gabe’s genuine interest in understanding others and his ability to relate to their experiences makes him an exceptional leader who can inspire and empower those around him. I am confident that he will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those he serves.
Ginger
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 4 years
Nominator Info
Name: Reanna D.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Dependable
- Flexible
- Team player
Mission Driven:
Virginia has built great relationships with the people she supports. She is dedicated and hardworking and believes in our mission. Virginia is dependable and always goes above and beyond. She is always willing to help out in our department at any capacity. She has supported many people we support in different departments just to get the job done. She works well with her coworkers.
Community Participation:
Virginia is always taking the people she supports out in the community and sending in pictures to the agency’s highlights feature. The people she supports are always having a good time, have smiles on their faces, and enjoy trying out new things in the community.
Iva
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 3 years, 6 months
Nominator Info
Name: Donald P.
Position: Community living Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Organized
- Hardworking
- Mission Driven
Mission Driven:
Iva is a team player and always hits the ground running as soon as she starts her shift. She is a very independent thinker and is able to start working with very little guidance because she knows what is expected of her. She always checks in with staff and the people we support to see if there is anything needed. Iva is a valued team member amongst the other employees and myself and is much appreciated.
Community Participation:
Iva always makes sure the people we support go out in the community. She plans trips to the beach and baseball games and she takes them shopping to different stores and events in the community.
Jeremy
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 5 months
Nominator Info
Name: Amanda W.
Position: Discovery Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Organized
- Prompt
- Connected in his Community
Advocacy:
Jeremy is committed and dedicated to empowering the people we support. Jeremy had a challenging situation where a person we support showed a pattern of health concerns, behaviors, and instances in which they felt uncomfortable. The person confided in Jeremy and he communicated with the appropriate team members about the needs and some of his observations, in hope to support them in their services and help navigate the concerns quickly and safely. His keen eye to detail has been helpful in creating accommodations to relieve the concerns seen in the program. Jeremy also thinks ahead and plans activities that are tailored to each person’s desires. He is creative in completing assessments and encouraging practice and growth in areas people strive for in employment.
Community Participation:
Jeremy is very much involved in his community and has opened the doors to welcome people we support who may benefit from the many connections that he has made in his business and management experiences. He is currently working on a volunteering opportunity with the people who manage the Lighthouse in Havre de Grace to see how the people we support can learn and grow in that industry.
Jessica
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 1 year, 1 month
Nominator Info
Name: Richard M.
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Respectful
- Intrinsically motivated
- Leads with her heart
Advocacy:
Jess, a dedicated and compassionate individual, found herself advocating for the person she supports at work during a challenging situation. The supported person was facing struggles at work from one of their colleagues. Recognizing the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities, Jess took it upon herself to address the issue head-on. She approached the management team, highlighting the unfair treatment and emphasizing the value that the person she supports brought to the workplace. Jess eloquently articulated the need for a more inclusive and supportive environment, emphasizing the importance of diversity and the unique perspectives that this person brought to the table. Through her unwavering determination and persuasive arguments, Jess successfully lead to a positive change in the workplace culture. Her actions not only improved the working conditions for the person she supports, but also set a precedent for inclusivity and acceptance within the organization.
Community Participation:
Jess attended the Diversity Fair and face-painted (and will do that again this year). She also face-painted at the Trunk-or-Treat. She joined our department as they participated in Adopt-a-House. She encouraged some of the people we support to attend and share their creativity at the Sprout Film & Art Festival. She attended the Christmas Party and Sprout Fil & Art Festival. She also asked to paint a tree in the Community Partners room for people to create and decorate! She stops down to Community Partners when they are doing crafts or karaoke.
I wholeheartedly recommend Jessica Brockmeyer for DSP OF THE YEAR she leads with her heart, is supportive of all, is results-oriented, and remains flexible in the face of challenges.
Jessie
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 1 year 9 months
Nominator Info
Name: April M.
Position: Program Manager
Top Attributes:
- Reliable
- Good communicator
- Understanding
Mission Driven:
Jesse works day in and day out to ensure that the people we support have what they need in order to live, work and thrive. The relationships he has built with them are remarkable. He is there for them and they trust him. He is an important piece to their lives. He takes them out on activities, he takes them to and from work, he takes them to doctor’s appointments, just to name a few.
Advocacy:
One of the people we support did not feel comfortable with his therapist. With encouragement from Jesse, this person was able to get a new therapist so he wouldn’t feel rushed at his appointments. This is just one example of how Jesse advocates for the people we support and teaches them to advocate for themselves. Jesse enjoys what he does, and he likes to see the people we support succeeding and living their best lives. He is an asset to the agency and more importantly to the people we support.
Joanne
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 4 years, 10 months
Nominator Info
Name: Ben O.
Position: DSP
Top Attributes:
- Dedicated
- Committed
- Innovative
Mission Driven:
Joanne’s dedication to the people we support is really amazing, she puts them first and empowers them to live, work and thrive. Joanne accompanies the people we support to community activities to make sure they are included in the community around them. She is also a great trainer for new employees and makes them feel welcome.
Advocacy:
Joanne is quick to notice any behavioral changes of the people she supports and she is often the first one to check in with them and see if anything is wrong. These behavioral changes are typically accompanied with some physical ailment and Joanne is always committed to getting the right resource needed.
Joel
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 5 years, 5 months
Nominator Info
Name: Ruth J.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Mission Driven
- Supportive
- Advocacy
Mission Driven:
Joel believes in involving the people we support in their community by introducing them to local businesses. Because of his efforts, the people he supports are well known in the community and they have a true sense of belonging.
Leadership:
Because of his disposition, Joel has the capacity of being a leader. During the time when there was no house supervisor, he took charge of ensuring documentation and paperwork were completed and forwarded to the respective departments. He is deserving of recognition, and he is very appreciated by his team.
Katelynn
Department: Case Advocacy
Years in company: 7 years, 3 months
Nominator Info
Name: Madicella M.
Position: Advocacy & Database Manager
Top Attributes:
- Consistent
- Passionate
- Determined
Advocacy:
Katelynn promotes the mission by empowering her caseload to live, work, and thrive in the community. She encourages people we support to use their voice for what they want and navigate how to share this with the appropriate people. She advocates for the people we support to continue their autonomy and she finds creative ways for people to express and live this out. Recently, she worked closely with someone moving into Community Living and met with them many times to help alleviate their concerns, she was present during their move in, she assisted with navigating medical professionals to get what was needed prior to move in, and she shared feedback about how we can make the process smoother for people in the future.
Leadership:
She provides resources for community connections and connects people with her knowledge of activities. For example, she identified a new transportation provider that we are now sharing with everyone we support because it is more effective and beneficial. She is a leader within the Case Advocacy team and is always looking for learning opportunities and sharing them. She takes initiative within the team as well and her efforts are much appreciated.
Kenda
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 4 years, 10 months
Nominator Info
Name: Reanna D.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Dedicated
- Mission Driven
- Team Player
Advocacy:
Kenda always advocates for the people she supports and empowers them to advocate as well. For example, when a person she supports has a doctor’s appointment she makes sure she is available to take them. If the doctor wants to prescribe a new medication, Kenda will ask questions so she is fully educated on the new medication and why it is needed before she leaves that doctor’s office. She will come back to the team and share all the information. Kenda communicates very effectively and makes sure everyone on the team is on the same page.
Leadership:
Kenda will go out of her way to help her peers. If a new team member is starting, Kenda will stay over to help the new employee get well acquainted before she leaves. Kenda also takes a leadership role in transporting the women she supports to doctor’s appointments to make sure they are getting the best care possible. She has built great relationships with many of the people we support, and they enjoy it when Kenda works with them.
Kristen
Department: Case Advocacy
Years in company: 6 years
Nominator Info
Name: Madicella M.
Position: Advocacy & Database Manager
Top Attributes:
- Reliable
- Detailed
- Thorough
Mission Driven:
Kristen promotes the mission by connecting with people and sharing ways that they can build their confidence in their own lives. She remains person-centered in all of her work and is always willing to support people in creative ways to find their passion. Kristen shares events she finds within the community for us to share with our caseloads to ensure the people we support are connected with their community. She also helps with people we support who transition and move within the Community Living department and will host pizza parties and gatherings for everyone to meet before the moves occur. This effort has a big impact on ensuring transitions are smooth and successful for everyone involved.
Leadership:
Kristen is a leader of the Case Advocacy team. She takes initiative in conversations and meetings and is always a step ahead with updating forms the team consistently uses. She sees change as an opportunity and encourages others within the team and departments she works with.
Kristen
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 6 years
Nominator Info
Name: Reanna D.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Team player
- Reliable
- Punctual
Mission Driven:
Kristen demonstrates the mission each day. She empowers the people we support to get out in the community and she tries to help them achieve their goals. The people we support look forward to Kristen working with them.
Leadership:
Kristen is always willing to help out at any capacity. She has worked at many of the Community Living homes, and she continues to empower all the people we support. She takes them out in the community and introduces them to new places. Kristen makes sure she familiarizes herself with the people she supports to offer them the best care possible. She always assists by giving medication, working extra shifts and staying late if needed. We appreciate having her as part of our team.
Kristyn
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 5 months
Nominator Info
Name: Erna C.
Position: Community Living House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Hard Worker
- Reliable
- Committed
Mission Driven:
Kristyn makes sure the people we support have a meaningful day and she pushes everyone around her to be great. She is always teaching the team how to be stronger in different skills where we were weak at. We are a stronger team because of Kristyn.
Advocacy:
Kristyn advocates for the person she supports daily to make sure he is happy and he is in the community meeting new people. She shows leadership everyday by supporting her team and helping with scheduling and making appointments. She also advocates by reminding supervisors on follow-ups and is committed to providing the best care to the person she supports.
Latonia
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 7 years
Nominator Info
Name: Mark A.
Position: Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Advocacy
Advocacy:
Latonia actively communicates the need and concerns of the people she supports. One person she supports was losing weight, which is an important concern. Latonia observed, reported and communicated this change routinely. She also volunteered to assist with transportation to appointments. She showed through dedication and advocacy that we can have a positive effect on the healthcare needs of the people we support.
Leadership:
Latonia’s leadership shines through her exemplary behavior and work ethics. She sets a positive example by consistently completing tasks and displaying a willingness to assist others, especially in the areas where challenges may arise. Her proactive approach to supporting colleagues in overcoming difficulties showcases her dedication to teamwork and fostering a collaborative environment. Latonia’s leadership qualities make her a valuable asset in the workplace, inspiring her peers and contributing to the overall success of the team.
Leonard
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 8 months
Nominator Info
Name: Iva M.
Position: CMT/DSP
Top Attributes:
- Goal-oriented
- Compassionate
- Dedicated
Mission Driven:
Leonard is passionate about empowering the people he supports and helping them achieve their goals. When the people we support at one of our Community Living homes wanted to go to an Oriole’s game, Leonard stepped up and made it happen. He looked up ticket prices, found great seats, looked up parking prices, filled out the necessary paperwork and submitted it to the Finance Department. He drove the people we support to the game, helped them with purchasing their souvenirs and made sure they arrived back home safely. To top things of, the Oriole’s won!
Advocacy:
Leonard is passionate about advocating for the people we support. When he found out there was a need for tutoring, he reached out to the Clinical team about finding classes to help the person we support learn how to read. He’s constantly looking for ways he can help others.
Leyshla
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 1 year 4 months
Nominator Info
Name: Sarah O-B.
Position: Director of Community Supports
Top Attributes:
- Empathy
- Respect
- Joy
Mission Driven:
Leyshla demonstrates The Arc NCR’s mission every day. She truly believes in empowering people with differing abilities to live, work and thrive in the community. It’s Leyshla’s heartfelt belief that everyone deserves to lead a meaningful life and to be treated with respect and dignity.
Advocacy:
Leyshla routinely advocates for the person she supports and more importantly, she has assisted her in learning to advocate for herself. This person had a history of yelling, cursing, and elopement. During the time Leyshla has been supporting her, those behaviors have become non-existent. The person she supports now knocks on the door before entering, she uses a conversational tone when asking for a preferred item and she will wait patiently if the item is not immediately available. Leyshla takes the initiative to have consistent communication with her supervisor and the family of the person she supports which has resulted in a positive relationship between all parties.
Lisette
Department: Quality Enhancement
Years in company: 4 years, 1 month
Nominators
Name: Corrin B.
Position: Quality Impact Manager Name
and
Name: Lauren N.
Position: Clinical Support Manager
Top Attributes:
- Kind
- Thoughtful
- Positive
Mission Driven:
As part of the QE team, Lisette is continuously ensuring that the people we support are living a person-centered life. By helping the staff understand the importance of human rights, Lisette is a constant source of positive energy with great ideas and the ability to connect us to more resources in and out of the agency. Lisette is constantly trying to learn more and better herself. She takes every training opportunity that is presented to her and recently obtained her DSP 1 Badge. She has attended webinars, presentations, conferences and classes to increase her knowledge and skills. She flexes her schedule to meet with people at a time that works best for their schedules. She completes house reviews to make sure Community Living homes are set up for success. She asks people we support person-centered questions to ensure they are receiving the services and support they deserve. She goes out in the community and meets with people we support and will participate in the activities they are doing. She is a true example of someone you would want at your organization because you know that she truly cares about the mission.
Leadership:
On top of her job duties, Lisette has taken the lead in training and mentoring the QE Admin Coordinator position as well as Clinical Support Specialists. This leadership comes with a calm, positive vibe to make sure that new employees know they can go to Lisette no matter what chaotic situation has unfolded and be supported in a way that is human, knowledgeable, understanding, and high quality. She makes herself available for any questions or concerns that her peers may have. She takes time to train people until they feel comfortable with the task. She took it upon herself to start calling house supervisors weekly to just talk with them without any expectations but to just ask how their day is and be a listener. Lisette is one of those people who interacts with others in ways that build them up, personally and professionally.
Mandy
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 4 years, 1 month
Top Attributes:
- Dedicated
- Hard-working
- Helpful
Mission Driven:
Mandy comes to work with pure dedication and commitment for the people we support. She works well independently or with her team. Mandy is always ready to help out with open shifts, callouts and doctor appointments even when she is not scheduled.
Advocacy:
Mandy has been very welcoming to new supervisors and helps them get adjusted and understand the Community Living Home. If there are any needed changes in the home, she is always willing to advocate for the change to make sure the people we support are thriving.
Marsha
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 1 year, 9 months
Nominator Info
Name: Richard M.
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Communication skills
- Motivated
- Dependable
Mission Driven:
Marsha embodies the mission of “The Arc of a Lifetime” by wholeheartedly supporting people and their families. She is dedicated to empowering people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive in the community. Marsha goes above and beyond to ensure that the people she supports, and her department have access to the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
Leadership:
Marsha possesses exceptional leadership skills. She has a natural ability to inspire and motivate the people she support and team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Marsha leads by example, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic, integrity, and a genuine concern for the well-being and professional growth of the people she supports and her team. She actively listens to her employer’s ideas and concerns, providing guidance and support whenever needed. Marsha’s ability to effectively communicate and delegate tasks ensures that her team members feel valued and empowered. Her dedication to their success is evident in her willingness to go above and beyond to provide the necessary resources and training. Marsha’s leadership and support enable her team to thrive and achieve their goals, making her an invaluable asset to any organization.
I highly recommend Marsha as DSP of the Year! Marsha is genuinely caring and supports people in their journey towards success. Marsha’s unwavering dedication to the people she supports is truly commendable.
One of the most striking aspects of Marsha’s show is her genuine concern for the well-being and success of the people she supports. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her supported people feel heard, understood, and supported.
Michael
Department: Maintenance
Years in company: 1 year
Nominators
Name: Klint M.
Position: Lead IT Support Tech
and
Name: Matt T.
Position: IT Support Specialist
Top Attributes:
- Adaptability
- Passion for the Mission
- Great Work Ethic
Mission Driven:
He is 100% mission driven. Mike takes pride in everything he does each day, whether it’s a project/renovation at one of the Community Living homes or bringing in homemade food for others. Recently, he and his team coordinated and completed the move of one of the Community Living homes and even after all that hard work Mike makes the extra effort for the people we support by firing up the grill and cooking food for everyone.
Leadership:
Mike takes his leadership role seriously and will not hesitate to lend a helping hand. When work on the parking lot needed to be done, the first person out there in the morning digging holes for new signs was Mike. He even took the initiative to setup a desktop computer for a Community Living home to help the IT department. Mike leads by example in everything he does.
Michelle
Department: Human Resources
Years in company: 1 year, 6 months
Nominators
Name: Salamatu A.
Position: Community Living Coach
and
Name: Star H.
Position: Community Living Coach
Top Attributes:
- Welcoming
- Kind
- Responsive
Mission Driven:
Michelle helps drive the mission by welcoming new team members and creating a positive environment during employee orientation. Because of her efforts, each person completing orientation feels empowered to make a difference here at The Arc NCR. Michelle knows her job very well and is always welcoming to everyone around her. She treats everyone with respect and kindness.
Advocacy:
Michelle takes the time to advocate for employees and make sure each employee has what they need. She is always ready and willing to help each employee until they are satisfied and fully equipped to do their jobs well.
Moteka
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 8 years
Nominator Info
Name: Alissa C.
Position: Direct Support Professional, Community Living
Top Attributes:
- Excellent communicator
- Respectful
- High achiever
Mission Driven:
I choose Moteka because she has a beautiful heart. She supports several women who live as housemates in a Community Living home. Moteka works to ensure their home is a positive environment. She accomplishes this by helping plan birthday parties, holiday parties, decorating for each holiday, and creating themed events with the women including ice cream socials and cake baking night. Moteka ensures their home feels more like a family and always supports and advocates for what is fair for each person she supports.
Community Participation:
Moteka is very active and encouraging in supporting people to engage in their neighborhood or local community. She regularly takes the women she supports shopping, to Pizza with Jesus events, practices, and other appointments. She is a big believer in being a part of their community.
Nataysha
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 9 months
Nominator Info
Name: Atari W.
Position: Community Living Coach
Top Attributes:
- Kind
- Patient
- Approachable
Mission Driven:
Nataysha is very mission driven, always kind and patient with the people she supports. She is very easy to talk to, loves what she does, and takes pride in her work every day. She continues to focus on the goals of each person and how she can positively impact their life.
Advocacy:
Nataysha regularly speaks up for the rights of those she supports. She respects the rights of each person and ensures they feel empowered to speak up for themselves as well. She is truly a hard worker and takes care of others.
Nena
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 9 years, 4 months
Nominator Info
Name: Margo T.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Passionate
- Excellent multitasking abilities
- Dependable
Mission Driven:
One thing that sticks out to me the most is the fact that every time Nena enters the residence of the people we support she greets them individually and finds out how they’re feeling. Nena is very passionate about the people we support, always encouraging others to consider their prospectives.
Leadership:
As a new hire of The Arc NCR, Nena has given me 110% support, answering all my questions, and fulfilling all my needs in order to prepare me for success at The Arc NCR. She is always willing to pitch in to help her team members, filling in for open shifts, and assisting employees, when needed, in taking people we support to medical appointments. In addition, one of the people we support wanted to participate in the Active day program, however there was a transportation issue that Nena was able to solve, allowing the person to attend.
Nicole
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 19 years, 5 months
Nominator Info
Name: Glory J.
Position: Community Living Coach
Top Attributes:
- Respectful
- Proactive
- Team player
Advocacy:
Nicole regularly advocates for all people she supports, ensuring that each person is attending their medical appointments, and acts on every request. She is an exemplary team member and Supervisor.
Leadership:
Nicole is an effective and efficient communicator. She is a servant leader. Nicole does not ask her team members to perform duties that she isn’t willing to step in to do herself. She covers shifts when needed and is a great collaborator with others.
Nicole
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 6 years, 6 months
Nominator Info
Name: Cheyenne S.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Supportive
- Problem solver
- Knowledgeable
Mission Driven:
She is very knowledgeable of the people she supports in the Community Living home where she works and assists with any issues or concerns should they arise. Nicole is all about the mission of The Arc NCR!
Leadership:
Nicole has been a blessing to have on my team as I have transitioned to being a Supervisor. She has helped me with my transition and been so supportive. I appreciate her leadership and support.
Nina
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 7 years, 9 months
Nominator Info
Name: Shantee S.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Flexibility
- Adaptability
- Advocate
Mission Driven:
Nina is always willing to adjust her schedule to incorporate the needs of the people she supports. If her coworkers need assistance, she is always willing to step up and help.
Community Participation:
Nina always ensures the people she supports go out in the community. She will often pick up shifts to help get them out to enjoy an event, activity, or ensure they are making appointments.
Olakemi
Department: Case Advocacy
Years in company: 1 years, 7 months
Nominator Info
Name: Madicella M.
Position: Advocacy and Database Manager
Top Attributes:
- Thoughtful
- Inquisitive
- Supportive
Mission Driven:
Kemi promotes the mission by truly getting to know people she works with and finding the best way to support each person. In her overtime hours as a Direct Support Professional, Kemi has shared how she has discovered many attributes and characteristics of the people she works with, and that the foundation of their relationships really sets the tone for how time is spent. She knows what triggers people have, when they may need space, and reaches out to other departments for insight and assistance.
Advocacy:
Her consistency as a resource played a vital role with someone on her caseload who was facing homelessness. Kemi initiated the team approach including others to help this person and their family member connect with local resources. Kemi was always a phone call away for this person and their family member and assisted with paperwork as well. They are now in permanent housing and the person has a new job within his community. Kemi’s passion is evident in her relationships with her caseload and families.
Olubisi
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 4 years, 1 month
Nominator Info
Name: Reanna D.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Flexible
- Punctual
- Team Player
Mission Driven:
Olubisi offered her support to a different Community Living home a few months back and ended up helping us out for almost three months. During these months she always showed up for shifts on time, never called out. She took the time to genuinely get to know the people she supports. Olubisi is dependable and works through challenges very well. She adapts to changes and is a great team player, as well as an excellent communicator.
Advocacy:
Olubisi continued to reach out to me and report any changes she observed in the people she supports while she was working with them. She followed all protocols and procedures. Olubisi showed up to work with a positive attitude, and adapted to changes very well. She has built great relationships with the people she supports and is a great team player. We really enjoyed having her at our premises.
Oseh
Department: Clinical Support & Quality Enhancement
Years in company: 2 years
Nominator Info
Name: Kristin F.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Optimism
- Dedicated
- Patient
Mission Driven:
Oseh never loses faith in our team members or the people we support. She always presents with an open mind and heart no matter the person or situation. She has a way of connecting with and empowering the people we support through any dilemma.
Leadership:
Oseh is always willing to train and retrain to do what it takes so that the wants and needs of the people supported by The Arc NCR are met. She leads with positivity and offsets any negative energy in the atmosphere. She is always encouraging people we support to go out and have fun, while also providing employees with ideas of places to go. She routinely checks in to make sure our people are getting out and is very encouraging.
Phayann
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 5 months
Nominator Info
Name: Angela M.
Position: Community Living Coach
Top Attributes:
- Great communicator
- Positive
- Passionate
Advocacy:
A person we support wanted a phone she could easily use and operate, as the phone she had was too difficult for her to operate. Phayann took the proper steps to get the person a more suitable and comfortable phone for her to use. The person was very happy and has since been able to keep in better contact with her family, which has made a great improvement in her daily life.
Leadership:
Phayann takes the time to explain how to do things. She helps employees with difficult situations, has open communication, and is helpful and resourceful. She encourages employees to reach the goals they’ve set and to be successful. Phayann is understanding and compassionate. She has a presence in the homes where she is a supervisor and is a positive figure for our team.
Reannon
Department: House Supervisor, Community Living
Years in company: 10 years, 1 month
Nominator Info
Name: Crystal D. and Anonymous Nominator
Position: Assistant Director of Admissions and Enrollment
Top Attributes:
- Caring
- Attentive
- Proactive
Mission Driven:
Reannon demonstrates The Arc NCR’s mission each day. From the time it was announced that Community Living would be going live in LTSS, Reannon has committed herself to ensure that she and her team proactively learned expectations. Reannon is eager to learn and communicates any questions or concerns and has demonstrated excellent leadership to her team.
Community Participation:
She encouraged her team to engage the people supported who live in one of the Community Living homes she oversees. Since her encouragement, the people we support now regularly engage in Pizza with Jesus, Mt. Zion when available, shopping and so much more.
Renee
Department: Community Partners
Years in company: 1 years, 4 months
Nominator Info
Name: Sarah O-B
Position: Director of Community Supports
Top Attributes:
- Passion
- Empathetic
- Respectful
Advocacy:
Recently, two women who Renee supports expressed an interest in going to the prom at Mt. Zion, however their parents were opposed. Renee reached out to the family and asked if they would feel comfortable if the Direct Support Professional was present and assured their safety. The parents agreed they would, and the ladies could attend.
Renee has an infectiously positive attitude. Often times the people she supports are reluctant to try new things, Renee always makes it fun. Whether she’s wearing a crazy hat, dancing with people, or playing a fun game, Renee creates opportunities that enhance participation and makes the people she supports want to be engaged.
Leadership:
Renee consistently identifies new ways to engage CP participants. Renee frequently leads group activities for multiple groups, she shares events, opportunities, and encourages her peers to try new things. She recently led a cooking class where everyone made pinwheels. Renee printed out the recipe and led everyone in step by step instructions on preparing a yummy treat.
Richard
Department: Employment Supervisor
Years in company: 1 year, 5 months
Nominators
Name: Sherry K.
Position: Pre-Employment and Adult VR supervisor
and
Name: Becky F.
Position: Employment Coach
Top Attributes:
- Compassionate
- Collaboration
- Mission Driven
Mission Driven:
Dickie continually focuses on how to help bridge The Arc NCR for our clients in Employment Services. Dickie supports clients getting jobs as well as supporting his staff and our clients in maintaining their employment. Dickie will be on the scene in a heartbeat to support and speak with clients, job coaches and employers to help ensure success in the workplace or have “tough love” conversations to help clients maintain employment. Dickie visits with clients to share successes as well. All of these measures help our clients thrive in the community. I don’t think that I will ever forget the look on the faces of some of our older folks as they met “Santa” at the Christmas Party last year. It was a gift that he gave me personally that I will always cherish.
Leadership:
Dickie is a beacon of positivity. Staff are drawn to him because of the warmth of his personality and his genuineness. A true leader listens and breeds a culture where people feel safe. Dickie is that kind of leader. He puts his heart and soul into the mission of The Arc NCR. He “walks the walk” daily.
ShaRon
Department: Community Living
Years in company: 4 months
Nominator Info
Name: Dana J.
Position: House Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Caring
- Hard Worker
- Resilience
Advocacy:
ShaRon has been doing amazing advocating for a gentleman she supports during his medical appointments. She was really quick to call when she noticed a doctor was trying to prescribe a medication that was listed as an allergic medication. She ensured that the medication was something he could actually have and would not cause him any health concerns. She followed up with his guardian during the appointment to make her aware of the changes.
Leadership:
ShaRon has shown that she can lead when needed, as she has stepped up many times to help when needed. ShaRon helped a team member who was struggling with documentation and showed her how to operate the computer. She helped her learn how to navigate the house and other small tasks to get familiar with the computer. ShaRon helps fill in shifts when someone requests time off. She has been a breath of fresh air since she’s joined my team.
Sherry
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 11 years, 10 months
Nominators
Name: Toni C.
Position: Director of Employment Services
and
Name: Brittiany D.
Position: DORS Employment Coach
Top Attributes:
- Passionate
- Collaborative
- Mission driven
Mission Driven:
Sherry spends every day working with people 10-14 hours a day, empowering people to live, work and thrive in the community. She patiently starts working with children as young as 16 years old (although she is approved to work with students as young as 14). She teaches young people the foundational principles of being successful employees through classroom style instruction, real work-life exposure, and valuable work experiences. These taught skills are necessary skills that will be carried forth to help people thrive at work of their choice. As for the adults she works with, Sherry seeks to understand their abilities, identify accommodations to barriers and makes their employment dreams a reality. Sherry not only teaches such skills to the people she supports, but she also shares her knowledge with the Employment Services team, helping us to be better at what we do! Sherry is a ROCKSTAR! One specific example of this is when a parent acknowledged that prior to meeting Sherry, her son would not speak or make eye contact but after meeting Sherry and her style of teaching, this young man now communicates and is able to look a person in the eye. The parent was so appreciative of the success Sherry was able to be a part of, helping someone to communicate, a skill needed to THRIVE.
Community Participation:
Sherry established several relationships in the community leading to several assessment sites as well as permanent employment. One relationship Sherry fostered is Ripken Stadium. Even though the management structure changes, they still allow Sherry and her WBLE students to come in and learn valuable employment skills. Ripken directly employs one of the people we support because of the relationship Sherry established. Every chance Ripken gets, they highlight The Arc NCR. Additionally, because of Sherry’s hard work and dedication, Burlington nominated The Arc NCR for a grant. It is because of Sherry, many people in the community, especially employers, “get it”. They “get” what we do and want to be a part of making the world a better place in assisting people living “personally valued lives.”
Stanley
Department: Employment Services
Years in company: 2 months
Nominator Info
Name: Richard M.
Position: Job Coach Supervisor
Top Attributes:
- Dedicated
- Honest
- Flexible
Mission Driven:
Stanley demonstrates The Arc NCR’s mission by being authentic and sincere in his interactions. He treats the people we support and their families with respect and dignity, valuing their perspectives and input. Stanley does not pretend to be someone he is not or manipulate situations for personal gain. Instead, he genuinely wants to help people he supports live, work, and thrive in the community.
Through his honesty, compassion, and genuineness, Stanley empowers people with differing abilities to lead fulfilling lives. He advocates for their rights and ensures that they have equal opportunities to participate in the community. Stanley’s mission is to assist the people we support and their families in achieving their goals and aspirations, and he achieves this by embodying these qualities in his work.
Leadership:
Stanley has remarkable leadership skills. He values compassion and truth in every aspect of his life. He understands that true leadership is not about power or control, but about serving others with empathy and understanding. Stanley leads by example, always taking the time to listen to others and consider their perspectives. He values honesty and transparency, believing that the foundation of any successful relationship or organization is built on trust. Stanley’s compassionate leadership style creates a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. He encourages open dialogue and fosters a culture of collaboration and respect. Stanley’s commitment to leading with compassion and truth inspires those around him to do the same, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere wherever he goes.
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.