By Chris Chica, Residential Services Coordinator

Each month, we will recognize two DSPs of the Month as well as a Program Manager of the Month. We are thankful for all the ways they bring the best of themselves to those they support and their colleagues. Please join us in celebrating them:

April DSPs of the Month: Claire Umuhoza & William (Bill) Pugh

Claire

Claire Umuhoza [Duluth] – Claire is the Lead DSP at our Duluth home, and she is an incredibly valuable member of the team here! When Duluth was in-between Program Managers, Claire stepped-up amazingly – Claire became even more involved with scheduling and running medical appointments, training staff on best practices for supporting the women at Duluth, and making sure everyone has what they need. Claire exemplifies person-centeredness, as she involves and encourages the women at the home as much as possible. Claire is very well-regarded from all associated with Duluth – ranging from the ladies at Duluth, her coworkers, and the families/guardians of the women at the home. Claire is someone who recognizes the need to take care of “business first, but then leans into the fun.” With Claire being so instrumental in the day-to-day care of the women at the home, ensuring that all medical appointments are up-to-date, keeping the home clean, and preparing meals (along with doing so ahead of time & then freezing for future use) – Claire is very deserving of being one of our April ‘DSPs of the Month.’ Congratulations, Claire!

Bill

Bill Pugh [Plymouth Colony] – Bill has long been a terrific staff at our organization – Bill shines as one of the Lead DSPs at our Plymouth Colony apartment program, and when working shifts at other programs, Bill carries-over that same work ethic and person-centered focus! Bill is known for being passionate about the people we support, and he routinely goes out of his way to accommodate the unique needs of each person, along with coming up with creative ways to get people involved in activities (including folks that are not as keen on socializing, etc.) – about three years ago, Bill instituted a “Movie Night” every Friday night at Plymouth Colony, and this has been very well-received and well-attended! Bill has also started a health challenge at Plymouth Colony, in which many of the people supported at Plymouth Colony are participating in, and he has been very encouraging to the men and women at this program (where he will also reward them with a certificate to commemorate their personal progress). Plymouth Colony, as well as our organization as a whole, is very fortunate to have Bill as a staff member, and he without a doubt is a terrific choice as one of our April ‘DSPs of the Month.’ Congratulations Bill!

April Program Manager of the Month: Carin Callanan

Carin

Please join us in congratulating Bailey Ridge’s Carin Callanan, our Program Manager of the Month for April! Program Managers are at the heart of our residential services, providing leadership, support, and encouragement to both staff and the people we serve. We appreciate Carin’s commitment to Bailey Ridge and the positive impact she makes each day. Thank you for all you do, Carin, and congratulations on this well-deserved honor!