Each month, we will recognize two DSPs of the Month as well as a Program Manager of the Month. To start things off, we are proud to recognize our DSPs and Program Managers of the Month for September and October. 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:

September DSPs of the Month: Kiara Coops & Emily Robillard

Kiara

Kiara Coops (Cedarwood East) – Not only does Kiara excel in her role as Lead DSP at Cedarwood East and as such an asset to that home, but she has also made a very noticeable impact when working shifts at our Brenner home! Regardless of where she’s working (as she consistently will pick up shifts, etc.), she steps up to help wherever it is needed. Kiara is successful in adjusting her approach to work with the unique needs of various people, and she is always attentive and person-centered in supporting the people at our homes. Congrats, Kiara!

Emily

Emily Robillard (Gardner) – Emily has long been an exceptional and reliable employee, and the impact that she has made at Gardner is nothing short of extraordinary! Emily has always been person-centered to the fullest and the rights of each woman supported at Gardner are her top priority. Emily ensures that their wants and needs are taken care of to the best of her (and the Gardner team’s) ability. Emily exudes selflessness and puts the needs of the people we support ahead of herself. She sets such a great example for what it means to be a quality DSP. Congrats, Emily!

September Program Manager of the Month: Annie Critzer (Zealand)

Annie  

There were many worthy nominations, but one Program Manager rose to the top and exemplifies what it means to be a stellar PM as our very first “PM of the Month” – Annie Critzer (Program Manager at Zealand)! From her number one focus of ensuring that the men and women supported at Zealand are living their best lives, being person-centered in every aspect of her job, mentoring other PMs, and being willing to be a continued support (even after the formal mentorship ends), volunteering to assist wherever/whenever needed, helping with a countless number of Program Plans – the list of remarkable things that Annie does could go on and on! Annie has set such a standard with her incredible work, and not only does she consistently have Zealand in a great spot as a program (Program Director Sam Ramsdell describes Zealand as a “well-oiled machine” due to Annie’s work), but she also continually goes above and beyond. We are lucky to have Annie, and she is so deserving of this honor!

October DSPs of the Month: Fatou Jaiteh & Alterlene Capehart 

Fatou

Fatou Jaiteh (Norway) – Fatou is someone who brings compassion, dedication, and a loving personality to work every day to best support the men and women at Norway! Fatou has always been a committed employee, and she is beloved by the folks at Norway due to the unwavering level of dignity, empathy, and kindness that she shows everyone. Among Fatou’s many strengths, one that stands out is her ability to create meals that are relished and beyond meaningful to everyone at Norway. Fatou plays a critical role in Norway being an inviting home for all, and she not only supports the people living at Norway, but she is great support to her coworkers as well. Congrats, Fatou!

Alterlene

Alterlene Capehart (Emery) – Alterlene makes an undeniably positive impact wherever she is working, so it goes without saying that she always ensures that the people supported at Emery are cared for in a loving and dedicated way! Alterlene uses her outstanding skillset whenever possible – whether it’s doing something to care for the people she is tasked with supporting or taking the initiative to help others when she sees that she can be a supportive presence. Alterlene’s outstanding level of work has been consistent since day one, and this has not gone unnoticed. Congrats, Alterlene!

October Program Manager of the Month: Joetta Giddings (Sheridan)

Joetta

In the role of Program Manager, there will naturally be daunting situations that will need to be overcome from time to time, and Joetta Giddings (Program Manager at Sheridan) has done an amazing job navigating an incredibly difficult situation (to say the least!). Our Sheridan home recently experienced a significant (and rather unfortunate) flooding issue that is resulting in the lower level of the home being completely renovated, as well as the temporary relocation of two of the people that we support. Joetta has tackled this challenge with aplomb! Joetta has played an absolutely critical role in aiding the people we support at Sheridan, the staff team, families, etc. as this situation has played out, and it is a great example (and only a microcosm) of the terrific work that Joetta does day-in and day-out as the PM at Sheridan. Congratulations, Joetta!