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:

September DSPs of the Month: Nathaniel Sieh, Angie Brooks, & Konnah Feahn

Nathaniel

Nathaniel Sieh [Gramsie] – As a member of the staff team at our Gramsie home, Nathaniel Sieh is someone who is regarded as someone who leads by example and a “true asset” to the Gramsie staff team! Nathaniel comes to work with an intentional and compassionate approach – he exemplifies person-centered care, and he is genuinely committed to the women who live at Gramsie! As noted by Gramsie’s Program Manager Cierra Waka, “he does not simply complete his responsibilities – he puts his heart into his work. He takes the time to understand each individual’s needs, preferences, and goals while ensuring they are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. His dedication, patience, and willingness to go above and beyond have a positive impact not only on the individuals we serve, but also on the entire team.”  With that being said, Nathaniel undoubtedly reflects all of the values that our organization represents, and he is one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for September – congratulations, Nathaniel!

Angie & Konnah

Angie Brooks [Cedarwood West] & Konnah Feahn [Cedarwood West] – When not one, but two, DSPs at the same home get nominated for ‘DSP of the Month,’ that speaks volumes for the support that is being provided at our Cedarwood West home! Both Angie Brooks & Konnah Feahn were nominated for this honor, and with the respective strengths that each of them brings to their roles day-in and day-out, it became undeniable to have them both be recognized as amazing staff members. This was not Angie’s first time being nominated, and for good reason – she is credited with being extremely reliable, dedicated, and bringing a positive attitude each time she works. Angie is steadfast on going the extra mile to provide remarkable care to the men at Cedarwood West, while also stepping-up when additional coverage is needed at the home, and she also seamlessly helps-out at other homes when they are in-need of her supportive hand as well! Angie’s dependability and flexibility are so very evident to all that surround her, especially to the guys at Cedarwood West, and she is extremely deserving of being one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for September – congratulations, Angie! Like their fellow team member Angie, Konnah has also been nominated before, and he likewise cares greatly about the men at Cedarwood West and he is a leader as part of the staff team here! Konnah is someone who keeps things running as smoothly as they can when he works, and his duties as a Lead DSP are all completed in top-notch fashion – his attention to detail and overall commitment to following procedures as they are outlined are commendable and well-noticed by the team at Cedarwood West. Additionally, Konnah makes a special effort to keep the guys at the home active and engaged – he will regularly take the men on outings in the community and he ensures they get to participate in activities that they enjoy doing. Konnah does a superb job, and he is also more than meritorious of being one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for September – congratulations, Konnah!

September Program Manager of the Month: Steve Watanaskul

Steve

As expressed by his supervisor, Program Director Jay Butler, “Steve Watanskul is a blend of Inspector Gadget and Clark Kent.” Steve leads our Arrive apartment program in Eden Prairie as the Program Manager, and he also has helped numerous other programs in some form or fashion (including most recently helping cover PM duties at our Vicksburg Village apartment program – in which a Vicksburg Village DSP nominated Steve for his excellent work over there in addition to Arrive!). While always being willing to assist with training, mentorship, various administrative duties, etc., Steve is also a key member of our Hammer Travel Team, where he supports many with going on various exciting trips. Steve is never someone to boast about his accomplishments, rather, he goes about his business quietly and efficiently, while doing stellar work at the same time. While Steve might not be outwardly expressive about his accomplishments, his first-rate work is quite apparent to all that serve alongside him, and with that, Steve was a rather easy choice as our ‘PM of the Month’ for September. Congratulations, Steve!