Chris Chica, Author at Hammer https://hammer.org/blog/author/chris-chica/ Resources for Developmental Disabilities Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:51:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://hammer.org/content/uploads/2021/01/cropped-2021.01-Favicon-Hammer-32x32.png Chris Chica, Author at Hammer https://hammer.org/blog/author/chris-chica/ 32 32 DSPs & PM of the Month: September https://hammer.org/blog/2026/10/dsps-pm-of-the-month-september/ https://hammer.org/blog/2026/10/dsps-pm-of-the-month-september/#respond Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:51:22 +0000 https://hammer.org/?p=35279 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!

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]]> 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!

 
 

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]]> https://hammer.org/blog/2026/10/dsps-pm-of-the-month-september/feed/ 0 DSPs & PM of the Month: August https://hammer.org/blog/2026/08/dsps-pm-of-the-month-august/ https://hammer.org/blog/2026/08/dsps-pm-of-the-month-august/#respond Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:57:15 +0000 https://hammer.org/?p=35219 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!

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]]> 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:

August DSPs of the Month: Sadaq Ibrahim & Jill Peters

Sadaq

Sadaq Ibrahim [5th Street] – Sadaq is someone with a multitude of terrific qualities, and our 5th Street home values and appreciates his amazing work here as a DSP! Sadaq’s dependability and selflessness are two qualities that stand-out to his coworkers, and he also does a fantastic job of building positive relationships with each person that resides at 5th Street. Per 5th Street’s Program Manager Hattisha Gary, Sadaq makes everyone feel “included, supported, and valued,” and he engages the folks supported at 5th Street with ease, as he exudes “patience, kindness, and a positive attitude” with every interaction! Additionally, Sadaq is lauded for his excellent communication skills (with both fellow staff and the people-supported at 5th Street), and he never ceases to do a great job at understanding and responding to each respective person’s needs. Sadaq is such a well-rounded and quality member of our 5th Street home (and our organization as a whole), and he is deservedly receiving the honor as one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for August – congratulations, Sadaq!

Jill

Jill Peters [Holdridge] – Jill is the Lead DSP at our Holdridge home, and she personifies what it means to be an excellent Lead DSP!  Jill is known for consistently exceeding the expectations of her role – Jill does this by being extremely dedicated, an exemplary leader, and having genuine compassion for the men that are supported at Holdridge. Jill’s strong work ethic and positive attitude lend to an environment where the guys who live at Holdridge, as well as the entire staff team at the home, know that they can depend on Jill! Jill continually steps-in and steps-up wherever needed – including assisting with challenging situations that her coworkers face, taking-on additional responsibilities as needed, and guiding new staff members to be as successful as they can be while working at the home. The difference that Jill makes every time she works resonates through the entire house – Jill’s attention to detail is bar-none, and Holdridge as a whole benefits an immense amount. With all of this being said, Jill is one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for August – congratulations, Jill!

August Program Manager of the Month: Marcella Moore

Marcella

36th Street is a home that benefits from a Program Manager that puts the women who live at this home first, while also being a strong leader and team player – that Program Manager is none other than Marcella Moore! Marcella doesn’t hesitate to go above-and-beyond for the women at 36th Street – Marcella will routinely come in early to support one of the ladies with their hair, and this is just one example (of many!) of Marcella putting the needs of the ladies at 36th Street first! Marcella is a supportive presence at 36th Street, and she is continually sharing her knowledge and expertise with her staff team. Per her Program Director Rosemary Smith, Marcella is one that will take on new challenges without any hesitation, and she always follows-through on things “with a positive and solution-focused attitude.” Rosemary adds that Marcella’s “reliability, selflessness, and willingness to step up make her an invaluable member of the team, and her impact is felt not only by the individuals she serves, but by everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her.” Marcella’s compassion, dedication, and commitment to making a positive difference has not gone unnoticed, and with that, she is our ‘PM of the Month’ for August – congratulations, Marcella!

 
 

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]]> https://hammer.org/blog/2026/08/dsps-pm-of-the-month-august/feed/ 0 DSPs & PM of the Month: July https://hammer.org/blog/2026/07/dsps-pm-of-the-month-july/ https://hammer.org/blog/2026/07/dsps-pm-of-the-month-july/#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2026 14:07:44 +0000 https://hammer.org/?p=35132 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!

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]]> 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:

July DSPs of the Month: Omobolanle (Bola) Egege & Brad Fenske

Bola

Bola Egege [Cedarwood East] – As the Lead DSP at our Cedarwood East home, Bola has made an immeasurable impact on the home, including her fellow staff and (most importantly) the women supported at Cedarwood East! Bola routinely involves the ladies at the home in a variety of meaningful activities – such as making meals and desserts together, along with plenty of other daily activities that further the connection between all within the home. Bola responsibly carries-out all job tasks – one thing that Bola does a stellar job with is completing the grocery shopping for the home and staying within the budget, along with ensuring that the home is utilizing what it has and reducing overall waste. Bola is considered a consummate team player, as she will pick-up additional hours at Cedarwood East (as well as other homes when needed) to make sure that the folks we support are well-cared for. Along with the aforementioned qualities, Bola also excels at keeping Cedarwood East a welcoming environment that is clean and organized, and she has taken it upon herself to train and mentor new staff at the home so the ladies here benefit from having quality, consistent staff. In the words of Cedarwood East Program Manager Lilian Marriott, “Bola leads with compassion, initiative, and reliability. She doesn’t just complete her responsibilities—she actively looks for ways to improve the lives of the individuals we support and strengthen our team. I truly believe she exemplifies what a DSP should be and is very deserving of this recognition.” Congratulations to Bola – one of our July ‘DSPs of the Month!”

Brad (with Ted)

Brad Fenske [Black Oaks] – Brad has been with our organization for many years in a variety of roles, in which Brad has long been considered a hard-working and beloved employee – in his current role, Brad is a DSP at our Black Oaks home, and Brad’s undoubtedly excels at supporting the women here! Like he has done everywhere he has worked, Brad is keen on being in-tune with the various needs of the ladies at Black Oaks, and he does everything that he possibly can to make sure that each unique need is being met to the best of his/our ability. Black Oaks recently went-through the passing of someone that we supported for several decades, and Brad particularly had a close relationship with her – Brad’s dutiful support of her was instrumental in her being cared for as well as possible as her health declined, and Brad also demonstrated such remarkable aid to the women at Black Oaks while they have grieved their longtime housemate and friend. Additionally, when Black Oaks was without a Program Manager for a period of time, Brad stepped-up in countless ways and he played a huge role in making sure Black Oaks ran business-as-usual – Brad took the ladies to their medical appointments, he completed the grocery and supply shopping for the home, and he never faltered in taking care of the day-to-day needs of each of the women at Black Oaks. Brad’s incredible level of insight and attention to what needs to be done at Black Oaks is nothing short of amazing, and he is beyond deserving of being one of our July ‘DSPs of the Month,’ – congratulations, Brad!

July Program Manager of the Month: Icelyn Snow

Icelyn

A tell-tale sign of an outstanding Program Manager is when their staff team can’t help but speak highly of them to others within the organization, and this is absolutely the case with the stand-out Program Manager at Holdridge – Icelyn Snow! Not only does Icelyn take care of what needs to be done on a daily basis (and does it well!), she continually exhibits a growth mindset to best support the four men that live at Holdridge. Icelyn excels at communicating with others – whether it’s the guys at Holdridge, their families, or the Holdridge staff team. A shining example of Icelyn’s can-do attitude is when a rather large (20+ people) group from a local transition school wanted to see one of our homes – Icelyn stepped-up to host this tour short-notice, and even with the big audience, she did a terrific job talking about Holdridge & showing everyone around the home – Icelyn outlined life at Holdridge that clearly showed why it is a terrific home to reside at, with staff that only want the best for the men supported here. Icelyn is a consistent, reliable, and incredibly supportive presence for everyone involved at our Holdridge home, and her excellent work all leads to her being our ‘PM of the Month’ for July – congratulations, Icelyn!

 
 

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]]> https://hammer.org/blog/2026/07/dsps-pm-of-the-month-july/feed/ 1 DSPs & PM of the Month: June https://hammer.org/blog/2026/06/dsps-pm-of-the-month-june/ https://hammer.org/blog/2026/06/dsps-pm-of-the-month-june/#respond Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:45:00 +0000 https://hammer.org/?p=34954 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!

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]]> 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:

June DSPs of the Month: Catherine (Cathy) Pigg & Aaron Briggs

Cathy

Cathy Pigg [Rollingview] – Cathy Pigg [Rollingview] – Cathy is someone who was nominated for ‘DSP of the Month’ multiple times(!), so it should go without saying that she is very deserving of this honor – Cathy is a DSP at our Rollingview home, and she plays an undeniably valuable role at this home! Cathy keeps the women supported at Rollingview engaged with various activities – such as baking, decorating around the house (for holidays, etc.), arts & crafts, and community events. Cathy is regularly willing to cover shifts and be flexible with her schedule when needed to ensure that the women at Rollingview are well taken care of, and she is considered an ultimate “team player.” Cathy knows the women who are supported at Rollingview extremely well, and her person-centered approach has lent to her developing the strong relationships that she has with the ladies here! Cathy clearly sets a very high standard with her work, and she was an undisputable choice as one June’s ‘DSPs of the Month’ – congratulations, Cathy!

Aaron

Aaron Briggs [Lancaster] – Aaron is a longtime DSP at our Lancaster home, and he is an incredibly steady presence in the lives of the men who live at Lancaster! Aaron regularly provides support via being someone that the guys at Lancaster can vent to, as well as encouraging a variety of coping skills to help tackle any challenging situations. Aaron is someone who will go above-and-beyond routinely – one stand-out example is how Aaron will plan and go on trips with one of the men at Lancaster, in which these trips are extremely important to him, and Aaron’s special involvement in this part of his life does not go unnoticed! Additionally, Aaron steps up in many other ways at Lancaster – including assisting with the shopping for the home, planning and executing community activities, being a team member that could be relied upon additionally when the home was without a Program Manager, and picking-up shifts short-notice to make sure that the men at Lancaster are well-supported. Aaron’s dedication and commitment are undeniable – making Aaron a stellar choice as one of June’s DSPs of the Month’ – congratulations, Aaron!

June Program Manager of the Month: Tyler Textor

Tyler

As shared by Program Director Dami Abiodun, Tyler routinely expresses the following sentiment: “See, I gotta tell you these guys are amazing and they make me so happy.” As the Program Manager at Arkansas for many years, Tyler is considered the “backbone” of this home, and he has become synonymous with Arkansas! Tyler is entrusted with the lives of the men who are supported at Arkansas, and he does everything in his power to make certain that they are safe, happy, and healthy. Tyler “embodies integrity, courage, and leadership” – these qualities are readily seen every time that Tyler works, as his genuine care for the men at Arkansas and his staff team are ever-present and evident to all that step foot inside Arkansas. Tyler has the gift of consistently communicating effectively to ensure that his staff team are all on the same page, and this is with the singular goal of giving “110%” to support the guys at Arkansas. Tyler has been an exemplary employee during his tenure at Hammer, and it is such a benefit to Arkansas to be led by him. As should be no surprise, Tyler is our ‘PM of the Month’ for June – congratulations, Tyler!

 
 

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]]> https://hammer.org/blog/2026/06/dsps-pm-of-the-month-june/feed/ 0 DSPs & PM of the Month: May https://hammer.org/blog/2026/05/dsps-pm-of-the-month-may/ https://hammer.org/blog/2026/05/dsps-pm-of-the-month-may/#respond Wed, 27 May 2026 14:54:29 +0000 https://hammer.org/?p=34853 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!

The post DSPs & PM of the Month: May appeared first on Hammer.

]]> 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:

May DSPs of the Month: Ashely Bebeashelyend & Jamie Yang

Ashely

Ashely Bebeashelyend [9th Ave] – Ashely started working at our 9th Avenue home via GrapeTree (staffing agency), and after her first shift at the home, Ashely expressed interest in becoming a Hammer & NER employee, and she was soon hired as a DSP at 9th Avenue! Ashely set a high standard for herself and her work immediately at 9th Avenue, and since then, she has only exceeded that standard – Ashely has stood out with her dedication and strong work ethic, dependability, proactiveness, and being a team player. A terrific example of the great work that Ashely does is how she has encouraged and played a direct role in the increased mobility of one of the women at 9th Avenue, where she has helped her make notable progress in using her walker to get around – Ashley’s level of care, patience, and initiative has been undeniably impactful! Ashely caught-onto the routines and needs of the women at 9th Avenue seamlessly, and her impact not only includes the women at 9th Avenue, but the entire staff as a whole – with all of that being said, Ashely is more than deserving of being one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for May! Congratulations, Ashely!

Jamie

Jamie Yang [1st Ave] – Jamie is one of the stellar DSPs at our 1st Avenue home, and she has been an extremely valuable member of this staff team and plays a huge role at this home! While 1st Avenue has been without a Program Manager, Jamie has been someone that can be relied on to make activities and community outings happen for the guys at the home, and this has kept the men at 1st Avenue happy and engaged. Jamie is not one to sit still during a shift – whether it’s cleaning, getting groceries for the home, taking inventory of supplies, or making sure that there is a proper supply of all medications – Jamie keeps busy at all times! Jamie ensures to spend quality time with the guys at 1st Avenue, and she has a direct focus on engaging with the men via conversation and (plenty of) laughter! Jamie is known for her wonderful attitude, clear communication with others, follow-through to ensure completion of tasks, and being supportive of her fellow staff members at 1st Avenue – as a result, Jamie is undoubtedly worthy of being one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for May! Congratulations, Jamie!

May Program Manager of the Month: Tomeko Champion Patrick

Tomeko

Tomeko has been the Program Manager at our Zealand apartment program for a few months now, but before that, she led our Black Oaks home – whether it’s her leadership from when she was the Program Manager at Black Oaks, or now at Zealand, Tomeko shines! Tomeko has always been someone who cares deeply about the people we support, and she takes the time and energy to get to know everyone on a personal level. While she was at Black Oaks, Tomeko recognized that there was a health issue with one of the women there that the doctors did not see themselves, and she tirelessly advocated on her behalf until proper medical care was administered. Tomeko brings positivity day-in and day-out, and she is also known for her sense-of-humor and ability to make others laugh/smile (not to mention her notorious ability to make fantastic meals & baked goods) – which naturally brightens the days of the people we support, as well as her fellow staff team members. Tomeko consistently steps-up whenever needed, and she is someone who goes above-and-beyond on a daily basis – which all leads to Tomeko being our ‘PM of the Month’ for May! Congratulations, Tomeko!

 
 

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