About Us: Employee of the Month
Employee of the Month
On a monthly basis, The Arc recognizes an employee for outstanding service and performance. Annually, one of those monthly honorees is named Employee of the Year. Recently recognized employees include:
October 2009 Employee of the Month
Cathy Hiett was the October Employee of the Month. Cathy has been with our agency since September 1997 and in that time Cathy has worked in many administrative capacities. Recently, her skills were highlighted by her work on the Town Hall Meeting when Cathy stepped up to be the organizer of The Arc of Howard County’s meeting. She collaborated with five statewide advocacy organizations, joined together as the Developmental Disabilities Coalition, and also with four Howard County based agencies. She coordinated the efforts with efficiency, skill, patience and grace.
The meeting was held on October 22, 2009 and of all the statewide meetings held, ours was perhaps the most successful. We had over 300 people in attendance including a wide variety of family members, self-advocates, agency representatives, and Howard County elected officials. All attendees were able to hear first hand stories about the critical need for services. Through her efforts in helping to organize this event Cathy has made a difference in the lives of the individuals supported by The Arc and their families.
September 2009 Employee of the Month
Geraldine Gemayel has been named September’s Employee of the Month. Geraldine has been with the agency since March 2000 and works in our residential program. Geraldine does extraordinary work on a daily basis and her communication skills are wonderful. She ensures that all concerned parties are fully informed on important issues and everyone is on the same page. Coming to the aid of co-workers and individuals supported by The Arc is part of Geraldine’s nature. Recently, while she was off duty on the weekend she came to the aid of a co-worker when an individual at one of The Arc homes was in distress. Geraldine stepped in and resolved the issue, avoiding the situation escalating any further. Geraldine is a true example of a dedicated employee who accomplishes our mission and makes it a reality. Good job!!
August 2009 Employee of the Month
We could like to congratulate Cari Hotter as the August Employee of the Month. Cari works in the office as the administrative assistant for the Family Support Services department. However, over the summer Cari supplemented her work hours by hitting the road...and the water. Cari participated in the recent Iron Girl Triathlon race as a member of the Arc’s Team Embrace — a group of athletes raising awareness, respect and change around disability issues The race itself involves a ½ mile swim, 18 mile bike ride, and a 3 mile run. Cari also served as a trainer for members on her team. She spent most Saturday mornings leading bike rides from The Arc, organizing runs and swim opportunities for members of the team. She also raised over $1000 to help forward our mission, a requirement for all team members. Cari’s commitment to our mission and the individuals we support makes a significant difference- one person at a time, one race at a time, and certainly one athlete at a time. Thanks Cari- you are a true champion!
July 2009 Employee of the Month
John Alo has been named The Arc’s Employee of the Month for July. John works in the Residential Program and has been with The Arc since January 2006. He has worked in the medical houses as well as with a number of individuals with challenging behaviors. In his dealings with all of the individuals he supports and with his co-workers John has been unfailingly kind, courteous and caring. He seeks out and provides the best care for each individual he works with, always with a positive attitude, respect, and a sense of humor. During a snow storm he parked his car at the Columbia Mall and walked approximately a mile in order to give morning meds that he was scheduled to give, without calling or complaining about the weather; he just did the job he was scheduled to do. On another occasion he was working in a house on a Sunday when one of the individuals informed him that he needed to be taken to church and despite not knowing directions to the church John made sure the individual got to his Sunday services. He did this for one reason, because it was important to this particular individual. John makes a difference in the lives of the individuals he supports and we thank him for a job VERY well done.
June 2009 Employee of the Month
Pam Hadel was named The Arc’s June’s Employee of the Month. Pam works for the Residential Program and has been with The Arc since July 2008. Recently Pam has been very involved with one of the individuals in the home where she works. This individual was recently diagnosed with a complex health issue, something that no one at The Arc has a lot of experience with and Pam has gone above and beyond her duties to provide her with the very different type of supports now needed and is helping her adapt to her new lifestyle. Pam has attended training out of state to better understand the issues involved and has worked with health care providers to make the transition as smooth as possible. Pam has also been supportive of this individual’s housemate, helping her to deal with the changes in the home, and has worked with the family as well. We thank Pam for a job well done
May 2009 Employee of the Month
Latrice Penny has been named The Arc’s May Employee of the Month. Latrice has been with The Arc for a year and a half and she works in the Residential Program. Latrice was new to the field of human services but she has proved to be a huge asset to the agency and a natural fit for working with the individuals she supports. While working with the women living at the home on Bond Mill Road she volunteered to help out with the gentlemen living on Joey Drive, eventually taking on the job of House Manager for these gentlemen. She is always willing to help out and fill in whenever possible at other homes. Recently Dr. Fasteau, a local dentist who sees several of the individuals supported by The Arc, make a point of calling The Arc office to covey how impressed he was with the care she gives the people she supports. He was especially impressed with her interaction with the individuals and how she engages them in conversation. Since we always hope for the utmost professionalism in the homes and out in the community, Dr. Fasteau’s comments were very welcomed. Latrice is not only a professional but also dedicated to the principles of The Arc’s mission statement of full community inclusion.
April 2009 Employee of the Month
Julie Rosekrans was awarded The Arc’s April’s Employee of the Month. Julie works as a Job Coach at The Arc and has been with us since 2006. While she gives great support to the business run by the Westerlund Brothers, Habitat Productions, Julie was nominated for this award for work that she did outside of her regular job, helping individuals attend The Arc of Maryland convention in April. For the last two years Julie has accompanied the individuals supported by The Arc who attend the convention to give transportation to and from the event and staff support while they are at the convention. Julie has shown great willingness and cooperation in doing whatever was needed to allow these individuals to participate fully in this community activity, often going above and beyond what most people would be willing to do. She was always ready to do anything to make the convention experience good for everyone! A number of the individuals look forward to attending this event each year and their participation would not be possible without staff support. Julie not only makes it possible, she makes it easy.
March 2009 Employee of the Month
Robert Walker was The Arc’s March Employee of the Month. Robert has been with our agency since September 2008 and works in our Day Program as a Program Specialist. When Robert joined The Arc he had already been working in this field and was eager to work with the individuals in the Day Program. Robert has proven to be a hard worker and a team player. Whenever needed, he can be counted on to take on additional duties and assignments. After joining our agency Robert attended an in-service training and was enlisted with a group of staff members - from multiple departments - to explore our current employee recognition program. Robert was present and enthusiastic at every meeting. His suggestions and input were helpful and he was quick to take on tasks if needed. Most days you can find Robert in and around the building assisting our individuals with a kind word or an offer of assistance. He is ever vigilant in looking out for our individual’s safety and well being. Robert’s unique personality lends itself to this type of work. Robert is an asset and a pleasure to work with.
February 2009 Employee of the Month
We would like to congratulate Marni McNeese as The Arc’s Employee of the Month for February. Marni is a long time employee of The Arc, having worked for the agency in the past as a Program Coordinator. Presently she is house manager for the home on Lasting Light Way. In her role as house manager Marni goes above and beyond to support the mission of full community life for the two gentlemen who live in this home. She is frequently seen at the University of Maryland’s Women’s basketball games with both Sam and Chris, games the guys thoroughly enjoy. All three of them participated in the Bowling for a Change Fundraiser and this month Marni and the gentlemen will be taking a cruise to the Caribbean together, a highly anticipated event. Marni is a wonderful example of how, when you believe in the mission of The Arc, it becomes a reality for those we support.
January 2009 Employee of the Month
Marie Hicks was the January Employee of the Month. Marie has been with the agency since October 1996 and at the present time works as the Transportation Assistant. Marie has proven to be one of The Arc’s most friendly employees. She is always willing to lend a hand, offer a kind word to a co-worker and assist the individuals we support. Day Program, Reception and many other departments have been the benefactor of Marie’s generosity. Just recently, a Director observed Marie giving an individual we support guidance and help in handling a difficult situation. It was heartfelt advice to someone in need and was very much appreciated by the recipient. Marie recently sold 30 tickets for the TV raffle – more than anyone else! Marie’s effort helped us to raise funds and further our mission. For the past several years, she has used her talent as a gifted artist to donate pieces of her work to agency events such as the Chocolate Ball and Staff Appreciation. Artist turned teacher, she recently volunteered to teach an individual supported by The Arc and a co-worker how to crochet. They both had forgotten the craft and Marie generously offered to help them “relearn.” Brightening the workplace seems to be a daily goal for Marie. Since the first of the year, Marie began writing daily greetings on the white board located in the Residential area of the office. Funny, encouraging or just well wishes for the day, they bring a smile to your face and set the tone for the day ahead. Thank you Marie for the multitude of ways you contribute to The Arc each day!
December 2008 Employee of the Month
We would like to congratulate Patricia McLean for being named December Employee of the Month. Patricia works with Family Support Services and is the staff support for the Guiding Your Child series which typically includes two 5-week programs each year. She helps with program planning, handles the registration, and offers assistance to the facilitators. The Guiding Your Child series has helped many families and it continues to be well attended and successful, due in large part, to Patricia’s commitment. Two yeas ago, Patricia became a Program Coordinator for Family Support Services. She continues to be eager to learn new information while always refining her existing skills. She is organized, precise and methodical in her daily work and many families have remarked about her professionalism, responsiveness and calmness with which she handles their concerns. She is a valued member of the Family Support Services Team and has great working relationships with her co-workers, families, individuals and peers. She truly is a team player and we congratulate her on her award.
November 2008 Employee of the Month
We would like to congratulate Dawn Murray, RN as The Arc’s November Employee of the Month. Dawn has worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) for our agency since July 2004. She worked in our nursing houses before taking the Day/Employment Delegation position in June 2008. When Dawn took this new assignment she was faced with a sea of paperwork and files that needed desperately to be updated. With little computer experience, Dawn accepted the paperwork challenge with gusto. Dawn takes her job and responsibly to our individuals very seriously. She took on the challenge of a new position with zeal and enthusiasm and her dedication to quality shines through in everything she does. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job – it is noticed and appreciated.
October 2008 Employee of the Month
We would like to congratulate Debby Boehl who has been named October’s Employee of the Month. Debby is a Program Coordinator with Family and Individual Support Services and she frequently goes above and beyond in her attempts to make a difference in the lives of the individuals she supports.
On October 26th Debby took Pat H. (an individual supported by FISS) to the Renaissance Festival in Manheim, PA. Pat has wanted to attend the Renaissance Festival for quite some time, but there have been several obstacles to overcome. Pat uses a manual wheelchair and the Maryland Renaissance Festival is not very accessible and would be difficult to use a manual chair due to the rough terrain. Debby explored renting a power chair for the trip but the cost was high and Pat did not have a safe area to practice using the power chair. Debby did further research and found that the PA Renaissance Festival had mostly paved pathways and was very accessible. Debby and Pat had a beautiful day to make the two hour drive and to enjoy the outdoor event. Pat stated she had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed the trip, the great food and the lively entertainment. Debby’s support provided the opportunity for Pat to overcome barriers and enjoy a very special day in the community!
Debby has also provided transportation on many occasions for another individual who uses a wheelchair and needs a van with a lift. She has provided transportation for this gentleman several times on holidays so he could spend time with family. Debby frequently responds to the home of a particular individual who needs her assistance during off hours and weekends. She is committed to helping the individuals live their lives as independently as possible along with being aware of the health and safety issues that are unique with each person.
Debby’s experience and expertise are vital to The Arc and she is a strong member of the FISS Team. Looking at each person as an individual and giving the opportunity for each one to enrich their lives and truly be a valued member of their community is Debby’s work every day! She never gives up on a tough situation; and will persevere until the situation is resolved. She certainly has helped many to experience full community life!
Debby is currently one of the Trainers for The Arc, she participates on the Human Rights/Behavior Support Committee, the Training Committee and the newly created Communication Committee and also volunteers for various Arc events. We would like to recognize Debby for the exemplary job that she does and thank her for the good job she does supporting the individuals she works with in their community lives.
September 2008 Employee of the Month
The Arc would like to congratulate Charlene Hood as our September Employee of the Month. Charlene started with the agency in February 2001. Many of you know Charlene from her days working at the reception desk, however, she transferred to the Accounting department a year and a half ago. She is now busy processing all of the bills that the agency receives as the Accounts Payable Bookkeeper.
Charlene has always been willing to jump in and help wherever her services are needed. This was a huge help when the Accounting department needed assistance. Charlene - new to accounting at the time- proved to be a quick learner and an immediate asset to the department. Her commitment to accuracy and detail orientated tasks made for a perfect fit.
Charlene's work, however, is not confined to accounting. She often jumps in to assist whether to help another department when they are down staff members or helping her co-workers with a variety of tasks. Organized and meticulous, Charlene assisted Emiliya - our Payroll Bookkeeper - update all of her 200+ employee files so that they were broken down by department and color-coated according. Furthermore she has assisted Human Resources with benefits administration and file room organization for over 2 years.
The Arc is fortunate to have someone so well versed in a multitude of areas. Thank you Charlene for going the extra mile and always lending a helping hand. Congratulations on a job well done!
August 2008 Employee of the Month
The Arc would like to congratulate Lea “Janey” Hampton as the August Employee of the Month. Janey has worked with the Arc for 8 years in our Residential program. Recently, we received a nomination from Dennis Anderson who has known Janey for over 20 years. Many years ago, Janey helped Dennis to obtain his job at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. Dennis has been there for many years and has been promoted within the organization.
Janey, who is a horse lover, introduced Dennis to the world of horses. Today, Dennis owns a horse, takes riding lessons and visits friends at the barn everyday. What was once a hobby is now a passion. One of Dennis’ other interest is in the Civil War battle at Gettysburg. In August of this year, Janey arranged a trip for her and Dennis to go to Gettysburg to tour the battlefields. Furthermore, the trip also included a horseback ride around the city.
Dennis’ nomination stated that “(Janey) encourages me to do as much as I can for myself so that I can be as independent as possible." Thank you Janey for helping Dennis to get involved in interests that he loves and encouraging him to keep reaching for his goals. Great Job!
July 2008 Employee of the Month
In the past year, the Employment Department has had many impressive accomplishments. Among these are the consistent results produced by Mark Breaux’s job development.
Mark began with The Arc of Howard County a year and a half ago. With a strong connectedness in the county, Mark hit the ground running using former contacts and developing new ones.
In the past few months, Mark has been able to successfully develop and carve jobs for individuals at Giant (Dorsey Search), the Therapeutic Riding & Recreation Center, Elkridge Furnace Inn, Lynn’s Day Spa, Harris Teeter, and Ruby Tuesday’s in River Hill.
Recently a mother of a individual who is supported by the Employment Department called to commend Mark’s ability to listen to a person’s desired job and make it a reality. Even when it does not seem feasible, Mark keeps plugging away until he makes it happen. Another individual’s family member called to say that Mark was the first person who actually kept their word to her son. He called when he said he would call, showed when he said he would show, and followed through on promises resulting in a successful employment placement for her son. That same employer recently hired a second person, and the manager’s strong relationship with Mark is largely responsible for that.
Mark’s support doesn’t stop with job development. He has also coordinated transportation- often assisting in his non-working hours, attended job orientations and offered support during testing, helped people shop for specialty shoes, assisted with getting approval for use of a therapeutic stool, and many other job accommodation to insure success. Relationship building with employers is one of Mark’s strongest abilities. He quickly builds rapport with them and is able to identify their unmet needs. Then he takes those needs and is able to effectively match them with a potential employee supported by The Arc. Even after a person starts working, Mark maintains that relationship with an employer and employee, being accessible by phone or email when there is a need. He has a passion for supported employment that is apparent in his quick and successful job placements.
Mark has also been active in other Arc volunteer capacities whether helping with Gatorade for the Iron Girl or stuffing bags for the golf outing, he is a willing and hard working member of The Arc family. For all of the attributes and skills he possesses, and the results he cultivates for The Arc, Mark Breaux is July’s Employee of the Month.