Celebration of Excellence

2019 Celebration of Excellence Awards!

Congratulations to the 2018 winners!

Self-Advocate of the Year

Mike Morgan-For making enormous strides in his personal life and for now expressing his wants and needs. He has stopped stating, “I don’t know”, and replaced that statement by telling people what he likes, what he wants to do, and what he does not want to do. About a year ago, Mike chose to move his day program hours to his home. He hired a staff person-of his choosing. He made enormous strides in his personal life and is now expressing his wants and needs

Tim Proch-For achieving taking charge of his health and losing over 100 pounds. Tim likes to call his weight loss “Tim’s Style”! Through the help of his family, friends, medical professionals and staff , he now chooses to make healthy food choices new skills and embracing new challenges with a positive spirit.

Shelley Ryall-For her commitment to community integration and self-advocacy. In addition to having a job at the Dakota Salon, Shelly is a member of People Power, a self- advocacy group that meets once a month at The Arc of Howard County. Shelly is also a member of the No Boundaries theatre group and has performed in several productions including Cinderella and the upcoming Aladdin. Shelly participates in Out and About through the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, where she attends baseball games, dances and movies on Friday nights. Shelly bowls on Saturday and attends church on Sunday. She never lets her disability be an excuse for not doing what she wants to do.

Excellence in Employment

Brookfield Christian School-For its practice of environment of inclusion at the school and encouraging professional growth and achievement in employment opportunitites for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This award recognized both School owner Cheryle Johnson and Brookfield Christian School.
Safeway Long Gate-For both Front End Manager Lisa Mercier and for Safeway Long Gate, for proving to be a strong advocate for inclusive hiring practices.
Excellence in Community

The Lutheran Village at MILLER’S GRANT – For supporting The Arc’s Employment Services with the development of internship positions at Miller’s Grant for the purpose of building skills for paid employment.
Lance Cook-Owner Tino’s Italian Bistro. For his commitment to community giving, his inclusive hiring practices and his support for The Arc mission and the people we serve.
Excellence in Professional Services

Nancy Nicaise- Dimensional Healthcare Associates. Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration. Recognized for her commitment to The Arc of Howard County and unwavering professional dedication to support the health needs of those supported by The Arc.
Somnath Sengupta-Founder My Life Learning Center. For his efforts to understand the need for employment for all people and bringing forth an entrepreneurial micro business model for training young adults based on their strengths.
Excellence in Schools

Nigel LaRoche, Principal Dayton Oaks Elementary School. Recognized for inspires a vision for inclusivity at Dayton Oaks Elementary and for being intentional about focusing on the individuals and teams who create the culture of his school and make it possible for all students to thrive.
Excellence in Public Service

Senator Edward Kasemeyer, Maryland State Senator. Recognized for being an ardent supporter and for his tireless efforts serving the state of Maryland and advocating for people with disabilities for over 30 years.
Volunteers of the Year

St.John’s Episcopal Church-For generously supporting the people served by The Arc through holiday baskets, Ladies Night Out activities, and always having a and generous and giving spirit.
Employee of the Year

Linda Irby-For her outstanding work as a Direct Support Professional and Direct Support Manager with The Arc of Howard County. Linda’s has outstanding ability to be a team player along with an upbeat personality and commitment to the individuals she supports.

The Amanda and Jill Dean Award for Outstanding Direct Support Professionals

Rose Ofori-Amanfo-For her outstanding work as a Direct Support Professional. Rose Ofori-Amanfo has been a direct support professional with The Arc of Howard County since 1995. During her tenure with The Arc of Howard County, Rose has supported several different people. Her dedication is unmatched. She is respectful of each person’s individual needs, preferences and desires. Rose strives to help each person have the best day possible, each and every day. She truly helps those we serve to maintain independence but is also present to preserve health and safety as needed. Rose has a positive attitude and a stellar work ethic. She has stated that she sees her work of serving others as “her purpose in life.”

Excellence in Service

Linda Lombardi, Director, Community and Family Services at The Arc of Howard County. Recognized for her 20 year career with The Arc of Howard County. Linda began her career at The Arc as a program specialist in The Arc’s Employment area. In 2001, she became a Program Coordinator in our Residential Program and in 2007; Linda was named the Assistant Director of Residential Services. Since becoming a Director in Community and Family Services, Linda has helped us navigate many changes and played a critical role in our internal transformation. Linda has been focused and committed to ensuring that our individuals receive the best possible supports so they can live fully integrated lives.

2018 Legacy Award

Sue Haynes, Associate Executive Director of Administration, The Arc of Howard County. Recognized for her 30 year career with The Arc of Howard County. Sue Haynes has dedicated her career to The Arc of Howard County. For 30 years she has provided sound fiscal management. She has been the agency “glue” as she understands all the intricacies associated with being a disabilities provider. While her career has centered on financial administration, Sue has always been a tireless advocate for people with disabilities. This is reflected in her day to day work with state agencies, our fellow Arc’s, our agency departments and our staff. Sue is a direct and precise leader, never leaving anyone confused or uncertain about our mission and the person centered support we need to provide. Her job duties are not that of a traditional CFO, but more of a financial chief of staff. Sue is an encyclopedia of knowledge and an invaluable resource. Sue will retire at the end of this year. She will be greatly missed but the Legacy she leaves behind will continue to be of value to The Arc of Howard and the people for years and years to come!

Past Winners

2017 Winners:

• Self-Advocate of the Year: Matthew Higgs, Laura Kutcher, Matthew Plantz, and Mynyawn Red
• Excellence in Employment: Home Depot Ellicott City, Mobern Lighting, Wegmans Columbia, Zips Dry Cleaners
• Excellence in Professional Services: Caitlin Long, Harry H. Witzke Family Funeral Home, Sarah Hammond,
• Excellence in Public Service: Laura Howell
• 2017 President’s Award: Ed Wilson
• Volunteers of the Year: Tim Haynes & Joseph Faulkner
• Employees of the Year: Project SEARCH Team – Barbara Moyer and Tina Lewis

2016 Winners:

• President’s Award: Allan Kittleman (County Executive)
• Self Advocate of the Year: Alex Barnes, Hannah Saltzman, Geoff Savage, Bonnie Block
• Excellence in Employment: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Steve Sheppard-Giant Food,
• Ourisman Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram of Clarksville
• Excellence in Schools: Timothy Williamson of Patuxent Valley Middle School
• Excellence in Professional Services: Chantelle Taylor, Independent Licensed Clinician
• Excellence in Community: Jodie Gil, Patrick’s Hair Design and The Aesthetic Center of Columbia, Jeannette
• Kendall, Success in Style, Bon Secours Health System, Inc.
• Excellence in Public Service: Vanessa Brown of the Howard County Government Office of Central Fleet
• Volunteer of the Year: Mike Lewis
• Employee of the Year: Adekunle Agbede

2015 Winners:

• The Legacy Award and President’s Award: Carol Beatty
• Excellence in Employment Award: Dana Shourbaji of Little Lighthouse Child Care and Omnicare Inc.
• Excellence in Community Award: Cherise Petty of the Howard County Public School System, Charles Heron, and the Socialites Bowling League.
• Excellence in Professional Services Award: Brunswick Columbia Lanes and Russell Laurenzano
• Excellence in Schools Award: Monica Pringle, Howard County Public School System’s Department of Pupil Transportation
• Excellence in Service Award: Judy Grusso of the Howard County Autism Society and Brian Frazee of the Maryland Association of Community Services
• Self-Advocate of the Year Award: Rose Daniello, Rachel Kalatzis, Doreen Shing and Scott Widitz
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Vince Grauso
• Employee of the Year Award: Robert Kress

2014 Winners:

• Self-Advocate of the Year: Jason Kauffman
• Self-Advocate of the Year: Daniel Larrimore
• Excellence in Employment: General Manager Norman Eaton, Homewood Suites in Columbia
• Excellence in Employment: Front Office Manager Bob Stevens, Homewood Suites in Columbia
• Excellence in Professional Services Award: Margaret Dressel
• Excellence in Professional Services Award: Agnieska Dziadek
• Excellence in Community: Alyssa Nagy
• Excellence in Community: Blaire Ridgeley
• Excellence in Community: Scarlet Woofter
• Excellence in Community Service: Rose Silverstein
• Excellence in Community Award: Shantha Chandra
• Excellence in Schools Award: Hammond High School and its dance program
• Excellence in Public Service: Judy Pattik, Coordinator of Special Education, Howard County Public School System
• Excellence in Public Service: Senator James Robey
• Volunteer of the Year: Phil Swanson
• Employee of the Year: Andre Pearson
• President’s Award: Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton and Delegate Guy Guzzone
• Legacy Awards: Senator James Robey, Delegate Elizabeth Bobo, Delegate Steven DeBoy and Delegate James Malone

2013 Winners:

• Self-Advocate of the Year: William ‘Bill’ Wedeking
• Excellence in Employment: Dave Michaels, Canada Dry
• Excellence in Employment: Kevin Dolan, Race Pace Bicycles
• Excellence in Employment: Edgar Zuniga, Harmony Hall
• Excellence in Employment: Howard Heuberger, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
• Excellence in Schools: Howard High School
• Excellence in Professional Services: Dr. Kiran Parikh, MD
• Excellence in Professional Services: Dr. Rashmi Parmar and Evelyn Bayles, Parmar Family and Cosmetic Surgery
• Excellence in Community Service: Matthew Bleakney
• Excellence in Public Service: Joyce Lehrer
• Volunteer of the Year: Nancy Bond
• Employee of the Year: Tom Waldron
• President’s Award: Lisa Hussman

2012 Winners:

• Self Advocate of the Year: Lawrence (Larry) Degarmo
• Self Advocate of the Year: Christina Evans
• Excellence in Employment: Bob’s BMW
• Excellence in Employment: Jeremy Gigogne
• Excellence in Schools: Julia DeMino
• Excellence in Schools: Mike Williams, Coordinator of Athletics, HCPSS
• Excellence in Professional Services: Jean F. Moon
• Excellence in Community Service: Matthew Bleakney
• Excellence in Community: Evergreens Medical Day Center Staff
• Excellence in Community: Steve Otten, Team Embrace
• Excellence in Community: Paul Pfister
• Excellence in Public Service: Dr. Sydney Cousin, Superintendent, HCPSS
• Volunteer of the Year: Richard Dean
• Employee of the Year: Ebony Crowell
• President’s Award: Joseph Murray

2011 Winners

• Self Advocate of the Year: Julie Gallagher
• Self Advocate of the Year: Tiffany Mason
• Excellence in Community: The Yoga Center
• Excellence in Public Service: Howard County Delegation
• Excellence in Public Service: Community Action Council of Howard County
• Excellence in Professional Services: Jeremy Bergolis, Greek Physique
• Excellence in Schools: Marriotts Ridge High School
• Excellence in Employment: S.P. Richards
• Excellence in Employment: Columbia Ice Rink
• Excellence in Employment: MOM’s Organic Market
• Excellence in Employment: Martek Biosciences Corporation
• Volunteers of the Year: Bob and Fran McDonough
• Community Partnership Award: Jim Kave and John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
• Employee of the Year: Katharine Klukas
• President’s Award: Vincent Grauso

2010 Winners

• Self Advocate of the Year: Charlie Settle
• Excellence in Community: Howard County Library
• Excellence in Services: Rita Mayhew
• Excellence in Schools: Christie Raines/Bollman Bridge Elemantary School
• Excellence in Employment: B&A Products
• Excellence in Employment: Lead Off Management Company
• Employee of the Year: Geraldine Gemayel
• President’s Award: Peter Della-Croce