Your manager, Kim Williams counts the day you accepted the Home Life Coordinator position at the Hoffnagle CLA as one of her luckiest. She says in her nomination letter, "…. I must say I have never seen such a diligent and compassionate employee eager to learn how to assist the site programmatically and support the ladies above and beyond adult daily living skills."

There's no doubt about it, you and Ray Jackson are friends. Your relationship fits every definition and eloquent saying I could find. When Ray moved to LifeSharing you knew it was important that he maintain his relationship with his friends at Ripley, including yourself. So, even though it is not your job responsibility, you contact Ray just about every weekend to invite him to join the Ripley gang for dinner out or a movie or dancing. You and Ray both like Rock and Roll. When Ray wanted to go to a KISS concert, his all time favorite, you went with Ray on your own time. Because that's what friends do!

After reading your nomination letter I couldn't' help but think that you are a real bright spot for the usually dreary month of January. Your supervisor, Donna Bernstein writes about your sense of humor, your friendliness, and the enthusiasm and excitement you maintain about your work. Your fellow staff at Ripley II and Sue, Margie, and Phyllis are all the great beneficiaries of your very positive approach to life and your big, bright smile

For most of the world 2009 has been a tremendously stressful year. As we come to its close, we know that, while some things are improving, we as a country are not yet out of the woods. At SPIN, Inc. we've shared in the many stressors, particularly the economic issues. We have two choices in dealing with all of this: be pessimistic or be optimistic. Reading your nomination letter combined with the holiday season, helped me to remain optimistic and hopeful because you and many others are very grounded and focused in what our mission is and no matter what, we will all continue to serve and serve well

Prior to joining the Hoffnagle team in June, you served for many years as a Flex staff in residential services; this gave you a great deal of experience dealing with many different personalities, ability levels, and challenges. Fortunately, you also had positive experiences supporting individuals in SPIN's Behavioral Health Unit

For 21 years you have been the quiet strength in the Employee Services department. You have adapted, changed, learned, grown and rolled with the punches as the services to employees grew in quantity, quality and sophistication

The age old question asks: Are leaders born or are they developed? Leaders are much like athletes-some have more natural talent than others. However, without practice, athlete or leader will not succeed. From the first time that anyone has the fortunate opportunity to meet you, it is simple to see that you are a born leader sharing your gifts and talents with us and continually developing your personal and professional skills while supporting us to grow and develop along the way

When you have a big challenge ahead of you like starting a critical new model of service from scratch, you need the very BEST on your team. What defines the very BEST? Well, we happen to know because we are fortunate to have you to show us the way! As a Behavior Specialist in the B.E.S.T. Program, our pre-school program for children with Autism, you invest and believe in each of the children and support them and their families to attain their personal outcomes. You have been a part of

When I read the nomination letters for the month of June, I knew that the competition for Employee of the Month was at an all time high. Whoever emerged as the winner was sure to be "the tops"! Probably no one is surprised that it was you.

Supporting Michael and Barney at their Dungan Road home is no piece of cake but everyone who works with you to support these men agrees that you are "awesome". One parent says that you are one of the best staff ever

If there was ever someone who lives the maxim "The sky's the limit" it's you! You truly believe in people, support them and then delight in seeing them blossom right before your eyes. This applies to the people SPIN, Inc. supports and the people you support in their journey to become great Direct Support Professionals.

You have been working at SPIN, Inc. for just under five years but to watch you one would think that it's been decades. You have learned your lessons well and now you teach them to others. You combine unique skills

In a little over two years at SPIN, Inc. you have earned the respect and admiration of your coworkers, managers and nursing staff. As an overnight staff, a flex staff and now as a Home Life Coordinator you have impressed many with your professionalism and true dedication to the individuals you support. Last fall you joined the team at Hartel 2 and showed your strengths as a leader. Michael, Justin and Ben's lives are all the richer because you are there for them

You have served SPIN, Inc.'s mission for almost 10 years now and you have clearly mastered the art of "support". As a job coach, we saw your ability to teach and fade successfully with people working in competitive employment so that they had just the right amount of support to be successful on the job. Now you apply that same skill in your role as Home Life Coordinator for the "Ladies of Avon". Kathy, Mary and Helen are so fortunate to have you as their friend and supporter.

I would have to say that Pat McElwaine's nomination letter described an incredible love affair between you and the gentlemen you support at Colebrook. Of course I use "love affair" in the purest and most innocent context! But after all this is nearly Valentine's Day and Danny, Brian and Steven are your number one guys.
Patrick who often sees you at the Coffee Group and various other events has observed that your relationship with the men is very "real" and anyone watching you would value the care and respect that you put into supporting them

Since coming to SPIN, Inc. in 2005, you have been a valuable team member in the Finance department. With strong knowledge and even stronger commitment Accounts Payable is done well and done on time. You are also very gracious with everyone you interact with as you carry out your responsibilities.

Your supervisor, Diane Peterman, wrote this about your characteristics and abilities:

Though you have only been working at SPIN, Inc. in the Corporate Offices for a year and a half, it seems as though you have always been here. You fit like a glove! Between your caring personality and your excellent work ethic and skills you hit the ground running and have already had a tremendous impact on many.

As part of the Social Capital committee, you have integrated your passion for

For more than two years you have been instrumental in promoting the right to vote for people with disabilities at SPIN, Inc., in the Philadelphia area and across the Commonwealth.

You have organized educational opportunities for people to learn about the voting process; you have spearheaded numerous voter registration drives and, of course, you work tirelessly on

A number of years ago there was a television commercial for Brillo scouring pads that declared, "If you love me, you'll use me". Well the gentlemen of Fanshawe certainly love the Norcom Community Center and use it often and effectively with your support.

They are ever present on Thursday nights for dinner and a movie. They were among the first members of Silver Sneakers to complete ten sessions and receive

You have now joined the "Two Timers" Club! This is the second time you are being honored as Employee of the Month. It is great to know that you continue to provide such excellent customer service and it is wonderful that it has again been recognized.

Annemarie Clarke, SPIN's Corporate Officer for Behavioral and Developmental Services wrote in her nomination letter.

"You have to have confidence in your ability and then be tough enough to follow through." Rosalynn Carter's words seem to sum up your short but successful experience providing support to the men who live at our Barcalow CLA.

Previously, Ron, Mike and Fred were assisted by primarily male staff but over the past year many more women have become involved in their lives. When you came on board, Fred was a little

This excerpt from a family member of one of the individuals you support speaks volumes about your devotion to nursing and the people supported by Special People In Northeast, Inc.

"Since my daughter has lived at SPIN, Kristen has taken excellent care of her. She treats her as if she is her own. I have no worries while my daughter is under the care of Kristen. Kristen is the type of person who

You are one busy lady! And we all know that busy people are "doers" and get things done. Combining your responsibilities as Home Life Coordinator for the ladies of Lansing with the pursuit of your degree at West Chester University is no easy feat. Doing them both extremely well takes tremendous motivation, focus

After spending many years in the flex DSP position you decided to bring your many talents to the Behavioral Health Arrangement. After acquiring the required training, you came to Comly to support Demetrius and Geoffrey.

According to your supervisor, Tracie Funderburk, you bring incredible energy and enthusiasm to the team. You are a person who

Though you have only been at SPIN, Inc. for a short period of time, you seem to have grasped and implemented the most important strategy for supporting people… figure out what it is they want and help them get it. That sounds easy but sometimes even the most obvious has a way

In the fall of 2007 you stepped out of your comfort zone. Leaving the Human Resources department where you knew well your responsibilities, daily routines and co-workers and stepping into the fledgling department of Behavioral and Developmental Services took a great deal of courage and initiative. Your title is Office Coordinator but you soon found that what was really needed was a chief cook and

This being Valentine's Day you know I have to do the "Roses are red" thing; so here goes:

"Roses are red
Violets are blue
Chris is a computer wiz
And a gentleman too!"