Ansumana Sirleaf

May 6, 2015

Dear Ansumana,

Think about a time in your life when you felt a connection to someone. You know the kind of connection that you want to spend more time with that person. The kind of connection that brings a smile, a laugh, a tear to your face. The kind of connection that you can finish each other’s sentences because you know exactly what the other person is thinking, dreaming, wanting and needing. Know that person? Well, it just so happens we are fortunate enough to know this person because his connection inspires us all to try harder, give more and believe more in all that is possible. This gift leads from Ansumana Sirleaf, a Direct Support Professional supporting David, Richie and Mario to live a life of possibilities.

Ansu, you began working at SPIN on a very important day of the calendar and it all makes perfect sense, February 14, 2010, Valentine’s Day and you have been sharing your gifts, talents and your heart ever since! Your work ethic resonates and you are driven by that which recognizes the personal growth and development of those you support on a daily basis.  Your passionate dedication directly impacts people and is so greatly appreciated by the three men that you ensure are valued, relevant members of their community. Your diligence and high integrity is reflected in all that you do, through your ethics and values, respecting people for their uniqueness, creating synergy with all team members, continually seeking opportunities and delivering results!

For those who have been fortunate enough to witness the genuine relationship you have with David,  have been truly blessed.  When we see you, one you can’t help but to ask “Where is David?” since we are so used to seeing the two of you together.  Your relationship is people say is more like brothers. Ansu, as a top performing, Right Fit, SPIN Direct Support Professional, you embody SPIN’s Pillars and the personal and professional skills and competencies that ensure the delivery of the highest level of quality services. And you do it with style, an electric smile and overall positive energy!  No doubt that David and Ansu get best dressed awards each year at the Gala!

Sharon Koppelman, David’s mother, SPIN Corporate Board Chair and one of the leaders of your fan club told me that “If SPIN needed a training manual for Direct Support Professionals, all you would need to do is follow Ansu around because he lives it.  Ansu is mindful in his work. He thinks ahead and plans, he thinks of the many possibilities and he has tools to make it happen at his disposal.”

Ansu, you are welcoming, caring and reliable to individuals, families as well as your colleagues.  Your “whatever it takes” attitude is recognized and appreciated by all as you have been known to help out a sick co-worker and rescue co-workers when their car has broken down.  Regla Baez, your Supervisor and nominator said in her nomination letter “Ansumana understands that performance excellence means an effective team, delivery of value to the people we support, their families and all stakeholders as well as personal learning to become more efficient and leaving a lasting impression on everyone.”

On behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, SPIN Managers, your Rhawn Team colleagues, and most importantly David, Richie and Mario, I am pleased and proud to present to you this most deserving award of April, 2015 Employee of the Month.  Thank you for sharing yourself in every giving action believing in all that is possible and creating the kind of connections that truly change lives.

With Deepest Congratulations and Appreciation,

Judith Dotzman
Executive Director