Anthony Lavelah

May 19, 2016

May 18, 2016

Dear Anthony,

John Quincy Adams said “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” A leader such as this is not only in our midst but is sharing his gifts and talents each and every day and making a difference in the lives of Mary, Ed and Jim all along the way!

In February of 2014 our SPIN Lehigh team strengthened when we hired Anthony Lavella as a substitute support staff.  Anthony, very quickly we identified your many strengths, skills and talents and certainly was more than thrilled when you joined the Allwood team in March of 2015.

Anthony, I believe strongly that first impressions last a lifetime.   I remember the first time that I had the honor to meet you as you were actively engaged in supporting Mary, Ed and Jim to reach their personal outcomes and I walked away and I thought calm, cool, collected, intelligent, talented, professional, creative, caring, driven and so much more, all in about 30 seconds! Most importantly, I knew that you were Right Fit for SPIN.

Anthony, the demands of the Direct Support Professional position is so very challenging and requires the ability to be highly skilled, engaged, creative, flexible and collaborative, with all stakeholders.  Your hard work, caring commitment, high performance and high productivity is demonstrated throughout your job activities as you go above and beyond to support people to live a healthy lifestyle, be as independent as possible and relevant in their community. Certainly you support people to live a life of possibilities

Julia Bailey, your supervisor and nominator said “Anthony is a shining example of all SPIN’s pillars.   He is always thinking about the best way to support Mary, Ed and Jim and his team.  Anthony is an avid advocate.  He is ready with ideas and thoughts of how to create more opportunities.  The professionalism he exhibits in all of his interactions is commendable.  He communicates effectively and does not shy away from difficult situations.  Anthony shows a great deal of pride in his work and it is always evident.

Anthony, it is well know that your work ethic and personality are contagious.  Your positive actions and interactions make people feel important. Your creativity and enthusiasm is recognized by all who visit the home.   Some noted examples include how you support Mary, Ed and Jim to live a healthy lifestyle leading and encouraging exercise and wellness activities at home and in their community, teaching cooking classes and promoting participation in household responsibilities.  This has been an especially challenging year supporting Jim to live a healthier life and you and the team have committed yourselves to supporting Jim in his smoking cessation program and the results have been extraordinary! Your belief in all that is possible has been a real driver of this success.  Jim’s smiles are a testament!

Anthony, first impressions do last a lifetime and it is safe to say that your demonstrated outcomes in SPIN’s Pillars of People First, Performance Excellence, Professionalism and Productivity are exemplary and an inspiration to all of us.

On behalf of SPIN’s Corporate Board, SPIN’s Management team, your fellow colleagues and most importantly Ed, Mary and Jim,  I am so very pleased and proud to present to you the Employee of the Month Award for April, 2016 as you so richly deserve.  Anthony, it is no doubt that John Quincy Adams’ profound words were meant for incredible people like you as your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do  more and become more because you are a leader.

With Deepest Congratulations and Appreciation,
Judith Dotzman
Executive Director