Christopher Wasieczko

December 16, 2014

Dear Chris,

Plato said “Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue”.

I can remember the day that I met you back in April of 2006. You had just begun to work at SPIN in February, 2006 at Telfair supporting Sammy, Angel and Franklin. It was a brisk Saturday morning and I was one of the many volunteers at SPIN’s Cleanup day and Stroll in the Park Weekend in Fairmount Park. I was getting tired of pulling weeds and certainly ready for a break. I thought I was hearing things as I began to hear the sound of music turning the corner coming right toward me. Then, I thought that I was seeing things when I saw someone strolling toward me playing the guitar, singing and leading a group of happy strollers behind him.  The group stopped to say hello to me, sing to me and I realized that it was not my imagination, it was real, it was beautiful, it was amazing! It was Chris Wasieczko, the strolling, smiling, talented, creative, caring, patient, spectacular new SPIN employee! Chris, you had me at Hello!

Quickly, we saw that you had the patience of a saint and you are a wonderful influence on your colleagues in understanding the true meaning of listening!  Chris, you quickly shared your gifts and talents and your creativity was not to be believed. I remember facilitating training about a year later and you had told me that you were now supporting the men at Dungan.  I asked if I could come and spend time with you as I was more than interested and excited to see your creative support in action. I remember walking into Barney’s room with my mouth wide open to see the most incredible work of art, a mural that soothed and engaged anyone, most importantly Barney. Chris you had found an approach to decrease challenging behaviors and increase meaningful activity.

Chris, your  commitment to the people you support is exemplary and you demonstrate SPIN’s People First Pillar through your care and concern while always taking time to understand people and advocate for them.    You are “All in” and do whatever it takes to ensure the needs of people are being met.   Again, your caring support was needed and you immediately immersed yourself in the Argyle team supporting Tom and John and making critical changes to enhance their health and safety.  Through your collaborative skills with the Argyle support team you develop opportunities for Tom, John and Bruce that are critical to their engagement in the community. Importantly, you support the men’s strong relationship with their family as you assure that Tom and John communicate and visit with their family.

Chris, in addition, you are a valued Life Sharing Provider at SPIN and your relationship with Ray has supported him to achieve his desired personal and professional outcomes.  Your belief in Ray has increased his self-esteem as well as his independence.  Ray can be very shy at times, but with your support and encouragement, Ray has begun developing friendships.  Your mutual love of music has enabled Ray to play the drums and you have incorporated Ray in to your band, a lifelong dream of his, and one that we get to share at SPIN Live each year!   This has helped Ray’s quality of life by giving him the opportunity to become more social, build lasting friendships, and enhance his talents.

Chris, from the day you entered our SPIN doors, you have been creating and engaging people in a life of possibilities. You have always seen the strength in people regardless of their ability or disability. Your passionate support demonstrates your daily commitment and demonstration of SPIN’s Pillars.

On behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, SPIN Management Team, your fellow colleagues, and most importantly, Sammy, Angel, Tom, John, Bruce, Barney, Michael, Ray and many others, we are so very proud of you and congratulate you on this most deserving Employee of the Month Award for November, 2014. We thank you for your outstanding commitment to SPIN’s Mission and Pillars.  Chris, as we celebrate the Holiday Season, please know how much we appreciate your incredible ability to reach the soul of others with the movement of your musical sound.

With deepest recognition and appreciation,

Judith Dotzman
Executive Director