Heather MacFarland
Oct 8, 2014
Dear Heather,
Benjamin Franklin said “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
Well, without a doubt I certainly believe that the Behavioral and Developmental Services Team understands the true meaning of this quote. After all, we are not only experiencing growth and progress in B&D services; we are living through an explosion! Luckily for the B&D Team and for all of SPIN, Heather MacFarland joined the SPIN family in July, 2013 and immediately began sharing and “blending” her personal and professional skills, gifts and talents in every aspect of her critical work.
Heather, as a Blended Case Manager for just over one year, you are demonstrating STAR power! It is easy to witness your positive, supportive and wonderful approach on a daily basis. Your flexibility and commitment enables you to be a highly respected and requested collaborator and team member. And never without that great smile of your!
Your Supervisor, Karen Smith beautifully articulated your competent demonstration of SPIN’s Pillars in your daily work. So here goes.
People First: You manage a caseload of 25 children with Autism and their families on your Blended Case Management caseload. You perform your work with daily mindfulness of what you can bring to support families achieve the best life that they can have in every respect. You advocate for families, but also give them the tools to advocate for themselves. You provide resources, but also encourage families to utilize opportunities to help them sustain their own needs. You bring hope and caring approaches, but structure as needed.
Professionalism: Heather, you communicate information in a person centered way to all stakeholders, always being mindful of confidentiality and following all policies and procedures. Your smile and demeanor are always engaging and approachable. You make people feel welcome and the needs of the families are your primary concern.
Productivity: You are consistent with meeting or exceeding the Blended Case Management target. Your effective and efficient strategies, with a great deal of drive, organize your workload, making the most of the time that you spend with the families. In addition, your documentation is exemplary, thorough and complete. You monitor authorization deadlines closely and therefore your clients on your caseload have not experienced any lapse in service with your clinical management support.
Performance Excellence: Heather, you truly embrace SPIN’s mission and values in your daily work. People are touched by your energy, passion, caring and love for people. You have made a huge difference during your first year with SPIN, and we are looking forward to so much more to come. Heather, as a top performing, Right Fit, SPIN Blended Case Manager, you embody the personal and professional skills and competencies that ensure the delivery of the highest level of quality services and you do it with the most positive attitude and energy!
On behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, SPIN Managers, your B&D Team colleagues, and most importantly the many children and families you support, I am so pleased and proud to present to you this most deserving Employee of the Month Award for September, 2014. I challenge all of us to follow your incredible demonstrated example of SPIN’s four Pillars as you are creating and supporting a Life of Possibility for so many. There is no doubt that your clear and continual growth and progress gives huge meaning to words and action such as improvement, achievement, and success.
With Deepest Congratulations, Recognition and Appreciation,
Judith Dotzman
Executive Director