Jean McGuckin

Mar 20, 2013

Dear Jean,

As the great philosopher Mary Poppins once said, “A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down in the most delightful way”. Lucky for SPIN, in November, 2012, our own Mary Poppins walked through the Colebrook door carrying her carpetbag filled with loving care, fun, great ideas, and a belief that all things are possible for everyone. Jean, in less than 6 months, you and your cheery disposition have made a huge impact in the lives of Danny, Brian and Willie, introducing them to many new opportunities along the way.  Immediately, from your date of hire in August of 2010, you began demonstrating SPIN’s Pillars, ensuring that there were tools to place in your carpetbag  for your daily interactions and this has been recognized by your colleagues, your managers, families, and of course the men of Colebrook. 

In her nomination letter, your supervisor, Amelia Scell said “without a doubt, Jean’s people first approaches exemplify the qualities of a Right Fit SPIN employee and she ensures that the needs of the men are met with urgency.”

Jean, your investment and focused intent in each of the men has enabled you to develop strong relationships, working diligently to ensure they live a healthy lifestyle and they are fully engaged in their home and in the community.  One of the most difficult responsibilities as a Direct Support Professional is supporting people to develop their leisure time, to develop hobbies.  But this is not a problem for our own Mary Poppins or Martha Stewart as you have been called! You have a special way of inviting and engaging each of the men in a variety of activities including crafts of their choice, cooking, baking and more. Something the guys look really forward to is decorating for each and every holiday and season.

Your high standard of cleanliness and organization sets the bar within in the home and creates a safe and healthy environment for all.  You are a wonderful role model and are rubbing off on the guys in cleaning their bachelor pad! You transform what many would see as junk into new treasure. One example of your vision is that you gave the Colebrook basement a 360 makeover and designed it with the guys’ interests renovating the old basement into an arcade atmosphere where the gentlemen can relax, listen to music, play pool and other games.

It is certainly exciting and inspiring that you achieve these outcomes but I think I forgot to mention that you work the overnight shift! Wow, now it’s even more incredible!! Regardless of how many minutes/hours you spend with the guys, you are actively involved in their overall well-being and advocate for them to achieve their personal outcomes.  You are a high performance team player who communicates with utmost professionalism.

Jena, on behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, your colleagues, SPIN Management Team, and most importantly Danny, Brian, Willie and their families, I thank you and congratulate you on this most deserving Employee of the Month award for February, 2013. The magic of Mary Poppins and Jean McGuckin inspire us to create and share our carpetbag of goodness, skills and talents each day because together with Danny, Brian and Willie you have made a house a home.

With sincere appreciation and congratulations,

Judith Dotzman
Executive Director