Justin MacDonald

Sep 29, 2015

September 29, 2015

Dear Justin,

Do you believe in Serendipity? Others might call it fate, chance, destiny, Karma, luck but we call it SPIN’s good fortune as Justin MacDonald was introduced to SPIN Employment Services long before his first day of hiring and training. Justin previously worked at Holy Family University alongside of Jay Jay, Joe, and Adam, individuals supported by SPIN Employment Services. Justin had the opportunity to see firsthand the quality work completed by Jay Jay, Joe, and Adam and the unique integrated supports provided by their Employment Specialists. Justin’s past experience as a Direct Support Professional Program Specialist, and Lifesharing provider together with his experience working with Jay Jay, Adam, and Joe led Justin to apply for the Employment Specialist position at SPIN! This was SPIN’s lucky day as hiring Justin strengthened an already stellar department!

Justin, from your first day, you were ready and willing to take on any challenge that came your way. You were excited about supporting individuals to reach their employment goals and also have enjoyed forming meaningful relationships with families and employers. Your positive attitude, out of the box thinking, and infectious laugh have been a wonderful addition to the Employment Services Team.

Justin, you are an incredible example of living SPIN’s Pillars! You demonstrate people first approaches each and every day ensuring that people have the supports they need, while giving each person the room to grow and gain independence in their workplace. As presented by your supervisors and nominators, “Justin varies his support style to meet the unique needs of those he supports. Justin has supported an individual named Courtney to make great progress toward his employment goals by planning different situational assessments based on his varying interest of baking and spinning wheels. Justin and Courtney are now exploring opportunities for Courtney to have his own cookie business! This is just one example of Justin giving individuals the opportunity to explore their interests and passion to guide job development.”

Justin, you are professional in every action and interaction. You communicate with all stakeholders with the highest respect and compassion, always listening to engage people. In addition, you encourage people to try new things and step outside of their comfort zone while providing the necessary encouragement and support to help them feel comfortable.

You are focused on maintaining a high level of productivity as you meet and exceed your productivity goals each week while consistently providing excellent communication and customer service to individuals, managers, families, support teams, your colleagues and management team. Your flexibility and willingness to quickly adjust your schedule to meet individual, departmental and organizational needs is exemplary.

Performance Excellence is the perfect way to sum up the work that you do. You greet each day with enthusiasm and determination, self-reflect and always look for ways to improve services and supports, and stretch yourself to enhance connection with those you support. Your commitment to your professional development is yet another example of your investment as you are actively engaged in building SPIN’s clinical capacity through your enrollment and active participation in the Holy Family Clinical Psychology cohort at SPIN.

Justin, you are looked upon as a trusted Employment Specialist to all. Your passionate dedication, caring commitment and belief in all this is possible for people influences and leads others to understand and embrace employment for all.

On behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, SPIN Managers, your colleagues, and most importantly the individuals receiving Employment Services supports and their families, we celebrate and appreciate your Employment First leadership.  Whether it’s fate, chance, destiny, karma, luck, fortune or serendipity, Justin MacDonald is more than deserving of the Employee of the Month recognition for August, 2015 as he not only provides the highest quality, person first supports,  but he supports people to realize and appreciate their fullest potential and a life of possibility!


With Deepest Recognition and Appreciation,

Judith Dotzman
Executive Director