Kristen Pomerantz

June 30, 2015

Dear Kristen,

When you open up the dictionary and look up the word Unique, you will see the following: “something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else and very special or unusual”. On October 11, 2013 a uniquely talented new employee walked into our SPIN doors and lucky for all of us, our very special, unlike anyone else, Kristen Pomerantz, found a home at the Norcom Community Center.    Kristen’s one of a kind heart, soul and profound skills and competencies drive her to be a top performing Direct Support professional who exemplifies SPIN’s mission and pillars in all her actions and interactions, while inspiring individuals and her peers to do the exact same!

Kristen, I remember the very first day I met you. Actually it was at Delray and you had just begun your employment at SPIN. I immediately saw your innate ability to connect with people and make them feel important. This engagement is so critical and is at the core of strong, healthy, positive relationships. It was no doubt that you would be recruited by many of SPIN services looking for your talent and skill set. However, the Norcom Community Center was the lucky winner, no surprise since the NCC is such a uniquely wonderful place to be! And each day, every day, you are sharing the Norcom Community Center’s mission of “A Gathering Place for the Whole Community” with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Kristen, last week we were in Harrisburg together at the Disability Funding Rally advocating for critical funds for necessary services and fighting for a wage increase for Direct Support Professionals. Thank you for supporting people to have a voice and for helping to lead this critical message for all DSPs.

Paula Urmson, your supervisor, made this letter so very easy for me because she describes in detail how you demonstrate SPIN’s four Pillars.  So, here we go!

People First:
Kristen consistently puts people, all people first through her “all in” approach to teamwork.  Kristen supports two different 1:1 groups and she has built strong therapeutic relationships with these individuals and the growth of each of them is so noticeable.  Kristen developed strategies to encourage both to become an active part of the NCC and maximize their opportunities to increase their quality of life.

In addition, Kristen is a strong, dependable member of the NCC team.  If another team member needs assistance, Kristen is often the first person to offer support.   Kristen empowers and advocates for individuals and co-workers in many ways, whether through providing advice, education and overall support.

Professionalism:
Kristen is always on time and prepared for work with a great big smile on her face and comfortable shoes on her feet.  Many times the individuals she supports may experience challenges, but Kristen creates and uses various strategies to assist these individuals through their personal rainstorms to encourage a rainbow in their day.

Kristen seeks opportunities to enhance her knowledge. She recently attended a two day training focused on enhanced supports for people with autism. Kristen came back excited and armed to share the strategies that she gained with her peers. In addition, Kristen has shared her recreation talents when needed and when she is available.   People love her classes and often ask when Kristen will be a guest instructor.

Productivity:
Kristen’s documentation is an example to all. In addition to her excellent daily documentation, Kristen actively participates in team meetings with all stakeholders and completes a daily communication log for family members. Kristen ensures that her communication is clear, detailed and timely.

Performance Excellence:
Kristen goes above and beyond expectations.  She finds creative strategies to motivate the individuals she supports to maximize their quality of life.  One great example is how Kristen engaged Ben to actively participate in Zumba classes.  Kristen was able to support Ben to decrease his anxiety participating in activities in the gym and with her support; Ben was in every Zumba class dancing away, with Kristen by his side!

Kristen, your eagerness to learn, your belief in others and positive energy creates an environment that fosters excellent team work, trust, respect and overall high performance.   There is no doubt that you are creating a life of possibilities for so many.

Kristen, on behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, SPIN Managers, and most especially your NCC fan club, we recognize your excellence and congratulate you for this most deserving Employee of the Month award for June, 2015.  Thank you for being “very special and unusual, and something or someone who is unlike anything or anyone else”.

With Deepest Recognition and Appreciation,

Judith Dotzman
Executive Director