Mary Steiner
Nov 30, 2015
December 1, 2015
As was importantly selected and quoted by Kim Roselli and Chris Wilson in your nomination letter, John P Mayer said, “Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.”
John P. Mayer‘s words are a direct reflection of the passionate dedication of our very own SPIN Lehigh Direct Support Professional, Mary Steiner.
Mary, I can remember the first day that I met you; you are unforgettable and your devotion to people was critically apparent right from the start making sure that I knew it was in your heart and soul. As well, your creativity and belief in all that was possible for everyone shined through! From the very first day that you walked through the doors of SPIN, we have seen your true commitment to excellence as you live SPIN’s Mission and Pillars in all your actions and interactions.
Mary, you are truly changing lives one day at a time. Your People First approaches are recognized by all and of course you add in your Professionalism, Performance Excellence and Productivity with ease! Your “all in” attitude and action is exemplary. I marvel at your knowledge of the individuals you support, your enthusiasm and your engagement of all team members, stretching people to increase their comfort zone and try new activities with them, but what is most impressive is hearing the relationships that you develop. You have an incredible skill and talent in creating meaningful experiences that embed each individual's goals into their daily schedule. The goals of the individuals that you support are focused on continuously in creative and engaging ways throughout the entire day.
Often group members change during the week, and you are able to “spin with it” (as you say), continuing to provide seamless support and well planned, meaningful activities that engage all group members. You remind people that they “have a voice” and encourage them to lead self-determined lives. You encourage their independence by allowing each member to make decisions and come to group agreements. You don’t direct their choices- you introduce them to opportunities by modeling appropriate interactions, offering choices, and facilitating communication within the group dynamic. An important example of this empowerment is when you accompanied people to the Capitol for the Budget Rally to fight for funding for disability services.
This is witnessed and appreciated by all but most importantly your co-workers. Mary, you lead by example and your interest and ability to mentor your fellow team members is so important and valuable.
Your professionalism can be seen in your willingness to welcome, orient and provide much needed support to new staff members. In fact, fellow co-worker, Tanya Tremblay, wrote a letter to request that you be considered for this nomination. In her letter Tanya stated, “I could detail numerous instances in which Mary has deeply and with care gone out of her way to daily identify areas of opportunity for the individuals she supports. Beyond that, she also does the very same for other DSPs and individuals supported by SPIN with whom she comes in contact.” Tanya detailed an instance when she experienced an “incident of crisis” and you happened to be in the same location and was able to provide assistance to Tanya. Tanya went on to say that you, “demonstrate a level of caring and commitment worthy of recognition.”
Mary, these are just a few of the many examples of the difference you make in the lives of people by helping others feel important in your presence and motivating and supporting people to believe in themselves and achieve their personal outcomes. It seems to drive from your strong work ethic as you get the job done with great detail and care affirming you take personal interest and investment in each and every one supporting people to live a life of possibilities.
Mary, on behalf of SPIN’s Corporate Board, SPIN’s Management Team, your colleagues, the people you support and their families, I congratulate you on receiving this most deserving Employee of the Month Award for November 2015. Mary, as we just celebrated Thanksgiving, I can think of no better time than to share our very special thanks to you for living John P Mayer’s words as your productivity is certainly not an accident, it is a result of your commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.
With Deepest Congratulations and Appreciation,
Judith Dotzman
Executive Director
