Sara Werth

Jul 26, 2012

The very famous philosopher once said, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” Yes, The Little Engine That Could didn’t know how profound his/her words would be!   But seriously, every time I have the opportunity to read this treasured book of all time, I am reminded of the power of attitude and how much of life relies on our willingness to believe in the power of possibility.

Sara, it was your “Can Do” attitude that I remember the day in September of 2008 when you walked into SPIN to begin your internship in Children Services.  I could see your smile clear across the room and with it I could see your maturity, your eagerness and your immediate commitment to learn and give as much as possible. Quickly, we knew you were a Super Keeper!  In August 2009, you began as a Paraprofessional in the Early Intervention classroom at SPIN Frankford.  You received rave reviews from both your co-workers and management team and in December, 2010, the Behavioral and Developmental Services Department stole you for an opportunity as a Behavior Specialist.  Your many talents, skills and strengths were easily apparent and enabled you to be placed in a unique position where you equally split your time as Behavior Specialist in Adult Services and children within Autistic Support classroom from the B.e.S.T. program.  Although it is not easy to transition back and forth from supporting children to adults, you do it with patience, confidence, and joy.  

Each day, regardless of challenges you face, your co-workers, individuals you support, and their families see your consistent demonstration of SPIN’s Pillars. Your People First approaches invite people of all ages and abilities to achieve their personal outcomes knowing that you will support them all along the way. Maureen Haughney, states, “Sara has been such an amazing asset to our BeST team.  Her hard work and dedication has really helped improve the lives of the children that we work with.”  Anne Leon, said, “Sara is really great at providing the families and the classroom team with any advice or resources as well as developing a great relationship with the children.  DM’s face lights up every time Sara walks in.”

Those that work with you immediately see your strong ability to coordinate and collaborate with all stakeholders.  Your “Can Do” attitude has a large influence on others and you have supported children and adults to come out of their comfort zone and try new things.  Sara, you have a magnetic personality that is infectious!  Individuals on your Adult Service caseload seek you out and enjoy being with you. Will states, “Sara is a nice lady. She has a good head on her shoulders and she helps me with important stuff.”  

In addition, we recognize the incredible outcomes achieved through your facilitating of the social skills group for young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome.  I have been getting use to weekly emails from parents and teens reporting how much they love Sara!  Families have come to rely on your resources and critical information you provide to them. I know that you went above and beyond to support the most recent successful CBH audit of the B.e.S.T. program. I had the opportunity to participate in the exit summary and was so pleased and proud to hear the audit team make special note of your work as what they consider to be exemplary, thorough and of true quality.

Your managers wrote in your nomination letter that they are firm believers that you can’t teach someone to “care”.  However, they believe strongly that you exude this quality in all that you do as you support people to live a life of possibilities.  We all wish you the best as you complete your internship but won’t let you go so we are thrilled that you will continue your active involvement with SPIN by facilitating the Social Groups.

Sara, on behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, SPIN Managers, your colleagues, the children and adults you support and their families, we are so very proud of you and congratulate you on this most deserving Employee of the Month Award for July, 2012.  And most importantly, we thank you for bringing The Little Engine That Could to life for all of us.

With Appreciation,

Judith R. Dotzman
Executive Director