Nancy Williams of the Olean Treatment Apartment Program has worked for STEL for 15 years.  She has always made sure that each resident has felt valued and loved, particularly those who have minimal support.  This month, Nancy demonstrated the principles at the heart of STEL by serving as a birth coach to a very special resident.  The OTAP has worked with a young, pregnant woman since September, and Nancy has put in much time and effort  to get everything needed for mother and baby.  Nancy has also provided emotional support and practical advice to the young mother-to-be.  Sadly, our resident's mother passed away unexpectedly and only a few weeks prior to her due date.  Nancy immediately stepped forward and stated she would help our young mother-to-be with the labor and birth.  Nancy took on the roles of counselor, advocate, and even mother for this young woman. Nancy stayed with her for 32 hours of labor and a subsequent caesarian section.  Our resident told us that it meant everything to her to have Nancy there to hold her hand when she could not have her own mother.  She stated, "Nancy held my hand when I was crying because the contractions hurt so bad I wanted to scream."  Nancy is quite simply a beautiful person who is filled with love for our residents.  She has put in countless hours of her own time over the years making food for STEL events and is famous for making each resident a platter of homemade cookies every Christmas.  This nomination is long overdue.  Congratulations to Nancy for taking a special interest in all the residents of OTAP. 

Kim Johnston is an AC at the Prendergast CR.  She is fairly new to the agency, but has demonstrated commitment to the job and the group home residents.  Kim has gone above and beyond in a number of situations.  Prendergast CR has been undergoing some staffing changes which have left us understaffed for some time. Kim is always willing to cover during emergency situations, and although she is a part time AC, Kim has been working full time hours for the past couple of months.  Kim has also attended the UCR guideline training and is assisting staff with completing monthly services.  Kim's compassion and caring attitude make her an invaluable asset to staff and residents alike.  Her willingness to go above and beyond the expectations of her job have made our transition far easier.  Congratulations, Kim!

 It is with honor and the greatest appreciation to recognize Emily Wooliver, RC as staff member of the month.  Recently Emily was instrumental in saving a consumer’s life.  Emily's expertise and advocacy for this consumer resulted in a urgent admission.  Throughout this consumer's hospitalization, Emily remained in communication with the hospital staff, family, and the consumer on a daily basis.  Her approach was to promote quality of care for the consumer.  The consumer informed Mary King, RM and Robert Roth, AED that "If it wasn't for Emily, I would not be here today" and further commented that "I owe my life to Emily."  Outside of this urgent event, Emily demonstrates her very dedication and professionalism as a counselor and co-worker.  Emily plans and organizes her work responsibilities as a Rehabilitation Counselor without hesitation and currently is working between the supervised residence and the apartment programs. Emily's understanding and commitment to this field is outstanding and evident in her work and communications on a daily basis.  Congratulations to Emily and thank you for all that you do and all that you bring to the agency and the consumers.

George Walsh, RC was chosen staff member for his work ethic at the Park Avenue Residence.  George has been very helpful at the residence, especially with the transition of Managers.  He has the ability to multitask and is extremely organized and proficient in completing his job duties.  He has great follow through skills in handling his tasks and with resident concerns.   George's demeanor is calming and he is very level-headed when working at the residence.  The consumers respect those qualities, and they are able to communicate well with George.  His great attitude allows him to get along with all the staff and residents.   At the Consumer Christmas party, George volunteered to play Santa Claus.  He did an awesome job and everyone was pleased.  Park Avenue is so happy to have George as a staff member.  His great personality is infectious and he is very deserving of staff member of the month.  Congratulations!

 

 

 

Laurie Wright was nominated due to the excellent job she had done in the position of Interim Residential Manager. Recently Laurie was asked to assume the residential manager's job responsibilities at the Park Avenue Community Residence until a candidate for the position could be hired. Laurie did not hesitate and accepted the interim position on September 10th after the existing Residential Manager retired. Laurie tackled her responsibilities in a determined and competent way. She immediately proved that she could make sound decisions in all aspects of program operations. The residents at the Park Avenue residence were so impressed with Laurie's management of the program they submitted a petition requesting to keep her as their residential manager. Laurie's efforts ensured that a seamless and successful transition period was established for all the residents and staff. Laurie deserves this nomination for her loyalty and commitment, not only to the consumers but to the STEL agency as well. Congratulations Laurie!

Angela Auria joined the Aldrich CR about 1 1/2 years ago in hopes of gaining experience in her goal to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice.  She had no experience in the Mental Health field, but was open to learn as much as she could and put forth her greatest effort.  Angela has a great work ethic and an extreme sense of motivation.  This is proven by the success of her work and the happiness of the residents on her shift.  Although she is only a part time employee, her presence has effected the positive growth of the CR. She is an inspiration to both co-workers, management and residents alike.  Consistently, she comes to work with an infectious smile and warm heart ready to do whatever is asked of her to better serve the well being of our residents.  Every minute Angela is on shift, she is doing something to better serve the residents whether it be participating in a fun activity, becoming more knowledgeable about mental health, organizing to make full time staff shifts much smoother, etc.  Angela also takes initiative and is always doing something that betters the program.  Angela consistently has this great attitude despite the many things she has going on outside of work.  She is always available to work when in need because she genuinely cares about the outcome of the program and the well being of our residents.  The residents look forward to seeing her each time she is on shift.  We could all be so lucky to have such a great person touch our lives!  The Aldrich CR has been blessed to have Angela and we also have great memories because of her.  Congratulations Angela and the staff and residents thank you so much!
 

Shannon Burgan is the Activities/Transportation person at Southern Tier Meadows.  She carries out the workload of at least two full time staff members with a positive attitude and awesome sense of humor that makes her enjoyable to work with.   Shannon doesn’t think twice about coming in at 6 a.m. to ensure a resident is at an early appointment where she will wait with them for hours to ease their minds and stress levels.  Some days she is literally gone all day with appointments, community outings and facility shopping. Shannon takes much pride in planning and executing our full activities schedule attempting to peak the interest of as many residents as possible while following a half a dozen state regulations each month with the calendar!  There are a handful of residents here at STM that are so fond of Shannon, that they personally request her for personal care assistance as she is so kind and patient with them.  Shannon is a true team player and hard worker that should be recognized for her dedication to our facility and residents of Southern Tier Meadows.  Congratulations!