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Staff Excellence Award

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Staff Excellence Award2022-11-04T16:10:33-04:00

October 2022 Recipient: Shannon Guay

Congratulations, Shannon!!

Congratulations to Shannon Guay, who is an Office Administrative Associate for Nisonger Center’s Neurodevelopmental Dual Diagnosis Program, for being the 10th recipient of the Nisonger Center Staff Excellence Award! This quarterly award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond daily to advance our mission, vision and values and is a true representation of ‘excellence’. Shannon was nominated for demonstrating Excellence, Compassion, and being person-family centered.

She has to stay hyper vigilant to safety issues and has saved the day numerous times in summoning help from security and pointing out reasons to be alert and concerned. She has been a trusted member of the administrative staff during the pandemic regarding numerous matters”.

“Shannon relates well to both patients and their caregivers/families. She is always pleasant and goes the extra mile to provide good service.”

“She does not have a mean bone in her body. She is kind and caring to all and goes out of her way to meet everyone’s needs. Her positive attitude is invaluable.”

A special thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Shannon is the glue that holds our dual diagnosis clinic together.   She greets everyone with a welcoming smile and shows the upmost compassion to everyone she encounters.  She truly enhances Nisonger Center’s mission, vision and values on a daily basis and we appreciate everything she does!

July 2022 Recipient: Erin Harris

Congratulations, Erin!!

Erin Harris, Clinical Program Manager for Nisonger Center’s Aspirations Program is the 9th recipient of the Nisonger Center Staff Excellence Award! This quarterly award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond daily to advance our mission, vision and values and is a true representation of ‘excellence’. Erin was nominated for demonstrating Innovation, Hope, and Compassion.

Erin uses her innovation to increase morale by showing us spaces we can be hopeful in the hardest moments. Erin shares her personal experiences as a social worker and a human, within the boundaries and scope of her practice.”

Erin is kind, compassionate, and funny. Erin can read the room and the situation immediately; she uses her value of compassion to ensure her Trainee’s and other employees are set for success.”

Erin makes Aspirations possible with her innovative ideas and Erin is responsive to every negative and positive event that occurs each day.”

A special thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. The amount of hope and compassion Erin shows to families and individuals is unmatched; she truly enhances Nisonger Center’s mission, vision and values on a daily basis and we appreciate all of her hard work!

April 2022 Recipient: Karen Krainz Edison

Congratulations, Karen!!

Karen Krainz Edison, Program Manager for Nisonger Center’s Ace! Program is the 8th recipient of the Nisonger Center Staff Excellence Award! This quarterly award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond daily to advance our mission, vision and values and is a true representation of ‘excellence’. Karen was nominated for demonstrating Compassion, Person/Family Centeredness, and Cultural Competence.

I have observed Karen changing her work plan for the day in order to put the needs of her students first. Also because of Karen’s person-centered approach, our entire department has found itself on more than one occasion learning about and/or participating in something unexpected, but always valuable.”

Karen’s compassion and empathy are evident as she looks outside the typical scope of services in order to meet an unmet need.”

Karen seeks to share what she has learned with the rest of OSU and the community beyond.”

A special thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Nisonger Center couldn’t think of a better person to honor this award with; Karen’s dedication and compassion to the families and individuals she serves is remarkable.  She truly brings to life Nisonger Center’s mission, vision and values on a daily basis and we appreciate all of her hard work!

January 2022 Recipient:  Troy Hunter

Congratulations, Troy!!

Troy Hunter, Program Manager for Nisonger Center’s Early Learning Program is the 7th recipient of the Nisonger Center Staff Excellence Award! This quarterly award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond daily to advance our mission, vision and values and is a true representation of ‘excellence’. Troy was nominated for demonstrating Excellence, Person/Family Centeredness, and Innovation.

“Troy’s skills with children and families are unparalleled. Every child and parent in our program knows and loves “Mr. Troy” and he treats all our children as his own”.

Troy has managed to expand and innovate within our program. He has taken on social work trainees, collaborated with LEND clinics and plans to continue this successful arrangement in the future”.

“Troy has shined from Day 1. After COVID closures and loss of income, Troy worked tirelessly to manage the program effectively and efficiently in the past year resulting in a profit amidst the pandemic”

A special thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Nisonger Center couldn’t think of a better person to honor this award with; Troy’s dedication and commitment to the families and children he serves is unparalleled.  He  truly exemplifies  Nisonger Center’s mission, vision and values during these unprecedented times, and we appreciate all of his hard work!

October 2021 Recipient:  Kristina Finnerty

Congratulations, Kristina!!
Kristina Finnerty, Behavior Support Technician for Nisonger Center Behavior Services, is the 6th recipient of the Nisonger Center Staff Excellence Award! This quarterly award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond daily to advance our mission, vision and values and is a true representation of ‘excellence’. Kristina was nominated for demonstrating  Compassion, Person/Family Center and Excellence. 

She is the best partner for training staff on restraints.  She brings laughter to restraint trainings to keep staff engaged and can also explain restraints multiple ways to ensure people understand.  Kristina is willing to stop in and visit clients at odd hours to ensure that our behavior strategies are being implemented at all times and to ensure our clients are receiving the best care possible.”

Kristina embodies the team spirit of Nisonger Behavior Supports and is always willing to assist her colleagues however she can. Throughout this pandemic it has been difficult for many of us to do in-person work due to family needs. Kristina has volunteered on numerous occasions to assist with site visits and other in-person work.”

A special thank you to everyone who submitted nominations.  Nisonger Center is excited to honor Kristina with this award (presented at the October 2021 All-Staff Meeting).  She truly embodies the Nisonger Center mission and values and goes above and beyond to be a team player.  Nisonger Center and the Behavior Support team are incredibly happy to have her on the team!

July 2021 Recipient: Alexa Murray

Alexa Murray, Program Manager for Nisonger Center Transitions Services, is the 5th recipient of the Nisonger Center Staff Excellence Award! This quarterly award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond daily to advance our mission, vision and values and is a true representation of ‘excellence’. Alexa was nominated for demonstrating Innovation, Compassion, Cultural Competence and Excellence. 

“… Alexa is always thinking about how her work impacts, for better or worse, people with disabilities. Putting our clients and their families at the forefront of her work, makes her projects and programs sustainable, higher-quality and well used.”

“Her brilliance as a program manager is highlighted by her ability to build and guide project teams that work together to go above and beyond expected outcomes. She synergizes her team’s work by leveraging individual skills and talents while mentoring each employee under her tutelage to grow professionally. She also truly cares about the personal well-being of her staff and colleagues and always takes time to ask others how they are doing and if there is anything that she can do to support them. Significantly, Alexa’s exceptional work ethic is driven by a selfless desire to serve the disability community and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. Her extraordinary work for the center merits the praise and recognition bestowed by this award.”

A special thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Nisonger Center is excited to honor Alexa with this award (presented at the July 2021 All-Staff Meeting); her dedication, collaborative and positive attitude, contribution and commitment to her team, colleagues and community are beyond measure. She is such a valuable team player and Nisonger Center is so proud to have her on the team!

April 2021 Recipient: Tina Lithiluxa

Tina Lithiluxa, Senior Dental Assistant in Nisonger’s Dental Services, is the 4th recipient of the Nisonger Center Staff Excellence Award! This quarterly award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond daily to advance our mission, vision and values and is a true representation of ‘excellence’. Tina was nominated for demonstrating  Patient-Centered Care, Innovation, and Self Determination.

“… I have learned is she is the heart of the dental program and always has the best interests of Nisonger and our patients in mind.”

“We are so fortunate that we have a staff member that will go the extra yard to make sure our patients are cared for like family members. Her knowledge of our patients is something that cannot be duplicated.”

A special thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Nisonger Center is excited to honor Tina with this award (presented at the April 2021 All-Staff Meeting); her unwavering commitment to providing her patients with the utmost importance and care does not go unnoticed.  She is such a valuable team player and Nisonger Center is so proud to have her on the team!

January 2021 Recipient: Karel Smith

Karel Smith is the Administrator of Nisonger Center and the 3rd recipient of the Nisonger Center Staff Excellence Award! This quarterly award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond daily to advance our mission, vision and values and is a true representation of ‘excellence’. Karel was nominated for demonstrating Excellence, Compassion, and Innovation.

“Karel has managed business operations and navigated multiple emergency priorities amidst the adverse climate of the COVID-19 pandemic with leadership, grace and compassion; setting an example for others and doing so in a way that helped Nisonger Center faculty, staff and students feel safe, protected, comforted and reassured in a time of undue stress and anxiety.”

“Karel has masterfully navigated Nisonger Center through the COVID-19 crisis… she has been nothing less than remarkable and steady throughout.”

“This year we had to make many changes in the way we work and operate… she is the epitome of a team player. We are so grateful to have her on our team!”

A special thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Nisonger Center is very proud to honor Karel with this award (presented at the January 2021 All-Staff Meeting); she is such a valuable team player and keeps Nisonger Center up and running with a humble heart and gracious spirit – thank you for all of your hard work and commitment to making Nisonger great!

 

October 2020 Recipient: Vanessa Rodriguez

Vanessa Rodriquez is a Clinical Psychologist with Behavior Support Services and the 2nd recipient of the Nisonger Center Staff Excellence Award!  This award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond daily to advance our mission, vision and values and is a true representation of ‘excellence’.  Vanessa was nominated for demonstrating Excellence, Compassion, and Innovation.

“Vanessa has taken many students in the IDD psychology program under her supervision and has done an unbelievable job to make sure each feels valued and capable while helping them to develop their competency in the field of behavior support.”

“As a behavior support specialist Vanessa never gives up on identifying the functions of clients targeted needs. She suggests new and different ways to collect data that will support or refute possible functions which ultimately leads to the faster delivery of effective interventions that improve the quality of life of clients, their families and their direct care staff.”

“Vanessa is the best BSS we have had over many years. This is reflected by my son’s significant progress.”

A special thank you to everyone who submitted nominations this round. Nisonger Center is very proud to honor Vanessa with this award (presented at the October 2020 All-Staff Meeting); and values her as a part of the Behavior Support Services team – thank you for all of your dedication and hard work!

 

July 2020 Recipient: Beth Gardner

Beth Gardner is an Early Intervention Team Lead/Speech-Language Pathologist in Nisonger Center’s Early Learning Program; and we’re excited to announce, the first recipient of the Nisonger Center Staff Excellence Award! Developed & implemented this summer; this award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond daily to advance our mission, vision and values and is a true representation of ‘excellence’. Beth was nominated for demonstrating Compassion, Hope, Innovation, and Person/Family-Centeredness.

“Beth exemplifies this definition of compassion to the fullest extent in her empathetic management style. Her open-door approachability creates a welcoming and thoughtful environment to hear the needs of the department and carefully consider the best options for moving forward.”

“Beth is in a position of leadership during a very difficult time for everyone, both program wide and society as a whole. While Beth acknowledges the challenges, she holds firm and continues to give our team encouragement that we are going to make it out on the other side. We may not know when. but we’ll all do it together. Beth is on the front lines of greeting children, making families feel secure, helping classrooms run smoothly. and being an anchor for us all amidst this topsy-turvy world we find ourselves in. Through her vigilance and leadership, we as a team feel a greater sense of hope. And not just us, but you can sense it in the families as well. Our program is lucky to have her.”

“Beth Gardner not only goes above and beyond every day for the children and families that she serves, but for her early intervention team right here at Nisonger, as well. Beth truly leads by example through and through.”

A special thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and those who participated in the selection panel – it certainly wasn’t an easy decision as there were several highly deserving staff members that were considered. Nisonger Center is very proud to honor Beth with this award (presented at the July 2020 All-Staff Meeting); and values her as a part of the Nisonger Early Learning Program team – thank you for all of your hard work and dedication!

 

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