March 2013

Northern Region
Dawn Boykins
Mental Health Associate
Therapeutic Nursery
East Orange

For the following exceptional behavior:

As a basketball player, Dawn brings her “team player” approach to her daily work. She has mastered the difficult task of tending to the individual needs of a child while meeting the overall needs of the children in her classroom. She creates a safe holding environment for the children’s emotional struggles that they enter with daily. Her flexibility is responsive to the ever-changing challenges of the classroom—moving from firm enforcer of structure and consequences, to a nurturing, empathic and mothering figure. Dawn supports her co-workers by always giving a lending hand to a distressed staff or child. Her patience and calm composure persevere, even in stressful situations. She has taught the children to treat each other like siblings and you can see how protective they are of one another. Each day Dawn greets everyone with a smile and a “good morning”—sharing her positive outlook and encouraging it in others.

Southern Region
Shalonna Murray
Personal Assistant Supervisor
Sawtelle Home Camden
Camden

For the following exceptional behavior:

Shalonna is an extraordinary team player. Whatever shift she is working, she takes initiative and is willing to do what is necessary to assure the best outcome for all consumers and the overall residence. She takes time each month to research and schedule the best activities for the consumers. Typical of her strong work ethic was one particular occasion, when a parent called and expressed concern that she wasn’t able to visit and groom her son as she normally does. Shalonna assured her she’d take of it and when the mother next visited, she continuously praised and thanked Shalonna for her extra effort. She never has to be asked to do something—when she sees chores or paperwork that needs to be completed, she takes care of it, no questions asked. Shalonna is caring and shows concern for the welfare and happiness not just of the consumers, but their families as well.

(top)

February 2013

Northern Region
Olivia Smith
Speech Language Specialist
Sawtelle Learning Center
Montclair

For the following exceptional behavior:

As one of the most seasoned speech therapists, Olivia sets a high standard for her colleagues in serving both her students with autism and their families. She truly is looked up to by her peers as a leader and serves as a support system and communication technology guru for all of the teachers and staff at the school. She has played a vital role in training everyone in using technology to facilitate student communication by volunteering her time, interests, and talents—always with enthusiasm and a smile. She makes herself available to families for at-home training and troubleshooting to help students communicate their wants and needs. Even if it means a longer day in the office, Olivia is known to search doggedly for a solution to a communication problem or for a means to improve the quality of life for the students. What stands out most about Olivia is her compassion toward, and dedication to, her students as well as her colleagues.

Southern Region
Valerie Dillard
Residential Assistant
Sicklerville Psychiatric Children’s Home
Sicklerville

For the following exceptional behavior:

Valerie is a team player who works well with both consumers and staff. She started working in the program on the 3 to 11 shift and was quickly promoted. When circumstances required her to change her assigned shift, she worked hard with the supervisor to make a smooth transition. Valerie is a dedicated worker--always keeping herself busy. She is very detailed in keeping the kitchen and refrigerator clean and sanitized. She is supportive of the consumers—assisting them with key tasks such as washing their own clothes and helping with their rooms. Because she is so caring, the consumers love Valerie and talk highly of her. She does whatever is asked of her without giving an excuse as to why she can’t do it. Valerie is viewed by all as a highly valuable asset to the Sicklerville program team.

(top)

January 2013

Northern Region
Cheryl Woolford
Assistant Site Administrator
Newark Residential Programs
Newark

For the following exceptional behavior:

Cheryl demonstrates her dedication in many ways. “I can’t” is something that she never says to staff or residents. She will go out of her way to help on the floor. She always finds time for a resident who may be having problems, which also gives staff a chance to regain composure and control of the other youngsters. She puts her best foot forward to address any issue. Cheryl walks the floor to talk to residents and spends time on the units to get to know them. She is a relentless advocate who is as quick to offer an encouraging smile as she is to give an unwavering directive or constructive criticism. She is a professional and charismatic leader and role model for staff and residents. Cheryl can be easy going and friendly while keeping all aware that this is a place of business, as well as a home for children that should be as safe, welcoming, and comfortable as possible.

Southern Region
Antonia Maldonado
Personal Assistant
Sawtelle Home Camden
Camden

For the following exceptional behavior:

Antonia is one of the hardest working staff at the program. She is always on time and when she comes in for her shift, she immediately gets to work. What stands out most about Antonia is her drive. She shows initiative—often taking appropriate action even before being asked to do something. She’s reliable and always willing to help. On a number of occasions Antonia was asked to come in early and, without hesitation she replied, “I’ll be there.” She also stays late sometimes when the program is short staffed, to help get the clients ready. She is a good coworker and a team player. She never complains and always completes the tasks assigned to her. She does a great job working with the consumers--making sure they are clean and taken care of. Antonia has been praised as a great example of the staff we need at YCS.

(top)