
Congratulations to our employees recently recognized by their programs/departments as Mission Makers! Your dedication to our mission, vision, and values is highlighted through your work everyday!
Meet our March Mission Makers:
Andrea Blunda, Administrative Assistant, Pineland. Our school wouldn’t be the same without Andrea. She helps us hold everything together, always going above and beyond to support our program and staff. From keeping us on track with trainings to lifting our spirits with her thoughtful ways to boost morale, her dedication does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all the time, energy, and heart you pour into making our school run smoothly—we appreciate you more than words can say! #SuperstarAdmin.
Reyann Brooks, Ed Tech, Westbrook. Reyann was nominated by her peers for being such a bright and shining star- both in her outfits and her personality! Her energy is contagious, she actually lights up a room when she walks in to it. These past few months in particular, Reyann has really stepped up her game as a teacher and is flourishing as a part of her classroom team. She has gained so much confidence in her skills with the students and in the realm of data management and because of this, the students in the classroom are making progress towards their goals at a pace that is appropriate for them. Reyann is always so excited to see the students and helps to create a welcoming and fun environment for them. She does an excellent job building in learning opportunities throughout sessions and supports everyone through challenging moments with ease. She is flexible, kind, happy and just wonderful to be around. Her attitude serves as an important role model for all staff. We are so grateful that she is part of our preschool team. Thanks for all of your hard work Reyann. We appreciate you!
Marci Douglas, DSP, Residential. A guardian of a consumer supported by Marci shared their feeling of her support of their family member during a recent check in. They provided a big shout-out to Marci for the incredible impact she’s had in supporting this family member. Her efforts in helping him come out of his shell through consistency and longevity in her supports have been truly awesome. The effort placed in support is seeing them be actively engaged in their day and branching out to interact with others versus isolating themselves. Great feedback from the family for seeing what Marci does and the impact she continues to make on enhancing the quality of life for consumers.
Jennifer Ferguson, Lead Teacher, Pineland. Jenn has shown incredible growth this year and we are beyond happy to have her on our team. Her openness to feedback and dedication to improving her classroom have made a huge impact—not just on her students, but on her whole team. The progress of her staff and students speaks for itself! Plus, her sense of humor and quirky personality make every day brighter. We’re so grateful to have her on our team Keep being awesome, Jenn. We love you!
Hannah Merrick, Adult Case Manager. Hannah is an amazing advocate for her consumers. For the past four years, Hannah has worked with her client, their family, and attorney to preserve the client’s Mainecare. She has advocated with the state through DHHS hearings. She has connected the client with Maine Equal Justice, Governor’s office and state representative’s offices. Without the work that Hannah put in, there was a high probability that this client would have lost all services. We are so lucky to Hannah as part of our Adult Case Management team.
Melissa Nguyen, Program Manager, Residential. Melissa has demonstrated exceptional ability in managing multiple priorities over the past several months. She stepped in to cover residence oversight duties during a team member’s absence while continuing to support her team, including providing ongoing crisis support for one residence. Additionally, she played a key role in onboarding and training a new supervisory team member. Throughout this period, Melissa’s professionalism has been evident, and we are fortunate to have her leading our Cumberland County residences.
Whisper Waite, BHP, Central ME. Whisper is an outstanding BHP who is flexible and willing to help any time she can. Whisper continues to work diligently with her consumer, the school team, and her supervisors within Woodfords to ensure that her consumer is successful. Whisper also does not hesitate jump in as a substitute BHP when the opportunities arise. While working full time within the school-based program, she also continues to maintain her commitment to a foster care consumer/family and is seeking out additional educational opportunities. Thank you Whisper for your continued hard work and dedication to not only the consumers/families you work with, but to Woodfords!
Ben Waterman, Ed Tech, Westbrook. Ben was nominated by his peers for being such a fun, silly, and sincere employee. It is a JOY to watch him interact with his students. He is so positive and upbeat and genuinely takes the time to build relationships with each learner by learning who they are individually and celebrating that whole heartedly. He is incredible at planning appropriate and engaging activities, always going above and beyond to deliver the best programing possible. Ben faces the wildest of moments with a calmness and ease that is contagious to others around him. He has a demeanor about him that makes people feel welcome and heard and is always willing to support the classroom-both students and staff alike. His passion and dedication to the field is truly a wonder, he is such an asset to the program as a whole. Thanks, Ben. You rock!