heart Archives - Penn-Mar

April 2026 HEART Award Winners

nvenn — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:00:34 +0000

The Penn-Mar HEART Award program recognizes team members whose passion and performance leave the mark of their own legacy through exceptional demonstrations of Honesty, Excellence, Advocacy, Respect, and Teamwork. We are proud to announce our latest round of HEART Award Winners! Join us in congratulating these extraordinary team members.

These paragraphs are shortened versions of the original nominations.

Hope Castle, nominated by Maricel Border

If you’ve ever worked with Hope Castle, you know she’s the kind of person who quietly makes things better for everyone around her. She’s always thinking about what the people she supports actually want. Their comfort, their choices, their day. You can see it in the way she sits down one-on-one to plan things with them, not for them.

There was a time when a group of people we support were bowling and someone from the bowling alley raised a concern. Some people might’ve stepped back, but Hope stepped in. She calmly advocated for the people we support and worked collaboratively with the facility staff. She was able to find common ground and made sure everyone could keep doing what they loved.

She’s also someone her team can count on. She steps in when needed, even staying with someone in the emergency room beyond typical expectations just to make sure someone we support was not alone.

Amanda DeStefani, nominated by Jennifer Hisey

When you think about excellence, Amanda DeStefani is one of the first people who comes to mind. If you’ve spent time in her program, you’ve seen the shift. What used to be a quieter group has become one of the most engaged and connected groups in the day program, and a lot of that comes from the way Amanda shows up every day.

There was a moment during a puppet show where someone joined late in the process. Instead of letting him sit on the sidelines, Amanda brought him in, asked how he wanted to be part of it, and made sure he had a role. That same approach shows up in everything she does. She finds ways to include people, even when they’re unsure or hesitant, and helps them feel confident stepping into something new.

She also brings that same mindset to her team. Amanda leads by example, encourages others to step up, and recognizes when to step back so someone else can succeed. That kind of leadership has helped people build confidence, both the people we support and the team around her.

Abigail (Abby) DuBois, nominated by Susan Wagner

Abigail DuBois is a true example of what respect and advocacy look like. She provides personal supports for one person in our community program five days a week. Since she started with him, we’ve seen real improvement in both his social and motor skills.

Before Abby’s support, he had high anxiety in social settings, and because he primarily uses a wheelchair, he did very little walking. Abby is always thinking about what will set him up for success. She looks for the right environments where he can feel comfortable while still being encouraged to try something new.

Abby also makes sure that support doesn’t stop when she’s not there. She shares what’s working and helps him get comfortable with different team members. And as he prepares to move into a new home, she’s been bringing him in ahead of time to have lunch with staff and future housemates so the transition feels familiar, not overwhelming.

Emily Fornwalt, nominated by Dawn Allen

Emily Fornwalt leads with excellence and teamwork in mind, especially in moments that don’t go as planned. There was a morning when a team member was trying to get to work through severe winter weather. The roads were unpredictable with snow drifts and changing conditions, and it brought up anxiety for a team member because of a past accident in similar conditions.

When Emily got the call, she didn’t just respond as a Program Manager who wears many hats, she responded as a person who genuinely cares about her team. She listened, reassured her, and then got in her car and drove from Westminster to York to make sure she was safe. Emily encouraged her to keep going and even followed behind her the entire way to make sure she made it to work with no issues.

That kind of support stays with you. It’s what helps someone feel seen, supported, and confident in a moment that could have gone very differently.

Corina Gartland, nominated by Teresa O’Brien

Corina Gartland advocates and makes sure people supported have a voice, especially during big transitions. When a family began exploring residential services, Corina didn’t hesitate to ensure that the preferences of the person supported were heard. She created a page on a communication device using pictures to figure out if the person wanted a house or apartment, or a roommate or no roommate, so the person could understand what was happening and share their choices.

When another agency began planning housing tours, Corina reached out and rearranged her schedule so the person supported could attend, use the device, and leave early if needed. She made sure they had a seat at the table during decisions that would impact their life.

When communication from the provider fell short, Corina kept following up and created a guide to help the new team understand who this person is and how to support them.

Brett Goldstein, nominated by Christal Lovelist

Teamwork shows up in the way Brett Goldstein works with everyone around him. Whether he’s supporting people in the day program, helping with personal care, or stepping up when someone’s needed, Brett brings a steady, positive presence that people rely on.

Over time, he’s built a strong connection between our day program and First Fruit Farm. Because of that relationship, people we support now have regular opportunities to volunteer, learn new skills, and be part of something bigger in the community. Brett stays connected with the farm, helps coordinate schedules, and even supports other staff so they can be part of it too.

Brett’s consistency makes the impact clear. Volunteers are out there each week, and on Fridays, a larger group comes together to help with whatever needs to get done. That didn’t just happen. Brett made that possible through his consistency and the way he builds relationships.

Wendy Grove, nominated by Nadine Gaetani

After many years in residential services as a supervisor, Wendy stepped into a new role at the Central Day Program with a willingness to learn and quickly found her place on the team.

Wendy brings a depth of experience with her, but she’s also open to trying new things. She’s always ready to join in on community-based activities and takes on new environments with confidence. That openness creates more opportunities and better experiences for the people we support.

She’s also someone her team can count on. Wendy steps in, picks up where others leave off, and helps keep things moving without missing a beat. She’s always sharing ideas and looking for ways to make the program stronger.

Janae Householder, nominated by Bobbi Snyder

If you’ve ever needed help and didn’t know where to start, there’s a good chance Janae was someone who offered a helping hand. As an Administrative Assistant and trainer, she’s someone others turn to because they know she’s going to listen, follow through, and handle things the right way.

Janae steps in with teams, supports events, and takes on extra responsibilities without making a big deal about it. As Heart Committee Chair, she has played a critical role in creating this very event we are enjoying today. She thinks about how things can be improved and has been a steady influence in shaping both the Leaders in Our Midst and HEART award recognition process.

After nearly 24 years, that mindset hasn’t changed. If you’ve worked with Janae, you’ve probably heard her ask, “What can I do to help?” and she means it.

Rebecca (Becca) Lee, nominated by Kollyne Sgro

Becca Lee has a way of saying yes, even when her schedule says otherwise. If you’ve worked with Becca, you know she brings energy and care into what she does.

Recently, she was asked to create two pieces of artwork for retiring board members who had given decades of service. Even with a full schedule, Becca said yes. She successfully completed the project and surpassed expectations, producing two exceptional works of art with assistance from Gene Alderman and Karen Ahrendt. The board members were profoundly moved by the artwork and such a meaningful gift.

Kelsey Manahan, nominated by Susan Bocek

Kelsey Manahan is someone her team can count on when things get tough. More recently, her Residential Supervisor and Senior Residential Advisor were out, and Kelsey helped hold things together. She coordinated schedules, covered shifts, and made sure people we support could still get out into the community, even during tough weather.

She didn’t stop at the basics. Kelsey took on additional responsibilities, kept things organized, and made sure nothing slipped through the cracks. She steps in wherever she’s needed, often working across multiple homes to make sure people we support continue to get consistent care. She takes the time to understand each person, which creates a steady and inclusive environment for everyone.

Kelsey also always looks for ways to do more. She brings innovative ideas to the table and has invested in her growth through programs like Career Ladders. She has also been awarded a Leaders in Our Midst Award.

Ashley Massey, nominated by Jessica Patchel, Maricel Border, and Jennifer Hobbs

Ashley Massey sees potential and then goes to work making it real. She helped bring Bill’s Famous Coffee Tour to life, building it into something much bigger than an idea. Through that work, Bill, the person she supports, has built relationships in the community, reconnected with family and friends, and found his voice around things that matter to him.

Ashley has also helped him take steps into entrepreneurship, from opening a bank account to launching a merchandise line, making sure everything was in place so he could do it on his own terms. A lot of that work happens behind the scenes. Ashley coordinates across teams, navigates systems, and handles the details so he can focus on what he wants to share with the world.

Her impact doesn’t stop there. Ashley has stood alongside him in advocacy efforts and built strong connections in the community, often opening doors for others along the way.

Callie Miller, nominated by Rhonda Morano

From the very beginning, Callie Miller built a connection with the person she supported that made everything else possible. She met him where he was, built trust through patience, consistency, and a calm presence. That connection made a real difference, especially as he adjusted to changes in his routine and support.

When his Annual PCP Prep meeting was coming up, Callie created a photo and music montage that captured his experiences over the past several months. It showed the activities he was a part of, the progress he’s made, and the moments that brought him joy. His smile in every photo was priceless, and it had a heartfelt impact on everyone in the room.

The opportunities she facilitated and the strong, positive connection she built with him has contributed significantly to his success.

Cambria Power, nominated by Kris Froehlich

Sometimes a simple conversation sparks an idea, and Cambria Power knows how to run with that. She heard that someone she supports was saving for an e-bike so he could get to work and move around his community more independently. That stuck with her.

That same day, Cambria reached out to the community and connected with a local bike shop owner. From there, she helped coordinate everything with Brian, the bike shop owner. Finding the right bike, making sure it was safe and fit the person’s needs, setting up time to learn how to use it, and even mapping out safe routes.

What started as a simple idea turned into something much bigger. The bike and safety equipment were fully funded through a crowd funding effort initiated by Brian. This bike is a dream come true for the recipient and became a reality because Cambria believed in the person supported and took steps to connect with someone in the community who brought together friends and resources to make it happen.

Angela Shaffer, nominated by Jessica Patchel and Maricel Border

Angela Shaffer creates a safe, welcoming environment where people feel respected, heard, and comfortable expressing themselves. She communicates clearly, stays calm in all situations, and shows genuine care for the wellbeing of others.

One powerful example of her dedication happened while she and the person she supports were volunteering. They were delivering meals and Angela came across a situation where a senior appeared to have passed away. She immediately recognized what was happening and calmly guided the person she supports back to the vehicle so they wouldn’t be exposed to something traumatic.

From there, she contacted emergency services, stayed calm, and continued to reassure the person she was with. She kept her manager informed and worked with first responders, all while making sure the emotional needs of the person she supports were taken care of.

Kristi Strausbaugh, nominated by Alexa Wheeler

Kristi Strausbaugh doesn’t wait for problems to solve themselves; she looks for ways to remove barriers and help people succeed.

Recently, she successfully advocated for a person supported facing workplace challenges. She collaborated with the employer and employment team to reset expectations, clarify responsibilities, and foster mutual understanding. This intervention not only helped the person supported to maintain employment, but also improved her confidence and overall quality of life.

Beyond the workplace, Kristi’s natural networking abilities make her a strong community ambassador. She frequently identifies new partnerships and volunteer opportunities, sometimes even while off duty. Her advocacy has consistently helped people we support to maintain employment, build confidence, and enhance their quality of life.

The post April 2026 HEART Award Winners appeared first on Penn-Mar.

October 2025 HEART Award Winners

nvenn — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 21:21:11 +0000

The Penn-Mar HEART Award program recognizes team members whose passion and performance leave the mark of their own legacy through exceptional demonstrations of Honesty, Excellence, Advocacy, Respect, and Teamwork. We are proud to announce our latest round of HEART Award Winners! Join us in congratulating these extraordinary team members.

These paragraphs are shortened versions of the original nominations.

Clay Bowden, nominated by Emily Long

As a Quality Coordinator, Clay Bowden plays a vital role in ensuring Penn-Mar’s services meet the highest standards. He conducts site assessments across Maryland to maintain compliance and also supports people with essential benefits such as Medicare, Medical Assistance, Social Security, and taxes. Clay’s work as a trainer in Person-Centered Support and Trauma and Relationships has made him especially well-known among team members. His engaging style, warmth, and deep knowledge make his trainings memorable and impactful, with many colleagues expressing how much they look forward to learning from him.

Clay’s commitment goes beyond his daily responsibilities. Recently, when challenges with EDD funding left some people we support at risk of losing their services, Clay took it upon himself to pursue solutions. He contacted EDD directly, met with families, collaborated with service coordinators, and followed every possible lead to help restore services and funding. He spent countless hours outside his normal scope of work, ensuring that people received the support they deserved.

Clay embodies Penn-Mar’s core values through his integrity, determination, and compassion. He is admired for his persistence, his ability to simplify complicated processes, and his willingness to advocate for people when the stakes are high. His dedication has made a real difference in the lives of people supported and has strengthened Penn-Mar as an organization.

Jimmy Castle, nominated by Jon and Lynn David

For several years, Jimmy Castle has supported a young man in Penn-Mar’s day program, and his impact has been profound. Parents describe him as one of the most positive influences their son has ever had. Through consistent guidance and redirection, Jimmy has helped him develop socially appropriate behaviors, reduce anxiety, and gain confidence both at the program and in the community.

Jimmy’s calm and steady approach allows those he supports to feel secure even in challenging moments. He has introduced new opportunities like horseback riding and swimming at the YMCA, helping his participant experience activities that once seemed out of reach. These experiences have opened doors to greater independence and joy.

Families deeply value Jimmy’s reliability, open communication, and willingness to share strategies that work. His patience, kindness, and genuine care embody Penn-Mar’s mission and values. Jimmy makes a lasting difference not only in the life of the person he supports but also in the peace of mind of his family.

Liz Dauberman, nominated by Ray Almsteadt

Liz Dauberman shows up with heart, even in the hardest seasons. When her team faced uncertainty and change, she stepped in and carried the weight of two jobs while adjusting to a brand-new role. Through it all, she demonstrated humility, grace, and quiet strength.

That same spirit shines in everything Liz does. Whether she is supporting at the Gala or Golf Tournament, welcoming a new team member, or helping someone regain their footing, Liz creates a sense of calm and belonging wherever she goes. During a particularly challenging time for her and the LISS team, Liz continued to show up with steadiness and care. She accepted new responsibilities without complaint, carried the torch from a colleague, and trained others to succeed after her.

Liz never seeks the spotlight, yet her impact is clear to all who work with her. She makes people feel welcomed and supported by living Penn-Mar’s core values and mission each day. Her dedication is a powerful example of why she is so deserving of this HEART Award.

Barbara Green, nominated by Jessica Fishel

Barbara Green, known to many as Nurse Barb, has shown extraordinary dedication since becoming Penn-Mar’s sole nurse in late 2024. She doubled her caseload without hesitation, continuing to provide the highest quality care to the people supported. She is deeply engaged in the homes, working side by side with staff to refresh procedures and provide hands-on training.

Her person-centered approach was especially clear when a gentleman faced an extended hospital stay. Barb remained in close contact with his care team and family and guided the transition to hospice care at home. Thanks to her careful planning and advocacy, he eventually graduated from hospice and began regaining his independence. It was a powerful reminder of the difference her compassion and expertise can make.

Barb is a trusted colleague with an open-door policy. Whether a DSP has a question or a person supported needs someone to listen, she offers guidance with warmth and patience. She has become an anchor for both staff and families, raising the standard of care across Penn-Mar. Her integrity, empathy, and resilience make her a true embodiment of Penn-Mar’s mission and values.

Gina Green, nominated by Erika Gonzalez

Gina Green is a shining example of Penn-Mar’s commitment to person-centered support. Her advocacy, especially during critical moments, has made a lasting difference. When one of the people she supports was hospitalized and not receiving the quality of care he deserved, Gina spoke up and did not stop until his needs were met. Her persistence and courage ensured that his dignity and well-being were respected.

Gina is also admired for her leadership. She balances administrative responsibilities with direct care, always making herself available to team members and families. With her open-door policy, attentive listening, and genuine appreciation for others, she creates a culture where people feel valued and supported. Gina builds strong, trusting relationships across teams and departments, and her collaborative style promotes unity and excellence.

Her ability to lead with empathy while maintaining a strong focus on quality has made her a trusted colleague and role model. Gina embodies Penn-Mar’s mission by lifting up those around her, fostering inclusion, and ensuring people supported live with dignity and purpose.

Wendy Grove, nominated by Jessica Patchel

Wendy Grove makes Penn-Mar a better place simply by being herself. Known for her kindness and positivity, she has a gift for making others feel welcome and included. She carries that spirit into all of her work, consistently going above and beyond her role in the Day Program to help wherever she is needed.

Wendy steps in to provide transportation, picks up shifts in residential homes, and brings steady support to colleagues and people alike. What sets her apart most is the deep, personal connections she builds. She recognizes the unique interests of each person and finds creative ways to honor them. For one gentleman, she arranged a trip to Mt. Gretna Beach to combine his love for water and building things with a day full of joy and discovery.

Her dedication embodies Penn-Mar’s core values of integrity, collaboration, excellence, innovation, and appreciation. Wendy celebrates small victories, lifts the energy of those around her, and ensures that the people she supports feel valued and empowered.

Helen Kitchen, nominated by Jessica Fishel

Helen Kitchen is a cornerstone of her team and a true reflection of Penn-Mar’s mission and values. Known for her integrity and empathy, she has earned a reputation as someone who can always be counted on. Helen consistently goes above and beyond her role, offering her time and energy whenever programs need extra support.

When one program lost nearly all of its staff, Helen stepped in to cover multiple shifts, including weekends. Her steady presence brought stability to the home, reassured the people supported, and helped create an environment where new team members could feel confident joining. She also assists fellow program managers with administrative work, mentors others with patience, and shares her knowledge generously.

Helen’s positive spirit and “never give up” attitude have made a lasting impact. Her leadership, kindness, and willingness to step in wherever she is needed foster a culture of belonging and trust.

Michelle Lewis, nominated by Loretta Waltemeyer

Michelle Lewis is known for her patience, honesty, and ability to build trust. As a supervisor, she not only manages her responsibilities but also supports other homes and teams whenever help is needed. She often works long hours without complaint, demonstrating collaboration and commitment in action.

One powerful example of her dedication occurred when Michelle was mistakenly called to the Day Program under the assumption that she was on call. Even though she was not, she immediately responded. When a person resisted going to the hospital despite a serious medical concern, Michelle built enough trust that he agreed to go only if she drove him. She stayed with him until his care was secured, showing how far she is willing to go to ensure safety and well-being.

Michelle is admired for her honesty, her outspokenness, and her strong work ethic. She consistently makes her team feel included, respected, and supported. Her leadership reflects Penn-Mar’s mission in action and shows the extraordinary impact of her care.

Aram Maldonado, nominated by Jean

Aram Maldonado was nominated by Jean, a community member who witnessed firsthand the impact of his work. Jean shared that she has watched Aram support Kenny at the North Carroll Senior Center, where she is also an attendee. She noticed how Aram encourages Kenny to try new things and helps him connect with others at the center. Through introductions, club participation, and group activities, Aram makes sure Kenny feels included and supported. Jean remarked how meaningful it was to see Kenny join a woodworking class with hand-over-hand support from Aram, ensuring he could be involved every step of the way.

Jean also noted that Aram’s efforts go beyond one person. By modeling inclusion and connection, he raises awareness among others at the senior center, encouraging them to make their activities more welcoming for everyone. His quiet leadership has helped build a stronger, more inclusive community.

At Penn-Mar, Aram lives out the core values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, and appreciation. He treats every action and interaction as an opportunity to help people pursue their best lives. Aram’s presence not only enriches the lives of those he directly supports but also inspires those around him to see each person’s dignity and worth.

Tiana Morrill, nominated by Tanya Smith

Tiana Morrill demonstrates excellence through her collaborative spirit and attention to detail. She consistently goes beyond her daily responsibilities to make sure people supported can live fully and safely. One example was her work coordinating with another organization so that a woman she supports could spend meaningful time with her boyfriend. In another instance, she realized that a person’s medication needs would not be covered during a vacation and immediately made arrangements to resolve the issue, ensuring the trip could move forward without worry.

Tiana is also a steady resource for her colleagues. She provides training and guidance when needed and is quick to step in with encouragement and support. Her thoughtful approach strengthens her team while keeping the focus on quality care.

Her initiative and person-centered approach are clear in every action. Tiana’s reliability, problem-solving, and dedication reflect Penn-Mar’s mission in action and make her a trusted colleague and advocate.

Oluwole Obadina, nominated by Isabella Chen

Olu Obadina is recognized for his tireless work ethic, compassion, and commitment to the people he supports. He rarely turns down a request for help and is known for treating every person with dignity and respect. From personal care to emotional encouragement, Olu brings professionalism and kindness that helps people feel comfortable and valued.

His dedication shows most clearly when he fills in during emergencies. Families and people supported take comfort in knowing that someone they trust will be there, and Olu makes sure their routines stay as normal as possible. He balances attentiveness with respect for independence, giving people the confidence to live their lives fully while knowing support is always available.

Olu’s presence strengthens every team he joins. Colleagues appreciate his calm, steady approach and his willingness to lend a hand wherever it is needed. His positivity and fairness create an environment where both staff and people supported feel respected. Through his actions, Olu demonstrates the heart of Penn-Mar’s mission every day.

Alaba Owolabi, nominated by Tyler Stackhouse

Alaba Owolabi has shown true commitment to the people we support and to Penn-Mar as a whole. She often steps in to accept on-call responsibilities when her peers need time off, all while managing the responsibilities of her own program. Recently, she was covering her program and another while on call when a third program faced an unexpected need. Without hesitation, Alaba stepped in to support both the team members and the people there. Her steady presence was a comfort to everyone and ensured that no one was left without care.

Alaba models Penn-Mar’s values in the way she builds strong, lasting relationships across residential programs. She collaborates regularly with colleagues outside her own team, which allows her to step in seamlessly when extra help is needed. Because she takes the time to know people and invest in trust, she can provide meaningful support right away.

Her willingness to help no matter what she already has on her plate shows her selflessness and care for others. Alaba is respected not only for her leadership and problem-solving but also for the encouragement she offers to everyone around her. She is a valued colleague whose dedication reflects the very heart of Penn-Mar.

Nichoal Raimondi, nominated by Nicole Zeigler

Nichoal Raimondi has stepped into leadership in her program by supporting new team members with patience, initiative, and pride in her work. She has become the go-to person for mentoring staff in medication administration. Using her own memory tools to master the 15 steps, she has trained others to feel confident and avoid errors, strengthening safety for the people supported.

Her leadership extends beyond training. When shifts become hectic, Nichoal is quick to organize tasks, create a plan, and keep the team moving forward. She is also committed to building meaningful experiences in the community. She plans outings with care, making sure medications are ready and nothing gets in the way of the day. By doing so, she helps ensure that people supported can enjoy opportunities fully and without interruption.

Nichoal is admired for her ability to jump into challenging situations, collaborate with colleagues, and put the needs of people first. She embodies Penn-Mar’s values by lifting others up, whether that means mentoring a coworker, solving problems on shift, or planning new experiences for the people she supports.

Melanie Weaver, nominated by Jeanifer Nace & Jessica Golliday

Melanie Weaver is known for her consistency, optimism, and creativity in supporting people to live their best lives. She often goes above and beyond, such as when she rearranged her schedule to camp in the backyard with someone experiencing their first night outdoors. She looks for opportunities that expand experiences and bring joy in ways that are meaningful to each person.

Melanie also contributes to the strength of her team. She shares ideas during meetings, suggests adaptive equipment that improves safety, and adjusts her schedule to support both colleagues and the people in her care. Her flexibility and collaboration make her a valued team member.

Her considerate nature and positive outlook lift the morale of those around her and ensure the people she supports feel respected and included. Melanie’s dependability and heart for others are evident in every aspect of her work.

The post October 2025 HEART Award Winners appeared first on Penn-Mar.

August 2021 HEART Winners

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 15:01:48 +0000

The Penn-Mar HEART Award program recognizes team members whose passion and performance leave the mark of their own legacy through exceptional demonstrations of Honesty, Excellence, Advocacy, Respect, and Teamwork.

Jimmy Castle – nominated by Soumbouth Seng

I would like to nominate Jimmy for the heart award. He deserves it and much more. Ever since Jimmy transferred over as a Day Program staff from PA to Residential (MD Day), he’s shown nothing but greatness and patience. I can say I am truly grateful to have him as my staff and the guys here enjoy having him as well.

Jimmy would always put the needs of the individuals first and he would make sure that each one is happy. There can rough days here but he toughs it out and even helps me tough it out. I really appreciate having him on my team and wouldn’t trade him for anyone else. The individuals may think he is firm but they appreciate him because he helps guide them in the right direction.

One of the individuals has gotten so attached to Jimmy, their relationship is like no other. It’s like two brothers bonding. There will be times when this person would look out the office window to check if Jimmy arrived to work yet, and when he sees him he would yell with joy. Morning routines here are also enjoyable, we like to call it coffee/tea time with a short game of Connect Four.

I can honestly say he is very appreciated, one of the best team members I have gotten to know. When it comes to getting stuff done, he would step in and help, without me having to ask or repeating myself. To end this before I continue rambling on, I just want to say: Thank you Jimmy for everything you have done, you are greatly appreciated!

Court Dudek – nominated by Tonya Stonesifer

When I think of someone deserving of a Heart award, I think of Court. As a Senior DSP he consistently demonstrates outstanding professionalism and a “can do” attitude with the individuals he works with and co-workers. He works independently with individuals but embraces what it means to be part of a team.

Court consistently sees how he can help to improve things and continues to want to learn and grow within his role. He goes above and beyond to communicate and work between multiple teams. Court continues to support not just the individuals and their families, but the employers in the community to build relationships and create “Natural Supports” within work settings.

Throughout this past year with the pandemic, Court has remained positive and continues to support individuals in various stages of their employment and their daily lives. Diversity is key when coaching and supporting the individuals in employment. On a given day Court is holding many keys: teaching prep cook skills, cleaning a kennel, prepping someone for an interview and/or hopping on the computer to do a Virtual Support Group, to name a few. He is always flexible in rearranging his schedule during the week and weekends to accommodate the needs that may arise.

In a week Court supports over 10 individuals in ongoing supports and follows along in their day-to-day jobs, meetings between teams, coordinating transportation, working personal supports all while taking classes to earn his Master’s Degree. He continues to always have a smile and an upbeat attitude. It is an honor to work with you!! Thank you for your dedication to the individuals and all the support you have given us!!

Additionally, Court’s supervisor, Victoria Minkowski adds: Court’s responsibilities as a “job coach” is to support people in their current employment positions and he shines in this role. What makes Court an excellent choice for this award is how he willingly and routinely wears other hats to support people in their lives.

Court does not just focus on a person and their employment needs; he goes above and beyond to make sure they have the skills and resources to support them in their independent living, financial, health, and wellness goals. Court constantly advocates for individuals to help keep them in their positions and negotiated reduced hours instead of loss of employment during the pandemic.

Court stepped outside of his position to job develop for an individual who needed a job that was more suited to his interests. This individual was just hired at a major employer in Westminster who is historically known to be selective in who they hire.

Court also went above and beyond his role to support someone who had a serious issue with his bank account. Court took him to the bank several times and advocated for the individual so he could maintain his bank account and remain in good standing.

Job Development and Personal Supports are not part of his role in employment, but Court has a strong commitment and desire to see people be successful and does whatever it takes.

Shannon Griffith – nominated by Natalie Place

I nominate Shannon for Penn-Mar’s HEART award for LITERALLY saving a person’s heart. During Shannon’s shift, a person she supports started complaining of arm pain. Shannon could immediately tell that something was not right. Shannon quickly brought this person to the ER, where it was found that they were experiencing a heart attack. Due to Shannon’s quick thinking, this person was able to receive necessary care in a time sensitive emergency. This exemplifies the vital work of Direct Support Professionals.

Kelsey Manahan – nominated by Kristen Brookshire

I am nominating Kelsey Manahan for the Heart Award. I feel Kelsey truly goes above and beyond for her program and the organization. Her program was without a senior residential assistant for many months and during this time Kelsey stepped up and willingly and learned the supervisor duties. She also successfully completed tasks she would not normally do.

Kelsey works in a medical group home. She provides care to medically fragile individuals. She has been faced with several medical emergencies. She has been to the emergency department on numerous occasions advocating with the individuals who are unable to. She is quick to reach out to a provider when she feels something is a concern. She ensures she gets all necessary paperwork filled out before leaving the provider’s office or ER. She can retain important information provided by the providers and relay it back to her team.

An individual she supported had a seizure while he was walking out of the day program. Even though Kelsey was startled by this she jumped into action and kept the individual safe, provided first aid and his seizure medication. Another time she assisted with advocating was when an individual she supported kept getting a reoccurring UTI. Kelsey advocated for her to get a different type of catheter that would decrease her getting so many UTIs. Another example of her quick thinking was when an individual moved into the program. She knew little about him besides reading his ISP. She was assisting him with dinner one night and he went into a seizure, and he fell forward. Kelsey had to quickly get him to the floor and call 911. She continued to provide care until they arrived. Another time an individual was being transported by ambulance to the ER. Kelsey was not on shift during this time; however, her program was short staffed and when she was asked if she could meet them up there, she agreed without hesitation.

Kelsey is always reliable and flexible when her program is in need. Kelsey continues to display Penn-mar’s core values. Her program was without two awake overnight staff for almost a year. Kelsey stepped up and worked every Wednesday overnight until someone was hired. She is always willing to help her team out. She never leaves her program nor her team in a bind. She also helps in several other programs.

Kelsey is well liked by those she supports. She has built strong trustworthy relationships. She tries her best to keep the people she supports engaged in their desired activities and outings. She will search Pinterest for fun, meaningful activities they could do as a group or individually. Some of the fun things they did were baking and cooking, making ice cream, homemade pizzas, and peanut butter fudge. Especially for the holidays she bakes cookies and other treats with them because that is their favorite thing to do for the holidays. She searches for fun crafts to do like painting rocks, coloring, or making fairy gardens. Kelsey continues to make it her mission to transform the lives of the individuals she supports by giving them as much independence and more days that are meaningful to them.

Kelsey completes tasks and job duties without needing direction from her supervisor. I am confident that Kelsey would be able to manage the program successfully if her supervisors were out. She is always willing to learn new skills. She is currently participating in Career Ladders, and she has attended a PAR Conference in the past. She ensures she is always up to date with her trainings.

Kelsey has grown so much in the past few years. She is more confident in herself and her decisions. She is an outstanding DSP. She has their best interest at heart. She has participated in person centered goal planning with her supervisor. She has created menus to assist staff with meal planning and by following the individual’s meal preferences. Kelsey is devoted to the individuals she supports and ensures that the individuals are happy and living comfortably. Recently, Kelsey assisted an individual with organizing her belongings and cleaning her bedroom. She truly made the individual happy. Kelsey is a great DSP.

Rhonda Morano – nominated by Natasha Miller

Rhonda is a leader of this organization who many can say is a person who will be there to support any person or need that they have, no matter what it is or why that help is needed. While Rhonda has been an integral piece of Penn-Mar for 31 years, it has been only the past year that I have gotten to see first-hand what an amazing asset she is. As many of us have, Rhonda has stepped up to whatever challenge has been handed to her and will figure out the rest later! It does not matter to Rhonda who or where help is needed; she is as dependent as they come.

Rhonda recently found herself in a position where a team member in a PA residential program needed emergency help with a crisis. Rhonda did not know the team member well, nor did she know who the person supported who was upset. She did not hesitate to act and respond to the home immediately. She not only assisted in diffusing the situation, but she also helped make this team member feel safe and supported during this time of crisis and allowed them the opportunity to take some time to come down from the situation. Rhonda’s ability to step in when she did could have prevented this situation from worsening, possibly even preventing law enforcement from intervening.

This is just one example of what Rhonda will do when her help is needed, even if she is not asked! Her dedication to not only those we support, but anyone who needs her help, is what makes her incredibly deserving of this award.

Chantese Newman – nominated by Ted & Meg Ahrendt and LaDawn Allen

Our daughter, Karen, has been a resident in a home for the past two years. Initially we were overjoyed to realize that Chantese was the house manager when she reached out in the weeks before Karen was to move to find out about Karen’s likes and dislikes, our expectations, and to make sure that her new room was made ready for her, down to choosing the paint color.

Chantese has been consistently kind, loving, and caring to Karen through the long days of the pandemic when Karen’s life was totally upended. Most importantly to us, she has stayed in contact with us and is always quick to respond to our questions or requests. Chantese is always professional and thoughtful. She demonstrates personal integrity and a strong desire to increase her knowledge of ways to help Karen. She cares for our daughter as if she were her own. When Karen returns to the home after a visit, Chantese and her staff always greet Karen with enthusiasm and loving kindness.

In addition, we are grateful to Chantese for her emphasis on good nutrition by providing healthy food choices. Because of the pandemic, it has been challenging to provide Karen with activities and recently Chantese planned to have a whiteboard installed for Karen to use.

It is difficult to express how important it is for us as parents to have our daughter in the care of a person who is so truly kind, caring, loving, and professional. Chantese is the special person who allows us to live apart from Karen with complete confidence that her emotional and physical needs are being met in the best way possible. That is why we nominate Chantese Newman for the Heart Award.

LaDawn Allen also nominated Chantese, saying: Beyond her support of Karen, over the past year and a half, Chantese has been working tirelessly to help get another individual the help that she needs. This person has had one of the most difficult times coping with the changes of the pandemic and her actions as a result of her struggles have made it incredibly challenging to support her. The individual had been and continues to have struggles caused by some medical issues.

Chantese has advocated to the utmost of her ability. There have been countless appointments, hospitalizations, meetings, and exhausting days that Chantese has worked through and supported not only the individual, but the individual’s family, and the team members that also work with this individual. Chantese refuses to give up. She knows that she will get the individual on the right track. Chantese has been put through the ringer on a daily basis and despite all of this she continues to show up with a positive attitude and the mindset that this is going to get figured out for this individual.

Deanna Ruff – nominated by Natasha Miller

Deanna has been with our organization just half a year, and the impact that she has made thus far has been so great that it feels like she has been here much longer! When Deanna began at Penn-Mar, she was stepping into a massive project that included a complete review of all the systems that we use in hopes of streamlining our processes. Deanna took the time to meet with many different people in the organization to hear our feedback, and what we need our systems to do to shift our focus on the right areas. While this was likely required, the way in how she did this was personable, and she truly has an interest in those little details that often are missed in the grand scheme of things. She listens to everyone’s concerns and challenges and makes each person’s needs feel like they are a priority.

Even though her time focuses on larger scale items, she has taken the time with many operations team members to show them how to streamline their processes and takes the time to train those on whatever it is they need. Within the first two weeks of Deanna’s start with Penn-Mar, my colleague and I had a significant issue with our billing system that nobody could help us find the solution to for several weeks. Within days, Deanna had focused on this issue and had it rectified with ease. I had also recently found an unused feature in our attendance system that would benefit our management team and had asked Deanna if she could help me out with exploration, to see if we would be able to utilize this. Again, in no time, Deanna had worked through the kinks without much issue, and we are on our way to using this feature that will benefit so many people! It takes a village to run an organization like ours, and the support that Deanna provides so many is so appreciated!

Marlo Saunders – nominated by Alyssa Albright

To say this has been a difficult year for the house that Marlo now supervises would be an understatement. Amidst a global pandemic, all of the individuals within the home, the SRA at the time, and the RS at the time, all tested positive for Covid. Marlo, as she always does, rolled up her sleeves and got to work. She adapted to the Covid schedule with no complaint, and ensured that the ladies were kept safe and healthy in what could have been a very stressful time.

Throughout the pandemic, Marlo has organized outings or even stay–at–home activities to keep the ladies engaged and active. Paint nights and dance parties are common finds on Marlo’s shifts. Marlo has built an excellent rapport with the ladies, and has learned how to help all of them with their varying levels of need – be it calming someone’s anxiety by answering the same question 100 times a day, or by making sure she takes the time to have a 1:1 conversation with an individual if she feels they require some extra attention or support.

More recently, the house has gone through some significant staffing changes and shortages. Over the past year, Marlo has been promoted to SRA, and most recently RS. She has demonstrated time and time again that she will do what needs to be done to ensure that the ladies she supports are receiving the best possible care. She has consistently put in over 70 hours a week during our staffing crisis to ensure that the needs of these ladies are being met, all while taking over as acting supervisor learning a new position, and doing it well!

As if her commitment to her own program wasn’t enough, Marlo has even stepped in to other programs when there is a serious need, even if she has already worked a full day herself. When she sees a need, she will try to help find a solution. Marlo is an invaluable asset to Penn-Mar, and I am so excited to see how she continues to grow and will spread her positive attitude and work ethic to not only her house, but to the agency as a whole!

Joyce Silfee – nominated by Victoria Minkowski

Joyce has done an amazing job working with the individuals that she supports. She goes above and beyond the expectations of her position every day. Joyce has been supporting two people for some time. She supports them to be active in their communities and to make good decisions about their lives.

One of the individual’s moms had this to say about Joyce: “Over the years we have had good support staff, but Joyce is outstanding. She not only made sure she knew my son’s goals, but was committed to moving him forward toward those goals. She treated him as an equal, always listening to his wants and then helping him to organize and accomplish his needs. She was especially instrumental in helping him with his Scout merit badges and she actively participated in his scout activities. Joyce was always there to help him develop independent skills by working with him rather than doing things for him. She became a trusted member of our team because it was clear she had a heart for her clients!”

In supporting another individual, who is non-verbal, Joyce introduced sign language and worked hard with her team to help this person understand and learn to communicate her desires and feelings. The introduction of sign language and the commitment to helping her figure it out has made a huge impact in this person’s life.

Joyce is an incalculable asset to the team!

Mark Swift – nominated by Christina Dixon & Teresa O’Brien

Mark deserves a Heart award because of his unwavering dedication to the people we support and bringing the team together in a collaborative way to be able to achieve the mission.

The first thing that should be known about Mark’s work is his commitment to staying in contact with the people we support and their families. Mark has always held high the importance of communication, but through the COVID-19 pandemic this was especially highlighted. People who were at home and not receiving services were disconnected, and he recognized the importance of staying in touch with them. People and their families would receive a call once a week or so from Mark just checking in on them and seeing if there was anything he could do for them. He is known for taking and returning calls at times outside of his working schedule just to make sure he didn’t miss anyone. He continues to do this, especially with the people who haven’t reconnected. Although it would have been easier for him to think that those people were ok and safe with their families, he didn’t, and it meant a lot that they could expect his call.

Several people Mark supported ended up with serious health conditions that landed them in the hospital during the pandemic. Although it’s routine for Penn-mar to check-in on the person, Mark went above and beyond giving families his personal cell phone number to reach out to. Even though their families were caring for them, he contacted them multiple times weekly to find out updates, wish the person well, and discuss how to plan for their successful return to service. Communication, above and beyond usual check-ins with one individual and her sister and another individual and her father are two examples of Mark showing his dedication and care.

Similar to the importance of communication during challenging times, Mark knows the value of communication in getting to know the people we support. Mark took the Personal Outcome Measures training and was immediately drawn to the impact its use could have. Upon completion of the training, he considered who would be the first person on his caseload that he used POMs with. He coordinated with a partner interviewer and jumped right into conversations with a person and his family to learn. He’s now using the information he learned to help this person set his direction. Mark isn’t stopping with just one person either, he’s also begun engaging transitioning youth in the process. Mark’s enthusiasm for POMs has developed before Penn-Mar has set expectations for its use and will undoubtedly support people to get closer to the life they desire.

The second area to highlight why Mark exemplifies the meaning of a Heart award is because he is a champion for collaboration and teamwork. Mark demonstrates this daily, in ways that may seem simple to him but that have a tremendous impact on the morale of his team. We have been working through a time that many of us are doing more than what’s expected in our “normal” job while we build up our teams. He has not only supported his own team but has offered to support two other teams as well. Mark has covered the jobs of three people for over a year. Because of being short staffed, he provided training to others in preparation for LTSS so the people we support could continue to receive services uninterrupted. He has attended numerous meetings outside of his scheduled hours for people on other teams. After putting in extra time, he saw the need to bring managers and quality coordinators together by co-hosting a social distance cookout. Something that was very much needed to enhance the work culture.

Mark is routinely the first person to welcome a new team member and check in with them to see if there’s anything they need. Unasked, he spends time sharing information with new team members that he knows they’ll need to learn and is patient and willing to give them as much of his time as they need to learn it. People learn quickly that they can rely on Mark for this. In addition, Mark knows the value of a well-oiled team. He is counted on to create opportunities for the team to come together and never fails. Whether it’s sharing a new idea and generating an inclusive conversation, coordinating a celebration for a team member leaving, regularly pulling people together for a socially distanced lunch, or just taking a moment to stop by and check to see how someone else is doing. Mark is the magnet that pulls people together.

Thank you Mark for giving so much of yourself to Penn-Mar.

Sue Thorpe – nominated by Janae Householder

Sue has dedicated may years to helping people live a life preferable to them. She not only advocates for people’s needs and wants, but she also teaches them how to advocate for themselves. I have watched Sue put the needs of those she supports and supervises ahead of her own repeatedly.

Recently, Sue has been supervising two group homes, each with different needs. One of the women she supports has been having a difficult time managing her emotions. The situation has led to reoccurring maladaptive behaviors that are disruptive to others, and not easy for the woman. Sue has explored potential causes and solutions to help the woman cope with excessive attachment issues. She brought an entire team together for a problem-solving opportunity. During the meeting Sue was open to explore any potential to help ease the situation, even as far as removing herself from the program. The positive impact that Sue has on the program was immediately highlighted by examples those who work closely with her gave. They described how her contributions affected the entire program, not just one aspect.

The other group home that Sue is supervising is attached to the first. In this program there is an opening for someone new to move into services. Recently, someone interested in placement came for their first visit. The woman having a difficult time, in the attached program, was having an especially rough day. During the visit everyone could hear her distress. It was a very uncomfortable situation, but Sue was quick to alleviate tension. She was able to find a moment away from everyone, to explain to the gentleman and his family that someone downstairs was processing grief. She described that everyone was working hard to help her through this time in her life, and that the noises we heard are not reflective of each day. Sue was able to reassure the gentleman interested in Penn-Mar (and his family), while upholding the dignity and privacy of the woman who was struggling.

Sue is an excellent representative of Penn-Mar and our mission!

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