Team Member Spotlight: Tanja Markel - Penn-Mar

Team Member Spotlight: Tanja Markel

Posted on September 25, 2024

Each month, we highlight a “behind-the-scenes” team member whose work supports our mission, but whose face you might not often see on our social media pages.

We’re excited to help you get to know our innovative team and the complex work we do.

So, tune in for our #TeamMemberSpotlight, where our team members share in their own words a bit about themselves!

Tanya hugging her black labrador puppy.What is your job title? I am one of the building’s custodians.

How long have you been with Penn-Mar? In November it will be 6 years.

How did you get connected with Penn-Mar? Through another Penn-Mar employee, Vicky Petrucci.

What was your previous work experience prior to Penn-Mar and how did it prepare you for your current role? I worked for Merry Maids cleaning houses. Before that I was a custodian for the Southern York County School District.

What does your work entail? Cleaning bathrooms, dry mopping floors, wet mopping classrooms, vacuuming the lobby areas. I also order all the paper towels and toilet paper, and soap for both buildings. I also order all of our cleaning products we use on a daily basis.

What’s an average day like for you? Our day is different, it just depends on what is going on. Sometimes we must change things around to allow for meetings and other activities that might be going on.

What’s one thing you wish people realized about your job? Not only is it physical but it is also rewarding.  We take pride in keeping the building clean, sometimes I wish we had more time to get other things done.

In another life, your career path is . . .  Postal Worker

Why is Penn-Mar’s mission important to you? It is respect that is given to the individuals we support and the integrity of each person that supports them and the families. I am proud to say I work at Penn-Mar. I believe that every day is a great day and the individuals love the activities like farming and cooking classes. When I see the smiles and hear the hello’s, or even do fist bumps to those that like to have it done when they see me, it makes my day. When the individuals are having a great day then we should be too.

What’s one thing you wished the general public knew about people with IDD. Everyone deserves a fair chance at a great life and that’s what I tell people, that just because someone has IDD doesn’t mean they can’t live a full and happy life, it just looks a little different from ours.

What is your favorite quote or mantra? Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Any hidden talents or fun facts someone wouldn’t know about you? I enjoy doing diamond art. On occasion I like to write short stories when the thought comes to me, and I have to jot it down immediately.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, you’d visit . . . Hawaii

In your spare time, you’ll be found . . .  Right now it is snuggling a brand new black male Labrador Retriever puppy named Bodhi.

A book, movie, TV show, sports team, etc. you love: I enjoy musicals and comedies. I also enjoy the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburg Steelers. My newest show I enjoy is getting ready to start its third season next year and it’s a Hallmark Show called The Way Home. I also enjoy researching things.

Something fun, interesting, or meaningful about yourself: I enjoy good food at nice restaurants and I love the Dewey Beach. Just being able to relax and enjoy the quiet. I also like doing things for others much more than doing things for myself.

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