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 April Mission Makers:
Zoey Barker, BHP, Central ME. Zoey is a kind, compassionate, and skilled staff member. She goes above and beyond in her role as a Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) to help her consumers excel in all aspects of their school day, turning every moment into an opportunity for learning. She has excelled at navigating a challenging environment and has continually advocated for her consumers. Despite these difficulties, her consumer continues to make progress towards his goals. Her dedication does not go unnoticed. We are so grateful to have her on our team!
Aimee Brown, Coordinator, Shared Living. Aimee’s ongoing support of her caseload continues to result in positive feedback from those providers. Most recently, a provider emailed in to relay the following message, “I wanted to express my thanks to Aimee. Aimee is great to work with. Consumer always looks forward to her home visits. I have received positive support and encouragement from Aimee. I also appreciate her quick response when I reach out. Grateful for great case management.” Keep up the excellent support to the providers on your case load Aimee!
Kathryn Breed, Ed Tech, Pineland. We are so lucky to have such a dependable, dedicated team player at Pineland. KC is a quick learner who jumps in wherever she’s needed, communicates clearly, and takes initiative without hesitation. Whether it’s supporting students, helping out when classroom supervisors are absent, or staying on top of her responsibilities—she does it all! Her student-first mindset shines through in everything she does. Thank you for being such a rock star on our team, KC!
Brad Conner, Training Specialist, Training. Brad has been an absolute rock star in the Training world! He does an amazing job connecting with participants in class, which makes each training more personable, enjoyable, memorable and engaging. Brad is also a remarkable teammate, and when recently asked last-minute to cover for another staff, the request was met with an enthusiastic, “HELP IS ON THE WAY!”. We are so lucky to have Brad as a trainer at Woodfords!
Michelle Foster, Assistant Lead Teacher, Westbrook. Michelle was nominated by her peers for being a shining star in our school community. She stepped into a new leadership role this year and has been absolutely rocking it. She is a fierce advocate for the needs of her students as well as her staff- always looking out for those around her. She arrives each day, ready for a challenge with a smile on her face and a sunny attitude. She puts so much effort and time into building positive relationships, resulting in true meaningful connections that are a joy to watch. When planning activities, she takes the time to truly think about what is best for each individual student, modifying as necessary in order to adapt to all of her unique learners. She is a huge support to her classroom and the program as a whole. She is such a fun and engaging teacher, her personality is contagious to be around. Her students (and peers) love to watch her light up the dance floor- she is just such a joy. Thank you for brightening up our days, we are honored to have you, Michelle!
Jahnigh “JJ” Francis, Assistant Coordinator, Residential. JJ has been a steady, engaged and consistent member of the Residential team. His calming presence and ability to adjust his approach to support a wide variety of consumers across multiple residences reflects his value as a DSP. One of the best compliments can come from the family of those you support, and recent feedback on JJ from a family member is, “I have seen first-hand the interaction with the staff and my brother. JJ is one of the ones I’ve seen. He’s so good to my brother. My brother really enjoys him. He is very quick to respond and help when needed.” Thank you JJ for your ongoing quality care of those in the residences you support.
Stacey Jensen, Nurse Consultant, Training. Stacey gives 100% in all aspects of her role with Woodfords, and consistently goes above and beyond to set her training participants and teammates up for success. As a teammate, she is the first to offer help, even when her schedule is packed. As a trainer, she works with participants after hours, provides one-on-one support, and is invested in their success. She makes us all better staff, and better able to meet Woodfords’ mission!
Andy Kimana, DSP, Expeditions-Westbrook. Andy has gained so much confidence as a DSP and his commitment shows. He is always singing and dancing with consumers. He is always willing to do any activity or cleaning job with no questions asked. He can turn any rainy day for a consumer into the brightest and most exciting day.
George Monga, DSP, Residential. I want to take a moment to recognize George Monga, who has consistently gone above and beyond while supporting consumers at the Westbrook residence. George has risen to every challenge, most recently providing exceptional support to assist consumer during a difficult period of time where George’s presence has brought comfort and reassurance. George’s positive attitude, attentiveness, and willingness to step in—whether assisting with challenging behaviors, mentoring new staff, or simply keeping the day running smoothly—he makes a significant impact. George’s professionalism and compassionate approach have not only supported our consumers but also enhanced our team. Thank you George!
Jeannie Naamani, Site Coordinator, Expeditions-Westbrook. Since stepping into the role of Site Coordinator at Expeditions Westbrook, Jeannie has shown exceptional dedication to growing her leadership skills and enhancing the quality of care provided at the site. Through countless hours of commitment, she has successfully reorganized the space to foster a welcoming, and engaging environment for the individuals we support. Jeannie has also gone above and beyond to build meaningful connections with all 40+ individuals in the program, as well as their families and care teams—forming strong, trusting relationships that reflect her genuine care for those we support. We deeply appreciate Jeannie’s hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment to delivering top-quality support. Thank you, Jeannie, for everything you do!
Cassandra Pastorelli, OT, Pineland. Cassie has been an amazing support to our preschoolers—always going above and beyond! From starting a food exposure group to advocating fiercely for student needs, her impact is felt every day. She’s a team player through and through, always willing to step in wherever needed… even if that means pretending to be a student during staff drills! We’re so lucky to have her on our team. Thank you for all that you do, Cassie!
Elizabeth Proulx, BHP, Central ME. Liz has shown flexibility, empathy and passion as she adapts and responds effectively to consumers with a wide range of behaviors and age groups. Liz is a valued team player who fosters a collaborative environment and is always willing to offer support where needed. Her positive attitude, reliability, and strong interpersonal skills make her an asset to both our team and the individuals we serve!
Sonya Saucier, Coordinator, Residential. Sonya is the frontline supervisor of a residential home and recently received excellent feedback from a guardian of a consumer she recently helped transition into the residence. The guardian stated, “Sonya, I can’t say enough good things she’s very professional, responds quickly to questions and very nurturing. It’s very obvious that she cares about what she does and anything that’s affiliated with her responsibilities.” The quality of services delivered and the environment Sonya has helped foster in the residence is highlighted in this feedback. Keep up the exceptional oversight and support Sonya!
Mace Sebby, BHP, Central ME. Mace joined the school-based team in the fall of 2024 and has quickly demonstrated his passion for and commitment to Woodfords’ mission and values. He has been a valuable addition to his consumer’s team, consistently providing compassionate and reliable support. Mace is an effective communicator and brings a diverse range of experience and skills to his role. We greatly appreciate the positive impact he is making within the program!
Shelby Shurtleff, Senior BHP, Central ME. Shelby has really moved into her role as senior Bhp. Shelby is a mentor and strives to give new staff the best resources and support possible. Shelby works well as a team member and is willing to step up and help field supervisors with their tasks. She is a well-rounded individual willing to go above beyond for our BHPs and our clients.
Alyssa Stubbs, Ed Tech, Waterville. Alyssa shows up every day with a positive attitude and an excitement to learn and grow. She gives her all to the consumers every single day. She treats our consumers with unconditional positive regard, and gives them a safe space to succeed in their school day. She is eager to ask questions, and help others who may have questions of their own. She is an incredible advocate for her peers and students, and always prioritizes the safety of consumers and staff. Alyssa plays a huge part in helping our classroom run smoothly, and we are so lucky to have her on our team!
Taylor Sturgis, DSP, Expeditions-Kennebunk. Taylor is always looking for ways to contribute and support her colleagues. Her empathetic nature and supportive attitude have made a significant impact on our team dynamics, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. Her sense of humor and love for having a good time create an environment where smiles and laughter are a common occurrence, making our workplace a more enjoyable and engaging place to be.
Taylor Wilbur, BCBA, Westbrook. Taylor was nominated by her peers for demonstrating extreme dedication and commitment to everything that she does. She puts her all into doing what is best for all of her kids, while also being an amazing support to the staff- making sure to check in after hard moments or days. She has worked with some of our toughest kiddos in the program, and she handles every change and new behavior with grace and understanding. She has a natural ability to enter a classroom with a calm and friendly demeanor, knowing exactly what to do and how to help in the moment. She is always seeking guidance of her own and using her resources when needed, while also continuing professional development in order to provide the most up-to-date services. She is one of the hardest workers amongst us and a true support to so many. She exhibits so much passion and enthusiasm to this field, serving as a wonderful role model for others. We are so lucky to have you on our team, thank you for all that you do!
Expeditions Program, Kennebunk Team. The Kennebunk Expeditions team continues to create and maintain an enriching environment for all participants receiving community support services. It is the collective strength of the team—not any one individual—that truly makes a difference. Their consistent, collaborative efforts are evident each and every day and were recently recognized in feedback shared by a Community Case Manager with Program Manager Sarah Hunt: “All my clients who attend Expeditions are so extremely happy there. You and the Direct Support Professionals do a wonderful job supporting the members—we really appreciate you.” This is exactly the kind of experience we aim to provide for our members and their families, and the Kennebunk team is delivering that vision with excellence. Outstanding work, team!