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 July Mission Makers: 

John Brideau, Ed Tech III, Pineland SPPS. John goes above and beyond for our students. He has great ideas and is a consistent advocate. He builds strong individual connections and is a highly preferred staff for many of our students. He consistently meets each student where they are at and brings fun into learning times. We are so thankful for his hard work and sense of humor. We appreciate you, John!

Casey Cribby, Program Manager, Residential. Casey Cribby has demonstrated quality support of the York County residences through his support of two new consumer placements in York County to start the summer and active involvement in a shift in the programs DSP application process for new hire onboarding. Casey’s steady presence and reliability through his presence and being versatile when needed has been key during multiple DSP and consumer transitions. Thank you, Casey, for all you bring to the Residential Team.

Monique Curtis, Administrative Assistant, HCBS Programs. Let’s recognize Monique Curtis, Administrative Assistant for the HCBS Program, for her support in taking on the initial screening and interviewing of DSP applicants. Monique quickly adapted to this new responsibility over the spring months and has played a key role in helping centralize and streamline the applicant workflow. Her ability to grow and evolve her role with increased responsibility is a direct reflection of the quality work she consistently delivers. Keep up the great work, Monique!

Jesse Keen, Ed Tech, Waterville ECS. Jesse is a hard worker who goes above and beyond in his interaction with consumers and parents. He has a positive attitude and puts in extra work at the center when he sees a need to be filled – like fixing up our playground. He is responsible in his work ethic and recently worked more than his required hours to complete trainings. We are lucky to have Jesse in our program.

Ashley Knight-Sanborn, BHP, Central, ME. Ashley is a wonderful BHP who is flexible and willing to help anytime she can. Ashley has truly gone above and beyond during our Summer ESY Program. She has not only provided outstanding support to her consumer but on multiple occasions has assisted in providing transportation to a number of additional consumers to ensure that they too can attend and participate in the activities. Ashley also does not hesitate jump in and be a substitute BHP when the opportunities arise. Thank you, Ashley, for your continued hard work and dedication to not only the consumers/families you work with, but to Woodfords!

Lucy Macomber, Ed Tech, Westbrook SPPS. Lucy was nominated by her peers for quickly becoming an invaluable member of the SPPS team. From the very beginning, she integrated seamlessly into the program, showing a deep understanding of the culture of our school and what makes us tick. The way she has bonded with her students is nothing short of impressive- connecting with both the academic and social-emotional needs of each child while creating true genuine relationships to support their growth in meaningful ways. Lucy is calm, patient, and composed. Her presence in the classroom is consistently positive, grounded, and student-centered. She is a true team player who does not hesitate to ask questions and lean on others to promote collaboration and communication. We are very lucky that Lucy found her way to Woodfords and cannot wait to watch her grow alongside the organization. Thank you, Lucy, for all that you have brought to the team already!

Mary Martin, Ed Tech, Westbrook SPPS. Mary was nominated by her peers for her gentle and uplifting nature, which shines through in everything that she does. She has quickly become a staff that others seek out, both students and teachers alike. Her calm demeanor and consistent smile bring a sense of warmth to those around her and it is truly contagious. She works hard to build great relationships with any student she is working with, engaging in the most kind and respectful way and always offering encouragement and support. She has such a big heart and the skills to work with any student she is paired with. She always keeps her cool in stressful situations, focusing on strength-based needs and ways she can jump in without having to be asked. Mary is the kind of teammate who goes out of her way to support everyone around her, always offering positivity and a helping hand when it’s needed most. We are so very lucky to have her and can’t wait to continue to watch her grow. Congrats, Mary!

Ryan O’Shaughnessy, Facilities Technician, Westbrook. Ryan consistently brings a positive attitude and a warm smile each time he visits our programs for maintenance requests. His friendly demeanor and genuine engagement with both staff and the individuals we support do not go unnoticed—he always takes the time to connect with the group, creating a welcoming atmosphere. His attention to detail, especially in tasks such as painting and hanging items, has played a key role in making our program spaces feel inviting and comfortable. We truly appreciate Ryan’s dedication, craftsmanship, and the pride he takes in his work. Thank you, Ryan, for all that you do!

Christopher Paradis, Ed Tech, Pineland ECS. Working with Chris is nothing short of a blast! He has infectious energy and a fun-loving spirit. Chris connects with each child with enthusiasm and makes them feel genuinely seen and heard. He creates a sense of safety and joy in the learning environment and is always self-reflecting on ways to improve. He is a hard worker and we are so lucky to have him on our team. Thank you, Chris! *knucks*

Katie Raymond, Executive Assistant, Westbrook. Katie Raymond exemplifies Woodfords’ values of compassion and advocacy. Her “can do attitude” and responsiveness demonstrates how she shows up for others. Her work ethic and integrity are on display everyday supporting the people who support our consumers to live our mission. She is simply the best!

Allie Reid, School-based BHP, Southern, ME. Allie’s upbeat, warm, and positive attitude while working with consumers is ideal. Since joining the school-based team as a BHP in March, Allie has helped her consumers to increase their independence and communicate their needs more effectively. She is a versatile staff who demonstrates the ability to work with a variety of consumers with different skill sets and needs, always approaching consumers with a smile and respect. Her ability to remain calm in difficult situations is admirable, and she is strong in modeling coping strategies and functional communication. Moreover, Allie is reliable, flexible, and demonstrates strong professionalism towards her consumer’s families, the Woodfords team, and school staff alike. We are so grateful to have Allie as part of the school-based team and appreciate all of her hard work. Thank you, Allie!

Bill Thibodeau, Program Manager, Shared Living. Bill has demonstrated ongoing quality support to his team. His impact is clearly reflected in the positive feedback received during the recent annual QI Provider Satisfaction Survey. In addition to overseeing provider support in supervising the coordinators, Bill is successfully leading onboarding efforts for a new team member while managing an interim caseload. His professionalism and commitment to both the team and the individuals we serve are evident in all he does. We are grateful for Bill’s contributions to our shared success in Shared Living.

Judi Thibodeau, Revenue Manager, Finance. Judi exemplifies the definition of a mission maker through her long-standing volunteerism at Woodfords events. When there is a request for volunteers, not only is Judi the first to volunteer to support events and the mission, she is there from start to finish. At the Annual Fall Auction, she gathers sponsors, enjoys the event, then is part of the check-out process. A great example of her devoting her personal time was at Woodfords most recent Family Fun Day event. In the week before the event, she helped pack the snack bags. On the day of the event, she passed out the snack bags in the morning while wishing the attendees a fun time at the park. She arranged for pizza delivery for lunch for the volunteers. In the afternoon, she registered guests. At the end of the day, she helped to pack up the tables and tents. Her pride in what she does and the Agency she does it for shows. Thank you, Judi for your support to consumers, fellow coworkers, volunteers, friends and families.

Melissa Zawistowski, Shared Living Coordinator, Manchester. We recognize Melissa as this month’s Mission Maker for her incredible dedication and unwavering commitment to the services we provide. As a deeply valued member of the Woodfords Shared Living team, Melissa consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the individuals and families she supports feel heard, respected, and well supported. Her efforts have played a key role in delivering quality services and helping us expand our reach throughout Central Maine. In addition, her willingness to mentor and support new team members speaks volumes about her compassion, professionalism, and character. Thank you, Melissa, for showing up each day with heart, commitment, and care—you truly make a difference!