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:
Amber Barrett, Assistant Lead Teacher, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook. Amber is the definition of a team player! She shows up every day ready to handle whatever comes her way with a positive attitude and compassion for her students. She handles all situations with grace, maintaining a calm demeanor, demonstrating empathy, and truly looking out for what is best for each individual. She is incredibly good at remaining neutral, offering unconditional positive regard and co-regulation through even the most stressful situations. Her ability to talk to her students like young adults while keeping instructional control is nothing short of impressive. She is easily one of the most patient people we have here and her presence makes such a difference in our program as a whole. She is extremely dependable and always willing to help. Whether it’s stepping in to help a coworker, adapting to unexpected changes, or going the extra mile for a student, she can always be counted on. Her commitment never wavers, it’s truly so amazing to witness. When you watch Amber with her students, it is so clear that this work was made for her. She has such a natural way about her while connecting with others. Congrats Amber! We are so lucky to have you!
Bryanna Harnden, Lead Teacher, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook. Bry was nominated by her peers for being a beacon of light in the preschool. She is one of the most easygoing humans to be around and this translates very strongly into the way she leads a classroom. She is such an excellent supervisor- approachable and understanding while still holding boundaries and a firm grasp on her own expectations for high quality programming. She is respected amongst her peers and is known for her ability to truly celebrate people for who they are and where they are in life. She is extremely supportive of her team and has built incredibly strong staff with her personable supervision skills. She works hard to create genuine relationships with each of her students and their families, upholding our mission and values at a high standard. She meets everyone where they are at, building trust through commitment and loyalty. Although soft spoken and often working behind the scenes, she is the best advocate for her students, always making sure they are getting what they need day in and out. She’s just a constant shining star. Her passion and dedication to the work we do here does not go unnoticed, we are so lucky to have her in our program. Thank you Bry, you are amazing!
Sarah Hunt, Expeditions Community Supports Program Manager. Thank you for your leadership in coordinating Woodfords Family Services’ participation in the Special Olympics State Summer Games. Your behind-the-scenes planning, from registration and event coordination to transportation, scheduling, and coordinating more than 40 athletes throughout the day, made the experience possible. Because of your preparation and attention to detail, the day ran smoothly and allowed our athletes to focus on competing, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating lasting memories. Your work reflects our mission of supporting inclusion while advancing opportunities for individuals to maximize their potential and be recognized for their achievements. Thank you for the time, organization, and care you invested to make the Summer Games a meaningful success for everyone involved.
Garrett Keniston, Residential Coordinator. Garrett consistently demonstrates Woodfords’ mission and values through his presence and oversight of the Westbrook residence. He has created a positive, welcoming home environment for the individuals we support while fostering a supportive and engaging workplace for the DSPs who provide direct care. His ability to build strong relationships through a balance of humor, approachability, and accountability has earned the trust of consumers, guardians, and staff alike. Garrett’s initiative to enhance the residence through projects like the creation of a game room has expanded opportunities for social engagement and improved the overall quality of life within the home. Thank you, Garrett, for your long-term commitment to quality services and for living Woodfords’ mission and values every day.
Whisper Waite, Foster Family Support Worker. Whisper has gone above and beyond with her clients. She is supporting two brothers at a daycare so that they do not get kicked out as the foster parents work full time. She has been working extra to develop visuals to support treatment plan goals, has an excellent relationship with the daycare providers, and has been open to feedback when given. When something doesn’t work for her clients, she is flexible and able to adjust the plan and “roll with the punches.” At group supervision, she gives her peers advice and shares her own experiences to support others. Her documentation is thorough and timely. Good job Whisper! We are lucky to have you in foster care!
Mary Beth Woodman, PTC Training Coordinator. I am pleased to nominate Mary Beth as mission maker for this month. Over the past two years, Mary Beth has truly shined in her role as a coordinator. She does a fantastic job with all of her administrative tasks, including coordinating BHP Live Day classes, and registering new learners for the BHP Curriculum. She is always willing to assist her colleagues and team, and brings a positive, kind attitude to the work place. Recently, she has done a fantastic job making a new staff feel like a welcomed member of the Training Department. Our program appreciates Mary Beth’s strong commitment to the Woodfords mission!