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 June Mission Makers:
Lilly Bonnell, School-based BHP, Southern ME
We would like to take the time to recognize the contributions of Lilly B. to the school-based team. Since starting with Woodfords in September 2024, Lilly has consistently demonstrated dedication, consistency, professionalism, and kindness towards staff and consumers alike. She strives to support the students she works with by closely following respective behavior plans and establishing an exceptional bond with consumers. Lilly is a strong communicator and keeps her teammates informed as changes arise. Lilly’s consumers love working with her and we are so grateful to have her as part of the team! Thank you, Lilly!
Megan Doak, Site Coordinator, Expeditions Kennebunk
Megan advocates strongly that the people we support can develop strong, meaningful community relationships by connecting with local volunteer organizations. Megan has worked diligently over the last 6 months reaching out to multiple locations in an effort to offer our consumers more volunteer opportunities. Even after being turned down over and over again, Megan would not take no for an answer; continuing to chug along until TWO YESES were had! Megan made the contact, gathered the information, tracked all the outreach & was able to incorporate two new reoccurring volunteer opportunities into the Expeditions Kennebunk schedule. Megan shows real determination and ownership of the program as well was dedication to the consumers & their goals. Below is feedback that was sent directly to Megan from one of the event organizers: “Thank you so much for being part of yesterday’s volunteer cleanup at Eastern Prom! Your group brought such great energy and care to the effort, and it truly showed. The work you all put in helped keep this iconic space clean and welcoming just in time for the summer season, and we’re so grateful for that.”
Brady Dolan, School-based BHP, Southern ME
Brady was nominated by his supervisors for his continued flexibility and willingness to help wherever it is required. He works as a School-Based BHP in the Southern Maine program, and has been with us January of 2024. Most recently, due to a number of scheduling changes Brady has been asked to get to know and work with multiple consumers to ensure that they receive the services they require. He has consistently done this without complaint, and we have always been able to depend on him. He continues to be an asset to our program. Thank you for all you do!
Wendy Enright, Manager, BHP Training & Certificate Program
Wendy has managed the Statewide BHP Training & Certificate Program since 2012. In that time, she has overseen a massive revision of the content (with multiple updates), as well as the development of the virtual Live Day option. Most importantly, she has created a program known across the State of Maine for providing high-quality training supported by outstanding customer service. Her work not only helps Woodfords meet its mission, but supports all agencies employing BHPs in meeting theirs as well. Thank you, Wendy!
Abbey Jordan, Speech Language Pathologist, ECS & SPPS-Westbrook
Abbey was nominated by her peers for the enormous amount of growth she has shown since starting in our program. She has become SUCH a strong support to so many classrooms and students, showing a very impressive gain of confidence and skills. She will take on anything that is needed and step up in big ways during challenging situations, all while remaining calm and organized. She does an amazing job being engaging and fun with her students with also remaining on task and focused. She is an expert at meeting kids where they are at and is never afraid to try something new. She has wonderful ideas that she brings to the team and is always so supportive in answering questions and connecting with teachers. We are so lucky to have you, Abbey. Thank you for the wonderful energy that you bring to our program!
Rhonda Melanson, School-Based BHP, Central ME
Rhonda has been trekking the halls of Bangor High School for 2 years with Woodford’s school-based consumers! She has made excellent progress with her current student; he thrives with consistency, and until Rhonda picked him up, had been only staffed intermittently. She is his biggest cheerleader and advocate, always looking for the next program, the next step, the next activity that will help him move forward and become more independent. She perseveres even through periods of low progress or regression, and he has come out on the other side with skills intact. Her creative solutions to refusals have propelled him forward; Mom tells us he is even generalizing some skills to home. Thank you for all your hard work, Rhonda!
Juley Nickerson, Adult Community Case Manager, Westbrook
Juley Nickerson is a gift to Woodfords and the Adult Case Management department, as well as to the consumers, families, and providers that have the pleasure of working with her. Her kindness, her dedication, and her attention to detail is reflected in every component of her work. Recently, she was involved in an extremely difficult situation with a consumer that needed a highly individualized and unusual plan of care. Additionally, during this time, she had to navigate tense relationships amongst the team that required an elevated level of skill. She managed it all with superior grace & professionalism that left me in awe. We are so thankful to have you on our team Juley!!
Megan Norton, Ed Tech III, Pineland
This year we welcomed Megan to our team, and it’s as if she’s been part of Pineland forever. From day one, Megan has embraced her role with grace and self-reflection. She seamlessly pairs with each student and has quickly adapted to our school’s day to day rhythm. Her cheerful demeanor and positive attitude help make the hard days easier. She has been a wonderful addition to our school and we are so thankful for the energy, passion, and all the things she brings to our team. We appreciate you, Megan!
Bobbie Regan, Ed Tech III, Westbrook
Bobbie defines the warm and welcoming culture of our schools. She has become such a staple around our halls, it is hard to imagine them without her. She is a teacher, a librarian, a gardener, a mentor, and a friend to so many. Her countless roles here at Woodfords have helped to shape and define who we are and what we do each and every day. She supports anyone and everyone who comes her way, advocates for anyone and everyone who comes her way, and works hard to make sure anyone and everyone who comes her way has a voice of their own. Listening to her introduce new staff and visitors to our program is so incredibly heartwarming and affirming to the hard work that we do here. She has impacted so many lives during her time with us that will surely never be forgotten. She is an inspiration to us all. Thank you, Bobbie, for everything you have given us over the years. It’s been a true honor.
Mina Scherer, BHP, RCS-Southern Maine
Mina has done a wonderful job demonstrating all the qualities of a skilled and experienced BHP. Mina has done a tremendous job pairing not only with her consumer, but her consumer’s family as well. Mina holds expectations for her consumer while also understanding that we operate as a person-first organization and adjusting those expectations when necessary. Mina has shown that she is cool under pressure and knows how to respond to different types of challenging situations. RCS Southern Maine is so lucky to have her!
Lydia Waite, Occupational Therapist, Pineland
Lydia has worked so hard to research and obtain new toys and playground equipment for our students. Each year she has spearheaded creating fundraisers and wish lists for toys and equipment tailored to our students’ diverse needs. Her commitment ensures that playtime is inclusive, engaging, and fun for all! She has a go getter attitude and is always up for a challenge. She goes above and beyond her role and always has our students’ best interest at the forefront. Lydia has also created a fantastic cooking group program for our K-5 program, turning cooking activities into opportunities for learning and connection. Thank you for everything you do, Lydia!