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 September Mission Makers:
Ashley Arnold Ed Tech, Westbrook K-5 SPPS. Ashley is truly an absolute ray of sunshine and so deserving of this recognition! She joined the Katahdin team mid-year, and you would never know that it was her first experience working in K5. She blended into our team seamlessly and quickly became such a valuable part of our classroom. She is always willing to step up wherever she is needed, whether that means subbing, spending a full day supporting one student, taking her break last, or staying behind to help clean and reset the classroom. She consistently puts the needs of our students and team first. One area that Ashley excels in is her willingness to ask thoughtful clarifying questions and her genuine desire to understand our programming and better support our students. She is eager to learn, receptive to feedback, and always looking for ways to grow. She is an all-around dream to work with, and we are so lucky to have her on our team. She brings positivity, flexibility, and such a wonderful energy to not only the classroom, but the whole program every single day. We are beyond lucky to have her and cannot wait to continue to watch her grow during her time at Woodfords. Thanks, Ashley!
Zoey Barker, BHP, Central, ME. Zoey is an integral and invaluable part of our team. This school year, she has taken on the additional responsibility of mentoring new BHPs while continuing to support her consumers in both school-based and in-home settings. She consistently goes above and beyond in every role she takes on. Zoey has an incredible ability to think on her feet, anticipate her consumers’ needs, and stay one step ahead. Her thoughtfulness, dedication, and genuine care for the consumers she supports are obvious every time you see her working with them. She builds strong relationships while providing thoughtful, individualized support, and her impact on both her consumers and the team does not go unnoticed. Zoey is truly an amazing asset to our team, and I’m so grateful for everything she brings to Woodfords. I look forward to continuing to watch her grow and thrive!
Lisa Cochran, Site Coordinator, Expeditions, Westbrook. During a time of changing leadership, Lisa consistently stepped up without hesitation to ensure the program continued to run smoothly. As Assistant Site Coordinator, she took on additional responsibilities, supported the day to day needs of the program, and helped welcome and train a new supervisor—sharing her knowledge, experience, and understanding of the program to help set them up for success. When another leadership transition occurred, there was no question that Lisa was the right person to step into the Site Coordinator role. Her attention to detail, strong time management, reliability, and natural leadership skills have made her an incredible asset to both the Expeditions program and her team. All of the Expeditions DSPs and Lisa’s supervisors would like to thank her for her hard work, flexibility, and dedication. We are incredibly appreciative of everything she has done to support the program and are excited to congratulate her on this next step in her leadership journey.
Dominic Depeter, Ed Tech, Westbrook K-5 SPPS. Dom has been a great addition to the K-5 team! He consistently comes to work ready to support his students and coworkers and is always willing to jump in wherever he is needed. Dom brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a team-first mindset to the classroom each day. He has taken initiative with lesson planning and student activities and brings thoughtful ideas and creativity to the team. Dom is patient with his students and works hard to support their individual needs while helping maintain classroom routines and expectations. He is also reliable, receptive to feedback, and consistently shows his commitment to supporting everyone around him. He has quickly become a highly sought after staff, able to meet kiddos where they are at while delivering steady and effective programming. He is flexible, understanding, approachable and just overall an enjoyable human to be around. We appreciate everything Dom does for our school community and the positive energy he brings to all of the classrooms. He has made some genuine connections in the short time he has been here and we cannot wait to watch him continue to grow. Thanks, Dom!
Megan Doak, Shared Living Coordinator. Megan Doak has been a natural fit since transitioning from Community Supports to the Shared Living team. She has quickly established positive relationships with the providers she supports while demonstrating strong oversight and accountability in helping providers meet compliance expectations. Her upbeat personality and strong work ethic have been recognized by both the team and providers, who have shared positive feedback about their work with her. She has also contributed to the broader team by sharing technology-based efficiencies that have improved workflows. We’re glad to have her on the Shared Living team and recognize the positive difference she is making for our providers, members, and program.
Ami-Lyn Hight Assistant Lead Teacher, ECS, Manchester. During our recent move from the Waterville campus to our new home in Manchester, Ami went above and beyond at every possible opportunity. She demonstrated incredible teamwork, creativity, and dedication. Ami worked tirelessly to get not only her own classroom but the entire building ready to welcome students. Most importantly, even in times of stress and challenge, she always has a smile on her face and kind words for everyone. We are so grateful to have Ami on our team!
Amelia Johnson, BHP, RCS Southern Maine. Amelia consistently brings a positive attitude to work, implements the treatment plan with fidelity, and asking meaningful questions that demonstrate her commitment to learning. She enthusiastically supports her consumer each and every day, bringing consistency, compassion, and dedication to her work and her consumer’s life. Her positive energy and commitment make such a meaningful difference in our program!
Colin Kirgan, BHP, Central ME. Colin Kirgan not only helped two of our consumers navigate ESY, but he has worked with his regular consumer to make a successful transition to high school! They have hit the ground running with a full class schedule (including study hall, which is of great interest). He asks insightful questions when needed and is doing a wonderful job helping his consumer adjust to the increased expectations that come with the start of a new school. We look forward to an amazing Freshman year!
Monique Lebel, School Based- BHP, Central Maine. Monique joined our Central Maine School-Based Team last April and we wanted to take a moment to recognize her for her exceptional skills and dedication. Recently, she has been navigating a complex and high-pressure situation which also includes tough dynamics. This situation requires a rare blend of patience and expertise and Monique has handled it very well. Instead of backing down from the challenges she has stepped up using her outstanding skills and problem-solving abilities to de-escalate tensions and has worked collaboratively to seek positive solutions.
Lionel Muhire, Residential Coordinator. Lionel Muhire has made a positive impact since stepping into the Coordinator role at the Gorham residence. Their attentiveness to responsibilities, consistent follow-through, and focus on building strong relationships with DSPs have helped establish effective oversight within the home. They’ve also demonstrated a clear commitment to the care and well-being of those residing at the residence. As a newer member of the Residential Coordinator team, their perspective, engagement, and willingness to contribute have been appreciated. We’re glad to recognize the difference they’re making for the Gorham team and those we support.
Brianna Poley, BHP/Ed Tech, Pineland K-5 SPPS. Bri has been a consistent, calm, and reassuring presence for both students and staff. She has willingly stepped up to take on additional responsibilities in the classroom and has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting all students, even when plans involve many moving parts and require flexibility, patience, and teamwork. She communicates clearly and effectively, builds strong relationships with those around her, and is someone her peers look to and respect. Her dedication, compassion, and willingness to go above and beyond make her a wonderful example of the Woodfords mission and values.
Carli Stone, School-Based BHP, Central ME. Carli is an experienced school-based BHP in our Central ME program. She has worked with a variety of consumers in different settings throughout her time with us, and she remains a consistent, strong member of the team. She is communicative, collaborative and a great advocate for the consumers she serves. Carli reaches out to her supervisors for support, participates effectively in the development and implementation of consumer treatment, and always refers to her consumers with unconditional positive regard. She does not falter in upholding these qualities even throughout difficult situations. We appreciate all the work that you do, Carli!