Celebrating Standout Team Members at the Employee of the Quarter Luncheon
Outstanding members of the Citizens Options Unlimited team were honored at the Employee of the Quarter Luncheon on October 16 in the Brookville mansion.
Standout employees highlighted, included Jennifer Ford-Rochester, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at the Helen Kaplan Center Intermediate Care Facility (ICF); Sara Buckley and Cameron Schweers, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) at the Shoreham ICF; Diane Berry, a DSP at the Fort Salonga Road residence in Northport; Michelle Nerette, Manager at the North Cedar Street residence in Massapequa; and Emelyn Valladares, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
“This recognition is more than just about your hard work, although you certainly embody that on a day-to-day basis. It’s about your heart, your dedication, and your deep and unwavering commitment to the people and families we support,” said Stanfort J. Perry, CEO. “You were nominated by your peers, which speaks volumes. It means that your compassion, your reliability, and your excellence are seen, felt and deeply valued every single day.”
Celebrating the Honorees
After a delicious lunch catered by Wheatley Farms, the Employee of Quarter honorees each had their moment to shine in front of their team, as well as colleagues from partner services AHRC Nassau, Brookville Center for Children’s Services and Advantage Care.
Jennifer Ford-Rochester, a DSP at Helen Kaplan Center, stood beside Chris O’Connor, Chief Operations Officer, as he reflected on his own experience with Jennifer when he was the ICF’s director.
“She was never afraid to share what she thought was best for the people supported and the staff who surrounded her,” Chris said. “She was always someone who advocated very strongly.”
Sara Buckley and Cameron Schweers, LPNs at the Shoreham ICF, have a crucial role in ensuring that everyone is healthy, safe, and comfortable. Sara and Cameron both take their roles a step farther, said Nicole Banovich, Director of Nursing, offering companionship and friendship to the people they support.
Sara comes in on her days off to bring people to church when they ask, and she stepped up when someone living at Shoreham needed a mentor.
“She did it from the goodness from her heart,” Nicole said.
Cameron is the picture of professionalism and integrity, Nicole said.
“The care you give shines through on the residents’ smiles,” Nicole said to Cameron.
For 20 years, Diane Berry, a DSP at the Fort Salonga Road residence in Northport, has been someone her team, and the people who have resided there over the years, could rely on.
Deanna Allen, Director of Residential Services, read a message of support on behalf of Karen Jones, Assistant Director, highlighting just how crucial Diane’s work is for the people who live at Northport.
“People like Diane Berry are rare,” Deanna said on behalf of Karen. “They are the heartbeat of places like Northport. They remind us that excellence isn’t always loud. It’s steady, reliable, and it shows up every morning at 7 a.m. ready to make a difference.”
Michelle Nerette, the manager of the North Cedar Street residence in Massapequa, is lauded as an incredible manager in Residential Services. Not even a year into the start of her career at Citizens began an uncertain time for everyone: the pandemic.
“She came in at an incredibly difficult time and she’s done such an incredible job since she’s been here,” Deanna said. “She’s hardworking. She’s committed. She’s always putting the people we support first.”
The final honoree was Emelyn Valladares, BCBA, whose upbeat personality puts a smile on everyone’s face.
“You are a rockstar,” said Lauren Jaquay, Assistant Director of Psychological Services. “You are a superstar. Your dedication, your commitment. Every day, you are a shining star. You just help Citizens.”
Thank you to all the Employee of Quarter Two Honorees. Your integrity, compassion, and dedication are what make our mission possible.