Employees of the Quarter Help Us All Shine!
Just two days before Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Stanfort J. Perry, CEO, at the Jan. 13 Employee of the Quarter event reflected on the spirit of compassion and service embodied by Dr. King.
“As Dr. King reminded us, ‘Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve,’” Stanfort said. “Those words are more than a quote. They are the living truth of your work. Service is found in very small, consistent acts that preserve dignity, expand opportunity, and bring hope.”
Among the Employee of Quarter honorees were Sade Cato, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Helen Kaplan Center (the Center); Kayla Collins, a DSP at the West Islip Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA); and Ashley Sesto, a Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS).
Sade Cato, DSP
Sade is always willing to lend a helping hand, offering to come in when needed and bringing compassion and warmth to the men and women who reside at the Center in Plainview.
“I am grateful to have your hard work recognized,” said Doris Jean-Medelus, a House Manager at the Center.
Kayla Collins, DSP
Over in West Islip, Kayla is known by her team for being a go-getter and a hard worker.
“If I’d have to sum up Kayla in one word, I’d say she’s dynamic,” said Karen Jones, an Assistant Director at Citizens. She turned to Kayla, reminding her that it was her team that nominated her. “You’re an amazing person. You’re a great team player. You’re a great coworker, and your team appreciates you. The people you support appreciate you, and the families appreciate you a lot.”
Ashley Sesto, BIS
Ashley was also recognized for her dedication to the mission: supporting people to live the lives they choose.
Lauren Jaquay, Director of Behavioral Health Services, read off some of the attributes Ashley’s team used to describe her: “thoughtful, professional, approachable, supportive, collaborative, and respectful.”
“I know how valued you are, how your clinical expertise has grown, and how respected it is,” Lauren said.
Congratulations to Sade, Kayla, Ashley, and to all the honorees, who bring to life and advance Citizens’ mission, every day.