Highlighting the Employees of the Quarter
Congratulations to our Employees of the Quarter: Danielle Bermudez, HR Generalist; Karina Sarzosa Patino, Direct Support Professional (DSP); Bruce Grady, Maintenance Worker; Karen Heffron, Site Supervisor; Floyd McNeil, Assistant Manager; and Melessa Toussaint, DSP.
On March 26, these outstanding Citizens staff were celebrated at the Brookville Mansion for their exceptional commitment to the people they support and their teams during the fourth quarter.
“We are all uplifted by your presence and by your commitment to our mission,” said Stanfort Perry, CEO. “You are role models. You inspire us to give our very best.”
Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF): Creating Outstanding Outcomes Every Day
Danielle Bermudez, HR Generalist, always goes above and beyond to create fun and unique experiences. For example, to show appreciation for the staff’s dedication during this winter’s snowstorms, Danielle made “Blizzard” sundaes.
“I’m thinking we’re going to have a tub of ice cream and some things to mix it up, and that’s a Blizzard, right?” said Mary Gilleran, Shoreham ICF Director. “So, I went into the conference room, and because Danielle always makes things so much nicer and prettier, she has this whole display.”
In addition to leading employee and resident engagement, Danielle works with the Learning and Professional Development Department to create an engaging and supportive culture.
“We can’t thank you enough for all the hats that you wear at Shoreham every single day,” Jim Stock, Assistant Director of Talent, Development, and Engagement, said.
Bruce Grady, Maintenance Worker, is another standout whose dedication is felt and seen across Shoreham. Bruce ensures the safety and comfort of the people supported and staff at Shoreham by maintaining all areas of the campus. Mary called Bruce one of the hardest-working people she knows.
“He will be there on a Saturday when we have an event,” Mary said. “I’ll run into him in the parking lot, and he’ll just say, ‘I figured you probably needed help setting up.’”
Karen Heffron, Site Supervisor, is also known as a “go-to person” everyone can count on. She has a swift memory for birthdays and an understanding of when being there matters most.
Karen volunteered to take a man who lives at Shoreham to a dental surgery at 4 a.m., and, alongside another employee, she sat with a woman who had breast cancer during her chemotherapy treatments.
“She made sweatshirts that said, ‘Shoreham Strong’ with a little pink ribbon, and I truly believe that person is in recovery because of your positive energy,” Mary said. “It just speaks volumes.”
Helen Kaplan Center ICF: Setting New Standards of Excellence
In just a short few years working at Helen Kaplan Center, Karina Sarzosa Patino, DSP, has made a profound difference in the lives of the men and women who reside there and her team.
“Her interactions are always on point,” said Michael Hartung, ICF Site Supervisor. “She goes the extra mile to make sure people look their best and feel their best.”
Karina, Michael added, always inspires the team to do their best, leading by example.
Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs): Strengthening Connections Through Inspiring Support
During a recent trip to the Village Drive IRA in Medford, Deanna Allen, Director of Residential Services, was amazed at the teamwork and comfort Floyd McNeil, Assistant Manager, inspired in those who live and work there.
“He’s always there and does an amazing job,” Deanna said. “I spoke to someone we support, and he went on and on about how amazing he is. You just built such a great relationship. He knows when you’re there, everything is going to be okay.”
Deanna said Floyd is truly one of the best colleagues she’s ever had.
Melessa Toussaint, DSP, brings a similar cohesiveness to the Port Washington Boulevard IRA in Manhasset.