2024 EMPLOYEE AWARDS
It's that time of year again when we celebrate the talent and skills of our colleagues through our annual employee awards! What makes these awards unique is that they are selected by our peers. This year, we received over 653 nominations for 450 individual employees, breaking all previous records.
The individuals recognized in this announcement personify the agency’s values of belonging, dedication, empathy, resilience, and trust. These extraordinary individuals go above and beyond to foster environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. They create meaningful connections with peers and participants alike.
Congratulations, 2024 award winners!
This moment is undoubtedly a testament to your hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Embrace this success, let it fuel your future endeavors, and continue striving for greatness. Here's to many more victories ahead - and with your help, we will create a world where mental and behavioral health services are accessible to everyonetruly creating A Place to Belong.
COURAGE TO GROW
AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS SHOWN TREMENDOUS GROWTH OVER A PERIOD OF TIME BY SETTING GOALS AND WORKING EXTREMELY HARD TO MEET THEM. THIS PERSON MAY HAVE OVERCOME THE ODDS AND IS BECOMING A SUCCESS IN THEIR WORK.
ANGELA MONAHAN CommunityBased, FosterCare
Angela works tirelessly at her role and is always looking for innovative ways to get information out to the public about our program. She is energetic and a fierce advocate for our youth and their families. She is an excellent resource to the team and shares many amazing, training, opportunities, grants, and programs that all of our participant’s families can utilize. NFI North is fortunate to have Angela on our team!
JOSEPH (JJ) GRANT
SummitView
JJ consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and embodying NFI’s values and ethics. His hard work and perseverance is commendable; he often goes above and beyond by assisting his colleagues in achieving their goals This past year he has become a pillar of our staff team. He worked to grow his understanding and confidence, working the floor and providing services to our participants. He is truely deserving of this award
SHINING STAR
AN INDIVIDUAL WHO CONSISTENTLY SHINES IN ALL THE WORK THEY DO. THEY ARE CONFIDENT, COMPETENT AND ALWAYS WILLING TO STEP IN AND LEND A HAND. THIS PERSON IS SURE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR CAREER AND SERVES AS A BEACON OF LIGHT AND HOPE FOR THE TEAM.
ALANNA O’DOWD BridgeCrossingAcademy
Alanna comes to work each day with a bright and positive attitude She is confident in her abilities and it shows through the work she does with our participants. Alanna is not afraid to take the lead and successfully runs a smooth class when the teacher is absent. She is a great asset to our programs. She communicates with staff about school days before she leaves for the day -I don't know what we'd do without her! She is reliable and dependable and takes time to make sure each student feels cared about and special. This person has been a Shining Star to all the staff and students at Bridge Crossing Academy. Congratulations, Alanna for being our Shining Star!
ARIANNA MAXWELL Pathways
Arianna has an amazing ability to inspire and motivate her team members. And foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to contribute ideas. The folks that hired her could not have hit a more perfect home run! She is steady and stable and confident and competent, and she doesn't let any of her skills and abilities go to her head. She is simply remarkable and has brought so much love, laughter and light to the newly formed Pathways Team.
SUPER HERO
AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS SPENT MUCH TIME HELPING OTHER PROGRAMS IN NEED BY OFFERING AN EXTRA HAND AND A GOOD EAR. THIS INDIVIDUAL HAS A STRONG PERSONA AND IS SKILLED AT ASSESSING A SITUATION AND RESPONDING EFFECTIVELY ON A MOMENTS NOTICE. THEY EXUDE CONFIDENCE AND GIVE A SENSE OF COMFORT AND SAFETY WITH THEIR PRESENCE.
KIM OLSEN
THSConcord
Kim has always been a listening ear to assist in “ as needed” questions as well as support in training of employees that fit in their roles but also for staff that could benefit from the knowledge she has to share. She makes herself available and bridges the gap for many roles within the agency Not only does she handle her caseload at her program without a hitch, she has taken on new duties supporting many other programs. She always has the answer (the correct answer too!) and serves as the walking encyclopedia for understanding documentation and navigating the benefits of our participants. We are so thankful to have Kim as our Superhero!
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SANDY JENOVESE
ContoocookOffice
Sandy is passionate about helping others reach their full potential. She cares enough about the employees in the agency to treat everyone in a kind and helpful way. Sandy always gets back to you quickly via email or a phone call. She truly cares about making others feel important and represents herself as a cheerleader encouraging others to reach their goals.
She is always willing to lend a hand or help when asked, and takes the initiative to step n when she isn't asked Not only is she a superhero for our team, but it extends to our clients as well. Let's not forget keeping us healthy by being on the wellness committee, eaving us healthy snacks next to the candy bowl, and being a role model for the challenges and 5k's. Without Sandy, many of us couldn't do what we do, Thank you for all you do for us, and our clients, Sandy enovese, you are truly our Superhero!
REMARKABLE ROLE MODEL
AN INDIVIDUAL WHO NEVER STOPS MODELING THE MISSION OF THEIR PROGRAM AND THE AGENCY. THEY EXEMPLIFY A STRONG WORK ETHIC, SUPPORTIVE VALUES AND OVERALL INTEGRITY. THEY ARE LOOKED UP TO AND ADMIRED BY THE TEAM AT ALL LEVELS.
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NICOLE WRIGHT
TreCC
Nicole has been nominated for her incredible commitment to her peers, the youth and the families we work with as well as the overall program. She refuses to see defeat and continues to be an exemplary leader When Nicole took on the role of Program Director last year she hit the ground running. She consistently leads by example and would never ask anyone to take on a task that she would not do herself. She has been amazing, from supervisor to director, she's been there to support and help anyone who needs it and she is dedicated to the mission of her program and agency. She inspires me and many others.
BRE HENDRICKSON StetsonRanch
No matter what is happening in the program, Bre keeps her eye on the prize. She is honed in on program goals and her own professional goals at all times. She holds timely supervisions that are filled with encouragement and direction When a difficult conversation needs to happen, she handles it with grace while at the same time holding staff to the high standards of the agency. This individual uses these moments to teach and guide, and her staff come out on the winning end of these interactions. Bre is amazing!
OUTSTANDING IMPACT
THIS PERSON IS AN INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS JOINED THE AGENCY WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS AND HAS ALREADY MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT. THIS PERSON HAS JUMPED INTO THEIR ROLE WITH BOTH FEET AND SHOWS A PASSION FOR THE AGENCY AND THE WORK WE DO. IN THEIR TIME AT NFI NORTH, THEY HAVE EMBRACED OUR CULTURE AND MISSION, WHILE ALSO BRINGING ENTHUSIASM AND NEW IDEAS. THEIR ABILITY TO LEARN QUICKLY AND ANTICIPATE NEEDS HAS MADE THEM A VALUABLE ADDITION TO THEIR TEAM. THIS PERSON HAS “THAT SPARK” TO MAKE A TRUE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
KATELYN CARPENTER CME
Katelyn is proactive, efficient and always willing to help. She is always thinking ahead about what might be beneficial for the team. Katelyn gets ahead of tasks so that it makes our job easier. She exemplifies the role model of a very valuable employee. She sets a very high standard of service and willingness to help others She has worked to make sure systems are effective and followed through with. Without her we would not have had so much growth in our internal organization and process As our Program Support, she ensures that things are organized and tracked, and that we are in line with compliance and Joint Commission expectations within the office. The CME is grateful for the positive impact you have made,
ALEX COMEAU
BeaconHouse
Alex has a gentle and compassionate approach that invites participants to take on their treatment with confidence He has a similar approach to the members of his team, and he has become someone they can obtain important guidance and support be it for a treatment approach or life challenge. In the short time he has been the Clinician at our program, he has made an indelible mark and impact on the program He is always willing to answer questions, offer support, and listen to others’ perspectives. He always comes to work with a wonderful attitude and adds a spark to our environment! We are so happy he is part of our team!
LONGEVITY AWARD
THIS INDIVIDUAL IS RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO THE AGENCY MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY. THEY WORK TIRELESSLY, THEY ARE ORGANIZED, COMMITTED TO FOLLOWING THROUGH AND ALWAYS READY TO STEP UP AND GIVE A HAND. THEY ALSO WORK EFFECTIVELY TO ENGAGE OTHERS TO REALIZE THE DESIRED GOAL. IN ADDITION, THEY KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN WHILE WORKING HARD! THEY HAVE A WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR AND ARE OFTEN THE SOURCE OF LAUGHTER WHICH HELPS TO UPLIFT FELLOW TEAM MEMBERS.
DAVID SOTO
MillerTerraces
David makes a stressful job fun and can be light-hearted but knows when to be serious when the time calls for it. Throughout the years, trials and tribulations have affected all of us, but never kept David down He continues to bring a bright shining light to the rest of the house even during it's most dark times. He has earned the respect of the Agency around his knowledge and dedication Thank you for your all that you do for the participants, staff, program and agency, David Soto as we honor you with the Longevity Award.
MARK BAXTER SidneyRiverbend
We are inspired by Mark due to his ability to adapt to new ideas and perspectives You would think that because they have been at the program for a while, they would be set in their ways, but they continue to grow and learn from their experiences and those around them He is always willing to listen to his team mates, and he continues to use his humor as a way to encourage others and lighten the day. Even on days that are tough, he has a positive attitude that can turn things around. Mark has dedicated his life and career to this agency and its mission and we are proud to have him as part of our team
YITZHAK BAKAL ESSSENCE OF LEADERSHIP AWARD
THIS PERSON IS SOMEONE WHO HAS A SPECIAL GIFT FOR LEADERSHIP. THEY ARE BRIGHT, TALENTED, AND CARING. THEY ARE EXCELLENT PROBLEM SOLVERS, HAVE THE ABSOLUTE HIGHEST DEGREE OF COMMITMENT TO THEIR WORK AND POSSES ALL THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A STRONG AND CAPABLE LEADER. WHEN YOU ARE WITH THIS PERSON, YOU WANT TO “PICK THEIR BRAIN” TO LEARN MORE. THEY ARE AN ASSET TO THE PROGRAM AND AGENCY IN EVERY WAY.
JOHN FRENCH
THSConcord
John has been one of the most critical leaders in our organization during this past yeareverything they do is with positivity and respect. John recently became a trainer for the agency and has excelled in this role In his spare time he volunteered to go to the Stetson Ranch program in Maine to help guide them while they were on a camping trip. He understands the importance of being part of a team and his actions consistently reflect that. He has impressed so many of us in multiple ways this past year and is most deserving of this award He has been a dedicated leader in our agency for a while now He is very selfmotivated and takes initiative when needed He is somebody who very much shares the agency's mission and values and wants to help others and is not focused on just his own program. This year he demonstrated his ability to set up and manage program functions while the Director was out on extended leave and he did so very well, despite the myriad of things going on at the program level He had his hands full with the scheduling of 60+ staff members between multiple sites and a day program. His understated, but strong leadership is why THS Concord’s one and only John French is this year ’ s recipient for the Yitzhak Bakal’s Essence of Leadership Award!
