"No man is more important than the team. No coach is more important than the team. THE TEAM, THE TEAM, THE TEAM." – Bo Schembechler, Michigan Coach
AtNFINorth,westrivetoembracethatsamephilosophy.Weareateam,andeverymemberisvalued.Throughthe Normative Community Approach andthe Parallel Process, weemphasizerespectfordiverseopinionsandopennessto feedback.Yourvoicetrulymatters.
That’swhywearesohonoredtosharethisexcitingnews: we’ve been named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine for the 10th year in a row andhavereceivedthe Hall of Fame Distinction in New Hampshire forearningthesame recognitionforfiveyearsstraight!TheseawardsreflectyourinputandexperiencesatNFINorth,andthecreditbelongsto eachofyou.
Welookforwardtocarryingthispositiveenergyintoourupcoming annual conference at Attitash.Whetheryoujoinus fortrainingsessions,agameofcornhole,thevarietyshow,orourstaffawardscelebration,itwillbeawonderfulopportunity toconnect,recharge,andcelebratetheimpactwemaketogether.Whilewemaycomefromdifferentstatesandprograms, weareallpartofthesame TEAM.
GoBlue!
Jill
HR NEWS AND INFORMATION
September Anniversaries
3 Year Employees
Tory Burdick
Jamie Fisk
Melissa Lamoureaux
Leigha Rebello
Heidi Walsh-Kirk
5 Year Employees
Julian Abate
Justin Lorsbach
Tracy Willaman
Abigail Wingard
10 Year Employees
Todd Ellis
Megan Fogarty
20 Year Employees
Teresa Dickson
Michael Francoeur
NEWS
Have you seen the new 2025 NAFI/NFI Handbook? There is a lot of important information for you as an employee to know There are many changes including state specific supplements So, if you have not seen it yet, please log into UKG and complete the acknowledgment receipt. You can also download and save a copy for your quick reference!
New Hires
Welcome!
Ellen Adams
Amanda d'Entremont
Becky Downs
Caitlyn Fortier
Selina Fowler
Himanshu Gurung
Zack Jones
Michelle LeVasseur
Beatrice Musee
Priscilla Pelt
Kristen Smith
NFI North is Proud of our Employee Recognition
“NFI North actually cares about it's employees and their lives. They are supportive in many areas of employee's lives, including professional development and work/life balance.”
–NFI North Employee, Best Places to Work, 2025
New Hampshire News
THS Concord enjoyed a teambuilding day with a “Survivor” theme
In August THS Concord enjoyed a team-building day with a "Survivor" theme It was an exciting mix of strategy, teamwork, and friendly competition
The day consisted of five challenges which were designed to test both our physical endurance and problem-solving skills, much like the challenges seen on the popular TV show Teams were formed, and everyone had to work together to navigate through different stations, from puzzle-solving to a “lava” field to balloon tossing, all while strategizing their moves to stay ahead of the competition
The event was filled with moments of laughter and teamwork, as we all worked to outsmart and outlast each other As the day came to a close, we reflected on the lessons learned trust, communication, and collaboration and celebrated how we had come together as a stronger, more united team.
Jonna Janelle THS Pathways Program Director
Spotlight
Congratulations on Your Promotion!
Jonna has been with the Pathways team since March of this year as the Assistant Director, and has been leading the program since May when the previous PD left. Jonna joins our leadership team with a diverse variety of leadership experience, and we are looking forward to her contributions to our Leadership Team.
Maine News
Finson Road Loves A Good Cookout
Finson Road had a wonderful summer filled with beach days and great food on the grill!
Spotlight
Marjorie Gross School Cook
Bridge Crossing Academy
At Bridge Crossing Academy, we know learning isn’t possible when students have grumbling tummies That’s why we are so grateful for the dedication of our cook, Marjorie, who works tirelessly to prepare nutritious, well-balanced meals for our students each day. Marjorie understands that food is more than just fuel- it is
connection, comfort, and an important part of building a positive school experience. In a setting where students thrive on individualized care, Marjorie goes above and beyond to make sure that meals are healthy, and the kitchen is friendly and welcoming. She offers familiar favorites but has also encouraged new options and experiences
Beyond the kitchen, Marjorie is a true part of our school’s community. She greets students and welcomes them to help her prepare meals, she visits classrooms and offers to be the point of communication when the need arises
At Bridge Crossing Academy, we are proud to spotlight Margorie for the essential role she plays in supporting health and success for our students Thank you, Marjorie, for making a difference in the lives of these students! We appreciate you!
Clinical Connections
Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize helpseeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whether you’re facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. This month is dedicated to recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources. When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference—we can help save lives.
A Place to Belong: Community Case Management
Most of us have learned to ride a bike early in our childhoods. This is an activity many of us have as early memories and then a skill you can not use for a long time, but somehow manage again pretty quickly. A skill many of us take for granted and forget to appreciate. Remember the freedom it gave us? The air in our faces and the feeling of being able to go anywhere.
Well, for many of those with developmental barriers, riding a bike does not always carry the same meaning and feelings of nostalgia. It is a skill that requires balance, the willingness to take a risk and the ability to get up and try again. For one of our CCM participants in Southern Maine, riding a bike has now become something she is able to do and has blossomed with this new freedom.
Nikki got her bike as an adult for the first month or so, just looked at it in awe. Then she tried to learn to ride and had a few falls, some bruises and scratches to go along with it. The bike sat still for a long time again. Until Nikki got the courage to try again. And guess what happened- she figured it out. Anytime I go to visit her now, she is riding her bike to get the mail, to visit a neighbor or just to get some exercise. She has gained confidence and smiles when she talks about her journey of learning how to ride a bike.
