The Margaret R. Spies Award honors the finest in direct care across the United Helpers Organization with both a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and Direct Support Professional (DSP) being honored each year.
This award was created by the family of Mrs. Spies as way to honor her legacy and say thank you to United Helpers for the care she received while living at the skilled nursing facility in Ogdensburg.
Mrs. Spies’ daughter, Ann also has a daughter with developmental disabilities, making the opportunity to honor both CNAs and DSPs especially meaningful. Mrs. Spies was unable to attend this year’s award presentation.
Earning the award from United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care was Shelby Vallance of Madrid, who received not one but two nominations for the honor.
Ms. Vallance was nominated by Hailee Duvall, an RN at the facility and Amber Curtis, who serves as her nurse manager.
“She regularly goes above and beyond, staying late when necessary, and offering additional support during challenging staffing situations,” Ms. Duvall said. “Her strong work ethic, calm demeanor, and commitment to excellent care make her a valued member of this team.”
Mrs. Curtis agreed.
“Shelby displays professionalism in every interaction she has. She treats residents, families and coworkers with kindness, dignity, and respect. Her communication skills, teamwork, and compassionate approach create a positive atmosphere and set a strong example for others,” she said. “Her dedication and compassion make a meaningful difference every day.”
Earning the honor from the individualized residential alternatives (IRAs), was Mary Cameron of Norfolk. Ms. Cameron is a med-certified direct support professional (MDSP) at the Lisbon IRA.
Nominating Ms. Cameron was Residential Manager Mindy Sharpe, who oversees the IRA.
"Mary demonstrates respectful, compassionate, and patient communication with our program members, their families, and her coworkers. She creates a welcoming and secure environment that supports participant engagement, progress, and well-being.” Ms. Sharpe wrote.
In addition to her standard work as a MDSP, Ms. Sharpe said Ms. Cameron serves as a trusted point of contact, both for the families of program members and outside medical staff. She even voluntarily mentors new staff.
“Mary truly represents United Helpers with integrity through all of her internal and external interactions,” Ms. Sharpe said.
The Spies Award has been honoring excellence in direct care at United Helpers since 2021. Recipients receive a cash prize as well as their names engraved on a plaque displayed at Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton.
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This year’s Margaret R. Spies Awards were presented at the annual United Helpers Employee Recognition Luncheon held at the Gran View on the River in Ogdensburg. This year Shelby Vallance, a CNA from Madrid and Mary Cameron, a MDSP from Norfolk were recognized. From left, United Helpers Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Ms. Vallance, United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Administrator Alysha Troiano, Ms. Cameron, and United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills Director of Residential Programs Kimberly George.
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