United Helpers Hosts Annual Summer Awards

OGDENSBURG – Employees from across the United Helpers organization recently gathered to honor and recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond and are representative of the company’s Always Caring tagline.

Two direct care employees, two behavioral health employees and one member of the organization’s office staff were honored.

The company’s oldest honor, The Margaret R. Spies Award was presented to Patricia Brothers and Kimberly Shaul.

Ms. Brothers, of Potsdam, works as a shift supervisor and MDSP at the Rensselaer Falls IRA. She was nominated for the honor by then Residential Manager Paul Linden.

“Patty is deserving of this award, because she demonstrates every day at that the job she does is “more than work” and not just a paycheck,” said Director of Residential Services Kimberly George while reading form Mr. Linden’s nomination letter. “She is being recognized today for her personal sacrifices and for helping to make UH a great place to work and for the program members to call home.”

Ms. Shaul, of Madrid, is a CNA at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care. When it came time to speak about Ms. Shaul and why she was deserving of this year’s award, Director of Nursing Alysha Troiano turned to people in her care.

Reading a quote from a resident identified as R.H., Mrs. Troiano said, “I don’t even need to ring my call light. Half the time, I don’t know where it is, but just as I think of something I need, she comes walking in before I get the chance to look for it.

This year’s Spies Awards were presented by Margaret’s granddaughter, Elizabeth (Spies) Clayborne. Mrs. Clayborne recalled visiting her grandmother at the nursing home in Ogdensburg.

“She always appreciated the staff who cared for her and had nothing but great things to say about them,” Mrs. Clayborne said.

Mrs. Clayborne noted she also has a brother with developmental disabilities, so her family understands what it’s like to care for folks from that population, as well.

Vice President of Corporate Services Michelle Matthews can remember being among the staff who cared for Mrs. Spies.

“She had difficulty sleeping and I was a CNA on the midnight shift, so often times she would keep me company,” Ms. Matthews recalled. “She was one of those residents that I remember to this day.”

On the behavioral health side of the organization, Licensed Master Social Worker Kurtis Ellison and Specialized Care Coordinator Dallas Bastien were recognized with Behavioral Health Heart Awards.

Mr. Ellison, of Canton, has spearheaded the company’s efforts to bring behavioral health care to students in school districts across the county. Currently United Helpers provides care to students at Edwards-Knox, Parishville-Hopkinton, Colton-Pierrepont, Norwood-Norfolk and Madrid-Waddington. Starting this fall, they will also be providing care to students in the Potsdam Central School District.

Lead Care Coordinator Kaitlyn Rayburn nominated Mr. Ellison. Reading from the nomination, Behavioral Health Director of Operations Breanne Snyder said, “Kurtis has gone above and beyond to implement counseling services into the school system making it easier to access for students and families in the community.”

The second Behavioral Health Heart Award went to an employee who began his time at United Helpers as an intern in the Care Coordination Department. Today he still works in that department, now as a Specialized Care Manager.

Mr. Bastien, of Canton, was nominated for the honor by his supervisor, Audrey Plourde.

“His skills do not end with his office work. In the community, he goes out of his way to help people in need. I have seen him resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience,” Mrs. Plourde said. “I feel that Dallas is a great representative of what the Behavioral Health Heart Award stands for.”

The organization’s Exemplary Professional Services Award went to someone who may very well be the first face new employees see once they’re officially hired.

Human Resources Assistant Jennifer Parker, of Lisbon began her career at United Helpers as a DSP before transitioning into an office position.

Ms. Matthews, who oversees the human resources department, said she couldn’t think of a better recipient for this award.

“She is a warm, friendly face who welcomes new employees into the United Helpers family and goes to any length possible to help them through the orientation process,” Ms. Matthews said. “Her focus is making sure that when she is done with her part in this brand new employee’s first day they think to themselves, ‘I really want to work here.’”

As United Helpers’ Behavioral Health Services continue to expand, the company wanted to create a way to recognize staff working in this department. Last year the first two Behavioral Health Heart Awards were presented. This year’s recipients were Licensed Master Social Worker Kurtis Ellison and Specialized Care Manager Dallas Bastien. From left, Mr. Ellison with his daughter Phoebe, Behavioral Health Services Director of Operations Breanne Snyder, Mr. Bastien and Health Home Care Coordination/Supportive Housing Program Manager Audrey Plourde.

The recipient of this year’s Exemplary Professional Services Award is among the first people new employees meet when beginning their career with United Helpers. Human Resources Assistant Jennifer Parker earned this year’s honor. From left, CEO Todd R. Amo, Human Resources Manager Jennifer LaFlair, Ms. Parker and Vice President of Chief Corporate Services Officer Michelle R. Matthews.

The winners of this year’s Margaret R. Spies Award represent the best in direct care. Representting Behavioral Health and Life Skills was Resident Supevisor and MDSP Patricia Brothers. Kimberly Shaul, a CNA at Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton won the award for the skilled nursing side of the company. From left, Director of Nursing Alysha Troiano, Ms. Shaul, Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Director of Residential Services Kim George and Ms. Brothers.

Legacy of Margaret R. Spies Remembered Each Year With Direct Care Awards

By Benny Fairchild

 Each year since 2001 an elite group of United Helpers direct care employees have been recognized with the Margaret R. Spies Award.

Mrs. Spies, a former resident of United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg, and a retired teacher from the Hammond Central School District passed in 2000 at the age of 90.

Ann Spies, a former Management Company Board of Directors member, then created the award to honor her mother and those who provide such excellent care to people in need, whether it be the elderly or developmentally disabled. 

Each year Mrs. Spies presents the awards to staff from Rehabilitation and Senior Care, as well as Behavioral Health and Life Skills.  

“My mother was the best of the best,” she said while presenting the awards in 2018. “She was treated so well by people like you who took such great care of her. I could never express enough gratitude for what all of you, not just the three being honored here today, do each and every day with such great heart and spirit.”

A plaque listing the names of each year’s winner’s is displayed at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton. The plaque was originally displayed at the former RiverLedge skilled nursing facility in Ogdensburg, where Margaret Spies resided, however following the facilities closure in 2021 the plaque was moved to Canton, where it could still be viewed by members of the direct care team. 

Direct Care Staff Honored With Annual Spies Awards

OGDENSBURG – This year’s group of Margaret R. Spies Award winners was a unique blend of veteran staff and newcomers who made a positive impact within the first few months of their careers. However, United Helpers Chief Operating Officer Stacey Cannizzo said each of the recipients have one thing in common.

“The people being recognized here today exemplify everything United Helpers stands for,” she said.

This year’s winners included Madison Longamore of Watertown, a med-certified direct support professional at the Pleasant Valley IRA in Norwood, Kelly Woodward of Gouverneur, a direct support professional at the Rensselaer Falls IRA, Kimberly Mattice of Canton, a certified nursing assistant at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care, and Deborah Aldrich of Ogdensburg, a certified nursing assistant who works in the therapy department at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care.

Among this year’s winners was also a new member of the two-time winner club, as Ms. Aldrich also received the Spies Award in 2010. United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons said that while she may not know it, Ms. Aldrich has also been nominated for other honors as well.

“Pretty much every year you’re nominated for something,” Mr. Parsons said, as he addressed Ms. Aldrich prior to presenting her with this year’s award. “You’re like the Meryl Streep of CNAs.”

Mr. Parsons also read an excerpt from United Helpers Director of Rehabilitation Trent Worden, who serves as Ms. Aldrich’s supervisor.

“She has a true passion for her work and is as valuable of an asset to our rehab team as anyone. When she has a well-deserved day off, we notice,” he said. “During the worst of COVID, she stepped up more than anyone to help serve the residents she cares deeply for. We will always be grateful for her dedication and commitment to the residents, and for always being a great co-worker and friend to so many.”

Ms. Mattice, this year’s second winner from Rehabilitation and Senior Care is a newer member of the team, but one Mr. Parsons said made an impact right away.

“Kim came to work at United Helpers in 2021, so she has seen the toughest of times working in a nursing home,” he said. “She was able to work in the capacity of a CNA before officially becoming certified due to waivers issued by the state during the pandemic.”

Once she was able to enroll in the CNA class to officially earn her certification, Mr. Parsons said it wasn’t unusual for her to attend a full day of class either before or after working a shift. “She has since made it through the class, and as is evidenced by this honor, is now one of our finest CNAs,” Mr. Parsons said.

Honorees from the Behavioral Health and Life Skills, who work with people with developmental disabilities, also included a veteran employee and a relatively new hire.

With roughly two years of service, Ms. Longamore, who works as a MDSP at the Pleasant Valley IRA, may not have the veteran status that other nominees had, but according to United Helpers Program Leader Paul Linden, that doesn’t mean she’s not one of the most valuable members of his team.

“Her ability to pick up on things quickly, her professionalism, and her demeanor, make her one of the very best mentors that we can offer any new hire or Med-cert,” he said. “Madison knows our program members as well, if not better, than many of us know our own families. She cares for everyone as if they are members of her own family, and she has quickly become a part of their family and our community. She is a “’favorite’” of many program members, because it is so evident to them how much she truly does care.”

Ms. Woodward’s nomination came from the unique position of someone who was initially trained by her, but also worked as her supervisor.

Alicia Durant, who was working as a Residence Supervisor at the time of Ms. Woodward’s nomination, wrote, “I first met Kelly when I began working as a DSP at Rensselaer Falls. She was one of the first staff members I got to shadow on my first week of work,” she wrote. “Kelly conducts herself professionally when dealing with both residents and co-workers. She’s courteous and helpful, and always greets everyone with a smile.”

Ms. Durant said the dedication shown by Ms. Woodward isn’t something that goes unnoticed. “She truly values and enjoys the time spent with residents. She goes above and beyond for all of us.”

This year marks the 21^st year of the Margaret R. Spies Awards. Since 2001, the award has been presented to employees from both Rehabilitation and Senior Care, as well as Behavioral Health and Life Skills who embody the most desirable qualities in direct care staff: dedication to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.  Nominations for the honor come from fellow United Helpers employees.

A plaque that lists the names of all the Spies Award recipients hangs at United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton. The honor is named for Margaret R. Spies, a former resident and retired educator. It is endowed and presented each year by her daughter, Ann.

This year the Society of the United Helpers presented its 21^st annual Margaret R. Spies Awards to four employees, two each, from United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care, and from United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills. Recipients included Madison Longamore of Watertown, who works at the Pleasant Valley IRA; Kelly Woodward of Gouverneur, who works at the Rensselaer Falls IRA; Deborah Aldrich of Ogdensburg, who works as a CNA in the therapy department at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care; and Kimberly Mattice of Canton, who also works as a CNA at Rehabilitation and Senior Care. From left, Ms. Woodward, Program Leader Paul Linden, Ms. Longamore, Margaret Spies’ daughter, Ann Spies; Behavioral Health and Life Skills Director of Residential Services Colleen Aldridge, Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, and Ms. Aldrich; absent from photo, Ms. Mattice.

Kimberly Mattice, of Canton, who was unable to attend this year’s Margaret R. Spies Award presentation, was presented her award the following day in a brief ceremony that took place at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care where she works as a CNA. From left, Graduate Nurse Amber Curtis, Ms. Mattice, Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, and Staff Development Assistant Charlene Dawley.

United Helpers Honors Direct Care Staff With 20th Annual Spies Awards

OGDENSBURG – When United Helpers CEO Todd Amo spoke at the organization’s recent Margaret R. Spies Award presentation, he noted it was a shame that they could only honor three employees with these awards, as the organization is filled with people deserving of the honor.

“The award is only given to three employees out of more than 800,” Mr. Amo said. “While there are many more deserving of recognition, these three did rise to the top.”

This year’s awards went to Winnie DeLorenzo, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/Activities Aide) in Ogdensburg; Carolyn Winters, a CNA in Canton; and Brenda Mahoney, a cook/direct support professional at the Rensselaer Falls IRA (Individualized Residential Alternative), each of whom were nominated by their peers for the honor.

United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Brittany Thornton said that this year their facility received more than 40 nominations for the award, although she noted more than a dozen of them were for Mrs. DeLorenzo, who has been employed by United Helpers for 37 years.

Mrs. Thornton said the most recognizable thing about Mrs. DeLorenzo is her voice.

“On most any day, you can open the door to a neighborhood and hear her singing, “You Are My Sunshine” to the residents. She has a very calming effect on them, as well as on her co-workers.

Timothy Parsons, who serves as Vice President of Operations in Canton, where Ms. Winters works and serves as a mentor, said that while he does not know Ms. Winters all that well, there were several things about her nomination that stood out.

“Carolyn is a night shift CNA, which is impressive. Given that nominations come from your peers, sometimes our night shift staff might be overlooked for these honors. The very fact that she was nominated as a night shift employee shows how impressive a CNA she is,” he said.

Staff Development Specialist Robin Leonard was among those who nominated Ms. Winters for the honor.

“I have watched new employees who completed orientation with Carolyn. They often mimic her standards of care and compassion,” Ms. Leonard said. “This shows me that she is an excellent teacher, and someone who takes great pride in her work Not only is Carolyn a model CNA, but she also demonstrates the true meaning of integrity.”

While Brenda Mahoney’s job may primarily be working as a cook, she is also trained as a Direct Support Professional; and Program Leader Paul Linden said this year’s winner from Behavioral Health and Life Services is far more than someone who simply prepares meals.

“Brenda always puts others first and is always ready to go out of her way to help anyone,” Mr. Linden said. “She provides residents with care, concern, and love, along with the occasional laugh that every one of our residents deserves and enjoys.”

Her knowledge, expertise, and attention to detail also sets her apart,” Mr. Linden said. “Brenda knows the dietary needs of our program members, better than many of us know our own family members,” he said. Almost anytime there is a discussion or disagreement between staff on the dietary needs of a program member, they can always agree on one thing… ‘Ask Brenda.’”

This year marks the 20^th year of the Margaret R. Spies Awards. Since 2001 the award has been presented to three employees each year — one each from United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg, United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton and United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills — who embody the most desirable qualities in direct care staff: dedication to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.  Nominations for the honor come from fellow United Helpers employees.

A plaque that lists the names of all the Spies Award recipients hangs at United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg. With the pending closure of that facility, the plaque will be moved to another United Helpers location where it can continue to memorialize Mrs. Spies and honor the awards’ recipients. 

This year’s recipient of the Margaret R. Spies Award from United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg is Winnie DeLorenzo of Depeyster. Mrs. DeLorenzo is a CNA/Activities Aide. From left, Activities Leader Larry Worden, Mrs. DeLorenzo, Ann Spies, who created the award in memory of her mother, and RSC Ogdensburg Vice President of Operations Brittany Thornton.

This year’s recipient of the Margaret R. Spies Award from United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton is Carolyn Winters of Lisbon. Ms. Winters is a CNA. From left, Rehabilitation and Senior Care Canton Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Ann Spies, who created the award in memory of her mother, and Ms. Winters.

This year’s recipient of the Margaret R. Spies Award from United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills is Brenda Mahoney of Canton. Ms. Mahoney is a cook and direct support professional who works at the Rensselaer Falls IRA. From left, Program Leader Paul Linden, Ms. Mahoney, Ann Spies, who created the award in memory of her mother, and BHLS Director of Residential Services Colleen Aldridge.

Spies Award Winners Honored

 

OGDENSBURG – As an organization, United Helpers employs well over 1,000 people. Each year, three of them are recognized as winners of the Margaret R. Spies Award.

“The award is only given to three employees, out of more than 1,000,” said United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight during a zoom meeting where the awards were presented. “It’s safe to say we’re recognizing the best of the best.”

“The best of the best” is also a phrase often used by Ann Spies to describe her mother, Margaret, for whom the award is named. Ms. Spies created the honor in memory of Margaret, a one-time resident of what is now United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg, as a way to honor and recognize direct care staff, such as those who cared for her mom.

This year’s awards went to Amber Evans, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Ogdensburg, Crystal Klimowicz, a CNA in Canton, and Sherry Friot, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) from the Lisbon IRA, each of whom were nominated by their peers for the honor.

Timothy Parsons, who serves as Vice President of Operations in Ogdensburg where Ms. Evans works, said he was pleased to see her selected for the honor. 

Timothy Parsons, Amber Evans, & Marie Woods

"I am so happy for Amber,” he said. “She has been nominated several times by her co-workers over the past few years indicating that she is clearly one of our best CNAs.”

Mr. Parsons also had no shortage of stories to share when citing examples of things that make Ms. Evans a great CNA, but perhaps the most telling example wasn’t even included in her nomination packet.

“While we were accepting nominations, I received an unsolicited phone call from the daughter of a resident who had recently passed away,” Mr. Parsons said. “They wanted to make me aware of how special Amber was and what she meant to the resident and their family. They told me that their mother was so close with Amber that on more than one occasion she called Amber by her daughter’s name.”

The fact that Ms. Klimowicz was selected as Canton’s recipient is something that came as a surprise to no one, said Canton’s Vice President of Operations Kimberly Blair, who recalled a conversation with Ms. Klimowicz’s immediate supervisor. 

Kimberly Blair, Crystal Klimowicz, & Jessica Barr

“I spoke with her supervisor yesterday and she said that even before Crystal was a CNA, when she was working as a task aide, she knew she was going to shine,” Mrs. Blair recalled.

Citing another example, Mrs. Blair reflected on Ms. Klimowicz’s work as a mentor to other CNAs even before she was officially a part of the building’s mentoring program.

“She has helped us train new employees without being recognized or compensated for many weeks until she was able to attend mentor training,” Mrs. Blair said, reading from a nomination submitted by Robin L. Leonard, who oversees the building’s mentoring program.

Ms. Friot is one of the most impressive DSPs that her Program Leader Brady Dullea says he’s ever seen. 

Brady Dullea, Sherry Friot, & Michele Montroy

“In all my time working with OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) programs, I have never met anyone with all the abilities she has,” Mr. Dullea said. “There is no one who better embodies, ‘Always Caring.’ She never has an off day.”

Mr. Dullea said the opportunity has even arisen several times for Ms. Friot to be promoted to a supervisory position, but each time she politely declines, noting she doesn’t want to give up the level of involvement with direct care she enjoys now.

“Despite declining leadership positions, Sherry has never shied away from taking control when times get tough,” he said. “She has successfully handled many difficult situations, not because she wants to step up and take charge, but because she wants the best outcomes for the people living and working in the house.”

Each year since 2001 the Margaret R. Spies Awards has been presented to three employees — one each from United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg, United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton and United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills — who embody the most desirable qualities in direct care staff: dedication to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.  Nominations for the honor come from fellow United Helpers employees.

A plaque that lists the names of all the Spies Awards recipients hangs at United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg.

To view video from this year's presentation, which was held via Zoom, please visit... https://zoom.us/rec/play/vcYkf-2op2g3SdSQ5ASDC6N9W426LqOs0XIa_6IEmEnhVXEGYVGhZ7sUZ-K_dKg4KszXBiA1Sk1tiOJG?startTime=1597165386000

Society of the United Helpers Honors 3 With Annual Spies Awards

OGDENSBURG – For only the third time in the history of the awards, a winner of United Helpers’ most prestigious employee honor, the Margaret R. Spies Award has received the honor for a second time. 

Each year the Spies Awards is presented to three employees — one from RiverLedge, one from Maplewood, and one from Mosaic — who embody the most desirable qualities in direct care staff: dedication to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.

           

This year’s awards went to Minnie Flanagan, who works as an activities aide, CNA, and home health aide at Maplewood Health Care & Rehabilitation Center; Allison Richard, a medication-certified direct support professional and evening supervisor from Mosaic; and Alisha Baker, a certified nursing assistant at RiverLedge Health Care & Rehabilitation Center.

“We’re here today to celebrate the best of the best,” said United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight as he introduced Ann Spies, who created the award in memory of her mother, a former resident of RiverLedge Health Care & Rehabilitation Center and longtime teacher in the Hammond Central School District.

“My mother was the best of the best. She was treated so well by people like you who took such great care of her,” Ms. Spies said addressing the recipients. “I could never express enough gratitude for what all of you, not just the three being honored here today, do each and every day with such great heart and spirit.”

Maplewood Vice President of Operations Kimberly Blair praised Ms. Flanagan, who joined her late sister, Loretta, as one of a select few employees to receive the award for a second time.

“Minnie has been a devoted employee of United Helpers 30 years. She always places others’ needs before her own, and selflessness is one of her greatest attributes,” Ms. Blair said, reading from a nomination submitted by Maplewood Activities Director Dawn Kimble. “She is a full-time employee in the activities department, but she will often start her day at 1:30 a.m., providing direct care assistance where it’s needed.”

Ms. Blair continued, “There are times when she has worked in all three departments in one day. She may come in at 1:30 a.m. and work until 6 a.m. in the SNF (skilled nursing facility) and then assist from 6 to 7 a.m. as a home health aide in the ALP (assisted living program) before beginning her shift as an activities aide.”

Making this year’s honor even more impressive are the trials that Ms. Flanagan has endured this year including the deaths of both her husband and sister.

“Despite all of this, she was always here with a smile on her face and her running shoes on to work for the residents,” wrote Activities Leader Patience Boswell in another nomination. “Her heart is the biggest I have ever seen in the 13 years I have worked here.”

Mosaic Vice President of Operations Michele M. Montroy introduced Allison Richard, who has worked at the Morristown, Rensselaer Falls and Lisbon IRAs.

Reading from a nomination submitted by Rensselaer Falls IRA LPN Sheri Sharpe, Ms. Montroy said, “She shows exceptional skills in the medication room in her role as a MDSP. She always makes sure our residents’ needs were taken care of. These skills and her commitment to the residents led her to apply for an evening supervisory position at the Lisbon IRA, which she deservedly received.”

She continued, “Being successful means being kind, genuine, good hearted and open minded. These are all qualities which Allison has shown. She has always been dependable and comes to work with a smile on her face. She is loved by her residents and co-workers.”

RiverLedge Vice President of Operations Timothy J. Parsons commended Alisha Baker, noting that her impact on the facility and its residents has come in only in a short amount of time.

“After only a few months, she was selected to be one of our CNA mentors as part of a program to welcome new staff,” Mr. Parsons said. “Our mentors are crucial to the success of our new CNAs, and only our top CNAs are selected.”

Mr. Parsons also noted that in addition to her regular nursing duties, Ms. Baker also serves on the facility’s recruitment and retention committee and is actively involved with the planning of upcoming employee recognition events.

“Her impact on the workforce is huge, but even more important is her impact on the residents she cares for,” he said, before reading several comments that came straight from the people she serves.

One resident, who called Ms. Baker one of their favorites, said, “She is so kind and gentle and is incredibly deserving of this award. She is missed even when she is off only for a day.”

Recipients of the Margaret R. Spies Awards are nominated for the honor by their administrative team and their peers. A plaque that lists the names of all the Spies Awards recipients hangs at RiverLedge.

Society Honors Spies Award Recipients

OGDENSBURG – The Society of the United Helpers gave out this year’s Margaret R. Spies Awards to three employees who embody the qualities looked for in direct care staff: dedication to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.

This year’s awards went to Patricia Kerr, a certified nursing assistant at Maplewood Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, Debra Bice, a direct support professional from Mosaic and Brook Duprey, a certified nursing assistant at RiverLedge Health Care & Rehabilitation Center.

The Spies Award was created in 2001 when Ann Spies made a generous gift to the Society of the United Helpers that created an endowment in memory of her mother, Margaret R. Spies, former resident of RiverLedge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and longtime Hammond school teacher. Margaret Spies appreciated hard work and the ability to give from the heart.

 “My mom was a really great generous lady,” Ms. Spies said. “When she came here the staff recognized how delightful she was, and I was always very pleased with the care, concern and love that she received. I thought something ought to be done to honor this wonderful staff.”

Addressing the three award winners, Ms. Spies told them they are each blessed with a special gift.

“The ability to care for others the way you do is a gift and it’s a gift that the people who make millions of dollars on Wall Street don’t have,” she said.

Mosaic Administrator Michele Montroy introduced Ms. Bice and said all you need to know about her comes from the fact that both her co-workers and the participants at Day Hab lovingly refer to her as “Momma.”

She worked for us a while ago and the moved away, but when she moved back and reapplied we were all very excited,” Ms. Montory said. “She has a never faltering positive attitude and is always willing to whatever needs to be done and then some.”

Maplewood Administrator Kimberly McFaddin introduced Ms. Kerr, noting her co-workers often refer to her as an “interdepartmental liaison.”

“A big part of what they do is taking care of the residents, but they must also take care of each other,” Ms. McFaddin said, noting she recently spent a shift working as a CNA alongside Ms. Kerr.

While Ms. Kerr said working alongside the building administrator for a day was nerve-wrecking, Ms. McFaddin said the day for her served as a learning experience.

Brook Duprey was introduced by RiverLedge Director of Nursing Brittany Thornton.

“She is always positive, frequently has a smile on her face and you can tell she loves her job,” Ms. Thornton said before giving several examples that showed she truly cares about the residents on the memory care unit where she works.

She also read a quote that came from one of those residents.

“Brooke is a beautiful person, inside and out.”

Recipients of the Margret R. Spies Awards are nominated for the honor by their administrative team and their peers. A plaque that lists the names of all the Spies Awards recipients hangs at RiverLedge.

The Society of the United Helpers Honors Direct Care Staff

 From left, RiverLedge Certified Nurse Aide Desiree Bartlett, Maplewood Certified Nurse Aide Lori Chilton, Ann Spies, who created the award in memory of her mother, and Mosaic Direct Service Professional Sue Thoms.  

OGDENSBURG – The Society of the United Helpers gave out this year’s Margaret R. Spies Awards to three employees who embody the qualities looked for in direct care staff: dedication to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.

            This year’s awards went to Sue Thoms, a Mosaic Direct Service Professional, RiverLedge Certified Nurse Aide Desiree Bartlett and Maplewood Assisted Living Program Home Health Aide Lori Chilton.

The Spies Award was created in 2001 when Ann Spies made a generous gift to the Society of the United Helpers that created an endowment in memory of her mother, Margaret R. Spies, former resident of RiverLedge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and longtime Hammond school teacher. Margaret Spies appreciated hard work and the ability to give from the heart.

Ms. Spies said, “My mother was a wonderful, wonderful person and very social. When she came here the staff recognized how delightful she was, and I was always very pleased with the care, concern and love that she received. I thought something ought to be done to honor this wonderful staff.”

Addressing the three award winners, Ms. Spies said, “I am very touched by the stories of these three winners. It is obvious that you truly deserve to be honored. Congratulations and thank you for what you do. It truly matters.”

Mosaic program manager, Michelle McGaw and LPN, Sheri Sharpe introduced Sue Thoms, who’s been with Mosaic for three years, and noted her compassion, dedication and reliability.  

“Sue is always willing to step up to the plate,” Ms. McGaw said. “She has covered many shifts and volunteered to travel with residents that have required a hospital stay in Burlington. She is loved and by her residents and by her coworkers.”

Maplewood Administrator Kimberly McFaddin and Director of Nursing Lenette Deloney introduced Lori Chilton, who’s been with United Helpers for one year, noting she her modesty and humility.

“Lori has unlimited patience and a unique ability to calm and soothe,” Ms. McFaddin said. “She treats residents like members of her own family, taking care to note their favorite coat and what makes them comfortable. She is completely dedicated to her residents and I am so glad to have her on our team.”

Ms. Deloney noted that Ms. Chilton’s career path was not that of a traditional health care worker.

“Lori used to work in construction,” she said. “Her hands are softer now, but they have the strength to guide and support her residents and are strong enough to hold her team together. She is an asset to our team.”

Adjectives and phrases used by her peers to describe Ms. Chilton include, gentle, flexible, and “always willing to pitch in.”

Desiree Bartlett, who’s been employed by United Helpers for six years, was introduced by RiverLedge Administrator Tim Parsons.

“Desiree will greet you with a smile and a positive ‘can do’ attitude,” he said. “She puts others first and is always ready to go out of her way to help anyone.”

Ms. Bartlett was lauded by her coworkers for her warmth and cheerfulness, as well as her strong values and ethics. “She loves her residents completely,” Parsons added.

Recipients of the Margret R. Spies Awards are nominated for the honor by their administrative team and their peers.

Direct Care Staff Honored With Annual Spies Awards

OGDENSBURG – The Society of the United Helpers gave out this year’s Margaret R. Spies Awards to three employees who embody the qualities looked for in direct care staff: dedication to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.

            This year’s awards went to Patrick Flagg, a Mosaic Direct Service Professional, RiverLedge Certified Nurse Aide Clifford Casselman and Maplewood Assisted Living Program Home Health Aid Keith Davis.

The Spies Award was created in 2000 when Ann Spies made a generous gift to the Society of the United Helpers that created an endowment in memory of her mother, Margaret R. Spies, former resident of RiverLedge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and longtime Hammond school teacher. Margaret Spies appreciated hard work and the ability to give from the heart.

Ms. Spies said, “My mother was a wonderful, wonderful person and very social. When she came here the staff recognized how delightful she was, and I was always very pleased with the care, concern and love that she received. I thought something ought to be done for the staff.”

Addressing the three award winners, Ms. Spies said, “You are truly, truly wonderful people. [My mother] would be very proud of the three of you, and I’m very proud.”

Mosaic program manager, Robin Glass and RN, Sheri Sharpe introduced Mr. Flagg, who’s been with United Helpers for nine years, and noted his compassion and personal attention he provides to all of the people he works with. 

“He always advocates for our residents and their safety,” Ms. Glass said. “He is very person centered and brightens the day of our residents and his peers.”

On a humorous note, Ms. Glass said Mr. Flagg rarely calls into work.

“He told me he’s saving his sick time for when he gets old,” she said.

Maplewood Administrator Kimberly McFaddin introduced Mr. Davis, who’s been with United Helpers since 2008, noting he is “a true asset to our team.”

“Keith is well liked by the residents he serves and his peers. He rarely misses work, is flexible with his schedule and will often stay over or come in early as needed,” Ms. McFaddin said. “Keith strives every day to make a difference in the lives of the residents he serves and it is always done with a smile on his face.”

Ms. McFaddin also used words straight from the mouths of residents when describing her building’s honoree.

“He’s very friendly, kind, hardworking, funny, thoughtful, ‘a nice boy,’” she said, adding, “Their words, not mine.”

Adjectives and phrases used by his peers to describe Mr. Davis include, courteous, respectful, “always willing to lend a hand,” and “goes above and beyond in everything he does.”

Mr. Casselman, who’s been employed by United Helpers for six years, was introduced by RiverLedge Assistant Administrator Stacey Cannizzo.

“The residents always come first with Cliff,” she said. “He’s an awesome worker, loyal employee and he always goes above and beyond.”

Ms. Cannizzo noted that of the 22 nominated received from employees in her building 15 of them were for Mr. Casselman.

In addition to having the admiration and respect of his co-workers, Ms. Cannizzo said the Mr. Casselman is also well-like and respected by the building’s residents.

“All of the residents love and adore him,” she said before telling a story to relay just how dedicated he really is.

“He walks to work everyday in the rain, snow, and occasionally in the sun.”

Recipients of the Margret R. Spies Awards are nominated for the honor by their administrative team and their peers.