TEAM ADMIN, ADMISSIONS, MARKETING, FINANCE
Onawanda Chee, Billing Manager - Administration
Chee has demonstrated exceptional leadership and team unity mentality during the last 6 months of a difficult time for the billing team and the agency. His ability to maintain a positive attitude and collaborate effectively with both staff and leadership is commendable. Such qualities are essential in navigating transitions and fostering a supportive work environment. The billing team members look to him for guidance and direction and how he responds to situations. During the implementation of Cerner and then going back to UWITS, Chee jumped in to learn the system, asked questions and gave his all in committing to the new system and new process. As we changed back to UWITS he demonstrated his leadership abilities and kept the team spirits up. He encouraged and helped push to accomplish tight timelines for getting billing back on track. Chee also helped relieve pressure and stress of leadership by being a team player and working hard to help us be successful! We couldn't have done it without him!  

‍TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL - DOWNTOWN
Matt Arego, Clinical Director 
Over my time with Matt he has been one of my greatest assets and supports to my growth as a staff member and for our organization. He took me in to mentor me and help me benefit our clients and our other staff members. He continues to challenge me to grow in our industry and as a person in my personal life outside of work. When I need guidance Matt always steps up to the plate for me, he listens to understand me, not just hear me. He is a shining example of leadership and mentorship in our house and I personally am forever grateful to have him be a part of my life through our work together. Thank you Matt, you are loved and appreciated.  

TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL – LIGHTHOUSE
Holly Meckley, Case Manager
I’d like to take a moment to recognize Holly for her incredible dedication and hard work. She’s truly a shining star who often goes unrecognized and is sometimes overlooked. Holly never complains or says, “It’s not my job.” Instead, she constantly looks for ways to improve processes and always goes above and beyond.

During the Cerner transition, Holly had to take medical leave, missing out on a lot of training. When she returned, rather than accepting incomplete answers when she had questions, she refused to settle for "I don’t know" and took it upon herself to seek out the information she needed to succeed in her role.

Holly’s determination, self-motivation, and commitment to getting the job done are truly admirable. Thank you, Holly, for not sitting back and waiting for tools or information to be handed to you, but instead seeking them out and pushing forward. Your energy and hard work do not go unnoticed—I promise! You rock, girl!  

‍TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL – MEADOWBROOK
Lial Gingel, Clinical Coordinator
‍Lial consistently puts the team first and is always willing to help out. Through Cerner he has had to sacrifice time with clients to assist with problem-solving Cerner, and he remained a consistent support for all staff members. He is happy to answer questions, even making an "office hour" every Friday specifically for any staff member. He has a wealth of knowledge that he is happy to share, and he has taken extra time to give Trauma-Informed Care training and connect MB with TIC resources. He is a vital member of our team, and it's a pleasure to work alongside him.

TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL – MILLCREEK
Amy Murphy, Behavioral Health Tech
She has a unique way of making a space for others to be themselves. She is always upbeat and positive with all of the clients and her coworkers. She is an amazing coworker and assists me in being a better version of myself. She finds ways to lighten the mood and helps the clients enjoy being here at Millcreek. She understands what it's like to go through challenging times and is very compassionate and caring.  

‍TEAM CLINIC
Josh Lewis, Medical Assistant
1. Josh has been an amazing colleague and addition to the clinic team. Josh has been with us since April and in that short time he has excelled at any and all tasks that are set before him. There was a specific 10 hour day where he was running a provider schedule by himself. Help was available and offered but he was so on top of things that he was rooming patients, doing injections, and doing blood draws all without missing a beat or getting behind! He is a consistently hard worker who is always willing to help where needed. I appreciate his deep love of music and how funny and fun he is as a co-worker. It has been a distinct privilege to work with and get to know Josh.

2. Josh is a great team player at the clinic! Despite having a busy provider schedule, he helps his team, and he helps others when needed. He offered to help at admissions when they were short one day. Not only did he help the admissions team, but he helped all of those clients who entered in the program that day. Not only does he help often, but he completes his tasks so well! He has been on a hot streak for his blood draws!! Go Josh! All of the patients are lucky to have you in their healthcare team.
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TEAM MENTAL HEALTH; WOMEN’S / MEN’S, FACT, CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Sean King, Correctional Counselor – Criminal Justice Program
I am new on staff at CATS program at Oxbow Jail. I have had the pleasure to work with Sean King. Within the month of me working here I have been shown how much love and care he has for Odyssey. He takes what seems like every opportunity to moonlight at other facilities and when he talks about it, there is a genuine love for the work he is doing. He has a passion for working with the youth program especially. While at CATS, I hear the clients talk about how much they love his groups. He makes group seem relaxing, as much as you can while in a jail environment, but they are also always learning something. He is constantly at CATS Alumni, while also going to the CATS Alumni softball games. Sean King is the epitome of a Corner Stone award. I cannot think of someone who deserves it more than Sean King.‍

TEAM OUTPATIENT - SUGARHOUSE / REDWOOD
Addy deJager, Therapist  – Redwood
Addy embodies the true meaning of ‘sense of belonging.” She welcomes all our new staff and interns with open arms and takes time to sit down with them and show them around. She always makes the time when new staff or interns have questions or need advice. She is warm, friendly and inviting and contributes to the sense of belonging at Redwood.  

‍TEAM PARENTS & CHILDREN SERVICES
Kayla Whitledge, BHT Supervisor – Parent’s Program
1. Kayla jumped right into her new supervisory role from being an amazing CS teacher into our BHT Supervisor/Case Manager. She supported client's by creating a space of stability with clear communication and following through on commitments made. She is organized and plans ahead which supports both staff and client retention. Those she supervises have the ability to sit with her and learn setting goals and clear expectations of their roles in the community. She has solid boundaries and is a supporter of the encounter process. Kayla has been a wonderful addition to our program, and we are thrilled to have her.

2. She's extremely caring, she takes the time to understand what the clients need, and she does everything she can to give them confidence and help them to achieve that. And when it comes to staff, I'm new and she took all the time that I needed to understand the ropes of billing and running groups and she never got frustrated with me when I wasn't understanding she is an amazing person.

3. She is always willing to ask questions, help staff or clients and holds boundaries well. she is an amazing part of the team.

4. Kayla is always willing to support all the staff in our program. We were in a bind recently where one of our therapists was not able to run group due to a crisis situation with a client. Kayla was quick to step up and run a skills group to make sure the rest of the clients did not miss out on scheduled services. Her willingness to support the team is a huge help and she is much appreciated.

5. Kayla is our new BHT Supervisor and she has jumped right into her role. She has been flexible and making sure she has her schedule setup to support training her new team members. She is teaching them the ins and outs of being a BHT. She is also supporting the clients to ensure the evening schedule and meetings are followed properly so things can run more smoothly. She has been a great addition to the team!

6.  I would like to take a moment to acknowledge Kayla's outstanding performance in her role as BHT Supervisor. She has quickly adapted to her new responsibilities and has excelled in her position. Kayla demonstrates remarkable attentiveness to both her clients and her team, effectively problem-solving situations independently. Her proactive approach has been evident as she has embraced tasks beyond her usual scope, seeking assistance when needed while also ensuring her new staff members receive thorough training. Kayla communicates effectively with her direct supervisor regarding any emerging issues, contributing to a cohesive and well-functioning team. Moreover, she has established strong rapport with her clients as their case manager, showcasing her dedication and professionalism. Overall, Kayla has truly shined in her role, and we are grateful to have her on our team. WE are thankful she has joined out team.  

‍TEAM SCHOOL BASED SERVICES & YOUTH EXPEDITION
Brooke Munson, Program Manager – Youth Expedition
Brooke is a person who is very dedicated to her job as program manager. She works very hard and is always trying to better you as a person. Brooke is compassionate, sincere, and attentive to the team and the clients. She does have a lot going on in her personal life and still manages to make time for her team and clients. Brooke is very deserving of the award because she is always trying to go way, way above and beyond her job duties/description. She is funny, loyal, and protective and won't take crap from no one. I really appreciate her knowledge that she shares and how one can trust her process to the madness; it works and gets things completed for the better (it's amazing to watch it play out). I can't think of a more deserving person of this award right now because I love working with her, and she not only makes me a better clinician, but she also helps make me want to be a better person in many aspects of my life. Brooke is awesome!  

‍TEAM TRANSITIONAL SERVICES, BOARDING HOMES & FACT
Lindsay Perry, Therapist – FACT Team
I am nominating Lindsay for her outstanding dedication and support in helping our team deal with growth and discomfort as we are trying to get ready for the ACT team. Lindsay consistently went above and beyond her role, offering assistance to team members, troubleshooting issues, and making herself available for questions and brainstorming sessions. Her positive attitude and willingness to help uplifted the entire team, creating a collaborative environment where everyone felt supported and motivated. Lindsay's clear communication and proactive problem-solving skills helped us overcome several obstacles, ultimately allowing us to not feel overwhelmed and happy for the growth of team.

One specific example that stands out was when she noticed that a team member was struggling with a the extra workload as we are ramping up with clients to help fill the new ACT team. Lindsay offered her time to talk through the issue, providing guidance and ensuring that the work was completed without delay. Her actions demonstrated an exceptional level of teamwork and commitment to our shared goals, making her a true asset to our team.

For these reasons, I believe Lindsay deserves the Cornerstone award for her invaluable contribution to our team’s success

‍TEAM YOUTH RESIDENTIAL
Jojo Sivels, Behavioral Health Tech
Jojo encouraged me to take the shift lead position and gave me amazing advice. Jojo is amazing with the kids they really love her! She holds them accountable and works with them when they are struggling. She really has a way of talking with them that no one else has! She is also amazing at encouraging the new staff and giving them advice in both their day-to-day jobs as well as how to really be able to connect with the kids and what works and doesn’t work for them. When I was in my first month of working there, she really made me feel like I was doing an amazing job while also giving me some advice that I have carried with me every day since. She is truly amazing!!!! Plus, she is an amazing kitchen manager. She cares about making the kids some nutritious meals that they genuinely LOVE plus it’s always delicious!