TEAM ADMIN, ADMISSIONS, MARKETING, FINANCE
Kellie Petersen, Admissions Scheduler - Admissions
Kellie is an integral part of our admissions team and a true asset to Odyssey House. Her willingness to step into any role where she’s needed, even when it’s unfamiliar territory, speaks volumes about her adaptability and dedication. She approaches new challenges with a positive attitude, improvising and learning quickly without hesitation or complaint. Kellie consistently demonstrates exceptional critical thinking skills, doing everything in her power to remove barriers for clients while filling any gaps within admissions. Her proactive and solution-oriented mindset is inspiring—she doesn’t just identify problems; she proposes thoughtful, actionable solutions. Her uplifting and positive energy is contagious, and she consistently encourages and supports those around her. Kellie’s enthusiasm and great attitude create a welcoming and motivating atmosphere for the entire team.

In addition to her strengths, Kellie is also remarkably vulnerable and authentic. When she feels overwhelmed or is struggling, she uses her voice to express her concerns and isn’t afraid to ask for help. This openness fosters trust and collaboration within the team, setting an example for others to follow. Her eagerness to learn and grow is unparalleled, and she’s a breath of fresh air in our team. Kellie never requires micromanagement, as she takes full ownership of her responsibilities and continually seeks ways to improve. She is incredibly transparent and never hesitates to ask questions, fostering a culture of clarity and collaboration. One of Kellie’s standout qualities is her ability to uphold boundaries with her coworkers in a respectful and constructive manner. She avoids simply taking on others’ tasks, choosing instead to empower her colleagues by teaching and guiding them toward greater independence. Kellie’s understanding, flexibility, and receptiveness shine, even during times of change. Her hard work, dedication, and contributions to the admissions team do not go unnoticed. Thank you, Kellie, for your remarkable efforts—you truly embody the spirit of this award and are an invaluable part of our team!

‍TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL - DOWNTOWN
Tiffany Anderson, Peer Support Specialist
‍Tiffany is a huge asset to the downtown location. She is so dedicated to the Clients and she is straightforward with them. She has a way of being tough but getting the message through that she cares so much at the same time. Tiffany works so hard to make sure that everyone is taken care of and cared about. She knows all the clients on a deep level. In every staff meeting, she knows something about each and every client and is able to give honest and helpful feedback about what decisions to make with them.

Tiffany probably deserves this award every single time, because she puts her whole heart and soul into her job. At the same time, she knows when to call it so she doesn't get too overworked and is able to lead by example by taking some time for self care when she needs to .Tiffany is amazing and I feel so honored to work with her. She is helpful to all the staff as well. I am thankful to have her on the team. She is my go to person when I need something taken care of from her department. She is truly, truly amazing. And I would absolutely love for her to win for Downtown, because she deserves it the very most!  

TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL – LIGHTHOUSE
Michael Minutella, Program Manager
Michael is a true leader to his community. He comes in on his days off to help with clients that are struggling, gets them excited about recovery and shows genuine concern for their well being and safety. He took initiative to get the annex ready for current and existing clients all in his spare time. He introduces clients to healthy social activities so they have resources for when they leave the program. He is what Odyssey stands for. Not only as a staff member but also as a graduate.  

‍TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL – MEADOWBROOK
Dezerae Walker, Case Manager
‍1. Desi is so amazing ! She goes over and above to help the team here. She is outgoing and friendly. She is always willing to help out if someone needs help. She has helped me personally more than I can even put into words. She takes the lead and does whatever I ask her to do. She is a very fun and positive , she loves to make people laugh and is good at it.I love her attitude, she ask questions if she doesn't know what to do in certain situations and is a quick learner. She loves her job as a case manager and it shows. I am very blessed to be able to work with her. She loves our clients and they love her back. I love her, and support her in her own recovery almost 3 years now. If you ever get the chance to meet her, you will see everything I have said about her is true.

2. She always comes to work with excitement and helps the clients with everything that they need plus inspires them that things can get better for them.

3. She goes out of her way to make sure the clients needs are met and also helps them understand that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  She is always on top of all of the reports that need to be sent out and comes to work everyday excited to help people and give back to the substance community.

TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL – MILLCREEK
Alexander Alley, Behavioral Health Tech
Alex loves his job and performs it very well. As a past client he is able to relate to clients in the house on a different level and understand where they are coming from. Alex always performs his tasks promptly and accurately and never complains when asked to help out in other ways. He's always first to offer help or pick up a task needing to be completed on shift, such as the med passes. He's always willing to take them on so others can help out elsewhere in the house, and again never complains. He's always willing to help out by arriving early or staying late for his shifts to assist his coworkers needs, even when he has to be to his other job by 6 am the following mornings. The clients love having check ins with Alex because he's so great at listening to them and directing them with the best help and advice he can give, from his own experiences. Thanks for all you do for us Alex!! We appreciate all you do!

‍TEAM CLINIC
Kendall Harward, Front Desk Coordinator
Kendall has only been working here for a few months, but has already made such an impact to our patients! He has learned his responsibilities very quickly, and is on top of his tasks all the time. He always makes sure the cups are stocked, phone calls are made, and everyone leaves the clinic with a smile on their face!

Just from talking with Kendall, you can tell that he genuinely loves people. He is so patient and kind with everyone; patients and staff too. He loves talking with the patients at the front desk & on the phone for their reminder calls. Because of his positive attitude, he helps all of our patients feel seen, heard, and appreciated. For many patients, this is probably the first time they have felt good in a healthcare setting, so we are so grateful for Kendall for being that first friendly face of the clinic!‍

TEAM MENTAL HEALTH; WOMEN’S / MEN’S, FACT, CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Emily Werner, Clinical Director – Men’s Mental Health
1. Emily is a rockstar, it has been so fun watching her grow professionally and as an individual. Her confidence has soared through the roof, and she manages her role like a boss. We experienced such hardship for several months, and Emily carried the weight of the world on her shoulders without complaint and without missing a beat. She was able to care for each and every one of our clients, and ensure their needs were met while also dealing with various kinds of crisis. When Emily walks into the building, everyone knows they are safe and that they have someone to go to. Emily is someone I know I can count on, and am never worried that things will fall to the wayside. Her patience is heaven sent, and she genuinely cares for both staff and clients. Emily has brought and continues to bring light to the team! Emily you are so appreciated!

2. Emily is a tremendous force for good within the Men's Mental Health program. For the staff she is an excellent leader and teacher. Since starting here last year, I have learned so much from her about demonstrating empathy, working diligently, holding boundaries, and having a passion for this work. It is obvious that she cares deeply about the clients with whom she works. Emily does everything she can to give the clients power and autonomy within a system that can so easily take these things away from them. Time and again, I have seen clients approach her with their problems and she takes the time to help each one of them individually. Clients have stayed in treatment because of the work she does. Clients have successfully transitioned out of MMH because of what she does. And, to top it all off, Emily does all of this with a smile on her face.

TEAM OUTPATIENT - SUGARHOUSE / REDWOOD
Tiffany Garcia, Therapist – Redwood
‍Tiffany is very responsible and whenever there is a question to be asked or a conversation to be had, she is always available. She works quickly and efficiently, but also with kindness. 

‍TEAM PARENTS & CHILDREN SERVICES
Jamie Tanner, Therapist – Parent’s Program
Jamie is a newer therapist to Odyssey and she came in so ready to learn and wanted to dig in to what we are about. She asks questions, seeks clarification and has a desire to gain knowledge on the therapeutic community. She steps up for our clients and feedback shared is that she creates a space of safety, comfortability and trust. She gets on our kiddos levels and communicates with them in ways that allow them to feel heard and that is critical for someone on our team. She has been a wonderful addition to our team and we are so thankful for her and her desires to learn and grow and be an amazing Parent's team member.

‍TEAM SCHOOL BASED SERVICES & YOUTH EXPEDITION
Ivy Rivera Perez, Therapist – School Based Services
Inelise (Ivy) is an incredible support to the school based team. She helps us with the intakes by making first contact, getting paperwork signed by the guardians, and scheduling our intakes for us. It's a great benefit for us and it is so appreciated. Ivy also has been helping us by providing information on outside resources for the families. She is always willing to step up and find ways to support us.

‍TEAM TRANSITIONAL SERVICES, BOARDING HOMES & FACT
Stephanie Jimenez, BHT Supervisor – Boarding Homes
Stephanie just barely became a supervisor, and I could never put it into enough words how grateful I am to her. She has been so understanding of my schedule and my needs and has been extremely flexible with me. She always helps lead me in the right direction and helps me get what I need.

‍TEAM YOUTH RESIDENTIAL
Tracy Lewis, Behavioral Health Tech
1. Tracy isn’t your average staff member, she is the type of staff that only comes along every once in a while. She has shown up and made such a big impact within our community, really putting forth the effort to get to know the program and clients individually. She has become a really big part of the family here at use of residential She has become the best and most qualified staff to work on my shift. She is always willing to go to the next step to make sure that clients are taken care of and isn’t afraid to learn new things to make the program move much smoother each day. I really want her to know how much she is appreciated and the difference that she makes for our clients, our program, and our staff, is beyond what words can’t explain. You show leadership, and role model to the kids how far kindness and understanding can improve the day. Tracy I want to thank you for all you do.  You’re a wonderful addition to the Odyssey family.

2. Tracy has been the best addition to the family here the adolescent house. She is one of the most reliable staff on my shift and with how hectic it gets around here sometimes I don’t know how I could get everything done without her determination and her ability to recognize when to step in and take things off of my plate. She’s always willing to learn something new and she never fails with de-escalating a client and diffusing some pretty chaotic situations. She is by far the most deserving person at the adolescent house for this reward.

3. Tracy came in a very strong staff member. Never doing this type of job and coming into it. You have to be a certain type of person in my opinion. She’s been   Great! at getting to know her job. Always coming in with a good attitude. And really being here for the kids needs as she is attentive to their backgrounds and getting to know each and every one of them it’s been really good to see somebody come in and take leadership right away. She’s also good at multitasking,. Tracy always has a smile on her face and a good attitude. She get the job done with good standard as she hold herself with good standard and it’s been a pleasure working with her.