Please join us in congratulating the July 2023 Recognition Recipients!
Executive Director’s Recognition
The Executive Director’s Recognition is given to individuals who’s insight, efforts, and innovation elevate their program.
Congratulations to Ashley Field, Accounting Manager, as the July Executive Directors Recognition recipient.
Ashley Field is receiving the Executive Director’s recognition this month for going above and beyond to keep the agency finances in order while we’ve been down staffed for an extended period of time. The agency operating budget has almost doubled in the past 3 years with the addition of multiple new programs and funding streams and Ashley has kept things running smoothly while learning all the new rules and regulations.
She has now presided over two successful annual audits, and despite many challenges, has managed to have RISE come out the other side with the agency on solid financial footing. Thank you Ashley!!!
Rise to the Extra Mile Recognition
The Rise to the Extra Mile Recognition is given to highly motivated individuals who go that extra mile in their job. Rise to the Extra Mile honorees get to park in a designated parking space at the RISE administration office.
Congratulations to Heather Ball, Adult Care Manager, as the July Rise to the Extra Mile Recognition.
The work we do can be challenging on any given day with any single individual. However, when your caseload is stacked with some of the most challenging individuals we work with – as in Heather’s case working with the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) clients – most of your days will be challenging. Yet, Heather tackles everyday with confidence, compassion, and resiliency.
One of the most gratifying experiences to see is the transformation made when someone takes the time to listen, model, and encourage an individual – resulting in improved confidence, accountability, and the ability to self-govern. When working with AOT clients, this opportunity can be a very slow build and can take many attempts, bumps, and emotional battles. But Heather has the stamina to see it through.
Heather is truly a team player. She not only goes above and beyond for her clients and the adult care management team, but also for the youth team. The Youth Team has run into situations recently where a youth’s parents need some kind of support and Heather has gone to the extra mile providing assistance and helpful knowledge to support her co-workers. She truly embodies what it means to Rise to the Extra Mile, and we are so lucky to have her apart of our team.
Thank you, Heather, for all you do! Your fellow co-workers appreciate your knowledge and encouragement as well as your willingness to step in and help when you have the time and even when you don’t! Your diligent efforts and support never go unnoticed!
Rise to the Occasion Recognition
The Rise to the Occasion Recognition is given to individuals who see a need within the agency and go above and beyond to fill that need.
Congratulations to Maegan Williams-Howarth, Program Administrative Assistant, as the July Rise to the Occasion Recipient.
Being the first person that someone talks to when calling or seeing when entering the RISE office, can be a lot of pressure. Maegan is very calm and handles the constant contact with our residents and clients amazingly.
Recently, Maegan had a few stressful situations come up recently with individuals in crisis. She did such a great job holding down the front office, asking questions to deescalate the situation, and reaching out to get support as needed.
Thank you Maegan! Your willingness to help out where ever you are needed is greatly appreciated.
Staff on the RISE
Staff on the Rise is an employee recognition program which recognizes staff who possess an exemplary work ethic, excel on the job, are team players, and are an inspiration to others.
Congratulations to Audrey Rudd, Outreach Coordinator, as the July Staff on the Rise recipient.
Audrey Rudd is a senior at Skidmore who will be graduating in December 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in gender studies. Audrey started her internship as a member of the RISE Advocacy and Outreach program. She joined the Outreach Team as a part-time staff this summer and will continue to work with RISE while she finishes her final semester at Skidmore this fall.
Since Audrey started here at RISE as an intern and then as a part time staff member, she has been curious to learn and shows up to the office motivated to make a difference. When meeting with individuals that we work with, Audrey has a strong focus on the individual, providing feedback in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner.
Thank you for your compassion and empathy for those we serve. You’ve have made a great addition to the team!
Read more about Audrey and her internship experiences at RISE in the Staff on the Rise Blog.