Everas celebrated its Annual Board Staff social on September 29th at the Palace in Somerset. Each year this event provides an opportunity for employees from across the agency to meet their colleagues working in different programs.  During the program, Employees of the year were recognized for their exemplary service to the organization. Recipients were nominated by their peers for their commitment to the Everas core values of care, quality, and respect in providing person-centered services.

Everas Executive Director Jennifer Rector presented plaques and gift certificates to our Employee of the Year award winners.

Dominique Anderson, Director of Residential Services for the Northern Region, is our New-Hire of the Year. She has been described by colleagues as dedicated, hard-working and a tremendous leader. Since day one, Dominique has been an immense help on the residential team and always respects both her employees and our clients.

Heidi Wolfinger is a residential specialist and this year’s Part-Time Employee of the Year. According to her peers, she is a team player and one of the hardest working employees they have met. Rather than strictly running down a list of what has to be done in the program, Heidi explains to each new staff what every client is capable of as well as highlighting their preferences and favorites.

Group Home Manager Bevon Springer is our Full-Time Employee of the Year. Bevon has flourished in roles of increasing responsibility from assistant manager to manager. In the past eight months, Bevon has worked tirelessly to support the clients and always has a positive attitude. He is always willing to do what is necessary to care for the clients as well as provide support to other staff agency wide.

This event is also an opportunity to highlight employees who have reached Years of Service milestones. Amanda Rosen, Administrative Operations Manager was recognized for five years of service and Patricia Bobrowski, Critical Co Worker, was recognized for ten years of service.

Associate Executive Director Margarete Andrews recognized the trainers and committee members that take on responsibilities in addition to their primary jobs to ensure that Everas advancement is possible. Trainers prepare new hires for their roles with trainings including Deaf Blind Supports, IHP Implementation, Nutrition, Sign Language, and more. Their instruction is critical in ensuring our clients are receiving quality services and our organization is in compliance with training requirements. The Behavior Management Committee is responsible for providing clients with the support they need to thrive, and the Security Committee, responsible for maintaining safe and secure headquarters as well as programs.

Behavior Management Committee: Pictured- Social Worker Allison Fedorka, Behaviorist Dina Matarazzo, Social Worker Toni Teague, and Nurse Lynn Kushner. Not pictured: Daniel Klim

Security Committee: Pictured- Maintenance Manager John Bush, Residential Program Manager John Suarez, Director of Housing Maury Lonergan, IT Director Sal Ruggeri, Residential Coordinator Larissa Dockery, and Administrative Operations Manager Amanda Rosen. Not Pictured: Daniel Klim

Training Team: Pictured- Allison Fedorka, Dina Matarazzo, Toni Teague, Lynn Kushner, Our Co Assistant manager Karen Perko, and Critical Co Worker Gowri Eswaran. Not pictured: Daniel Klim

It was a wonderful evening of socializing, food and drink, but most importantly recognition of the dedication and commitment of the Everas Community Services staff.