It’s been said that hard work and dedication can make anything possible. At Envision Unlimited, our employees are proof of that, as they go above and beyond every day to help our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness lead their best lives. We celebrated them at our annual Employee of the Year Awards last month.
This year, more than 50 Envision Unlimited employees, who have been full-time team members for at least one year, were recognized for outstanding job performance, client service, teamwork and leadership/initiative. Honorees included staff in programs throughout our organization – from mental health to community living to specialized foster care – and each said they value their job for various reasons.
Taccara Smith receives her Employee of the Year award from President and CEO Mark McHugh at the 2024 awards ceremony.
House manager Taccara Smith was recognized for the third time in her six years as a staff member.
“I pride myself on making a difference in people’s lives,” she said. “What I love most about my job is the members we serve, being an advocate, listening to goals and assisting in ways to make the members’ lives worthwhile.”
Fellow awardee Angel McGowan has worked as a direct support professional in our Community Living program for the past two years. She enjoys experiencing personal growth while helping our members thrive.
“I never needed a thank you for doing this work, but this reward was the best ‘thank you’ I’ve gotten from a job,” she said, adding that she cried upon receiving the news. “It lets me know that I’m doing something right.”
We appreciate all of our employees for their hard work and dedication that makes a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Check out photos from the annual Employee of the Year Awards.
Photos by Vincent D. Johnson
2024 Employees of the Year
- Andrea Salas, Data Specialist
- Angel McGowan, Direct Support Professional
- Beatriz Hernandez, HR Coordinator
- Brittney Earls, Case Manager
- Cassia Dawson, Lead Direct Support Professional
- Catrina Paino, Medical Transporter
- Chaniqua Robinson, Training Counselor
- Charlene Brown, Training Counselor
- Courtney Walls, Direct Support Professional
- Darlene Caroll Jet, Foster Care Case Worker
- Darlene Donelson, Peer Mentor
- Deborah Baker, Benefits Specialist
- Domega Doyle, Direct Support Professional
- Donyetta Barnes, Case Manager, QIDP
- Elizabeth Seals, Direct Support Professional
- Ericka Wright, Direct Support Professional
- Ezekiel Ross, Direct Support Professional
- Florence Kalejaiye, Training Counselor
- Gina Laird, Direct Support Professional
- James Brown, Lead Direct Support Professional
- Jason Smola, Training & Development Specialist
- Jenee Johnson, Lead Direct Support Professional
- Jessica Tirado, Benefits Coordinator
- John Yankee, Maintenance Worker
- Joyce Gatlin, Intact Family Case Worker
- Kirk Reese, Direct Support Professional
- Latrice Manuel, Administrative Liaison
- Maria Cervantes, Office Manager
- Marisa Newsom, Case Manager, QIDP
- Michael Schneider, Finance Manager
- Mike Belle, Grants Manager
- Nathaniel Brown, Transitional Therapist
- Nibah Khan, Training Counselor
- Nickcole Bolden, Training Counselor
- Patricia Snowden, Training Counselor
- Quillia Thompson, Direct Support Professional
- Raul Barrera, Program Director
- Shannon Williams, Direct Support Professional
- Sheina Dixon, Program Manager
- Shelita Humphrey, Lead Direct Support Professional
- Solomohn Ennis-Klyczek, Assistant Director
- Sophie Skoda, Program Coordinator, QIDP
- Stephen Burstein, Behavior Analyst
- Susan Stumpf, Program Director
- Sylvia Rodriguez, Behavior Analyst
- Taccara Smith, House Manager
- Treena Glover, House Manager
- Trina Poole, House Manager
- Tyisha Naeem, Program Coordinator, QIDP
- Vee Humphrey, Direct Support Professional
- Verdine Herron, Case Manager, QIDP
Envision Unlimited staff members Jason Smola, Jacqueline Steward, Colleen Rosa, Donna Ennis and Susan Stumpf celebrate colleagues at the awards ceremony.