August 2025
Clarissa Eddins
Job Coach
Clarissa Eddins was hired as an Activities Coach in December, 1993. She was promoted to Job Coach in October, 2022.
Jane Reich, Director of Adult Day and Employment Services, nominated Clarissa.
Jane said this: "Clarissa has worked with the Center for over 31 years. No matter which position or department she has worked with she has always shown herself to be a person of strong personal integrity who embodies the Core Principles of Putting People First, Building Positive Relationships, Creating Meaningful Communication, and Demonstrating Professionalism. As noted by her Supervisor, David Murray, "Clarissa possesses an intangible quality that cannot be feigned nor created in an employee through training or supervision; she genuinely cares and connects with the individuals we support. She has spent her professional life supporting, advocating, and encouraging individuals with special needs, and her experiences and knowledge prove to be invaluable to both those ewe support and the VSS TEAM. Her positive approach, effort, flexibility, and accountability benefit the work we do each day."
Clarissa has consistently demonstrated the following qualities:
- She is inquisitive and will proactively seek information.
- She is a vocal advocate and addresses issues with colleagues, coworkers, and employees professionally and discreetly.
- She communicates regularly with her peers and management in support of the people she supports.
- She utilizes a variety of approaches based on the individual she is supporting to create meaningful communication.
- She is intuitively skilled at facilitating appropriate interactions and creating an atmosphere conducive to socialization.
- She is supportive of her coworkers and managers.
- She is reliable, trustworthy, and always puts her best foot forward.
Clarissa is a long standing employee who is a valued and respected member of our VSS Team. She is truly deserving of this recognition.
Congratulations and thank you, Clarissa for all you do!
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January 2025
Michele Keena
Nurse, West Rogues Path and Chester Hill IRAs.jpeg)
Since starting at The Center, Michele Keena has shown us what an incredibly kind, compassionate, and dedicated nurse that she is. As a new nurse to the field, she quickly grew into her role as a strong advocate, care taker, and important member of our team. Michele is exactly the kind of nurse that we look for at The Center and that the people we support deserve. Her dedication and positivity is inspiring and she truly makes a difference here. She has gone above and beyond to build meaningful relationships with all of her patients, their families, and her colleagues at both Chester Hill and West Rogues. I always hear wonderful compliments about how caring Michele is from members of our team and that she treats every individual with respect, empathy, patience, and genuine care. She is an incredible asset to our agency and an even better nurse to the people she supports.
Congratulations Michele -- well deserved!
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