Message from the Director
Thank you, Public Servants
By Jim DeBeaugrine
Florida Governor Charlie Crist has proclaimed May 4 - 10 as Public Service Recognition Week. Wednesday, May 6, has also been designated State Employee Recognition Day.
This is the perfect time to say thank you to all APD employees for the dedication and hard work you display each day. I truly appreciate your professionalism and cannot thank you enough for your ongoing service to the state, especially through a challenging year. We will continue to move APD forward and protect the people we serve. Much has been accomplished over the past year and is cause to celebrate our accomplishments as public servants.
On behalf of Governor Crist and myself, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unselfish work. Thank you for making the Agency for Persons with Disabilities a professional, but always compassionate organization.
This is also the time of year to begin planning for hurricane season and disasters in general. With the spread of the swine flu into the United States, we should have plans in place to protect the people for which we are responsible. Please pay close attention to announcements from your local Emergency Management Office. I urge waiver support coordinators to take the time to ensure that the home addresses of all of your customers are up-to-date in the agency’s computer system. Having the correct address could mean the difference between life and death during a disaster or other emergency. We need to take the steps to be ready for the unexpected.
The Legislature has extended its session for an additional week and is currently set to adjourn May 8 after finishing the budget. As I write this, conference committee deliberations to resolve budget differences between the House and Senate are ongoing. I expect a very positive outcome for our agency.
Although both chambers adopt $5.5 million in reductions, each offsets these reductions with increases elsewhere. The net result is a small increase to our budget. This is truly extraordinary given the current economic reality.
The one item we are still working on is the proposed elimination of behavior assistant services to individuals in group homes. The governor has made keeping these services one of his top priorities because of the impact to direct care services.
While we await a final decision on this item, I am very thankful to Governor Crist and the Legislature. They have done an extraordinary job of protecting services to individuals with disabilities despite the state’s very challenging financial situation.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
APD Director Confirmed
For the first time ever, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities has a director who was confirmed by the Florida Senate as required in law. Confirmation is a three-phase process.
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine first went before the Senate Children, Family and Elder Affairs Committee chaired by Sen. Ronda Storms (R-Brandon). The senators complimented DeBeaugrine on recent improvements made in the agency. Several people spoke on his behalf including vocal advocate and former State Rep. Susan Goldstein.
The next step was DeBeaugrine’s appearance in front of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections. Again, the lawmakers were pleased with the director’s leadership of the agency. A large contingent of stakeholders was in the audience to support the confirmation.
The final phase was confirmation on the Senate floor which occurred on April 30. It passed unanimously.
DeBeaugrine was appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist to the APD director post in August 2008.
APD Wins Awards
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities claimed three awards during the Capital Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association’s Image Awards on April 23 in Tallahassee.
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine and Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters accepted the awards on behalf of APD during the ceremony. These are the first public relations awards that this agency has ever received.
The judges considered two entries on behalf of the agency. The entry for APD's Champion newsletter received the Award of Distinction—an honor that the Communications team shares with Webmaster Lloyd Harger. The other entry was for the agency's public awareness campaign promoting the employment of people with disabilities, which culminated with Disability Employment Awareness Month last October. It earned two awards—the Image Award, the highest award for the entry's category, and the Judges Award for producing a quality program with limited resources.
The APD Communications Office includes Etters, Jeff Saulich, and Jessica Trexler.
World Autism Awareness Day
April 2 was a rainy day in Tallahassee, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of dozens of people who participated in the inaugural Tallahassee Autism Walk. More than 50 walkers, some with autism, made their way from the Florida State University Law School up the hill to the steps of the historic Capitol. The United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, which is the second year it has been designated.
The walkers then went inside the new Capitol to listen to a news conference held by Governor Charlie Crist on extending the Task Force for Autism Spectrum Disorders. The co-chairs of the task force also spoke: Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Jim DeBeaugrine and football star Dan Marino, in addition to Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, and Ven Sequenzia with the Autism Society.
Governor Crist extended the Autism Task Force for two more years. Director DeBeaugrine thanked the Task Force members for the service and dedication to taking a closer look at autism and its surrounding issues. Marino talked about how early intervention helped his son, Michael, to succeed and live a fulfilling life. Michael is now a college student at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
Law Enforcement Torch Run
By Melanie Mowry Etters
Special Olympic athletes and law enforcement officers from all over the state participated in a Special Olympics ceremony on April 14 at the Capitol. The Law Enforcement Torch Run stopped for a few minutes in the Capitol Courtyard in Tallahassee. Honorary Chairman of the Torch Run, Attorney General Bill McCollum, served as the emcee. Other dignitaries there included Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Jim DeBeaugrine, Corrections Secretary Walt McNeil, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, and many others. About 50 Special Olympic athletes from Leon, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties sat on the steps of the historic Capitol during the ceremony.
Lt. Gov. Kottkamp presented a proclamation to the Executive Director of Special Olympics, Monty Castevens. Also, officials from Publix Supermarkets presented the group with a check for almost $1.5 million.
At the end of the ceremony, runners passed the flame to the next runner who left with a police escort followed by dozens of fellow law enforcement officers.
Around the state, 300 Florida agencies participate in the Torch Run. They include: police departments, sheriff's offices, Department of Corrections, Department of Law Enforcement, Attorney General’s Office of Medicaid Fraud, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs, Air Force Police and Marine Patrol.
Each year, over 3,000 officers carry the torch on a 1,500-mile relay through more than 60 counties in Florida. Funds are generated through contributions from individuals and businesses along the way and through sales of the popular Torch Run T-shirts and caps. This event is held each year prior to Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games. The intrastate torch relay started on March 30 and will culminate at the Opening Ceremonies on May 15 in Orlando. Officers from around the state will jointly bring the "Flame of Hope" into the stadium.
Transportation on the Move
On Thursday, April 16, the Capitol Courtyard was filled with all modes of transportation for Transportation Disadvantaged Day. Special buses, modified bicycles, and even Segways were there. Disability organizations set up booths to answer questions from the public. Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Chairman and APD employee J.R. Harding encouraged attendees to talk with legislators about the importance of having access to transportation because it means freedom.
The activities included entertainment by singers, musicians, and dancers. APD's Jeff Saulich joined the Mountain Dew Cloggers for a dance to conclude the day's event.
SportsAbility Is Where the Action Is
By Jeff Saulich
Once a year, the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA) sponsors SportsAbility. The four-day event highlights the sports competitions and outdoor activities that the organization sponsors for people with disabilities throughout the year. This year's event saw hundreds of people from all walks of life "mixing it up"—even with baseball, soccer, and martial arts!
The Tallahassee event began on Thursday, April 16, with a banquet featuring live music by "Sir" Charles Atkins, a legendary local blues singer and keyboard player who is blind. Bryan Anderson, who received disabling injuries while serving in the Army in Iraq, gave an inspiring keynote address.
SportsAbility's expo was held Friday at Tallahassee Community College. Dozens of agencies, organizations, and providers brought their display booths and brochures. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities was among them, represented by Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters and yours truly.
Attendees took turns riding two hand-powered bikes around the hall—among the expo's most popular attractions. One of the bikes was manufactured commercially; the other was built by its owner who has a disability. Other show stoppers were singers and dancers from Pyramid Studios and a tai kwon do demonstration featuring students with disabilities. Anderson gave another motivational talk during the expo.
Participants took to the outdoors for the weekend's activities. Saturday, the Ochlockonee River State Park was the scene of all kinds of activities including horseback riding, sit-water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, archery, target shooting, and golf. Sunday saw a power soccer clinic and baseball game at Miracle League Field at Tallahassee's Messer Park.
FDOA's year-round activities encourage people to use their abilities to live an active lifestyle and enjoy the benefits of being close to nature. SportsAbility takes the organization's message to the disability community and the general public in a very exciting and enjoyable way. For more information about FDOA, visit www.fdoa.org or call (850) 201-2944.
Success Is In The Mail
By Jeff SaulichShannon Wilder is the consummate career woman. She has worked in her chosen field for more than five years, earning top ratings from her employers. Wilder has a developmental disability and receives services from Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).
Wilder works as a mail support clerk for EDS, an HP company. EDS is the fiscal agent and information technology provider for 22 state Medicaid programs, including Florida's. Wilder works in the mailroom that serves the company's Tallahassee employees, which number more than 450.
"Shannon opens the mail, sorts it into the different claim types that we service, and puts them in batches which are then given to the scanning department," said Mailroom Supervisor Frank Maxwell, Wilder's supervisor.
Wilder rates high among her 19 co-workers in the mailroom. Maxwell counts her among the top three employees for quality of work.
"She has a very positive attitude toward her work, and that is well reflected in the sweet smile that she greets everyone with."
- Frank Maxwell, Mailroom Supervisor
"We hold quality inspections every month," Maxwell said. "And to find a mistake in her work is very rare."
Although Wilder has worked for EDS for four months, she has a track record that goes back five years, when she worked in the mailroom of another company.
"I knew her there, and that's why I hired her to work for us," said Maxwell. "She has a very positive attitude toward her work, and that is well reflected in the sweet smile that she greets everyone with."
Wilder has no trouble smiling because she enjoys working so much.
"I love EDS and my friends are good to me and they are doing fine with me and I'm doing fine with my work, too," Wilder said. "It's my favorite job I've ever had. I like working better than staying home with Mom and Dad."
According to Maxwell, there is no reason why employers shouldn't consider hiring people with disabilities.
"They are very focused, very dependable," said Maxwell. "In Shannon's case, she picks it up extremely fast. Shannon takes a lot of pride in her work, and she won't settle for less than the best, for herself or for the company. Also, she gets along well with everybody. She hasn't met anybody that she hasn't called a friend."
Around the State
Wildwood Forum
By Brenda StevensThe Family Care Council (FCC) of Area 13 held a Family Forum on April 4 at the Wildwood Community Center in Wildwood. The area council serves Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties.
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine gave the keynote address to a large group of over 150 that included people on the APD Medicaid waiver, waiting list for services, local agency employees, providers, support coordinators, and other interested people. Area 13 FCC member and Florida FCC Chairperson Betty Kay Clements introduced DeBeaugrine to the audience.
DeBeaugrine gave updates on changes in services, policies, and staff. He discussed budget issues and the resourcefulness of the agency in working on positive changes. He spoke about how more APD customers could have greater control over their budgets through the pending expansion of the Consumer-Directed Care Plus (CDC+) program. He also had a question-and-answer period to answer questions submitted by people at the forum.
Other special speakers for breakout sessions were Richard LaBelle on guardianship, legal documents and more; Donald Roberge on Vocational Rehabilitation updates and changes; Cathy Jackson on Center for Independent Living programs, Sharon Willman on Social Security, SSI, SSDI, and waivers; and Judy Everett on transitioning from school to adult living.
Scrapbooking was an ongoing activity with Karen Huscher and her children Kileigh and Korey, a young man with autism. Second Chances with Isabel de Sanchez and Christina was an activity where participants embellished items such as hats and t-shirts.
A variety of providers had display tables with information, brochures, and other items. Family Care Council members, APD employees, and the Area Quality Steering and Advisory Group were on hand to provide information.
The Family Care Council extends its appreciation to Aaron Nangle of www.waiverprovider.com for his help in publicizing and supporting the event. For more information about the Family Care Councils throughout the state, visit the state council's Web site at www.fccflorida.org.
Ft. Myers Has New Advocacy Group
By Todd Ryan
Rhonda Gunderman of Fort Myers applied to the Center on Human Policy at Syracuse University to start a self-advocacy group in Fort Myers. Gunderman, an APD customer, was seeking assistance through the Grassroots Self-Advocacy Project, which is sponsored by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and contracted through Syracuse University. That was in April 2008. Months passed, and she began to give up hope. Then, on February 10, 2009, she received the exciting news that she had been accepted for participation in the 2009 project.
In March, Gunderman attended the Self-Advocacy Training Institute in Tampa. The training lasted two days and was a lot of work. Most importantly, it paved the way for Fort Myers to have its own self-advocacy group.
The group's first meeting was held on April 8. LARC offered meeting space in its offices and Panache Holistics provided free transportation for any self-advocate who wanted to attend. During this first meeting, the participants voted on what to call their new group, and "Voices Heard" was born. The next order of business was to elect the officers that will lead this new endeavor. Here are the election returns: Gunderman is the group's first president and facilitator, Laura Roche is vice president, Tabitha Moss is treasurer, and Terri Jones is the secretary.
Voices Heard will now begin a membership drive and start tackling the issues that affect everyone with disabilities in Area 8. One of the strategies that was discussed is writing letters to the Florida Legislature, Governor Charlie Crist, and President Barack Obama. The group also discussed inviting lawmakers to the meetings of Voices Heard. One thing is for sure: these voices will be heard!
April Was Autism Awareness Month
By Maria Springer
On April 16, County Commissioner Pepe Diaz of District 12 sponsored a resolution declaring April as Autism Awareness Month for Miami-Dade County. This will give the local delegation the opportunity to promote different assistance programs that are available to families with autistic children. During the month of April, local groups serving people with disabilities had the opportunity to lobby for funds from the Board of County Commissioners. They also set up booths in the lobby area of the Government Center building to provide information on the services for children who have autism.
The presentation of this resolution was filled with emotion and gratitude as expressed by the different families who have loved ones that have this diagnosis. Present during this resolution were the different community groups and parents such as: University of Miami CARD Center, Parent to Parent, the Autism Society, and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. The atmosphere was truly one of accomplishment and an overall feeling of happiness.
APD Customer Is Valued Employee
Sharon Parrish works hard at her job, and she loves it! Now the Jacksonville woman has proof that the love goes both ways. Parrish, an APD customer in Area 4, was named Employee of the Month in January by her employer, the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk.
It's not just bragging rights. A big prize package came with the honor, including a preferred parking space, $100 gift card, two tickets to a Jacksonville Jaguars football game, Parrish's name and photo on the Employee of the Month plaque, and lunch for two in the riverwalk's Stars Café—once per week for four weeks, at a reserved table served by her manager!
"Your great can-do attitude, attention to detail, dependability, and willingness to go all out for the guests and your co-workers are what made you Employee of the Month," General Manager Jared McLachlan wrote in a letter informing Parrish of the honor. "Please know that you are greatly appreciated! Keep up the good work."
Hot Dog! Area 2 Did It!
APD's Area 2 office in Tallahassee recently recognized everyone responsible for completing 100 percent of the Questionnaires for Situational Information (QSIs) that were required for people in the area who are served by the Medicaid waivers. The office honored its QSI assessors and employees with a luncheon and awards presentation on April 6. The gathering's celebratory theme was "Hot Dog! We Did It!"
Although the weather was too windy and cool for an actual cookout, the food was great and the camaraderie was evident for all who participated. In addition to lunch, each person who had conducted QSI assessments was presented with a certificate of appreciation, along with an individualized certificate which captured a particularly funny experience each had while conducting the assessments.
The recognition event also included a planning meeting for Phase II of the project, which will involve conducting QSIs for individuals currently on the Medicaid waiver waitlist.
Looking Through the LENS to a Better Community
"It was a lot of fun!" "We had a great time." "I learned a lot about the community." This is what providers in Area 2 had to say after participating in a LENS Workshop, held March 10 through 12. LENS stands for much more than those four letters can convey: learning, exploring and experiencing, networking, and strategizing.
The location of the workshop was the Betty Easley Center in Tallahassee's Southwood office complex. Thirty-three providers participated in the event that focused on six areas of daily living: education, housing, transportation, employment, health care, and recreation and leisure.
Under the leadership of Jill Westring of the Council on Quality and Leadership, who facilitated the activity, the participants went out to the community to learn about resources available to all citizens. They interviewed representatives of different organizations to learn about their programs, accessibility of services, and limitations. In addition, participants networked with other fellow citizens to learn about the value and effectiveness of these resources.
Some of the participants had the unique opportunity of experiencing firsthand the benefits and challenges that users of services encounter on a day-to-day basis. Using different research tools, other participants located little-known resources and learned how to access them.
After exploring the community, the workshop participants identified concerns related to each focus area. Through the comparison of their findings, they realized that some of their concerns impacted more than one area of daily living. They used this as the criteria to prioritize the order of urgency for improvement. Participants designed a plan to address the concerns to benefit all Tallahassee community members and also compiled a list of resources that APD will forward to Area 2 providers.
The leaders in organizing the activity were James Wells from Specialized Supports and Services and Lou Ogburn, a parent. Tara Clarius and Terry Bishop, from Specialized Supports and Services, also provided assistance by serving as workshop coordinators.
The event would have never been possible without the valuable participation of representatives of various organizations including Sheila Morris, Office of Minority Health, Department of Health; Michael Carter, Equity and Workforce Development, City of Tallahassee; Donna Peacock, Star Metro, City of Tallahassee; Jason Zauder, 2-1-1 Big Bend; Claudette Cromartie, Tallahassee Housing Authority; and the Tallahassee Lenders Consortium, which provided brochures describing its programs.
Area 11 Lifesavers
The staff of APD's Area 11 office in Miami is always looking for ways to be responsive to the needs of agency customers, the providers who serve them, and co-workers. With that in mind, the employees recently completed certification training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the Heimlich maneuver.
The training session was held on April 13. Thirteen staff members were trained, including Area Administrator Evelyn Alvarez, operations administrators, administrative assistants, medical case managers, program specialists, and secretary specialists. All participants received CPR certificates after passing a competency-based final exam.
Rish Park Update
Wes Underwood, General Services Officer
Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Jim DeBeaugrine and Chief of Residential and Clinical Supports Steve Roth traveled to Billy Joe Rish Park on Cape San Blas in Gulf County on April 9. They were excited to see the progress that has been made in renovating the facilities. The Sunland Center in Marianna manages Rish Park. The Legislature provided $3 million two years ago to enhance the recreational area and the result is a much more accessible park for use by APD customers. However, private and public partnerships may be required to complete the vision of a fully accessible outdoors experience without barriers, while still maintaining the natural elements and thriving ecosystem.
Park Manager Billy Quinn introduced DeBeaugrine and Roth to the on-site staff and led the group on a tour of the entire facility. With this trip occurring in the middle of the legislative session, we are extremely appreciative of the director’s willingness to take the time to see again this important APD asset. All new boardwalks, two fully renovated group cabins, and a renovated lodge kitchen highlight the completed work. Sunland is working hard to finalize all changes and bring the park to full capacity, as quickly as possible, for the upcoming summer season.
Director DeBeaugrine was able to envision the changes that are to come and the positive impact it can have for persons with disabilities to have an accessible beach park and complete experience. Future items for expansion include a fully accessible putt-putt golf course, family cabins, and renovations within the group cabins. While only the beach side access was addressed this year, we hope in the future to receive funding for the bay side which will include a fishing area, nature path with an integrated pirate ship, boat ramp accessibility, tree fort, campgrounds, and recreational vehicle (RV) slots.
These 96 acres providing both beach and bay access are truly a wonderful APD asset and bring joy to many persons with disabilities who have visited the park. In addition to more park renovations in the future, APD hopes to expand the months of operation thereby increasing the use and enjoyment of the park.
Special thanks to Park Manager Billy Quinn, Terry Franklin, and Sunland employees for all their hard work in making this dream a reality.
Looking for Artists
VSA arts of Florida (VSAFL) is sending out a call to artists to join the Artist Registry. Becoming a member of the registry includes benefits such as exhibition opportunities, professional development trainings, workshops, and networking opportunities. Membership is free and open to persons with disabilities, and the general public, who are Florida residents and 18 or older.
VSA arts of Florida provides arts, education, and cultural opportunities for and by people with disabilities. For more information or to become a member, visit the VSAFL Web site at www.vsafl.org.
Governor Reappoints Amendola to Able Trust
Governor Charlie Crist recently announced the reappointment of Jeanette Amendola of Orlando, administrative assistant with Walt Disney World Company, to serve on the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation. Amendola’s term will end on September 30, 2011. The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation is also known as the Able Trust.
Egg-Cellent
Governor Charlie Crist and his wife, Carole, hosted an Easter egg hunt on April 8 at the Governor’s Mansion. Dozens of foster children and youngsters of some state employees searched for eggs on the front lawn. Governor Crist posed for photos, including some with Titus Etters, who is the son of APD Communications Director Melanie Etters. The Easter Bunny was on hand to give hugs and high fives to the kids. All the children left with plenty of eggs and big smiles.
Earth Day in Tallahassee
State employees in Tallahassee's Southwood Complex had a chance to visit exhibits that were set up for Earth Day on April 22. A variety of organizations distributed a wealth of information on green living, energy conservation, and environmental stewardship. Several employees from APD's Central Office put their break time to good use by attending the event.
Central Office Welcomes Daughters and Sons
The Human Resources Office seemed to be doing some early recruiting on April 23. HR Director Pamela Byrd led her staff in hosting a morning of activities for several Central Office employees and their children on Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.
Lenora Penney of HR passed out State of Florida employee application forms to stimulate discussion on how to apply for a job. Her colleague Wylie Dassie discussed how important it is to stay out of trouble, to avoid having a history that makes it hard to get a job later on. HR's Jennifer Boswell also facilitated the morning's activities, and Jeff Saulich of the Communications Office described how APD helps people with developmental disabilities.
Participants included Byrd and her son Drew, Lloyd Harger and son Ben, Felicia Monroe and son Jalen, and Kim White and daughter Breanna. It was rewarding to see how interested the young people were in the discussion and activities. A bigger and better event is planned for Central Office next year.
The Daughters and Sons of Area 8
April 23 was a day bubbling with energy and activity in APD's Area 8 office in Fort Myers. It was Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, and several staffers did just that. Five young people participated, with ages spanning from 7 to teenage.
Various age-appropriate projects were made available so the participants had something interesting to do. Some enjoyed tours while others did clerical tasks. A few participants had the opportunity to interview staff. They also visited the Juvenile Justice Information Fair and Food Drive, held in the rotunda of the building. They all received a goody bag and a Certificate of Service. Everyone seemed to enjoy spending time with our agency and the staff enjoyed it as well.
The participants were Area Administrator Marsha Vollmar and grandson Dylan, Bob Steinhauer and son Charlie, Karen Hartlieb and daughter Jennifer, and Jose Delvalle and daughters Kayra and Kelsea.
Daughters and Sons Come to Suncoast
On April 23 in Tampa, APD's Suncoast Area office and honored guests participated in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. This year's theme was "Building Partnerships to Educate and Empower." Each year, millions of children up to age 18 participate in this exciting annual event and are rewarded with a valuable understanding and appreciation of their parents' contributions in the workplace.
Suncoast's enthusiastic participants included Gloria Head and her 15-year-old daughter Ashley, who plans on being a nurse; Glorie Singleton and her son Darius, 12, who eyes a career as an attorney; Margaret Rainford and her son Jawara, 14, whose heart is set on being a computer technologist; and Lana Rakovic and her daughter Ivana, 12, who is keeping her options open.
Suncoast employees extend their thanks to the participants for spending the day with them and sharing their unique and valuable skills. The staff looks forward to another exciting event next year.
Area 8 Salutes Administrative Pros
Administrative Professionals Day did not go unnoticed at APD's Area 8 office in Fort Myers. The crew threw a big to-do on April 22 for three very deserving administrative pros: Joan Lemaire, Linda Richardson, and Dorann Kimble. The trio was greeted with balloons and a celebration that went all out!
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Area 10 Honors Administrative Pros
APD's Area 10 office in Fort Lauderdale honored its valued administrative professionals with an ice cream social on April 22. The guests of honor were Gwen Reynolds, Janet Watts, Kinte' Vereen, Lillian Georgia, Lisha Monroe and Vinod Kulhari.
"Our administrative professionals are appreciated for the daily support and assistance they give to area staff and the individuals we serve," said Area Administrator Martha Martinez. "Their efforts and dedication keep our area office running smoothly and we are grateful to work with each and every one of them."
Suncoast Salutes First Employee of the Month
APD's Suncoast Area office in Tampa has started an Employee of the Month award program, and its first recipient is Deborah Decker. Decker was recognized due to her awesome efforts in changing the office's computers to the Active Directory network system, and for everything she does for all of the staff to help them do their jobs better. Decker truly embraces and practices the concept of customer satisfaction. She was named the Employee of the Month for April.
Suncoast's new Employee of the Month program serves as a way to demonstrate the office's appreciation to its outstanding, hard-working, dedicated employees. Each month, an employee will be recognized for their exemplary work performance. The honoree receives an official Certificate of Appreciation, a $10 Starbucks gift certificate, and a Recognition of Excellence lapel pin. The selected employee will also have their photograph displayed at the area's program office in Tampa and at its St. Petersburg office.
On the Move
APD is proud to announce new employees. Please join us in welcoming them to the APD Team. We also salute several retiring colleagues.
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Photo Editor
Lloyd Harger - Web Development