ANASTAISA
SQUILLACE

DECEMBER 2009

ANASTAISA SQUILLACE

Anastaisa Squillace, has worked at Liberty as an RN since May of 2004. Initially, she was on the staff of New Dimensions in Health Care, then joined Liberty’s day program in January of 2008. Anastaisa has a comforting, compassionate, and respectful approach to helping individuals. Her integrity and professionalism are valuable assets. When faced with challenges, Anastaisa, in her quiet way, helps her team be resourceful in providing effective solutions. She is dedicated to achieving optimal health for those in her care. Liberty’s clinical team values her considerate and positive attitude.

JULIE
HEMSTREET

NOVEMBER 2009

JULIE HEMSTREET

Julie Hemstreet, November’s Employee of the Month, is currently celebrating her 20 year anniversary of employment with Liberty. Julie is an important member of the Family Support Services team. Quality, integrity, and respect are just some of the core values reflected in the work Julie does. She has built strong relationships with the families she supports. Julie is an advocate and voice for the people we serve, and families often request her to be assigned to their homes. Julie is an asset to our team and truly deserving of being designated Employee of the Month.

STEVE
MACK

OCTOBER 2009

STEVE MACK

Steve Mack has worked as a mechanic in Liberty’s garage maintenance facility for 24 years. He is resourceful in maintaining the fleet of agency vehicles and is always willing to take on the challenge of a new task. Beyond the day to day maintenance and repairs, Steve is extremely proficient in trouble shooting and repair of our vehicle wheelchair lifts and air conditioning systems. Steve takes great pride in his work. Staff who nominated Steve commented on his responsiveness to their needs and the excellence of his work. Steve is a team player. He communicates daily with various departments and responds to unscheduled concerns. He treats everyone with kindness and respect, exemplifying Liberty’s values of quality, teamwork, respect and resourcefulness. Steve is a real asset to Liberty

MARYLOU
NICOLELLA

SEPTEMBER 2009

MARYLOU NICOLELLA

MaryLou Nicolella began her tenure in 1992 in the Hygiene Area, and soon became a Nursing Assistant. She dispensed her own form of medicine…encouraging words, reassuring pats, and gregarious laughter! MaryLou moves easily from one area of expertise to another. She works as an Assistant Habilitation Specialist I in the Day Supports pool of floating support staff. She continues to be an integral part of the Day Supports Nurse’s office, ensuring that everything is filed correctly and nurses are equipped with the supplies they need. MaryLou possesses an affinity for perfection and assists in the Day Program Audit. MaryLou shares her knowledge and mentors new staff on proper documentation to meet federal requirements. Don’t let that serious “Moma Lou” look fool you, because it’s her laughter that wins out!

MICHELE
ROGERS

AUGUST 2009

MICHELE ROGERS

Michele Rogers came to Liberty as a Medicaid Service Coordinator (MSC) in September, 2002. With her degree in Human Services and prior experience, we can’t imagine her working in any other field. Michele respects the people she serves with a genuine person-centered approach. She is very personable and easy to talk to which enables her to establish good rapport and high levels of trust with others. Michele finds out what is important to each person and strives to make it happen and then takes her support to the next level. She is an extraordinary advocate who is able to work with a variety of teams and administrators in a professional manner, bringing everyone together to provide needed and desired supports. Michele is excellent at responding to issues or concerns until they are resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. She uses her creativity to find unique solutions to difficult problems and takes pride in being able to make a difference in the lives of others. Michele has 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren. We are honored that she is part of the Liberty family, too!

SHEILA
STEWART

JULY 2009

SHEILA STEWART

Sheila Stewart began her career with Liberty in 2003. She recently became a full-time staff member in the Family Support Program where she has become a stalwart of the department, relied upon to tackle many tasks. Sheila is often referred to as the “glue” that holds Family Support together. She makes herself aware of all the department’s activities and on many an afternoon can be seen “directing traffic” in the Family Support office. Prior to joining FSS full time she shared her duties between Medicaid Service Coordination and FSS where she was a vital link between the two departments. Sheila resides in Johnstown with her husband Mike and her daughter Paige. We’re proud to honor this valued employee. Congratulations, Sheila!

KAREN
BIELAWA

JUNE 2009

KAREN BIELAWA

Karen Bielawa has worked in Liberty homes for 10 years and has happily found her niche at 92 Market Street as a Live-In Assistant Manager. She is always looking out for the residents’ needs, preferences, and best interests by being attentive, observant, and a great listener. Karen is very resourceful—whether paying the bills for the home, making doctors’ appointments or planning a summer garden. She will always figure out a way to realize her goals. Recently, she went beyond her job duties to plan a fall Brown’s Tour to Yankee Stadium for residents of several homes. All arrangements are in place for a much-anticipated excursion. Karen consistently exemplifies Liberty’s values—specifically Teamwork, Resourcefulness, and Person Centered. She supervises two other staff on her shift and their teamwork is evident as they work together to clean, cook, and plan activities. Karen is a highly-valued Liberty staffperson.

JENNIFER
NEWHOOK

MAY 2009

JENNIFER NEWHOOK

Jennifer Newhook has been working as a Facility Management Assistant since 2007, providing critical support through her efficient organizational skills. Jennifer is the ultimate multi-tasker and has taken the lead on many projects which enhance the department’s ability to provide reliable service to our many sites. Jennifer always presents a pleasant and easy-going attitude. Her attention to detail is extremely valuable to the department which needs reliable communication of issues and concerns from our varied program areas. Jennifer has always been a team player. She created databases for documenting our preventive maintenance work such as annual fire system reviews, HVAC systems, and wheelchair inspections. Jennifer has her finger on the pulse of any maintenance need within the agency and is ready to provide the necessary information to staff so they can get the job done. She is a vital part of our Facility Management team!

CAROL
SAGER

APRIL 2009

CAROL SAGER

Carol Sager began her employment at the Liberty Workshop in 1976 and has continued to assist individuals in vocational positions throughout her long career. As a result of her extensive service to individuals with disabilities, Carol has great intuitions about how to best assist individuals to meet their goals. She is very good at breaking down job tasks, and encouraging individuals to take things one step at a time to achieve success. Carol is often asked to advocate for individuals at their work site and is able to stay calm and supportive in difficult situations. Her concern about individuals she supports is genuine and she has earned their respect and trust. Carol is also highly respected by her co-workers, not only for her willingness to “pitch in” whenever needed, but also because she embraces changes and challenges within the organization with a positive attitude. Congratulations, Carol!

MATT RICHARDS and ADELE GUZEK

MARCH 2009

MATT RICHARDS and ADELE GUZEK

Matt Richards has been a direct support supervisor at the Wesleyan Avenue residence since it opened last December. He has helped the house “feel like a home” with his patience and approachable personality. Matt remains calm during stressful situations and demonstrates a positive attitude. His optimism is contagious. Matt is a great role model and encourages the gentlemen at Wesleyan to be as independent as possible. He never judges their decisions, but when a problem occurs, Matt is there to help individuals regard the situation as a learning experience. He has a good working relationship with co-workers and good rapport with families. Matt is a caring, dependable staff who often works holiday shifts, replacing co-workers who have children. Matt has worked for Liberty for only a few years, but is as valuable as a veteran; he’s a great asset to Liberty and we fortunate to have him on the team.

Adele Guzek is an Assistant Live-in Manager at 10 Catherine Street in Amsterdam. This IRA just relocated from Highland Gardens and Adele played a key role in making the move a smooth one. She showed exemplary team work, working alongside the manager, coordinator, maintenance, and IT, and made it a memorable experience for the ladies who live there. Adele takes her job as a role model very seriously and gives the ladies opportunities to increase their independence. Adele exemplifies Liberty’s values each day through the quality and resourcefulness of her work, her respect for consumers and fellow employees, and her dedication to encouraging the ladies to be the best that they can be. Adele is proud to be a Liberty employee and hopes to continue to grow along with the agency.

JENNIFER
OSBORNE

FEBRUARY 2009

JENNIFER OSBORNE

Jennifer Osborne, a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College with a degree in Applied Sciences, began working at New Dimensions in Health Care as a dental hygienist in 1997. In addition to her excellent performance of clinical skills, Jennifer is a caring and considerate provider of services to patients. She is also a positive force on the Health Center staff because she is always willing to pitch in and help and does so with a smile…which makes others smile, too. By showing respect to all, Jennifer lifts the moods of those around her. Jennifer and her husband Rob live in Johnstown with their two children, Charlie and Grace. We’re proud to acknowledge Jennifer as a distinguished member of Liberty’s staff.

ANNA
WOZNIAK

JANUARY 2009

ANNA WOZNIAK

Anna Wozniak has been with Day Hab since 2005 when she began as part of the relief pool. Requests for her services attest to her charm and quiet, caring nature. In October, 2008, she was promoted to full-time floater status. Anna has a penchant for working with and supporting individuals who benefit from an extra measure of praise and encouragement. Individuals are encouraged to achieve and work towards attaining their desired personal outcomes. Anna maintains a positive outlook and inspires colleagues by practicing Liberty’s Values. Although she prefers to not be in the spotlight, she is very much appreciated by her co-workers. Please congratulate her on being selected Day Hab’s Employee of the Month!