New Vitae Wellness and Recovery: 2020 Employee Awards

December 18, 2020

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery enjoyed celebrating the holiday season!  Due to the pandemic challenges that can be associated with group activities, we shared a variety of small events that kept the days special.  However, one yearly tradition that continues to be a staff favorite is sharing our Employees of the Year as well as our Pride and Iris Award winners!

Employee of the Year awards were given to the following individuals in recognition of their dedication and support of residents and their fellow team members:

Donita Williams, Mentor I – Mount Trexler Manor

Kasey Klinger, Care Coordinator Supervisor – Quakertown House

Valerie Reese, Brain Injury Support Specialist II – Action Recovery Brain Injury Services

Patrick Holt, Mentor II – Pathways Apartment Program

Cathy Kimock, Mental Health Worker – Recovery Center

Eileen Shannon, Charge Nurse – Philadelphia Residential Treatment Facilities

Samara Speakes, Director of Operations – Administration

Two additional awards were given that are especially meaningful to our employees.  The first, the Iris Award, named for the flower symbolizing behavioral health, was presented to Brian Considine.  Brian is the Director of Operations for Quakertown House and a long-time employee of the organization.  He assists residents on a regular basis, ensuring safety and security in moments that can be challenging due to the experience of behavioral health symptoms.  He is also consistently friendly and welcoming to new and long-term staff, and always willing to lend a helping hand to new projects.  The Pride Award, presented to William Leiner Jr., celebrates innovation and ownership of one’s work.  William is the organization’s Community Outreach Liaison; his role includes development of community connections and contacts while also using the lens of his nursing background to care for a number of residents on a routine basis.  His commitment to fostering the wellbeing of our residents through consistent psychoeducation and support makes him a fantastic recipient of the award.

A celebration video that includes footage of the award winners was available for staff members to view.  From all of us at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery: we hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and are enjoying a bright and happy 2021!