Mission Ambassadors

Nominate a mission ambassador

As a mission driven organization, we would like to highlight and honor staff who have exemplified the mission by using one or more of the values of Fairfield DD.  Learn more about Fairfield DD’s values here. Nominations can be made by those in the agency or in the Fairfield County community.

October Mission Ambassadors

Amanda Ratliff, Family Support Services Coordinator

Amanda has quickly demonstrated a strong understanding of our agency's rules and procedures, which has contributed significantly to the success of our team. Being such a new addition to the team, she is already digging in and looking for better ways to utilize the county's resources. She rephrases what she learns to ensure understanding and then takes off with the direction. Recently, Amanda pitched a simpler process she had in mind for one of her projects, which was a more sensible option. She was able to then execute her idea, which saved her and the agency time. Her impressive work ethic, dedication, and pleasant attitude make her an ideal candidate for this nomination.

An’Gelica Harris, Behavior Support Supervisor

An'Gelica coordinated an appointment for a person and a new physician. She went above and beyond during afterhours to contact the doctor and assist me with contacting the Director of Ohio State University Hospital to get the person that we both serve into the hospital when all other resources were exhausted. She was persistent and very diligent in assisting to ensure the best care for the person. An’Gelica demonstrates the brand of excellence Fairfield DD hopes to display.

Deidra Long, Ancillary Support Specialist

Dee is nominated for exhibiting our values as we work to create a brand of excellence. Dee has begun working to clean and update the library located at Forest Rose. Staff and students use the space but with no librarian, there was not much time to update. During her down time, Dee began to organize and take stock of the books and resources available. Little by little, she made it through the shelves. When the opportunity for some volunteers to assist came around, Dee willingly offered to help supervise and coordinate. She spent time researching an app that each book could be scanned in to create a digital list of the library resources as well. During United Way’s Day of Action, Dee worked with volunteers to alphabetize and catalogue all the books. Now, staff can look to see what resources are available and students can come and enjoy the newly organized space.

September Mission Ambassador

Joelle Gardner, Medicaid Services Specialist

Joelle is truly an amazing coworker and is always putting the needs of others first. No matter the task, she is doing it with a smile on her face! She works to ensure teammates have what they need and is willing to lend a hand or train on a topic whenever she is asked.  Her willingness to serve is so inspiring and a true example of creating a brand of excellence at Fairfield DD!

August Mission Ambassadors

Dawn Buser, Services and Supports Supervisor

Dawn was nominated for living the values of fiscal responsibility and collaboration. As a supervisor, Dawn will always assist in finding ways that we are able to find funding sources for people’s needs. She has sent me several different community resources to try first or when Medicaid will not pay for something. A hospital bed was able to be used from a lending library at no cost to the individual. They were able to obtain the bed and have it delivered at no cost. They can keep it as long as they have a need. What a wonderful way to give back to others and be fiscally responsible. There was another time where I needed to find emergency placement for an individual. During this time, Dawn was very supportive and helpful. We were able to find placement using Medicaid funding. The family was very grateful for all the assistance and kindness they received. Dawn is very resourceful. The assistance she gives to her team and the people we serve is greatly appreciated.

Sarah Quinn, Individual Support Coordinator

Sarah has demonstrated both empowering others and creating a brand of excellence in the work that she does. She has worked with a young man who Sarah has helped to empower who is now leading his team and advocating for himself. He has registered to vote, is working on learning how to use public transportation, got his driving permit, is excelling in school, and is looking to the future regarding moving out of his family home. She has empowered him to take advantage of every opportunity that has come his way. For another person that Sarah supports, she has provided excellent customer service amid difficult circumstances. Sarah has kept focused on the person served and worked diligently in bringing team members together to collaborate for the sole purpose of supporting the person served. She has demonstrated great professionalism and has continued her brand of excellence, responding positively in all her communications. Way to lead by example, Sarah!

Felicia Wilson, Individual Support Coordinator

Felicia is nominated for striving to create a brand of excellence. I recently received a call from a parent/guardian who wanted to express their gratitude for the exceptional experience they’ve had working with Felicia. They shared how Felicia took the time to completely rewrite the ISP, which had previously been done in another county, and how she made the effort to truly get to know their son, who receives services. The parent said it felt as though Felicia had known their son for years. Felicia’s professionalism, relatability, and personal touch left the family thrilled to have her as their ISC. This is a testament to Felicia's passion and dedication to building meaningful relationships with the people and families she supports. Her work has clearly made a significant impact on the team and serves as an example of a brand of excellence she strives for each day.

July Mission Ambassadors

Cathy Anderson, Fiscal Officer

Cathy is nominated for exhibiting the value of fiscal responsibility.  We were made aware of a grant through the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) that provided free lunch for all students. Unfortunately, we missed the application deadline. Cathy crunched numbers, found out what was happening in the community, and requested that ODE consider us for the grant anyway. Initially, they declined, but later responded that if we completed a series of tasks for them, we could be considered for a waiver. Once she conferred with the superintendent and assistant superintendent on the cost implications, Cathy jumped in and completed all the tasks requested (including changes from the ODE). We are still awaiting the decision, but the work Cathy put in is much appreciated and will help us (fiscally) provide free breakfast and lunch to students at Forest Rose.

Erica Neal, Early Intervention Team Lead

It is difficult to only choose one of the pillars of values that showcase the reason that Erica is a mission ambassador. I chose empowering others, but she also falls into the Collaboration as well as Creating a Brand of Excellence categories. Erica has become someone who is rising to a leadership level due to her investment in others’ welfare and how she can assist others, especially new hires, in learning the job duties. She willingly provides her own examples of monitoring tools (spreadsheets, calendars) and handouts that she has created, which has helped me learn the steps to keep my records up to the standard that is expected. She holds herself to a high standard but also shares her personal learning experiences to connect with other staff members. Erica strives to help others rise to a level of excellence through her training and the assistance she has given. She is always willing to work with other staff members to figure out ways to help a family and has offered multiple times to ride along and provide guidance and recommendations when a difficult situation presents itself. She has recently taken over a new role, has more responsibilities, and has succeeded in excelling at this position while also providing time for collaboration and mentorship. She does all of this with a lighthearted, caring attitude that helps me feel comfortable coming to her with questions or concerns and has helped me grow professionally and personally over the past year.

LaTisha Subham, Services and Supports Supervisor

Tish is nominated for exhibiting the value of collaboration.  She was the supervisor on call when she was notified of a person who was taken to the hospital from a local homeless shelter.  She had worked with other team members to secure a temporary place for this person to go when discharged from the hospital earlier in the day. Tish received word that the person was being discharged late in the evening.  There was no coordinated transportation for the person to get to the hospital, and the person decided to leave. Tish picked the person up and dropped them off at the location they had set up for the night. She ensured the provider in the home was there and able to meet the needs of the person.  The team has now connected this person with Access to Wellness through New Horizons, and they were then able to transition to a hotel until the transfer to a new residence.