November 2024 Staff Recognitions

Please join us in congratulating the November 2024 Recognition Recipients!

Executive Director’s Recognition

The Executive Director’s Recognition is given to individuals who’s insight, efforts, and innovation elevate their program.

Please join us in congratulating Dawn White-Daum, Milestone Manor Program Director, and Lauren Gates, Milestone Manor, Recovery Care Coordinator, as the November Executive Director’s Recognition recipients.

Dawn and Lauren were selected to present at the Trauma Informed Care conference last month. It’s awesome that they took the initiative to put together a presentation, that they were brave enough to present to the crowd, and that they are being recognized for their expertise.

RISE is proud of you!

Rise to the Occasion Recognition

The Rise to the Occasion Recognition is given to individuals who see a need within the agency and go above and beyond to fill that need.

Please join us in congratulating Andrew Steenburgh, Hedgerow House Counselors, as the November Rise to the Occasion Recognition recipient.

Andrew was like the missing puzzle piece to staff over at Hedgerow House. He came in and took control of the Hedgerow House Apartment Program with grace and patience.

If there is a need for help within the house, Andrew steps up and lends a hand, no questions asked. He fills the gaps with great intuition and completes tasks to the best of his ability.

He has been a vital component of Hedgerow House and everyone here is grateful.

Rise to the Extra Mile Recognition

The Rise to the Extra Mile Recognition is given to highly motivated individuals who go that extra mile in their job.

Please join us in congratulating Susan Baitinger, Administrative Assistant, as the November Rise to the Extra Mile Recognition recipient.

 We would like to acknowledge Susan for her exceptional hard work and kindness, particularly during our recent move and transition to our temporary office space. She consistently went above and beyond, assisting with a range of tasks, notably in organizing and managing moving supplies, daily mail, and package delivery.

Susan plays a crucial role in our operations, answering calls and welcoming guests, often serving as the first point of contact for clients and visitors. Her willingness to step up and help has never gone unnoticed.

Special Mention

Special Mention is given to individuals for outstanding achievement.

Please join us in congratulation Victoria Furfaro, Outreach and Advocacy Director, as the November Special Mention recipient. 

We also wanted to give a special shoutout to Victoria Furfaro who has received many nominations over the past few months.

Recently, Victoria became part of the Leadership Saratoga class of 2025. Leadership Saratoga has a competitive selection process and is a yearlong program dedicated to the development of leaders who will serve their communities today and in the future. Congratulations Victoria!

Staff on the Rise

Staff on the Rise is an employee recognition program which recognizes staff who possess an exemplary work ethic, excel on the job, are team players, and are an inspiration to others.

Please join us in congratulating Renee Ramsey, Support Services Director, as the November Staff on the RISE Recognition recipient.

We’re thrilled to celebrate Renee’s impressive journey with RISE! She has progressed from YCM to Senior, then to Compliance Officer, and most recently, she earned her promotion to Support Services Director.
In her role as Compliance Officer, Renee played a vital role in updating the RISE HIPAA Policy and forms, as well as the Program Supervision forms. Her collaboration with Program Directors to unify chart and file cabinet labeling has greatly enhanced our efficiency, and her support for the YCM and ACM Programs has been invaluable.
Additionally, Renee’s leadership in co-directing the Ambassador Program with Unlimited Potential has made a significant impact. We are so grateful for her unwavering dedication and hard work! Read about all of Renee’s accomplishments in her Staff on the RISE Blog