Please join us in congratulating the August 2023 Recognition Recipients!
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. Rise to the Extra Mile honorees get to park in a designated parking space at the RISE administration office.
Congratulations to Melodie Masterson, Data and Communication Manager, as the August Rise to the Extra Mile Recognition recipient!
Melodie is the definition of a team player. Whatever needs to be done, she handles expertly, and often proactively with no direction. With the creation of new programs and the expansion of others, she has completed an incredible amount of work building data tracking tools and training staff on how to use them properly. She has gone so far as to complete these trainings in the middle of the night to accommodate the overnight shift staff members.
In addition to all this, Melodie continues to fill last minute coverage needs at our shelter and CRs – showing extreme commitment to the services we provide at RISE and our team. She continues to grow our social media presence, despite increased responsibility in data management and quality assurance, and is a crucial member of our Rocky Horror Picture Show committee. It’s simply hard to imagine a RISE without a Melodie!
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.
Congratulations to Jackie Newton, SunRISE Retreat Program Director as the August Rise to the Occasion Recognition recipient!
Nurse Jackie has truly stepped up to the plate in building our new Intensive Crisis Residence program, SunRISE retreat! She has spent countless hours poring over program design, policies, and procedures, and building an amazing team.
On top of all this, Jackie continues to cover shifts at the Adelphi Street Shelter and has been an amazing advocate for the medical needs of the guests there. We are so looking forward to SunRISE Retreat blossoming in success under her capable leadership!
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.
Congratulations to Brooke Ackerknecht, Senior Youth Care Manger, as the recipient of the August Staff on the Rise recognition and for receiving her Master of Science in Forensic Psychology with Distinction in May 2023. Brooke – who previously worked in Youth Care Management from April 2021 thru July 2021 – returned to RISE in February 2022 and she was promoted to Senior Youth Care Manager in August 2022.
“Brooke is an inspiration to us all with her incredible achievement – completing her master’s degree with distinction, while carrying a full caseload, and providing outstanding supervision and support to her co-workers in her role as Senior Youth Care Manager,” exclaims Erika Straight, Youth Care Management Program Director. “Her achievements are proof that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and perseverance. Congratulations Brooke, keep reaching for the stars!”
Read more about Brooke and her contributions to RISE in her Staff on the Rise Blog!
Executive Director’s Recognition
The Executive Director’s Recognition is given to individuals who’s insight, efforts, and innovation elevate their program.
Congratulations to Thomas Saxby, Adelphi Street Shelter Support Staff, as the August Executive Director’s Recognition recipient.
Recently, Thomas showed extreme professionalism, grace, and quick thinking when presented with very challenging situation at the Adelphi Street Shelter. For someone so new to the field, his ability to make the right decisions under intense pressure and deescalate the situation at hand, was profoundly impressive and certainly reduced the potential negative impacts on those involved, as well as the other guests present.
We are so proud to have you as a member of the RISE team!