Terra Dawson – Activities Coordinator, NeuroRestorative Florida
Nominated multiple times for the NeuroRestorative Hero award, Terra Dawson, an Activities Coordinator at NeuroRestorative Florida’s program in Sarasota, has the inherent ability to positively impact every person she interacts with. Terra is respectful, supportive and always provides assistance to program participants, family members and staff. She is also a skilled coach when it comes to mentoring and providing leadership to Life Skills Trainers.
“Terra always demonstrates a considerate, friendly, flexible, and constructive attitude towards others,” said Richard Padilla, a NeuroRestorative Florida peer of Terra Dawson.
Jackie Zdenek – Regional Director of Quality Assurance
The first ever North-South NeuroRestorative Hero nomination, Jackie Zdenek has led NeuroRestorative programs through CARF accreditations and licensing surveys, while still maintaining programs’ daily adherence to quality standards. Dedicated to understanding regulations and invested in maintaining the provision of quality services, Jackie has been instrumental in developing innovative services and supports that lead to growth and independence of those served by NeuroRestorative in both the Northern and Southern regions.
“In her role as Regional Director of Quality Assurance, Jackie has demonstrated a commitment to quality programming at many different levels, first with Mentor BI Florida as a Program Director and then with NeuroRestorative,” said Jerry Villemain, State Director, NeuroRestorative Maryland and North Carolina.
“Some of the ways that Jackie is a NeuroRestorative Hero include her flexibility when it comes to her work schedule, her great sense of humor and her dedication to her job and meeting CARF Standards,” said Sara Pierce, Program Director of NeuroRestorative Michigan’s program in Novi.
Janice Comtois – Residential Supervisor, NeuroRestorative New Hampshire
Janice plays an important role in ensuring the delivery of quality of life enhancing services for NeuroRestorative New Hampshire participants. Always thinking of events and activities that incorporate the individual goals of participants, Janice recently developed a program activity themed the “Academy Awards.” Prior to the event, individuals earned “Academy Award tickets” as a reward for completing service plan goals, house chores and other activities. On the “Academy Awards” day, the participants dressed up, an elegant meal was planned and they played trivia games related to movies and the awards show. Janice developed the entire idea which brought entertainment and fun to the program and all involved.
“Janice supervises the daily activities for three separate NeuroRestorative New Hampshire programs, serving 18 individuals and orchestrating more than 30 employees. I say orchestrate because managing the employee schedule is like conducting a great symphony and Janice does it superbly,” said Kathleen Drown, Program Director, NeuroRestorative New Hampshire.
Joy McCoy – Life Skills Trainer, NeuroRestorative Carbondale
As a Life Skills Trainer, Joy is a team player and truly cares for the well-being of the people she serves. Focused on helping participants be as active and productive as possible during group sessions, Joy does a wonderful job of providing stimulating activities for participants. Joy also assists with cooking meals, cleaning and helps other departments when needed, without being asked.
“If participants need assistance with activities of daily living, Joy always helps. Joy is also very pleasant to work with and lends a hand to her peers when needed — she is a true hero!” said Edward Johnson, Joy’s supervisor at NeuroRestorative Carbondale.