TEAM ADMIN, ADMISSIONS, MARKETING, FINANCE
Kristina Chavarin, Client Engagement Specialist - Admissions
Kristina for her outstanding dedication to client engagement and admissions. Her ability to have meaningful conversations and break down barriers for individuals entering recovery is truly invaluable. With selflessness and compassion, she meets clients where they are, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. Additionally, her commitment to teamwork and peer support makes a lasting impact on both clients and colleagues. Thank you, Kristina, for your unwavering dedication and the positive difference you make every day!

‍TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL - DOWNTOWN
Ryan Kidrick, Peer Support Specialist
1. Ryan Kidrick is a survivor of immense lifelong trauma, addiction and pain... He is a living example of what post-traumatic growth is and has to offer. Ryan heals countless others at breakneck speed with his strongest talents including, but not limited to:

1. Being hyper attuned to the clients and their individual needs for recovery. When first meeting with new clients he radiates warmth, connection, and commitment. He uses these skills to obtain key insights into what would most aid a client as they navigate the program and bridges this to the clinical team every shift!
2. Ryan takes a trauma informed approach in every interaction regardless of tension in the situation, limited time, or narrow bandwidth. You would assume Ryan has his masters in the field and certifications in trauma informed approaches with the tact he brings to the team. He’s is constantly incredibly mindful of the signals he is sending out, as well as the multiple forms in which those signals might be perceived.
3. Ryan Kidrick has the impact of three peer supporters in one. He buzzes around the threptic community sniffing out struggle and applies calm, connected, clarity to distressed individuals as needed. When something feels outside of his “scope of practice”, he is quick to hail a therapist and bridge what needs to be addressed.
4. He has realigned the Men's Trauma group at DT by scouting who in the house would benefit most from said services and advocating for their placement. He then joins the group and ensures they feel safe processing, he will support them in opening up and challenge them compassionately if he knowns they can dig deeper.

In sum, Ryan’s commitment is unapparelled. His focus on growing is tenacious. He is always empowering others. As a former client of the program, Ryan is a true representation of the original Odyssey definition of a "Bridge" in the therapeutic community.

2. Ryan deserves this award 100%Ryan works for Odyssey House for all the right reasons. He is here for himself, to stay connected and keep himself safe. He is also here for the clients that come through. He genuinely, truly cares for each and every person who comes through those doors and you can feel it. You know it's true, it's not just a job for him. Ryan has so much life experience, the fact that he is on this side of everything is an absolute miracle. Not only for his own life, but we are all so very lucky to have him be the light that he truly is in our lives. He has so much to offer these clients, because chances are, whatever they've been through, he has too! And look at him now! He is the best example of "If I can do it, so can you!" And I know that I personally am so thankful that we get to experience him. And I feel safe with him in the house and him being one of the main people our clients interact with, because I know he cares and wants the best for them. He is also always willing to help staff when needed. He brightens everyone's day just by being himself. I am so proud of you, Ryan! Thank you for coming back to life and being part of our lives. You are so valued and so loved!

TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL – LIGHTHOUSE
Holly Meckley, Case Manager
I am the newest staff to the Case Management team at Lighthouse and Holly never ceases to amaze me. She is the calm, quiet, knowledge that keeps us running over here in our part of the building. Holly is respectful, kind and caring towards our clients, yet, with a firmness that is rarely questioned. Holly is a person that is easy to get along with, she has guided me,   and shown me the ropes from day 1 and continues to do so as my very first clients have begun to transition. Holly defenitely isn't one to micro manage, but, she is always willing to teach me whatever it is that she has probably already taught me a few times. PATIENCE that is Holly. I feel blessed to be part of the case management team at Lighthouse. Odyssey was insightful when hiring Holly, she definetly is a keeper.  

‍TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL – MEADOWBROOK
Sherry Jackman, Kitchen manager
‍1. Sherry deserves to be recognized as she is a key component to a healthy TC. Not only does she oversee all of the community's food needs, regulations in the kitchen, ordering, and overseeing a client vocational department. She also helps tremendously in all the transportation needs for the house. She really goes above and beyond her role here. She is engaged with the clients daily and hourly! Her time on the floor and engagement really shows through in this house. We are very lucky to have her on our team and she should be recognized for her tremendous efforts.

2. She is always ready to change hats from running the kitchen to filling in for an overloaded transporting schedule to on the spot counseling.

TEAM ADULT RESIDENTIAL – MILLCREEK
Jacqueline Benson, Behavioral Health Tech
Jackie is a great BHT. Jackie works 2 jobs both include helping others. Jackie has a great need to help our clients the best she can. Anytime a situation arises she will stay and work hard until it's resolved, making calls, sending emails or whatever she needs to do. Jackie is very reliable when it comes to her shifts. We as staff always know she will be there, even after she fell at Millcreek East and broke her leg, she never missed her shifts.

‍TEAM CLINIC
NO NOMINATIONS THIS  MONTH
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TEAM MENTAL HEALTH; WOMEN’S / MEN’S, FACT, CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Kara Broadhead, Therapist – Men’s Mental Health
Kara has been an invaluable asset to our team. She consistently goes above and beyond to support our clients, adapting to their needs with unwavering dedication. She joined our team during the height of the Cerner transition, immediately immersing herself in learning a new system while simultaneously mastering other essential aspects of her role. Throughout this challenging period, she never once complained. Following the birth of her first child, Kara returned from maternity leave with the same commitment and drive, ensuring our clients continued to receive the highest level of care. Despite changes within our team, she has remained a steadfast and reliable presence, providing stability and reassurance to both clients and colleagues.

Kara embodies professionalism, patience, and empathy in every interaction. Her natural ability to support clients in crisis and guide them toward stability is truly remarkable. She consistently meets clients where they are, offering them hope and encouragement for the future. I have witnessed her navigate complex emotional situations with grace, always seeing the individual beyond their actions. It is a privilege to work alongside someone as compassionate and dedicated as Kara.

TEAM OUTPATIENT - SUGARHOUSE / REDWOOD
Heather Lyman, Funding Specialist – Redwood
‍Heather has a demanding job. She is the billing specialist. Her job is not glamorous;  but she does it with honesty and integrity. Although she comes across as quiet and unassuming, she is a shining example of an Odyssey graduate. She has helped me immeasurably, regardless if it's with note errors,  UCEs, UWITS, or whatever I have needed as a fairly new Odyssey employee. I appreciate her support. She let's us know what we need to do to keep Redwood a solid running machine. She is an intricate and priceless member of our team. I am very grateful for her and the hard work she does for us. 

‍TEAM PARENTS & CHILDREN SERVICES, SCHOOL BASED SERVICES
Olivia Zollinger, Med Room Coordinator – Parents Program
1. Olivia is seriously the weirdest most awkward (in a good way lol )but funniest person i have ever worked with / Met in my whole life.She is an amazing asset to the medical team she is always willing to step up and help whenever and where ever she can,, She is such a joy to work with and im am so glad that i get to!!

2. Olivia is an incredibly positive and dependable person! Her ability to stay cheerful and helpful, no matter the situation, is truly admirable. It's not easy to maintain such a positive attitude while also consistently doing a thorough and quality job. Olivia makes a big difference no matter which program she happens to be helping out with on any given day. We are very blessed to have Olivia on our team.

3. Shes been a huge help to MB while some of the staff members have been gone and I wanna show my appreciation for that!

4. Olivia is always willing to go above and beyond for her own job and to help fill in for others. She always does it with a smile. She is the perfect nominee.

5. Olivia has been a great team player! She goes above and beyond for all the clients here at Odyssey. She is willing to help anyone and everyone.

6. Olivia has been a crucial part of the medical team. While we had another coordinator out on maternity leave Olivia stepped up and did all her duties at Parents AND also assisted the nurse at Meadowbrook with appointments, referrals and supporting the house. Olivia did this with no hesitation and with pride for her job and the company she works for. She is very deserving of this award. Thank you Olivia.

7. Always willing to help out. Goes above and beyond to help peers and clients. Always has a positive attitude.

‍TEAM TRANSITIONAL SERVICES, BOARDING HOMES & FACT
Shanique Morrison, Program Manager – ACT Team
1. I’d like to highlight Shanique for her outstanding work as the Program Manager for ACT. Since stepping into her new role, she has done an incredible job taking charge and leading with confidence and compassion. She’s easygoing, kind, and always a pleasure to work with—her supportive nature makes her a go-to person on the team. Whether it’s helping out a coworker or going the extra mile for a client, she approaches every interaction with warmth and sincerity. Our clients absolutely love her, and it’s clear she continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact. She's an absolute Baddie.

2. Shanique has been super welcoming and a great boss on the ACT team! She has a wealth of knowledge about the clients and is always willing to help out the team. Shanique has also been setting up the ACT building so that it is ready for the staff and clients when it opens! She has been doing a great job managing supply orders and organizing the rooms to make it an inviting and therapeutic space.

‍TEAM YOUTH RESIDENTIAL
Sean King, Moonlighting Behavioral Health Tech
On my first day at work at Odyssey House Youth I had the pleasure of working with Sean King. He went above and beyond teaching me the program rules and what it is to be a staff at Odyssey House. He made me feel really welcome and at ease. He took his time to explain the program to me and teach me my duties for the day. He gave me valuable feedback on how to handle a certain situation differently. I valued my first day with him and I learned a lot and I appreciate what he did for me! He introduced me to all of the clients and I could see that they really enjoyed having him there as well. I kept getting my keys stuck in all of the locks of the doors and he was really patient with me. I hope to work with him again, he was a great leader and represented Odyssey House in a great manner!