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Chimes Cheers – July 2025

Chimes Cheers! recognizes our employees who live the five core values of Chimes as witnessed and submitted by their fellow colleagues.

Within each edition, you’ll be inspired by the remarkable success stories within Chimes.

Through this initiative, we aim to embody our mission, vision, and values, fostering a culture of celebration and gratitude. Together, let us honor our colleagues whose dedication empowers lives and enables the future of individuals with differing abilities.

We look forward to receiving your submissions for next month’s edition. The deadline to submit is Monday, August 18th. 

Please only use THIS FORM to submit your Cheers.

Shoutout to Douglas Smith, the fearless leader of All Day Services! You’ve swooped into the day program scene and are spreading your wings with passion, purpose, and positivity. Whether it’s leading with heart, lifting spirits, or steering the ship toward better days, you’re in it for the right reasons. So keep soaring, keep striving, and remember you’ve got this. The crew sees you. Let’s hear it for Douglas Woooooo!!! – Bria

Julie O’Toole has done a great job working with the FP&A team during a hectic budget season. – Charlie Overmoyer

My Cheer is for Delphine Ongaki, Residential House Manager. She recently requested medication refills and provided me a detailed list of medication dosages and names for each individual. I did not need to ask for any other information. I in turn was able to send that list to the provider who also asked me to thank her for the complete request with all information at once. – Kim Corcoran

Our GSA customer sent an email of appreciation for Charlton Grant, PM at WJC E/W, for his plan of action for curtailment days. The energy team for GSA said his plan resulted in amazing numbers and they would like to duplicate the plan elsewhere – GO CHARLTON!! YOU ROCK!!! – Shelly Shaffer

Thank you, Lincoln Hart! As a new employee, you have demonstrated professionalism, drive and ambition. During one of your first weeks, you assisted with setting up a new contract. You asked the right questions and helped to ensure a smooth transition. You are a value-added leader to the DC Team. – D. Panas

Congratulations to Leandra Yost for leading the school to a successful year for 2024/2025. Leandra has been working on creating a collaborative environment for staff at the school. She recognizes the importance of having fun for staff and students while ensuring a safe environment. – Pam Meadows

The team at LCW and LCE worked hard to implement the Attend Link program with Kristen Loveless. Understanding the important impact this program would have for attendance collection, the team worked hard to meet a tight deadline. Not only did they meet it, but they had 100% attendance the first week it rolled out. Congratulations team!! – Pam Meadows

I would like to give a cheer for a job well done to Danielle Mims, LaSonja Curtiss, and Gina Cincotta in getting me onboarded, checking on my progress every step of the way, and keeping me informed of what was going on. – Sharon Jackson

Tina Ponce has been an amazing leader and a breath of fresh air for all of Chimes DC. Her ability to come in and make an immediate impact as a leader has been felt throughout the organization. – Jorry Matherson

I am very grateful to Brent Moorefield for filling in for our open APG Ground Maintenance PM and all the work he has done. Much appreciation, Brent, and thank you for your team spirit. – Shelly Shaffer

David Lambert is meticulous with his job. He quickly responds regarding Evolve questions. He is beyond patient with all of our questions and guides us regarding how to get into old treatment plans. He is always gracious when replying. – Michelle Weinberg

Congratulations to Nicole Brown for celebrating her 20th anniversary with Chimes! Your infectious spirit embodies the values of Chimes and lifts up the whole Holcomb team! – Lindy Bowman

Brian Nist has dug into our budgeting tool, Martus, and is becoming a subject matter expert. He has helped me solve several technical issues and is always available to brainstorm solutions. – John Bookout

Dr. Lisa Spatafore, thank you for all your HARD work and DEDICATION to updating our APPIC site, APA ARO data, Self-Study Table Updates, organization of files, Substantive Changes, and for being so organized and on top of it all! You are truly a rock star! I’m so appreciative of all your hours of hard work, your organization, and initiative! – Ashley Murry

Steven Kanu is a great team player; he offers solutions and supports his colleagues with workload. Steven is dedicated to completing tasks on or before leaving his shift and is always willing to help out when asked. – Sharon Moore

John Bookout has done an excellent job working with Chimes Delaware. His attention to detail has resulted in excellent work. – Charlie Overmoyer

To Lindy Bowman, O’Ryan Case, Kriti Gyawali, Lauren Gonzales, Chelsey Ewers, and Tuba Hassan – thank you for being the heart of our development efforts. Your passion, creativity, and unwavering support make every challenge feel like a shared triumph. We’ve had our share of late nights and quick pivots, but also plenty of laughs. I’m truly grateful to work alongside each of you! – Mary Dockrill

Susan Thomaidis knocked it out of the park – the saying “you don’t get what you don’t ask for” applies here. She was able to save several individuals for the work positions at Department of Commerce by advocating and pushing back during negotiations for reductions. Great job Susie! – Shelly Shaffer

Brian Nist has done a great job integrating the FP&A team in the new suite and finding unexpected synergies. – Charlie Overmoyer

Since I began working at Gresham house as a manager, Bob Owusu has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism. He goes above and beyond to support the individuals, offering valuable insight, guidance, and a deep understanding of their needs and preferences. His calm demeanor, strong leadership, and commitment to following company policies have earned him the respect of both new and longtime staff. Mr. Bob serves as a role model in the home. – Margaret Duho

Big shout out to Kriti Gyawali on our Foundation Team for organizing another professionally run art day in Chimes Virginia. We welcomed the chief of staff for Virginia delegate Salim and she was so impressed she stayed long after the event to discuss how to support Chimes! – Lindy Bowman

Zetseat Jajarso is consistently offering support with a positive, approachable attitude. She collaborates well with residential staff and shares thoughtful feedback during planning. – Michael Richter

I have been in Lancaster’s IDD recently and have been working closely with the staff. They are so helpful, welcoming, and knowledgeable. I appreciate all they have done to prepare for the upcoming audit. – Jennifer Mapp (cheer for Ariana Ford, Jordan Spackman, and Temple Waugh)

Merging new figures into existing processes isn’t easy, but Felicia Odie always responds with kindness, understanding, and often a smiley face 🙂 She makes collaboration feel effortless and helps me stay afloat on chaotic days. I’m so grateful to work with her. 10/10 would recommend. Thank you, Felicia! – Sharea Elliott

I would like to recognize the Talent Acquisition Team in Delaware for their efforts in placing so many amazing new faces within the DE Team! Felicia Odie, Tiana Turner, and Josefine Acosta – we appreciate you very much!! – Chuck Budd

Huge thank you to Maria Castillo, Darlene Ramos Canales, Robin Santana, and others from the Chimes DC team that jumped in and helped to organize and submit names for a Pentagon tour with staff from Capitol Hill. This would not have gotten done without their help! – Chelsey Ewers

A big thank you to Porshe Sisney at Air Force Base for helping to create our new cleaning inspection platform! Every door you knocked on made a difference and made the system more complete for our contracts and staff. – Kelly

I want to give cheer to O’Ryan Case. Your leadership, drive, and ability to keep us focused on the “bigger picture” have been instrumental to our success. Thank you for pushing us forward and always offering your support—it truly makes all the difference. – Tuba Hassan

All of our appreciation to Kim Jordan, Gerald Witherspoon, and Kevin London – the Quality Assurance team at BWI Airport is shaping our new inspection system for cleaning contracts as we speak. Thank you for your attention to every detail! – Kelly Kalatucka

I want to give cheer to Mary Dockrill. Your fun, nurturing, and no-nonsense “bull-dog” approach inspires me daily. You lead with heart and determination, always making sure we stay on track. Thank you for your constant guidance, trust, and for being such a strong and supportive mentor. – Tuba Hassan

Let’s celebrate this wonderful person: April Brown! – Manouan Say

Shout out to Kristen Loveless for always being in Collaboration mode. Always willing to help or visit a location to ensure understanding!! Congrats on getting the AttendLink App launched in MD Day Programs. – Barb Saunders

Michael Joseph has done a great job and has worked very hard throughout budget season. – Charlie Overmoyer

Steve Sibit is one of the hardest-working members of the Chimes team. His dedication is unmatched, and he lives out our mission/values with genuine heart and consistency. Steve leads with kindness, professionalism, and a willingness to jump in wherever he’s needed. He’s not only a stellar employee but an exceptional person whose presence makes Chimes better every single day. Thank you, Steve, for all that you do for ALL of us. We’re grateful to have you on our team! – Michael Plummer

This past month, we marked an exciting milestone at Chimes with the graduation of the first cohort of the Chimes Leadership Development Academy! Over the course of a year, this group of 12 dedicated team members gained tools, mentorship, and insight to grow into the next generation of Chimes leaders.

We’re proud to share that a second cohort of 23 participants has already begun their journey through the program, which will continue over the next 12 months.

A heartfelt Chimes Cheers to all of our graduates and new cohort members—and a special thank you to Ernest Jackson, Director of Mentorship and Professional Growth, for launching and leading this transformative initiative.

We can’t wait to see how these leaders will continue to elevate our mission of supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges.

This month, Shelly Shaffer, SVP of Strategic Operations and Business Expansion, shares exciting news in her video message!

On July 17, Chimes welcomed over 100 guests, including Maryland legislators and community leaders, to celebrate the grand opening of our Outdoor Adaptive Therapeutic Center (OATC) at The Chimes School. This inclusive, state-of-the-art playground is designed for students with developmental disabilities and features a vibrant mural co-created by students and artist Christina de Guzman Jones.

Thanks to state funding, a second phase of the playground is already in the works!

Thank you for helping make Every Day a Meaningful Day — this milestone is a testament to your dedication.

VIRGINIA ART DAY

Our community came alive with creativity, and connection during a joyful Art Day in Virginia, hosted by our Chimes Foundation team to prepare for ArtFall25! We were honored to welcome Mia Pisani from Delegate Holly Seibold’s office and Aeshah Sheikh from Senator Saddam Azlan Salim’s office.  Art gives us all a way to share our stories, spark joy, and see each other in new, beautiful ways.

CHIMES CUTS THE RIBBON ON NEW PLAYGROUND AT THE CHIMES SCHOOL

Chimes celebrated the opening of its new fully accessible Outdoor Adaptive Therapeutic Center (OATC) playground at The Chimes School! Designed for youth of all abilities, the space promotes inclusive play and will serve as a model across Maryland. 

Join us in congratulating the following Chimes team members on their June anniversaries!

Celebrating 5 Years:

  • Adriana Rosales Ramos, Custodian
  • Neleta Smith, Custodian
  • Evelyn Pineda, Custodian
  • Heather Ayotte, Division Director
  • Ronniece Snowden, Direct Support Professional
  • Lordina Agyeiwaa, Direct Support Professional

Celebrating 10 Years:

  • Mary Moore, Custodian
  • Delia Winters, Lead Worker
  • Eric Watson, Direct Support Professional

 

Celebrating 15 Years:

  • James Coles Jr., Custodian
  • Denise Brown, Direct Support Professional

Celebrating 20 Years:

  • Jamal Brown, Custodian
  • Cynthia Davis, Custodian Overnight
  • Adela Mendoza, Custodian
  • Richard Houck, Maintenance Technician

Celebrating 25 Years:

  • Betty Lundy, Custodian Overnight
  • Carolyn Bell Foxx, Custodian
  • Carlos Ramos, Project Manager