May in Mental Health Awareness Month May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Gateway wanted to highlight some of our employees that have decided to stick with their Mental Health career path, and the success and fulfillment that they find in helping others .... Mark Scott, Director of Residential Services: Mark was in the police academy when he sustained an injury and had to pivot his career choice while still helping his community. He started at Gateway in 2015 as a full-time overnight DSP (direct service provider). Two years later he moved into another residential site to work during the day and was later promoted to a senior counselor at that site. In 2019, Mark was promoted again to Manager of Gateway Manor, a 24/7 high-level care home, and just over a year later to manage a new program under the Empire State Supported Housing Initiative (ESSHI) that incorporates existing apartments into viable and affordable housing for those with mental illness. This past December Mark Scott was promoted to one of three Residential Directors for his can-do attitude, his commitment to our community and the populations we care for. Gateway is expanding into Greene and Columbia Counties and Mark is spearheading this expansion along with his team. We are thankful for his dedication and look forward to his continued great work. Stepanie Ferraro, Compliance Specialist: Stephanie is relatively new to Gateway, starting last year as the Administrative Assistant to our largest department, Residential, and its Vice President. Stephanie was new to the human services world but quickly picked up the complexity of the residential programming and the many options Gateway offers to help our community members in need. Just a couple of weeks ago she accepted a newly created position as Compliance Specialist to work closely with our Chief Quality and Compliance Officer (CQCO) maintain policy and procedures and conduct investigations for the entire agency when necessary. This is a very important job that requires someone very detail oriented and we know that she can do it. In addition, Stephanie has decided to take advantage of the NY Health Equity Reform Waiver and Gateway's employee education assistance program to get her master's in social work. We look forward to supporting her in her education adventures! Judy Cruver, Manager of Transitional Business Model (TBM) Services: No one knows more about transitioning through work better than Judy. Judy came to Gateway as a participant from a hospitalization referral program in the spring of 2009 and met with Gateway's Job Coach who found her the perfect job as an administrative assistant and receptionist at Gateway. After two years, Judy was then promoted to be the Executive Administrative Assistant to the CEO. In 2014, she decided she would like to learn more about Gateway and applies, and gets, the Compliance Assistant position working directly for the CQCO. Two years later, she applies and accepts the job for the Coordinator of the Senior Nutrition Program (Senior Mobile Meals). This was a big, new position for Gateway at this time! In the fall of 2019, she decides to join the employment team as an Employment Specialist in the TBM program, helping individuals navigate finding work that they enjoy. It was her goal to find a Direct Support Position (DSP) since beginning her career at Gateway, recognizing that she could give back to others the way that she was supported. Judy feels that without the support of her supervisors and fellow employees that she's had over the years, she would have never had the opportunities and successes she's experienced. In August of 2023 Judy was promoted to Manager of Employment where she is thriving and helping others find meaningful work today. She thanks Gateway for giving her a chance. Congratulations, Judy! |
|
