St. Joseph Home Recognizes Outstanding Employees

May 4, 2012

St. Joseph Home celebrated the accomplishments and dedication of its staff at a recognition luncheon on March 14. St. Joseph Home is a residence and respite center for children and adults who have severe/profound developmental disabilities. The Sharonville nonprofit employs 160 people in nursing, direct care, habilitation, and administrative positions.

Jill Hughes and Debbie Kaegi have worked at St. Joseph Home for 30 years. They see their work as not just a job, but a calling to be part of a community among people with disabilities. 

Debbie Kaegi came on board in 1981 as a Direct Care employee. She now serves as the Staff Development Officer and Safety Coordinator.

“I have come to realize that to work at St. Joseph Home is to do God’s work.  I believe the individuals living here are ambassadors from God and are here to teach us,” says Debbie Kaegi.  “If you only have an open mind and heart you can learn something new here every day, like overcoming challenges and perseverance.”

Jill Hughes, RN came to St. Joseph Home from Good Samaritan Hospital in 1981. She is described by her co-workers as optimistic, hard working, and able to keep things calm and running smoothly.

 “Many of our long-term employees started out as Direct Care Staff, and were promoted,” says Linda Pieszala, Human Resources Director. “It’s wonderful to see employees who are so dedicated to the people we serve.”

Roger Koch has served as Plant Operations Director for 15 years. Celebrating their 10-year anniversary are Angela Balthazar, Sherron McDaniel, Amy Mattingly, Tammy Miller, Angela Stone, and Jim Kellinghaus. Employees who have given 5 years of service include Krystle Holland, Sherry Okromansah, Teresa Chewning, Cynthia Duffens, Laura Poe, and Patricia Lambright.

Employees recognized for their years of service received an award check and a framed certificate, featuring the handprints of some of the residents of St. Joseph Home. Though St. Joseph Home residents are non-ambulatory and often have extremely limited mobility of their arms and hands, they are able with assistance to express their creativity through art projects such as these awards.

“This is an award I will cherish,” said Rosalyn Schneider, DCS, who received one of two Employee of the Year Awards.  Co-recipient of the Employee of the Year Award was Larry Westerfield, who works in the Plant Operations Department.

“Larry and Roz embody the spirit of our mission,” stated Michael Rench, President and CEO of St. Joseph Home. “They are all about serving the needs of our residents, and they are always eager to help.”

“The work we do here requires special people,” says Rench. “Everything we do is with our residents’ interests in mind, and we are fortunate to have people working here who genuinely care deeply for our 48 residents, and for each of the respite guests who visit. It’s certainly not ‘just a job’.”

Also recognized at the event were 2011 Employees of the Quarter Rosalyn Schneider, Larry Westerfield, Lisa Daviaux, and Sherese Snell.

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