3/1/2024
In celebration of Employee Appreciation Day, Marilou Malvar, Nurse Director for Southern California IDD programs describes her nursing team as “strength in unity”, and thanks them for the hard work they do every day.
Regional Directors, Program Administrators and Lead 2 staff members from Southern California IDD programs recently released some stress and had a lot of fun at an axe throwing team bonding event!
After 40 incredible years, Merakey AVS Clinical Director Judi Maradin, retired in February. As a cherished member of the Pittsburgh Campus community, Judi has guided many individuals and supported employees using her wealth of knowledge and experiences with the changing landscape of behavioral health care. Throughout her career, she used her expertise to mentor employees and helped to develop their professional skills and careers.
Pittsburgh Campus Administrator Rhonda Thomson added, “Judi has been a pillar of guidance at Pittsburgh Campus for the duration of my AVS career. Her knowledge and compassion set a bar that few can reach, and her legacy will be one that stands the test of time. Judi’s support and presence will be missed but her standards of care will continue to be upheld. Wishing you all the best on this next chapter, Judi!”
Program Director Diana Hoeffler, house managers, physical therapists, and staff development facilitators echoed the sentiments of how much Judi positively influenced their work and ability to reach goals for each individual, and that she will be missed.
The Merakey Allegheny Valley School community is very thankful to Judi for her years of service and dedication, and we hope she has a wonderful retirement.
Senior Regional Executive Director Roni Erath celebrated her 40th Anniversary with Merakey Allegheny Valley School (M/AVS) on February 27. Before officially starting with the company, she worked during school in a subcontract role at the Pittsburgh Campus and was thrilled when she was hired as part of the direct support community. Her first position at M/AVS was a DSP, moving to an Assistant House Manager soon after. Over her career, she’s also held positions as a House Manager, Shift Supervisor, Residential Services Director, Administrator of the Pittsburgh Campus and Assistant Regional Executive for Western Region. In 2022, Roni began her new role as Senior Regional Executive Director overseeing ICF programs in Western and Central PA. Roni’s interest in working in the field stemmed from having a sister with IDD. She strives for everyone in her charge to care for individuals the same way she wanted her sister to be cared for. Roni’s sense of humor and strong work ethic of commitment and responsibility has helped to make her a leader at Merakey. She’s enjoyed watching her staff grow throughout the years and helping them to further their goals and careers.
“I have so much respect, admiration and quite frankly deep love for my coworkers and our staff,” commented Roni. “I have been fortunate to have formed relationships that hold true and can get us through any type of adversity. There have been many highs and lows over my tenure, but I always knew that with my team we could figure it out and come out better on the other side of it!”
A few of Roni’s colleagues shared the following special messages:
- Kindness, generosity, empathy, advocacy, strategic thinker, intelligence, and humor – she has it all! I have never been prouder to work with someone! Your commitment and dedication to all we do is unmatched! Thank you for 40 years of commitment to improving the lives of others! - Elise Tretola, Sr. VP for IDD Services
- It’s been my pleasure and honor to know Roni for all her 40 years with Merakey AVS. She has worked her way through the ranks to become a wise and thoughtful leader. In addition to her lifetime of dedication to her duties she’s maintained an amazing sense of humor throughout all her years. We have literally grown-up with the persons we support and no one has worked harder at providing opportunities for our folks than Roni. - Paula L. Nerone, Senior Regional Executive
- Roni’s advocacy and Leadership is unparalleled in the IDD world. Roni has continued to be someone I can reach out to bounce ideas off or ask for advice any time of the day or night. Roni is someone I can always count on to point me in the right direction. – Jerry Valenti, Sr Regional Executive Director
- Roni has been such a positive role model for me. She makes everyone feel like they are valued and important and always takes the time to listen. Roni just makes you feel good about yourself. I have learned so much from her over the years about the characteristics that define a strong and respected supervisor. - Cathy Engleka, Assistant Regional Executive Director
- Roni consistently displays such a positive attitude. She is very much respected not only in her leadership role, but as a person who cares and wants the best for others. Roni is such an awesome role model! - Theresa Cox, Administrator
- Roni has been a trusted colleague, friend, and true mentor to so many staff throughout her 40 years. As hard of a worker as you will find, with impeccable integrity, Roni is as comfortable supporting individuals in their daily lives whether in direct care, behavior support or joining in the fun, as she is enforcing regulations and developing protocols/policies to improve the lives of those entrusted in her care. Congratulations Roni, I am proud to be part of the awesome journey with you! – Michelle Miller, Administrator Patricia Hillman Miller Campus
- Roni and I have worked together for many years, most of them at the Pittsburgh Campus. She has always put the individuals first, treating them as if they were her own children. She always wanted to “make it fun” for the individuals and staff. Roni makes sure everything is done up to AVS Standards and nothing less. She has a heart of gold and can multitask like none other. - Patti Daly, Facilities Administrative Asst.
On February 20, Slippery Rock Program Center (SRPC) Program Instructor Danielle Mitchell and her Aide, Ashley Sutton, threw a surprise party for Barb’s 65th birthday. Barb enjoyed celebrating her birthday with her friends, opening gifts and enjoying a strawberry shortcake. It was a great way to celebrate this milestone. Happy Birthday, Barb!
In addition to trips into the community and other activities, SRPC Program Instructor Danielle Mitchell’s area held a spaghetti luncheon for staff members. Everyone pitched in to shop for ingredients and make meatballs. The always popular meatballs were made from a secret recipe shared by Program Instructor Bob Graziani. The luncheon was a great success!
Doug Higby, a Motor Development Specialist at SRPC works hard to make the individuals he supports feel at ease during positioning and exercises. He donned Minnie Mouse ears and glasses to make Amy smile before she was positioned. “When they’re smiling, they are more relaxed. Positioning and exercising are so important for their bodies. I try to make it fun so they enjoy it,” Doug commented.
SRPC Program Aide Chad Basham’s birthday falls on Leap Year, making him a leapling. Everyone at SRPC surprised Chad with a “13th“ birthday party. Chad was overwhelmed with the display of generosity and good cheer. He said, “You guys are too much!” Little moments like these help the team feel like a second family. Happy Birthday, Chad!
