Regina Millenheft’s willingness to go the extra mile has earned her the top employee award for the second year in a row at Rosewood Services. Serving as residential manager, Millenheft was named “Shining Star of the Year” for 2013. She took home the same award last year, after working for Rosewood Services for just 10 months. With a complete year under her belt this time, Millenheft was duly recognized for her stellar efforts once again.
“Regina’s attentiveness to consumers and employees and the dedication she shows to those we serve are top notch at Rosewood,” said Amanda Hammond-Fellers, Millenheft’s supervisor at Rosewood Services. “People enjoy being around Regina because of her positive attitude and sense of humor. She enjoys her job and does what it takes to get the job done, even if it means coming in on her days off. I thank her for shining so bright and serving as an example to others.”
Millenheft volunteered her time to stay overnight in a local hospital with a client, who was undergoing a medical procedure. She also traveled to Hays and stayed overnight with another client in the hospital during her time off and maintained contact with the client through the weekend. She took another client to Oklahoma to visit family members.
“Winning the award makes me feel really good,” Millenheft said. “It gives me a boost and makes me want to work that much harder. It’s nice to be appreciated and to be recognized for my efforts. I do it for the clients. I try to put myself in their situations and then I try to do whatever I can do to help them.”
Millenheft received her 2013 award during the employee Christmas party in late-December. She was joined by co-workers Mary Lou Frisbee and Tacoa Pelster, who were also recognized for their outstanding employee performances in 2013. Millenheft received a trophy, $200 and a $50 Rosewood Wine Cellar gift certificate for earning the top spot. Frisbee took home $100, a small trophy and a $50 Wine Cellar gift certificate for second place. And Pelster received $50 and a $25 gift certificate for winning her award.
Frisbee, a residential staff member, was nominated by her peers for helping to redecorate the bedrooms of the clients she works with. She regularly hosts special parties for each one of them on their birthday, holds seasonal parties, even inviting them and their families to celebrate Christmas on her farm. During the summer, she took the clients to her farm for barbeques, bonfires, s’mores, swimming, and golf cart riding.
Pelster showed amazing care and compassion for a client, volunteering her time to help the client spend time with a loved one who was passing away. Pelster made herself available for support to the client during this time and during her time of loss.
The finalists were chosen from the ongoing program where employees are recognized bimonthly by their peers throughout the year. From that list of exceptional employees, the three were selected as the top employees for the year.
“All three finalists are deserving of special recognition in their own right,” said Tammy Hammond, executive director and founder of Rosewood Services. “Each of them has made a unique difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. They represent Rosewood Services at the highest, yet most fundamental level and I am proud of each one of them for their excellent work.”