Pathfinder Village Celebrates 295 Years of Service by Staff

EDMESTON—Pathfinder Village recognized the dedication and diligence of 26 staff members celebrating five-year service anniversaries at a luncheon at the Pathfinder Pavilion on Tuesday, June 20. Altogether, these employees have devoted more than 295 years of service to Pathfinder residents, students, day service participants, and families.

During his comments, Pathfinder Village President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Landers noted that all honorees had made a conscious choice to work in the intellectual disabilities field and that each person has adopted Pathfinder’s set of core values to guide their daily work.

“We are a group that believes in community for the greater good,” said Landers. “It isn’t a mission statement or a checklist, it’s the acknowledgment that everything we do should move us closer to living our beliefs. We genuinely care…believing that 40 years from now, our work will stand strong. We set an example, give back, inspire others with a sense of purpose, and impact our community in positive ways.”

This year’s honorees include Ancillary-Environmental Services Team Member Eva Pickens, who has 40 years of service to Pathfinder, its individuals and their families. Direct Support Professional Cindy Holbert and Coordinator of Enrichment and Community Life Charleen Orendorff are both marking their 35th anniversaries. Christine Chase, the manager of Ancillary Services, and Stephanie Sitts, the transition coordinator for Pathfinder School, are celebrating their 25th anniversaries.

Direct Support Professional Cody Ray is marking his 15th year in Residential Services. Adult Day Services Site Supervisor Destiny Curl, Overnight On-Call Manager Gina Murfitt and ADS Pre-Vocational Staff Cheryl Winton are all celebrating a decade of service.

Those honored as new members of the “Five Year Club” include (by department): Administration and Development: Executive Assistant Sally Trosset; Adult Day Services: Supported Employment Coordinator Rose Davis, Pre-Vocational Staff Amanda Geier, and Pathfinder Produce Worker Eric Mackiewicz; Clinical Services: Behavior Specialist Josh Simmons MS BCBA; Education Services: Occupational Therapist Brittney Crouse and Classroom Aide Samantha Hanslmaier; Nursing and Health Services: Director of Health Services Caitlin Corns RN and School Nurse Monica Sparaco RN-BC, BSN; Residential Services: DSP 2.0 Chelsea Keach, Residential Support Staff Connor Deforest, DSP Karen Rifanburg, Gilbert House Manager Dorothy Vertucci, DSP Brittany Emerson, DSP 2.0 Koral Hoag, and DSP Curtis Wright.