June 2012 Insider

The Insider
June 2012
UNIVERSAL MH/DD/SAS Mission Statement
Universal MH/DD/SAS is dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities
and substance abuse in achieving their full potential to live, work and grow in the community.
WHY THE NEED FOR THE INSIDER ? The purpose of this newsletter is to provide specialized information to all Universal MH/DD/SAS
employees. The intent is to develop a better informed workforce, to foster a greater sense of community, and to build morale.
MESSAGE FROM THE AGENCY DIRECTOR
Inside This Issue
v  Message From the Director
v  New Bern Personnel
v  In Memory / Safety
v  The Butterfly Café’
v  Success Story
v  Fishing Tourney / ARC
v  Cultural Diversity
v  Recent Employees
v  Happenings
v  Closing the Gap
v  Birthdays
The latest thing happening in “as the mental health world turns” is …Can you spell
M ~ C ~ O?
In midst of enrolling with LME/MCOs across NC, our staff has been extremely busy
to make application processes as smooth as possible. If your office has not yet,
you will soon be switching from LMEs to MCOs. This requires switching operations
over to meet MCO criteria across the state. This is a huge endeavor and I am so
thankful that we have the right people in place to make this happen. Thanks to all
of you for your hard work in this area. It does not go unnoticed!
I do want to encourage everyone to make sure we are up to par for Clinical and
Health & Safety reviews. I also want to encourage everyone to be thinking of
ways to improve operational and clinical processes. Your input is always vital.
The MCOs will not only be the monitor of our services, MCOs will also be the
“payer of services.” We will partner now with MCOs more than ever before.
As the mental health world turns, I will be sure to keep you informed.
~
Amy
Page 2
The Insider
My name is Alicia Jones. I reside in Kinston, and I have 2 great kids, a daughter Ayanna who is 4
and a son Shamon who is 8 years old. I graduated from Fayetteville State University with a
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. I knew soon after college that my
desired career path would be serving people with special needs and mental health issues.
My last job before Universal was at Caswell Developmental Center. I worked there for 4 years with
dually diagnosed adult males. I 100% believe that the challenges I encountered at Caswell prepared
me thoroughly for my current QP position at Universal.
My current role has been a challenging yet rewarding experience so far. I have been impressed with
the laid back yet professional demeanor of corporate and upper management. At a more immediate
level in New Bern, working with Stephanie the OA, has been one of the greatest working experiences
of my life.
Alicia Jones, QDDP
~ New Bern
I look forward to our team growing to contribute to Universal’s already excellent reputation.
My name is Stephanie Corey and I live in Havelock, NC. I graduated from Marshall University in
Huntington, WV with my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. And yes, the movie “We Are… Marshall” is
about my school.
About 3 years ago, I moved 500 miles from home because I married a Marine who got stationed at
Cherry Point. I enjoy going to the beach, eating fresh seafood, watching movies, listening to music,
shopping, and painting my nails. I even have a very impressive tackle box full of my nail stuff! I’m
addicted to Netflix and am currently watching the entire Lost series ~ 120 episodes. My husband and
I have a 3 year old black German Shepherd named Sam.
Previously I have worked as a telemarketer, sales associate, marketing representative, substitute
teacher and assistant manager. I’m super organized and particular. If things aren’t in order I can’t
stand it. I’ve only been working for Universal since late January and I have learned so much! I’ve
learned to adapt to stressful deadlines and random situations that arise. I work with another newbie,
Alicia Jones, and we’re learning and working great together as a team.
Universal has really given me a great amount of responsibility that I didn’t know I could handle.
Thanks to Danielle for always helping me! I love how Universal knows most of corporate by first
name! I’ve been very impressed with how easy going and friendly they are and I can’t wait to meet
more of you!
Stephanie Corey,
Office Assistant ~
New Bern
Page 3
The Insider
Safety Facts About Tanning Beds
The idea of golden, sun-kissed skin is attractive and appealing to most
people, especially to those who do not naturally have a golden or olive
skin tone. Tanning beds offer a faster, effective solution for achieving a
golden tan. However, just as the sun's rays pose harmful threats to
the skin without proper precautions, so do tanning beds. The intensity
of tanning beds impose similar risks, as well as some other risks that
differ from natural sun tanning. It is important for tanners to
understand the safety facts about tanning beds.
There are many myths about indoor tanning. One of them is that as
long as the skin doesn't burn, the skin is not in harm's way. Any
dermatologist or physician would verify that this is untrue. For some
skin types, such as those with olive or deep golden skin, the visibility
of a burn is not possible, but it does not mean that the skin is safe
from UV ray damage. There is no skin type that is excluded from the
risks of sun exposure. Another myth concerns vitamin D. There are
claims that UV exposure is the only way to provide the body the
vitamin D that it requires. This is also untrue. Vitamin D is found in
fortified foods, such as fatty fish, like mackerel and salmon, and is
also available in supplements.
Darrell Preston Tate
7/20/1959 - 3/08/2012
Darrell was an awesome team player and a great
asset to Universal. He served his families with a
commitment that was unending. Laughing with
kind heart, he always had an encouraging word
for all of us. He reminded us that "it will be
alright, don't worry about it." He was a faithful
servant at First Church of God in Lenoir, NC. He
fostered numerous special needs children,
adopting Jacob who brought great joy into
Darrell’s life. Darrell is greatly missed by
Team Morganton.
read more: Safety Facts About Tanning Beds | eHow.com
http://www.ehow.com/about_5465125_safety-tanning-beds.html#ixzz1ux1ukflZ
June to July 4th is National Firework Safety
Month. Some of you are probably laughing and
saying are you kidding me? No I am not
kidding; firework safety (or lack of) is a big
problem. The United States Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) states there are
about 9,000 to 10,000 people treated a year for
firework related injuries. These are the injuries
that were reported to hospitals. This number
does not factor in the injuries that are not
reported.
Page 4
The Insider
During the week of April 9th – 13th, the PSR program in
Asheville opened their own restaurant for a day. During
the week, members of the PSR program named their
restaurant, planned a menu, made decorations, shopped
for food and prepared menu items. The Butterfly Café
opened for business on Friday to all Universal
employees, friends and family of the PSR individuals.
Available was a take out menu of sandwiches and salad
and a dine-in menu that included chicken and rice, chili,
quesadillas, banana pudding and cheese cake.
Everyone worked very hard and learned a lot. The
venture was a complete success. Comments from PSR
clients include:
Adam: “I liked the fact that we could serve people food
and make them happy.”
Nathaniel: “I had to learn to be patient and pay
attention because it was very busy and it was hard to
remember what people ordered and what they needed.”
Tamara: “It was fun making the banana pudding.”
Christy: “I was a waitress for the first time. I liked
doing it even though it was hard.”
The Staff of The Butterfly Café
Back Row – left to right: Nathaniel, Christy, Shameka and Wes
Front Row – left to right: Layman, Adam, Amber and Tamara
Everyone involved learned and practiced skills around reading and following recipes, food safety, cooperation,
following directions and discovered that if everyone works together with a common goal it is amazing what can be
accomplished!
Page 5
The Insider
Warren has been with Universal since 2010. He was
only receiving Respite services at first but since
November 2011, Warren now receives all his services
with UMHS. Since being with Universal, Warren has
impressed all of his teachers, staff, Case Manager and
peers by increasing his independence at Brunswick
Community College. He has made huge strides
towards his future.
Warren is very caring and friendly. He loves to joke
around with his staff and QP. Something that he is
well known for is his contagious smile. You cannot
help but smile and joke along with him. Warren says
“I love my staff. They take me out in the community
where I enjoy going to the park, library, bowling and
other activities.” Warren is on a basketball team where
he loves to shoot the ball and make baskets. He has
recently learned to play Bocce Ball. “I like to throw the
ball hard and far and I don’t need any help from
anybody!”
Warren pictured with Lacy Long
Warren also just became involved in volunteering at the local Animal Shelter. He says “I love animals and
enjoy helping them find a home. At the Animal Shelter, I am learning how to walk, bathe, feed and care
for animals.” On the weekends, Warren enjoys going to the library with his staff where he enjoys reading
books or having staff read with him. He also loves to watch wrestling! His favorite wrestler is ‘The Rock!’
When asked what he wants to do when he gets older Warren said “I can’t wait to get married and have my
own dog … but no kids!”
QP, Rachel Donovan says “Warren is continuing to shock people around him with his progress towards
becoming more independent, communicating, speaking up for himself and increasing his health and
knowledge.”
Page 6
The Insider
Dee is now prepared for emergencies!
Dee was very excited to take part in the CPR class
that was offered in the Winston office. Taking the
CPR class was actually Dee’s idea. After she
inquired if it was possible to take the class, Terry
Bedford was happy to teach her. When asked why
she wanted to learn CPR, Dee said “I wanted to
know what to do if someone was hurt.” Then when
asked what she thought about how she did, Dee
said, "it was good, I passed!"
The 14th Annual Disability Sportsman Fishing
Tournament was held at the Kure Beach Pier on May
11th. This tournament was specifically for the
developmentally disabled population. Local Venues
provided the necessary fishing equipment, breakfast,
snacks, lunch, and prizes for the biggest catch were
provided for all participants. Many UMHS individuals and
their staff showed up to enjoy the tournament. Rachel
Donovan, Danielle Dever, and Caswanna Kirksey
volunteered by setting up and cleaning up for the
tournament, preparing and handing out meals, baiting
and unhooking fishing poles for participants!
A good time was had by ALL!
Page 7
The Insider
“Universal MH/DD/SAS strives to develop awareness and respect in order to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of people."
Page 8
The Insider
Deborah Napper,
RN ~ Burlington
Cameron Yea
ger,
Community
Guide
~Asheville
IDD TCM
radley,
B
y
m
m
i
J
anton
~ Morg
Misty Avalos , QP-IIH
~ Asheville
Brittany Crooks, Office
Assistant ~ Wilson
Lori Conway ,Office
Assistant ~
Morganton
(L) Rachel Neese, AP and (R)
Brittany Stallings, Office
Assistant ~ Burlington
Rachel Carpenter ~
QP-IIH, Asheville
Ezra Post, LMHC ~
Asheville
, CST
Jolene Gervasi
ille
ev
sh
A
Lead ~
Alex Austin,
Administrative
e
Assistant ~ Corporat
Carolyn Clatfelter ~
LMHC, Forest City
Page 9
The Insider
CONGRATULATIONS to Leslie Cothren.
He recently received the prestigious 2012
Steve Yount Memorial Award. His plaque
reads “Leslie Cothren ~ A Pioneer who
embodies trust, vision, integrity and
loyalty in upholding ALFA’s Mission.”
Jeffrey Bedford proposed to his
fiancée, Annie Kouba, on 4/20/12. The
couple were in DC, where Annie was
finishing an internship with EMILY's
List. Unbeknownst to Annie, Jeffrey
had been planning this moment for
months. Upon reaching the Eleanor
Roosevelt memorial (Annie’s heroine),
Jeffrey popped the BIG question. The
couple plans to marry at Homewood
Place in Asheville on May 31, 2013.
The Burlington office staff...Garry Wiley,
Brittany Stallings and Vicki Siler attended a
screening of the film "Neurotypical" at Elon
University on April 25th. Neurotypical, a film
about autism from the perspective of people
with autistism, parallels the lives of three
individuals on the autism spectrum, each
facing pivotal stages of growth.
(http://www.neuro-typical.com/).
Marilyn Porter (R) and
Monique Simmons from
the Wilson office volunteered
for the Down East Senior
Games. Marilyn proudly
stands with the Director of
Reid Street Community
Center Volunteering Lisa
Davis (L).
Tippy Doak, transcriptionist in
Morganton, is very proud of
her granddaughter, Lexus.
Lexus is a 9th grader at Patton
High School and recently
received a $450 scholarship for
her talent. Currently Lexus has
art on display at Morganton’s
COMMA. She plans on
attending The Art Institute in
Atlanta upon graduation in
2015.
Congrats are in order for
Tonya Venable. She and
her husband are expecting
their second child in August ~
a BOY this time! Five year
old Jordan is anxious to
finally see that baby brother!
Page 10
CLOSING THE GAP
The Insider
How to Beat Your Enemies: Stand United!
A farmer who had a quarrelsome family, after trying in vain to reconcile their
differences with words, thought he might more readily prevail by an example.
So he called his sons and told them to lay a bunch of sticks before him. Then,
having tied the sticks into a bundle he told the lads, one after the other, to take it
up and break it. They all tried, but tried in vain. Then untying the bundle, he
gave them the sticks to break one by one. This they did with the greatest of
ease. Then said the father, “Thus, my sons, as long as you remain united, you
are a match for all your enemies, but differ and separate, and you are undone.”
You Can Make a Difference
In Maine, they tell of an old man walking along the beach with his grandson, who
picked up each starfish they passed and threw it back into the sea. “If I left them
up here,” the boy said, “they would dry up and die. I’m saving their lives.”
“But,” protested the old man, “the beach goes on for miles, and there are
millions of starfish. What you are doing won’t make any difference.” The boy
looked at the starfish in his hand, gently threw it into the ocean, and answered:
“it makes a difference to this one.”
~ excerpts from The Manager’s Intelligence Report
Page 11
“It’s Your Birthday!”
Burlington
Asheville
TANFIELD
WYNN
BRADLEY
WYATT
RICE
HALL
CHRISTOPHER P
ROXANNE LITTLEJOHN
CYNTHIA JEAN
BOYD DALE
KRISTY LAUREN
ANGELA R
06/01
06/05
06/15
06/19
06/20
06/23
REEVES
SUMMER BROOKE
06/23
TADLOCK
LAURA WALLY
06/30
SWANN
SWANEE
06/30
TADLOCK
STEWART TAD
07/01
PENLAND
CINDY M
07/01
BANKS
GLENDA R
07/05
AVALOS
MISTY LEE
07/06
MANN
The Insider
JODY L
07/14
Forest City
REGISTER
CHERYL G
06/07
STALLINGS
BRITTANY RENE
06/07
PATTERSON
TABITHA LOUISE
06/08
CHRISCO
KATHY D
06/14
IRELAND
SHEILA ELAINE
06/22
KNIGHT
VARETTE BONE
06/25
PATTERSON
SHARON PATSY
06/27
PUGH
SHAREIGNIA JAMETTE
ROGERS
BAXLEY
ELIZABETH A
06/16
GREENE
MARSHA O
07/10
DULANEY
MINNIE MARIE
07/12
PADGETT
EDWARD R
07/22
CONDON
SUSAN J
07/25
HOLLIDAY
SHELVY
MARIETTA
08/03
06/27
AUSTIN
KANDY ANN
08/29
SHIRLEY L
07/15
CANNON
MARY M
08/31
HILL
DEBBIE DENISE
07/16
MONROE JR
JAMES F
07/21
BIGELOW
ADRIENNE M
07/26
GIBSON
RACHEL CRABTREE
08/10
GERNER
DEBORAH O DANIEL
08/12
HARRIS
KIMBERLY DAWN
08/19
Goldsboro
STOKES
SHAMEIKA L
06/06
PLATT
MATTIE F
06/12
JONES
ALISHA YVETTE
06/16
ROBINSON
IVONNE CALDERON
07/17
FREEMAN
RYAN CORNELIUS
07/21
MELVIN
DELPHINE WHITTED
06/30
YEAGER
CAMERON CARTER
07/23
WOOTEN
LINDA FAYE
07/16
DOUGLAS
SHERRY A
07/26
BAIN-HERRING
ANNA KATHERINE
07/25
PETERSON
MISTY NICOLE
07/29
CALLAN
ANN PARKS
08/06
OWEN
LISA C
08/08
PETERSON
BARBARA ANN
08/17
GEIGER
CYNTHIA LOUISE
08/13
FARRIS
VENUS DAVIS
08/17
SISK
PHILLIP AVERY
08/16
OLDS
GLENWOOD LEE
08/18
DEVER
BRENDA D
08/21
HARPER
DENISIA EULAYA
08/16
CARSON
GENELL L
08/20
JONES
PATRICIA M
08/30
Corporate
SMITH
BEVERLY C
08/18
PHILLIPS
JAMES B
08/20
Page 12
The Insider
“It’s Your Birthday!”
Morganton
Raleigh
OWOKONIRAN
ABIOLA MOUKA
07/29
ELDER
KATHY K
06/29
THOMAS
BRIAN JAMES
07/29
ADKINS
DENA MICHELLE
06/30
JOHNSON-GHEE
SYLVIA OPHELIA
08/01
RAUSCHENBERG
DONNA J
07/22
LEWIS
QUEEN ESTHER
06/04
PULLEY
08/01
LOVELL
PATRICIA M
07/23
SHEILA
NEWKIRK
OJO
ADEBAYO
06/05
TAYLOR
RAMONA
07/23
SARUMI
JOHN MURAGE
06/06
ADENRELE
OLAJUMOKE
08/01
KIAMA
BRADLEY
JIMMY
07/31
JOSEPH
MARY ALICE
06/09
LAWSON
08/02
MILLER
JOSEPH O
07/31
HINTON
VERNITA RENAE
06/10
JHANESE
SHAWDA
BARNES
JOHNNIE DEANN
08/02
MORROW
CHRISTINE ANN
06/12
MCPHAIL
BRUCE
FRANCISCO
08/03
HARBISON
ANN P
08/10
DENNIS
MEATTA MADIA
06/13
BROWN
08/04
ALSPAUGH
JOHN RAY
08/20
THORPE
JOHNATHAN
MARTIN
06/20
DIANA
HOLLERUD
SPELLER
08/06
FORLINES
JACKIE KELLY
06/21
JACQUELINE
DENISE
IYIOLA
MARGARET
OLUYEMISI
07/03
SMITH
KESHIA
NICHELLE
08/06
LYONS
YVONNE
ELIZABETH
08/07
COX
BRITTNEY
NICOLE
08/09
LALA
FATIMA IYABO
08/10
ATKINSON
KERRI MONIQUE
08/10
POWELL
JILL CATHERINE
08/11
BROWN
JOSEPH
08/14
RHYANT III
THOMAS
EMMANUEL
08/15
FERRELL
PHYLLIS ANN
08/16
GADDY
VINCENT E
08/21
SHROPSHIRE
KATHERINE E
08/23
SMITH
MARY A
08/31
LAURENCE
CILLA O ABIOLA
08/31
New Bern
COWARD-BRUNSON
ANGELA
06/26
ROBERSON
MELESHA M
07/03
MIMS
SHERRI
ROCHELLE
07/02
GUZMAN
ANGELICA ROSE
07/03
GREENE
SHERI
07/22
LUCKUS
EUNICE
07/06
THOMPSON
RICHARD A
07/15
THOMPSON
BEVERLY LIN
07/24
CHIOLA
07/17
LASSITER
JANNA GWYN
08/05
ALEXANDER
MICHAEL
TAYLOR
BARBARA
08/10
THOMAS
VERONICA
07/18
ROACH
TARA
08/11
CLIFTON
NATALIE DAWN
07/19
HARRIS-COLES
CHERYL L
08/26
VIVEROS
VERONICA
07/22
PLANTS
RICKY A
07/23
PERRY
MARGRETTA Y
07/27
PIERCE
CRYSTAL SADE
07/27
RAMSEUR-NUNN
ALICE V
07/28
Page 13
The Insider
“It’s Your Birthday!”
Winston Salem
Wilmington
DUFFY
CHRISTINE JEANNE
06/01
WORLEY
CAROLYN LOUISE
06/02
DANIELS
ASHLEY N
06/02
COSTON
JOYCE B
06/09
VAUGHN
JANICE JOHNSON
06/16
LUBELL
SHARON NICOLE
06/25
MYERS
JANNETT ELAINE
08/05
TATEO
CLAREN ALYSSA
08/19
RICHARDSON
SHAUNTA E
08/29
Wilson
THOMPSON
LATRICIA EVETTE
06/05
HAWKINS
BRIANNE NICOLE
06/07
WHITE
DONNA LYNN
06/16
KARNS
KELLEY DAWN
06/16
ABSHIRE
MELISSA M
06/18
WAGNER
EARNESTINE CREWS
06/23
MOORE
WILLIAM T
06/27
KING
PHILEPHIA PROMIS
06/29
QUESENBERRY,
JR
EDDIE L
06/29
BEST
WILLIAM MACK
06/07
BARES
NAJA BRITTANIA
06/29
HAGANS
BARBARA ANN
06/15
DANIEL
MANDY ANN
07/02
Williams
Ivy Denise
07/13
SISK
SARAH REBEKAH
07/07
JONES
ANDREW
07/31
CALAMUSA
KATHRYN A
07/09
LUCAS
GLORIA EVANS
08/11
CALDWELL
DENNIS R
07/17
ORMONDCR
MAXINE
08/26
WOOD
DEBORAH M
07/18
CROOK
BRITTANY
08/26
WATSON
AKILA JENELL
07/18
WILSON
TONJA HOWELL
08/01
MORGAN
DANIELLE DENISE
08/18
CARPENTER
MALIK BISHARA
08/26
WILEY
ANGELA LAVERN
08/29