Save the Date for Family Fun Day!
Family Fun Day returns for 2023! Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 22 from 9:30-12:30 at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray. We are looking forward to gathering together again in the pavilion for a fun filled day of connection. Watch your mailboxes for more information about how to register coming soon! 
2023 Employee Appreciation Week & Annual Awards
Last month, we hosted a week long staff appreciation celebration that ended with the long awaited return of Woodfords employee party and award ceremony. We celebrated each other with shining star shout outs, pizza parties, and raffles galore! The celebrations continued at Ocean Gateway in Portland with the return of Woodfords Night 2023 and the announcement of the agency’s annual employee award recipients.

Woodfords’ employee awards signify more than a decade of celebration and recognition of the employees who embody the agency’s mission, vision, and values and go above and beyond in their contributions to the organization. This year we received more than 170 nominations for 120 individual employees throughout the agency. Awards were given in five categories to a total of 39 recipients who joined a distinguished group of previous award winners. And the winners are…
Congratulations to our 2023 award winners!
Visionary Award
Woodfords’ vision for all of the consumers with whom we work is that they may: maximize their potential; be productive and appreciated contributors to their neighborhoods and communities; have positive and enriching relationships; lead lives that are safe and secure; and lead lives allowing for choice. This award goes to employees who, directly or indirectly, have contributed to a consumer achieving a specific goal related to this vision.

  • Caylee Hapworth, Waterville Preschool/SPPS
  • Joanna Lovely, RCS & School Based, Central Maine
  • Chris Ntungane, Residential
  • Rebecca Rafferty, RCS & School Based, Central Maine
  • Danielle Vanier, Westbrook Preschool/SPPS
  • Melissa Zawistowski, RCS & School Based, Central Maine
The Alan and Katrina Rich Excellence in Advocacy Award
Alan & Katrina Rich founded Woodfords Family Services in 1967. Their unrelenting advocacy for their son Jimmy formed the foundation of the agency’s mission. This award goes to employees who have engaged in effective advocacy for a consumer, a program or the agency.

  • Ariel Kane, Therapeutic Foster Care
  • Shelby LaForge, Development
  • Maegen McManus, Pineland Preschool/SPPS
  • Lianne Muchmore, Westbrook Preschool/SPPS
  • Vicky Shaw, Adult Case Management
  • Judi Thibodeau, Finance
Woodfords Wildcat Award
Historically, the Wildcats have been the agency’s Special Olympics and sports team, and when trying their best to accomplish a goal, or win gold, the Wildcats remind us how impactful teamwork can be. The Wildcat award goes to employees who have shown exemplary teamwork in helping Woodfords meet its mission.  

  • Courtney Frost, Westbrook Preschool/SPPS
  • Roe Gasi, Residential
  • Lyse Kaneza, Residential
  • Garrett Keniston, Residential
  • Chris McInnis, RCS & School Based, Central Maine Nasro Noor, Residential
  • Katie Raymond, G&A
  • Chelsea Shanks, Westbrook Preschool/SPPS
Luminary Award
Woodfords is stronger because of the many dedicated employees who have made a long-term commitment to the agency. The Luminary award goes to employees who have worked at Woodfords for five years or more, do excellent work, and provide inspiration to their team.

  • Stephanie Bergmann, Waterville Preschool/SPPS
  • Patience Berry, Residential
  • Don Cray, Residential
  • Danielle Dallaire, School Based Services, Southern Maine
  • Anna Lameri, Residential
  • Alice Nzeyimana, Residential
  • April Sandstrom, Westbrook Preschool/SPPS
  • Kari Shaw, Shared Living
  • Jake Svenson, Pineland Preschool/SPPS
  • Sallee Wyman, Human Resources
Rookie of the Year Award
This award goes to employees who have been at Woodfords less than two years but have already made a big impact on their team. 

  • Jessica Bacon, Shared Living
  • Lauren Demers, Waterville Preschool/SPPS
  • Anna Gambell, BHH
  • Sarah Hunt, Expeditions
  • Nate LaMontagne, Adult Case Management
  • Amanda Libby, Waterville Preschool/SPPS
  • Elizabeth Massarese, Training
  • Danielle Ryder, HCT
  • Don Wildes, Facilities
Join us for a Shared Living Provider Information Session!
Woodfords’ Shared Living Program is hosting two virtual informational sessions for individuals, parents, and caregivers looking to learn more about becoming a Shared Living Provider with Woodfords. Shared Living providers open their homes to adults with intellectual disabilities. Parents, relatives, or even family friends are able to be Shared Living providers for their loved ones with intellectual disabilities when they reach adulthood. Additionally, Shared Living providers can be paired with a non-related individual with similar interests.
To learn more join us on Thursday, April 13th at 2pm or 6pm on Zoom. Register by emailing Stacy Lamontagne, Program Director at [email protected]. 
The Pop-Up Store is Back! Order While You Still Can!
The Woodfords Pop-up Company store is open and accepting orders through March 27. Choose from a handful of carefully curated and seasonally selected Woodfords gear while you still can! Orders can take up to four weeks to be processed and received by the purchaser. 
New Employee Welcome

Welcome to our newly hired staff in January & February! We are so excited to have you join the team!
Abdikadir Abdirahman, Residential/ILO
Sekeriye Abdullahi, Residential/ILO
Filipe Abel, Residential/ILO
Nadine Abibi, Residential/ILO
Ashley Beaulieu, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Pineland
Cynthia Bergin, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook
Alexandra Bevier, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook
Reyann Brooks, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook
Daniel Cijiba, Residential/ILO
Stephine Dearborn, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Waterville
Celio Despacho, Residential/ILO
Jahnigh Francis, Residential/ILO
Madison Gagner, School Based, Southern Maine
Cynthia Horimbere, Residential/ILO
Ibrain Joao, Residential/ILO
Claire Kayirangwa, Residential/ILO
Crystal King, TFC/WWK
Soleil Kinyana, Residential/ILO
Shayla Lapierre, RCS Central Maine
Toyoko Leonard, HCT
Jessica Mavinga, Residential/ILO
Cody Mcmanus, Residential/ILO
Kerryann Mcnamara, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Pineland
Venancie Minani, Residential/ILO
Catarina Mowa, Residential/ILO
Alana Muco, Residential/ILO
Vanessa Muteteri, Residential/ILO
Landry Ndayizigiye, Residential/ILO
Victor Nkurunziza, Residential/ILO
Patrice Nshuti, Residential/ILO
Matthew Olson, School Based, Central Maine
Kifiya Simao, Residential/ILO
Madison Smith, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook
Timothy Smith, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook
Donor Spotlight: Thank you Pike Industries!
Community inclusion is the heart of Woodfords’ mission. Pike Industries has generously donated $500 to the Woodfords’ Community Fund. The Community Fund provides consumers and their families with meaningful opportunities for community connection. This gift will go a long way in providing experiences for our Central Maine consumers and their families. Pictured (l to r) is Mark Eves, Woodfords’ Executive Director, and Jason Griffiths, Northern Maine Area Manager, Pike Industries.
Recent Employee Anniversaries

Congratulations and thank you to those who celebrated work anniversaries in January and February!
1 Year
Erica Bridges, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Pineland
Cheyanne Goroshin, RCS Central Maine
Sarah Hunt, Expeditions
Sahleina Kelley, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Waterville
Lizz Mazzarese, Training
Juley Nickerson, Adult Case Management
Chandler Sturgeon, Adult Case Management
Whisper Waite, RCS Central Maine
Gabrielle Walsh, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Pineland
Hannah Watson, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook
Nicole Woodward, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Waterville

2-5 Years
Lauren Demers, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Waterville (2)
Caylee Hapworth ECS/K-5 SPPS, Waterville (2)
Sierra Steinhagen, School Based Services, Southern Maine (2)
Kasidy Stevenson. HCT (2)
Jamie Lee, RCS Central Maine (3)
Jacqueline Merrill, Shared Living (3)
Roe Gasi, Residential/ILO (4)
Michaela Greenleaf, BHH (4)
Donna Lavery, BHH (4)
Bryan Gordon, Adult Case Management (5)
Jeannie Naamani, Residential/ILO (5)
Danielle Vanier, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook (5)
6-9 Years
Ellen D'Amato, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook (6)
Megan Dyke, BHH (6)
Nancy Gavel. Adult Case Management (6)
Lorraine Mugisha, Residential/ILO (6)
Jessica Smith, BHH (6)
Caroline Waters, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook (6)
Dexter Woodbrey, IT (6)
Clayton Bland, RCS Central Maine (7)
Lianne Muchmore, ECS/K-5 SPPS, Westbrook (7)
Danielle Dallaire, School Based, Southern Maine (8)
Christine Campbell, BHH (9)

10-14 Years
Joshua Obptande, RCS Central Maine (10)
Banak Thiwat, Residential/ILO (10)
Suellen Adams, Finance (12)
Bonnie Morin, RCS, Central Maine (13)

15+ Years
Stacey Jensen, Training (16)
Karen Adams, Residential/ILO (17)
Cindi Palmer, Finance (17)
Recognizing Developmental Disability & Autism Acceptance Months
Each March and April Woodfords recognizes developmental disability and autism acceptance months. Individuals with developmental disabilities including autism, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, and more make up the majority of the consumers that Woodfords serves. The importance of the awareness and acceptance of these individuals is at the heart of Woodfords mission of support and inclusion. This Development Disabilities month and Autism Acceptance month we ask you to take time to familiarize yourself with the strengths, needs, and experiences of individuals with these disabilities and their families. Take to time to reflect and recognize the importance of support and inclusion and the role you playing in making that possible for all people. 
Photographers Wanted!
Looking for a few good shutterbugs to take photos as Woodfords’ events. Do you have a steady hand? A great sense of composition? Or, just want to get more experience. Reach out to Cathy McGuckin, Development Manager at [email protected].

Must have own camera and be willing to download and share photos in a timely manner. Volunteers will be paid in Woodfords’ swag and will receive free entry to the events!
Employee Referral Program Reminder

Thank you to the employees who referred recently staff hired in January & February! All employees who refer a hired staff member who successfully stays with the agency for 60 days will receive a $500 employee referral bonus and be entered into the quarterly $1,000 raffle.
  • Apollinaire Annoh
  • Ruscirene Dinanga
  • Malena Handy
  • Daniel Keeza
  • Mustafa Maisha
  • Esperance Ngezahayo
  • Sonya Saucier 
Jumpstart Your Career Working With Children With Disabilities by Becoming a BHP!
Woodfords is proud of its on-going partnership with the State of Maine to deliver both the Behavioral Health Professional Training & Certificate Program and its related workforce development efforts. We continue to strive to increase statewide awareness of this free training program and to increase the number of certified Behavioral Health Professionals available to support children and youth with disabilities throughout the state.

Learn more about becoming a BHP and the BHP training and certificate program by visiting becomeabhp.com or connecting with Jeffrey Carpenter at [email protected].
Staff Personal & Professional Milestones
  • Amanda Brooks, Central Maine Field Supervisor, participated in a powerlifting competition recently where she qualified for Nationals and set a Maine State record for the back squat. Amanda ended the competition having squatted 303lbs, benched 132lbs, and deadlifted 363lbs! Amazing Amanda, good luck at Nationals!


  • Vicky Shaw, Adult Case Management, has been promoted to Assistant Director of Adult Case Management. Vicky has been an adult case management supervisor for a number of years and is a dedicated leader. Congratulations on this promotion Vicky!

  • Narcisse Munyaneza, Residential Services has been promoted to Assistant Residential Coordinator. Narcisse has worked in the Residential Program for over six years and throughout that time has proven to be an asset to his residence and the agency as a whole. Recently, Narcisse showed interest in taking on more of a leadership role at the residence, we are excited to welcome Narcisse to the role of Assistant Residential Coordinator and look forward to watching his continued growth. Congratulations Narcisse! 
Employee Spotlight: Recently Recognized Employees
Thank you to our employees recently recognized by their programs. To learn more about our Program's monthly employee recognitions, follow up on Facebook.

Woodfords Family Services
is committed to the support
and inclusion of people
with special needs and their families in Maine communities.
Woodfords Family Services is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), whose program of quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have met high performance standards and have made a commitment to their stakeholders to deliver the very best quality services.