(Sept. 17, 2019 – Annapolis, MD) Congratulations to Stephanie Thornton-Johnson of Gallagher Services who was recognized today by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration and Governor’s Office of Disabilities for her exemplary work as a Direct Support Professional.
Thornton-Johnson was recommended by her supervisor, Donna Branch, a residential director for Gallagher Services. Read Branch’s recommendation letter (below in italics) which highlights the many qualities that earned Thornton-Johnson this award.
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- Bernard Simons, Deputy Secretary Developmental Disabilities Administration with Stephanie Thornton-Johnson
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- Stephanie Thornton-Johnson with Boyd Rutherford, Lt Governor of Maryland
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- Bernard Simons Deputy Secretary DDA, Carol Beatty, Secretary of Disabilities State of Maryland, Stephanie Thornton-Johnson, Direct Support Professional Gallagher Services, Boyd Rutherford, Lt Governor.
To the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration:
Ms. Stephanie Thornton-Johnson has worked with the men at the Hampnett Group Home since 2011. She has continued to support and assist the men in living their lives to the fullest. Stephanie arrives early to support them in preparing for the jobs in the community. She assists them in cooking their own meals and inviting friends over to share in those meals.
One of the gentlemen belongs to a community bowling league (non-disabled) that meets weekly, Stephanie assists him in coordinating transportation or transports him herself. Another gentleman was going on a cruise, Stephanie took him shopping and helped him pick out his wardrobe for the dinners and events on the trip.
During a trip to Dallas for a Ravens game, Stephanie made sure that the men had the opportunity to participate in all the parties and other game events. Stephanie assisted a gentleman from another home to attend his dream vacation. He went to the Orioles training camp. Stephanie made sure he had the full experience; photos with players and autographs.
When one of the men’s mother passed, Stephanie was there to support him and the rest of his family. She assists the men with planning their birthday parties from making sure that their theme ideas come to life and that they invite who they want to attend.
Stephanie is always looking for community activities such as festivals that the men might be interested in attending. Most recently the men attended the Caribbean Festival. The list of support and encouragement to be a part of their community could go on and on.