Employees of the Year 2011

• Jenny Dillingham
  Corporate Office, Northern California

  If you read the Mission, Vision & Values statements of Anka, it is noticeable that our values begin and end with ATTITUDE. This employee nominated for the Minnie Mouse award has embodied these values and many more in her long tenure with this corporation. Hired initially as a clerk in the corporate finance department, it took only five months for her to be promoted to Accounts Payable Specialist. Four years later she was promoted again to Accounts Payable Supervisor. One year later promoted yet again, she became a Project Specialist in Development and Assistant to a Senior Vice President. Two years later promoted yet again, due to the growth of the company, she accepted a brand new position responsible for all corporate property. Being the smart person that she is, she immediately went back to school and obtained her Real Estate license. Over the next several years, she assumed the responsibility for all of the property purchasing, leasing, renting and property management, and simultaneously became an expert in all the types of housing operated by Anka. In everything she did, Jenny demonstrated a commitment, dedication, and passion for her work that is a model for all employees. Her ability to deal with skeptical, frustrated and sometimes angry landlords, unreliable contractors, difficult clients while always remaining calm and professionally poised, was extraordinary. This trait is her special hallmark. For ten years she has managed and advised the Board of Directors of Phoenix Apartments, an Anka housing subsidiary company. A further promotion as Real Estate Manager provided just another opportunity for her to exceed corporate expectations, quietly, unobtrusively, while getting the job done with style, professionalism, and always with the utmost care for our clients as her priority. Her current position and most recent promotion is a huge responsibility, that of Director of Risk Management. She helped launch our Georgia operations and just very recently was asked at very short notice to go back to Georgia briefly for a special housing project. Her response was what was expected, but reflects the quality of the truly dedicated, employee that she is; "When do I need to go?" If ever there was a staff deserving of our highest employee award, it is someone who has proved her outstanding commitment to the Anka's Mission, Vision and Values, for more than ten years, Jenny Dillingham.

• Nominated by:
  Michael J.-Barrington, President and CEO,
  Chris Withrow, Vice President and Deputy CEO.

• Therese McKenna
  Hillmont House, Southern California

  Therese has been the stabilizing force at Hillmont House at a time of significant change. She provided oversight at Hillmont while both the Program Administrator and Clinician were on extended leave, ensuring that program requirements were met. Therese took the helm of Hillmont House and stood in both the shoes of the Director of Nursing as well as the Program Administrator. She maintained the quality of care for the residents and guided the program, despite not having a trained PA or site clinician to assist. She managed the day-to-day activities of the house, consulting with nurses, MHRW's, the site psychiatrist, and leading the house. Therese guided Hillmont House after the PA returned then left again, and worked long hours to prepare the house to move to its new site. With the assistance of her staff, Therese moved the entire MHRC program and residents from its former location in Ventura to its new location in Oxnard, in one day without a hitch. Therese worked hours and hours to help coordinate the packing of the entire facility. She worked closely with the movers to coordinate every detail and stayed until the last box was moved to the new location. It was not unusual for her to work long days during this very challenging transition. More importantly, she continuously provided the emotional support to the residents at Hillmont that was crucial to making the move successful.
  
  She diligently prepared the facility for a DMH audit, and patiently trained the Interim PA while he learned to do the job she had been doing. Therese has worked tirelessly on behalf of staff, residents, and the program in overcoming many obstacles. Therese has exhibited formidable leadership skills throughout this sometimes overwhelming and trying experience and never complained.
  
  In the face of adversity, Therese has demonstrated the "Can Do" attitude that is a hallmark of a Minnie Mouse recipient. Therese has maintained a positive attitude, spirit of cooperation, and a willingness to fulfill any request made of her. She is our organization's definition of our tagline: ACHIEVE!

• Nominated by: Dr. Marty Giffin, Sr. V. P. Program Services,
  Dr. Wanda Street, V. P. of Clinical Services