Residential Services Supervisor @ Forest (Buhl, MN)
Employed with NHS Northstar: 1.8 years
Nominated by: Alex Schmitt & Crystal Maki
Alex shared the following: Bethel Mae is a great RSS. She checks in with us on how stuff is going at work and the client’s well-being. She tries really hard to find thing and ways to benefit the client and go the extra mile. I recognize that she also checks on staff in general and makes sure we are doing ok. She is very good with training and still comes in and shows me things once and a while. All the way around, she’s an awesome RSS and person. Forest wouldn’t be right without her.
Crystal also shared that Bethel demonstrated exceptional compassion and professionalism while supporting a resident experiencing extreme anxiety during a recent annual appointment. Bethel remained calm, provided consistent reassurance, and adjusted her approach to meet the resident’s emotional needs, helping them feel safe and supported throughout the experience. Bethel’s dedication ensured the resident was able to successfully complete the appointment with dignity and care. Thank you Bethel Mae for your hard work!
We are proud to have Bethel Mae here at NHS Northstar!
Congratulations, Bethel Mae!
Take-Five
We ask each of our Shining Star winners to complete a quick, “Take-Five” questionnaire so we can get to know them a little more and hopefully inspire others to shine!
What motivates you to do your best work every day?
The clients I work for and support are my motivation. I understand them and let them show me who they are, as well as what their wants and needs are. Knowing that I’m providing the same level of care to our individuals that I would want provided to me or any of my loved ones in the same situation.
What do you love most about working with the individuals you support?
I love that each individual we serve is so very different and has their own unique personality. I really like getting to genuinely know someone and not just skimming the surface. You can learn a lot from an individual just by watching, listening, spending time, and paying attention to them.
What skills or qualities have you developed in your role that you are most proud of?
Patience! Patience with the individuals we serve who are trying to communicate with us. We need to learn to understand them in the way that works for them, and we need to adjust and adapt. Cookie-cutter care doesn’t work here, plans need to be fluid and goals changed as needed, we can move the goal post! Be patient with yourself and your clients!
What is something you do outside of work that you are passionate about?
Helping out the community where and when I can, spending time with family and my dog, and anything crafty. I enjoy creating custom pieces for people that are filled with meaning, created with love and are specific to the individual they were made for.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to grow in their role or career at NHS Northstar?
Remember first and foremost, it’s about the clients! “LISTEN” to your clients (their entire being), sometimes it’s the things not said out loud that are the most important. Nonverbal communication is so easy to miss but so important in this line of work. In some way, shape, or form, they are telling/showing you.
We can only award one Shining Star of the Month at a time, but would like to recognize others that have been nominated. These staff and their nominations will stay in the running for future award opportunities:
Liana Mackmiller, Residential Services Supervisor- nominated by Megan Jylha