Team Member Recognition

Team Member of the Month: March 2026

As soon as Harley Loper went through new employee orientation as a Support Care Assistant at Southwest Community Services (SWCS), the team knew she would be a great asset to their Individual Supported Living program. 

Harley’s team recalls noticing her patience, dedication, and compassion right away. Harley’s fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is a great asset, helping staff more effectively communicate with individuals SWCS serves whose main form of communication is ASL. 

“One particular individual gets frustrated easily when staff members are unable to communicate,” said one co-worker. “If Harley is working, she can have a conversation with him, which makes everyone’s day go smoother and avoids his frustrations and behaviors.”

Harley is also a patient and effective teacher. Another resident wanted to learn to play his new guitar, and Harley stepped up.  After 30 minutes, the aspiring musician learned the proper hand placement and chords for his new instrument. After his lesson, the individual was ecstatic to show everyone the new song he learned.

Fellow staff say, “The level of care she provides our individuals is one to be modeled throughout our program, and her willingness to learn more is unmatched. We tell our employees to be lifelong learners, and she is a prime example of that.”

Harley has been with SWCS for a year and a half. Congratulations, Harley. Well done

Team Member of the Month: February 2026

When new systems and procedures are implemented at DMH, it can present opportunities for staff to rise to the challenge. One DMH Central Office team member in particular has been tackling a new system head on and providing department-wide support.

Over the last 15 months, Kerry Branch, Accountant Supervisor in the Division of Administrative Services, has been leading the way in DMH’s efforts to implement the new financial system Missouri Vital Enterprise Resource System (MOVERS). When Kerry joined the MOVERS project team to test the system’s functionality, she dedicated time to teach herself. With MOVERS being integrated among various functional areas, Kerry found herself learning new skills outside of her normal duties to support other DMH staff as they learned to navigate the new system together. Kerry organized and led desk efforts and assisted facility staff to work on their readiness too, even setting up one-on-one trainings for those who needed it. 

“Never did she say, ‘that is not my job,’ she jumped right in and learned about these other areas,” said one of Kerry’s team members. 

Interacting with a wide range of fiscal employees across DMH, Kerry’s team also said her patience and understanding was deeply appreciated and praised by the many of the staff she assisted.

Kerry helped DMH become a leading department in MOVERS implementation readiness. She continuously looks for ways to support these efforts and is truly committed to DMH’s success.

Kerry has been with DMH for over seven years, and the state for seventeen years. Congratulations, Kerry. Well done!

Team Member of the Month: January 2026

Maintaining a safe and healthy facility is always a top priority for DMH staff. Daily operations can present their own challenges, but when an unexpected event occurs in a facility, it’s team members that go above and beyond that make all the difference in ensuring the safety of their team and the people they serve.

When Center for Behavioral Medicine (CBM) experienced flooding in one of their units, Custodial Supervisor, Christopher Murphy, rose to the challenge to ensure that the affected unit could be safely reopened for CBM patients and staff. Christopher’s team recalled the extensive restorative work that he put in, working extra hours to ensure the unit could be reopened on time. 

“When the unit flooded, Chris found out what kind of flooring would be used for the unit. He then found the proper way to finish the flooring, found the special wax for it and took the time to apply and buff all the new flooring. Then Chris took the time to strip and rewax every patient room, exam room, and office to make sure the unit was completely redone.” 

CBM’s leadership team notes that Christopher has also selflessly applied his skills to CBM’s machinery, making several repairs and saving funds for the facility. 

In addition to his invaluable handiwork, Christopher’s team says that his positive attitude is infectious and that he is a great supervisor, often working alongside his team or holding additional training sessions to ensure his environmental services team knows how to safely operate machinery. 

Well done, Christopher. Congratulations!

Team Member of the Month: December 2025

Being able to react quickly in an emergency is an important skill for a Support Care Professional to have, and in some cases, it can be lifesaving for the individuals DMH serves. December’s Team Member of the Month is Chad Walker, a Support Care Professional at Northwest Community Services (NWCS) who recently saved an individual’s life.

His nomination explained there “was an individual who grabbed some food that wasn’t theirs and it caused them to choke. Chad sprang into action doing abdomen thrusts and saved this individual’s life. He never panicked and never wavered. He did what we all hope we would do when this type of emergency happens.”

During his many years at NWCS, Chad has always been an integral part of his team. In his supervisory role, his coworkers not only note his strong leadership but his genuine compassion for staff and the individuals they serve.

“Chad Walker is very dependable, said a fellow team member. “He would never ask to be recognized. However, the people he works with can think of no one more deserving than him. The difference he makes each day is impossible to ignore.”

Chad has worked for DMH and has been a loyal NWCS team member for over 30 years. Thank you for the decades of dedication to your team and the DMH clients. Congratulations!

Team Member of the Month: November 2025

The art of being a good trainer is incredibly important. Not only to teach hands-on skills but to help build confidence within team members to ensure the safety and livelihood of the individuals DMH serves.  The November Team Member of the Month has truly honed the craft of training according to his co-workers.  Joshua Paul is a Staff Development Training Specialist for Southeast Missouri Residential Services in Sikeston and Poplar Bluff. 

Joshua approaches each New Employee Orientation (NEO) with empathy, putting himself in the shoes of every new hire. His goal is to prepare them not just for the job, but for the realities they may face in any home, on any day. From Safety Care to American Red Cross training, Joshua ensures every detail is covered; often coordinating back-to-back sessions and juggling recertifications for staff across both the Sikeston and Poplar Bluff facilities.

He has worn many hats throughout his years with DMH and each one has been marked by dedication, humility, and a deep commitment to the mission of DMH. Joshua steps into every situation with no expectation of recognition—just a desire to do the job well. He responds to crisis situations without hesitation, whether leading the response or offering support, always understanding the weight of the moment and what it means for the individuals.

A co-worker shared that Joshua is a mentor to many, a go-to for advice, and a steady presence for those with questions or concerns. His colleagues speak of him with admiration, noting his tireless work ethic, his quiet leadership, and his unwavering commitment to DMH and the people we serve.

Joshua has worked for DMH for 13 years and is a veteran of the United States Army.  Thank you for your service.

Team Member of the Month: October 2025

Having a trusted and knowledgeable role model in a DMH facility that staff can turn to when challenges arise can make all the difference for both patients and the team.

Fulton State Hospital (FSH) staff commends October Team Member of the Month, Forensic Rehabilitation Specialist (FRS III), Larry Rivers, for his advocacy for patients and staff alike, continuously providing knowledge and input for improving client care and workplace morale.

FSH team members express their gratitude for Larry’s “open door policy,” and feel at ease turning to him for guidance about the Sex Offender Rehabilitation and Treatment Services (SORTS) program, as well as hospital policies and procedures. Larry has selflessly given his time, coming in early or staying late; even returning after leaving for the day to mentor or coach staff, assist with patient issues, or to help when unexpected occurrences arise. Larry also put in a tremendous amount of time helping prepare for the Joint Commission and did excellent work while they were in SORTS.

Larry’s coworkers say, “He remains calm but can work quickly in situations that arise while maintaining a high level of professionalism. He volunteers to do anything he can to help his co-workers including in Nixon Forensic Center and Hearnes Forensic Center.”.

Larry has worked at FSH for 9 years and is the Supervisor Security Support Care Assistant for the SORTS program. Well done and congratulations, Larry!

Team Member of the Month: September 2025

Some of the individuals DMH serves have very challenging behaviors. At times, these behaviors can lead to physical confrontations with staff and other patients. The DMH Team Member of the Month has a unique ability to connect with patients, even in the most difficult circumstances.  Chelsea Schneider is a Registered Nurse (RN) at Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center.  She recently stepped in to help with a patient who had assaulted staff multiple times.  Chelsea treated the patient with respect, patience, and empathy, and quickly brought the situation under control.  Her composure and confidence reassured other patients and the staff that everything was going to be okay.

Chelsea is said to treat all patients with dignity and compassion, regardless of their behavior, which illustrates her exceptional professionalism.

One co-worker said, “As a relatively newer RN, with just over two years of experience, she demonstrates grace under pressure which inspires her peers to approach challenges in the same way. Chelsea's readiness to support her colleagues and uplift those who are struggling brings stability to the unit.”

Well done, Chelsea. Congratulations!

Team Member of the Month: August 2025

One of the most challenging tasks in a DMH facility is moving clients from an area in which they are used to living.  Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center (SMMHC) recently had to move a ward due to construction.  This required the relocation of 19 clients. Lisa McDonald, a Psychiatric Technician at SMMHC, knew this would be a difficult time and insisted on helping.  Despite the move happening on her day off, she came in to provide organization and efficiency to the process.  Her willingness to step in along with her commitment to the well-being of the clients exemplifies a level of care and team work, which earned her the DMH Team Member of the Month for August.   

Lisa has an excellent rapport with clients and is ready to step in and help when she is needed.  She is considered by her co-workers as someone whom you can consistently rely on and is always a team player.  

One of her co-workers said, “Lisa is flexible and always willing to do difficult tasks.  She is able to keep a smile on her face and promote a healthy environment to care for clients.”

Lisa has worked at SMMHC for 2 1/2 years. Congratulations Lisa!

Team Member of the Month: July 2025

The skills and techniques the DMH Way teaches not only helps build a stronger team to support the department, but it reinforces everyday life skills.  Jessica Wetzel uses what she has learned about social styles and the unique ways others learn to become an exceptional role model.

Jessica is the July Team Member of the Month, and serves as a Support Care Assistant /Certified Medical Aide at Northwest  Community Services (NWCS) in Marshall. She demonstrates impressive initiative to know each person she interacts with on a daily basis. Jessica makes sure she is well-versed in all the dietary requirements and Individual Support Plans of those she supports. So, based on their specific needs, she guarantees that each individual experiences a high standard of care every day they are with her. Jessica also shows patience to ensure that each staff trainee feels comfortable; she fosters confidence in their skills to help them succeed when the training is complete.

One of her co-workers said, “Jessica treats everyone with dignity and respect at all times, which is evident in the strong connections she has formed with both her colleagues and the individuals she serves. She has also dedicated herself to learning and growing as a team player. With a great sense of humor, she handles both minor and major challenges with ease, always wearing a smile and ready to tackle whatever tasks come her way.”

Jessica has worked at NWCS for more than 4 ½  years. Congratulations Jessica!

Team Member of the Month:  June 2025

Support Care Assistants (SCA) are more than just caregivers; they play a crucial role in enabling individuals with disabilities to lead more independent lives and achieve their personal goals.

The June Team Member of the Month, Tyson Busey, is an SCA at Southwest Community Services (SWCS) and was nominated by one of the residents there. Tyson genuinely cares about the individuals he serves. He empowers them to work on projects independently but is always available and supportive so they can be successful. For example, one individual enjoys cooking but sometimes forgets which ingredients he is missing. Tyson gently reminds him to make sure the dish turns out right.

The individual who recommended Tyson for Team Member of the Month said, "Tyson takes time to understand what I want, takes me to the places I want to go, and does the things I like to do. He's different from other staff; he is active with us clients." 

Tyson has worked at SWCS for nearly a year. Congratulations Tyson!