Department of Health and Human Services
Riverview Psychiatric Center
Message from the Superintendent (January 10, 2007)
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give”. - Sir Winston Churchill
I am proud to announce the next group of Riverview Psychiatric Center Quality Health Care Champions! These exceptional members of our team consistently express in their work the following truths.
- Honor the client.
- Accept them as they are; unique, special individuals.
- Remind them that there are "no-limits" to anyone's recovery.
- Reinforce a sense hope.
- Validate their experiences.
- Treat them with dignity, compassion, respect and unconditional high regard.
- Give each person choices and options, not final answers.
- Support the concept that each person is the expert on themselves.
- Belief in equality - no one is any better or has higher value than anyone else.
There is no room for big egos or "power trips," bigotry, prejudice or hatred. Every client at Riverview deserves our best service, no matter what their issues or where they are on their path.
Everyone we meet is doing the best they can at the moment. People bring with them the sum of all their life experiences of which we know only a small percentage. Those experiences shape how and what they are responding to at this moment. Our role is clear, offer help, support and guidance. Maintain a services role. Through the expression of the above, we maintain our best, safest, and most rewarding position.
Here are our new “Riverview Quality Champions”.
Dot Hostetter, CCM.
Dot has worked tremendously hard in the face of much change. Dot understands recovery and is willing to advocate on the clients behalf in challenging situations. She is another true asset and is very committed to the work and the mission of the hospital.
Angie Newhouse
Angie worked at AMHI as a MHW for 14 years promoting from a MHWI to a MHWIII. Angie left State service to pursue her education and to gain experience in the community. She received her Bachelors Degree in 2004 in Mental Health & Human Services from the University of Maine in Augusta. Angie had the opportunity to return to State service in January 2005 as Region I's Training Coordinator. In August 2005, she came to Riverview to work in the Staff Development Office. Her energy, enthusiasm and willingness to assist anyone is so very much admired.
Diane Pearson
Diane is a wonderful nurse and works tirelessly to promote harmony and build morale. Diane often initiates unit meals and celebrations for staff and clients. She expresses her love of working with clients and providing special care for our elderly and medically compromised clients. She is a great Riverview asset.
Tina Libby
Tina Libby is one of those very rare individuals with the ability to anticipate what I need and deliver it. She is a remarkably effective and efficient manager. But her most impressive attribute is that she does what she does with a smile on her face and is always first looking at what she can personally and directly do to make things better when she becomes aware of any challenge.
Bethany Drolet
Beth is one of those people whose job is to support the staff who support clients. To improve care requires identifying how you are doing today. Beth is constantly looking for better ways to provide caregivers with the information and tools they need to make informed decisions. When she sees an opportunity to improve, she’ll point it out and recommend a solution at the same time. You’ll never hear her say “It’s not my job
Hilary Burris, Recreation Therapist
Hilary’s everyday interactions with the clients on her unit embrace and operationalize an optimism of recovery. She continuously educates and challenges staff to look at how we implement the recovery model and the mission, vision and values of RPC. She is certainly making a difference with the clients that we serve on Upper Kennebec.
Leslie Caswell
Since Leslie has been here, she has been assigned to 2 units in the hospital. During her time on those units, she has advocated for many changes to improve client care and has been able to do it in a way that staff have been receptive to. She is gifted in her ability to develop relationships with clients as well as be a tireless advocate for treating clients with dignity and respect.
Diane Degen
Diane Degen is a quality champion working for many years on the night shift. She leads the night shift with her style and quality. She supports the units and staff with her positive attitude and her calm style. She is always proactive in developing programs and doing educational events for the night shift and for the clients. She quickly responds to requests and always follows through quickly and efficiently. Thanks Diane for all you do
Shirley Stevens
Shirley is a highly respected employee who is a strong advocate for her clients. She identifies problems with potential solutions both for clients and unit issues. Shirley readily shares her skills and knowledge with others. She is an excellent role model with a natural teaching ability. Shirley has a great sense of humor you can recognize her laugh anywhere. She has a lot of energy and handles difficult situations in a respectful and caring manner. Shirley is a strong team player always doing what needs to be done and keeping others informed. We are very fortunate to have Shirley on Upper Kennebec.
Mac Williams
Mac is the "go to" guy on the Mall. If he doesn't have it, he will know where to find it or know what alternative he can substitute. Mac takes pride in doing his job and he does it well. He handles day-to-day challenges with great enthusiasm and willingness. He is respected by the clients, group leaders and those who are fortunate to work with him.
Denise Garrand and Beth Lunt
Denise and Beth are Housekeepers on Upper Kennebec and do a wonderful job! Their unit is always impeccably clean and tidy. As you know cleaning in a psychiatric facility can be very difficult and thankless. They are always determined to get that last stain out of the carpet or marks on the wall before they leave at the end of the day. When there is a maintenance issue on the unit they report it immediately. They are deeply dedicated to give our clients the best environment conducive for their recovery. They interact with clients respectfully and teach them how to be responsible for their area as well. They are a great role model for everyone.
Norm Perkins MHW
Norman Perkins MHW IV. Norm is one of just a handful of MHW who have reached the rank of MHW IV. Norman works on the night shift and serves as a resource hospital wide. He is a great problem solver and highlights safety as a priority. Norman has a wonderful approachable style. He shares his wealth of wisdom with his coworkers and has given RPC many years of dedicated service.
Judy Lumbert
Judy has been employed at the hospital for 32 years , and although she remains in a MHW line, has done many jobs. Over the years she has worked as a Med Tech, Medical records tech, MIS tech, and Assistant to the Admissions Coordinator often times filling in when Terry is absent. Judy has good skills when working in technical situations with MIS and most recently the New Meditech system. Judy also fills in weekly as a MHW on Upper Saco. She is a great asset to RPC and is respected for her knowledge and long term commitment.
John Walker
John Walker, HVAC Technician Specialist, is a Quality Champion. John primarily takes care of the climate control system for the hospital. His customer service is second to none! Since we have moved to the new hospital, John has made tremendous strides in learning different computer programs and is willing to share his knowledge with his co-workers. His drive in solving problems and pride in his work make him a valuable asset to the hospital. He shares his pride and joyous nature easily and is always willing to do what it takes to get a job done.
Corey Smith
Corey Smith MHW II. Corey is a mental health worker on Upper Saco
He is often seen scooting off to respond to a Stat call somewhere in the hospital. Corey is one of the first faces you will see when a crisis is arising.
His calm and reassuring presence helps relieve the tension for both patient and staff.
Corey will often times be instrumental in defusing a situation by simple asking the patient what do you need?...how can I help....?
Corey has a wonderful working knowledge of NAPPI skills and serves a role model for other staff members. Corey is a leader and one of RPC's finest.
Mark Diskin, an, Electrician Supervisor
Mark is a dedicated employee, keeping us “powered up” throughout the facility. He has learned the “ins and outs” of the complex security systems and fire alarm systems in a short period of time. He also gets us out of a bind when it comes to snow removal, plumbing calls, and drywall repair. More often than not he takes emergency calls on weekends and holidays. He is yet another great asset for Riverview.
Thank you all and I am proud to add you to the list of “Quality Champions”.
David S. Proffitt
“If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world, and that his heart is no island cut off from other lands, but a continent that joins to them”. - Francis Bacon
