Thursday, December 27, 2018

Erica Stamm - Imagine! Family Support Life Saver

Congratulations Erica Stamm, recently selected as an Imagine! Family Support Life Saver!


Erica is an exceptional employee of Imagine! and is outstanding in her role as Family Support Navigator. Erica is dependable, loyal and dedicated to her job and strives to provide excellent customer service to all she works with. Erica always offers a helping hand to our FSSP families and always ensures our families know how to navigate through our grants and any other questions they may have. We are lucky to have her!

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Meet Imagine!'s Leadership Development Group

In the coming weeks and months, you'll be hearing from the members of the 2018-2019 Imagine! Leadership Development Group (LDG) on this blog. This year’s LDG members are (from left to right in the picture below):


Victoria Thorne, who works for Imagine!’s Family Recruited Employee department.

Paula McCormick, who works for Imagine!’s Innovations department.

Emily Walsh, who works for Imagine!’s Dayspring department.

Jessie Michaud, who works for Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source department.

Gabbie Norton, who works for Imagine!'s Case Management department.

The purpose of Imagine!’s Leadership Development program is to provide a coordinated platform that strategically develops talent within Imagine! to address the company’s leadership needs for the future. The program is designed to educate employee participants about the complexities of the organization and to assist management in learning about people with talent that may be good matches for leadership roles.

Each participant in the LDG will gain a broad understanding of leadership skills and be provided the opportunity to apply their learning in various settings. Each participant will assess their present strengths and areas for growth and realize their potential for leadership. Leadership skills and knowledge gained will be applicable in many aspects of the successful participant’s experiences.

The Leadership Development Group will utilize a variety of methods of learning during the course of the year. These methods will include opportunities for self-study, facilitated group meetings, attendance at other Imagine! meetings, mentoring, training opportunities, and presentations.

Check out the short video below to learn more about Imagine!’s Leadership Development Group.

Can’t see the video? Click here

Monday, December 17, 2018

Phyllis Villar - Imagine! Excellence in Customer Service Award Recipient

Congratulations to Phyllis Villar on being selected for the Imagine! Excellence in Customer Service Award.


Phyllis has a strong bond with the Spanish speaking community in Early Intervention (EI). She stays in communication with families long after they have left EI. She is a wealth of knowledge and resources for her co-workers and the families she serves. Phyllis is the first person to raise her hand to help out when EI is short staffed. She also brings the Dixon building donuts and bagels every Friday!

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Jamie Zimenoff - 2018 Imagine! Employee of Distinction


Meet Jamie Zimenoff, recently selected as an Imagine! 2018 Employee of Distinction.

Jamie is not only good at his job as a Nurse Case Manager at Imagine!, staying on top of his patients’ health needs, he also does not hesitate to help his co-workers, and does so with a great sense of humor and a smile. He even saved someone’s life this summer while playing softball for team Imagine!, which was an amazing thing to witness! 

Congratulations, Jamie!

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Danielle Smelcer - 2018 Imagine! Employee of Distinction


Meet Danielle Smelcer, recently selected as an Imagine! 2018 Employee of Distinction.

Danielle motivates the team on a daily basis, and is always ready to bond over laughs and accomplishments throughout the day. She is so dedicated to being an incredible Lead Counselor at CORE/Labor Source, and Imagine! would not be the same without her contributions. 

Congratulations, Danielle!

Monday, December 10, 2018

Mara Kuczun - 2018 Imagine! Employee of Distinction


Meet Mara Kuczun, recently selected as an Imagine! 2018 Employee of Distinction.

Currently Mara runs Dayspring’s Monday Community Calendar Activity for Spanish speaking families, which we were able to add because of her willingness to help. Before she agreed to run this class our Spanish speaking families were not able to attend as many classes due to the language barrier. Now we are able to offer this unique class to many more families.

Congratulations, Mara!

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Shanda Kinch - 2018 Imagine! Employee of Distinction


Meet Shanda Kinch, recently selected as an Imagine! 2018 Employee of Distinction.

Shanda came in to her new role at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome with a cheerful, kind, and collaborative attitude. She has created an environment in which people want to work. She is Imagine!’s own Mary Poppins. 

Congratulations, Shanda!

Friday, December 7, 2018

Marrisca Juvan - 2018 Imagine! Employee of Distinction


Meet Marrisca Juvan, recently selected as an Imagine! 2018 Employee of Distinction.

Marrisca is usually the first one in the door in the morning and last to leave at Longmont CORE/Labor Source, and makes sure that all the schedules of the consumers and staff she supports are up to date and functional. On top of all of the duties she assumes with her position, she is also a tremendous role model for all staff on how to interact with consumers, teams, and community members. 

Congratulations, Marrisca!

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Dan Fox - 2018 Imagine! Employee of Distinction


Meet Dan Fox, recently selected as an Imagine! 2018 Employee of Distinction.

In his role as Transportation Coordinator, Dan has always said the safety and comfort of the participants in our program (and all services at Imagine!) are his number one objectives. Dan has demonstrated nothing but kindness, support, and advocacy for all those working alongside him and for participants being served by Imagine!. 

Congratulations, Dan!

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Steve Conley – 2018 Imagine! Employee of Distinction


Meet Steve Conley, recently selected as an Imagine! 2018 Employee of Distinction.

Steve’s knowledge and experience are unmatched, and his positivity and willingness to help others are huge value to Imagine!’s Case Management department. He cares about his clients, families, and co-workers and goes out of his way to offer his assistance in any way. 

Congratulations, Steve!

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Today Is Colorado Gives Day!

Today is Colorado Gives Day! 

By giving your support online through Colorado Gives Day, Imagine! will be eligible for a portion of the 1stBank and Community First Foundation incentive fund. Your donation will go further toward helping people Imagine! serves of all ages!

Click here to donate.



Friday, November 30, 2018

Imagine! Early Intervention Rock Star - Ally Joel

Congratulations to Ally Joel, recently selected as an Imagine! Early Intervention (EI) Rock Star.


Ally has truly been a rock in EI – she naturally jumped into her position as a Service Coordinator and has eloquently supported her families like she has been doing this job for years! Ally has also tackled her role as EI Admin Supervisor with full force. She has been covering two jobs and has been working very hard to make sure everyone is taken care of. Ally brings a positive attitude to our team, a great laugh when we all need it, and overall is a dedicated and strong individual within EI!

Monday, November 26, 2018

Imagine! Case Management Unsung Hero - Stephanie Moss

Congratulations are in order for Stephanie Moss, recently selected as an Imagine! Case Management Unsung Hero.


Stephanie is an extraordinary supporter and advocate for her families. She wastes no time determining what an individual needs support with, and exhausts all resources to ensure those needs are met. In one example, Stephanie had a child on her caseload who was constantly eloping. The family lived in an apartment complex, and mom had a difficult time communicating with the office manager. Stephanie stopped by the apartment office, and requested the installation of locks. These locks were installed, and the child was prevented from eloping in the future. She constantly seeks out ways to go out of her way for families, regardless of the amount of work that may add, all without complaining. Thank you, Stephanie, for being an advocate for the families we support!

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Imagine!'s Gift Giving Drive Is Underway

“Tis the season for giving, and there are a lot of folks served by Imagine! who could use a little extra Holiday cheer. Our Annual Gift Giving program started accepting donations yesterday, and we’d love to have you be part of it. Gift ideas are below, you can drop them off at Imagine!, or arrange a pickup for multiple items by contacting Elizabeth Hill (ehill@imaginecolorado.org).


Monday, November 19, 2018

Imagine! Innovations Super Hero - Anna Knott

Every month, Imagine!’s Innovations department presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:
  • Health, Safety, and Wellbeing 
  • Effective and Efficient 
  • Respect and Dignity 
  • Opportunities 
  • Integrity 
  • Care 
This month, the award was presented to Anna Knott, who is a Coordinator for our Host Homes Program.


Anna has been a huge help since she started, and is always so willing to reach out to providers and guardians. I have worked on a difficult case for the last five years with a lawyer’s office, and have not been able to work out a solution. Anna immediately stepped in and said that that was not acceptable since we are the Representative Payee, and it was important for us to access what we needed to complete paperwork. Anna instantly stepped in and started working with the lawyer through both email and phone, and was able to reach a solution that everyone was comfortable with. On top of all that, I had several other issues that I needed help on during the process, and she didn’t even hesitate to help. It is great to have her around. She really cares for the individuals on her team, and wants to go the extra mile to make sure they are all getting what they deserve.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Tips For DSPs: Navigating The Holiday Season


Today's post is a column submitted by Imagine! employee Jonny Brennan, who has extensive training and experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Imagine! PR team asked him to share some knowledge on how to better navigate the Holiday season as it has the potential to cause stress for people with I/DD. 

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, our clients’ environments will see a heightened amount of stimuli. Music, vibrant colors, crowds, etc. will engulf us soon enough, and it is so important that we are prepared. One technique that helps is the use of pre-cueing and specific prompting. When entering new environments (stores, parades, holiday parties, community events),  take a few seconds to let the individual you are supporting know exactly where you are going, what the activity is, what time you will be leaving, and if possible, who they will be seeing. This may help ease some apprehensive feelings.

For example: “Joe, we are going to Target today at 9:30am.  When we get to Target, we are walking to the holiday aisle, picking out wrapping paper, then buying it. When we are done buying wrapping paper, we are going back to the car and driving home.”

This is a lot more clear than, “Hey, get ready, we are going to the store.”

Pre-cues and specific prompts allow the consumer time to process the information being presented and may lead to a better understanding of what’s ahead.  Of course, using reinforcing statements each step of the way is imperative!  It may seem silly, but little statements like, “Joe, thanks so much for coming to Target with me, I love shopping with you!” or “Great job finding the holiday aisle and the wrapping paper Joe, you are an amazing shopper!”

These not only act as reminders of the tasks you are completing, but may in fact make previously aversive situations reinforcing and exciting!

Cheers to a wonderful holiday season!  ~ Jonathan Brennan, MA, BCBA

Jonny graduated from Ball State University with an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis and an emphasis on autism. He received his Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification in August of 2018. 

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Conflict Free Case Management Community Impact Survey

In 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a final rule requiring the separation of case management from service delivery functions to mitigate conflict of interest for services provided under Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers.

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is releasing a survey to solicit feedback regarding the transition to Conflict Free Case Management (CFCM) for services provided through HCBS waivers. The purpose of the survey is to help identify gaps, challenges, and best practices related to the transition to CFCM.

The Department will use findings from this survey to inform stakeholders of the current statewide CFCM landscape; to identify where additional resources may be needed; and for the provision of future training activities and technical assistance. The total anticipated completion time for the survey is about 30 minutes.

Those completing the survey should only complete the survey designed for the population he or she represents. The provider survey is for those agencies providing HCBS case management or HCBS direct services. The stakeholder survey is for individuals, families, guardians, advocates, or other interested parties. The survey will be available through December 6, 2018.

The Department will share and discuss the results during stakeholder engagement meetings in January 2019.

Provider Survey - Click here 

Stakeholder Survey - Click here 

Should you have any questions or requests for clarification regarding this survey, please email CFCMSurvey@navigant.com.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Imagine! Go-Tober 2018 Final Results


Congratulations to Imagine! employees for their outstanding Go-Tober participation!

We took 2nd place in the Suburban Superheroes Network this year, and we have a whole lot to be proud of.

 Check out these Imagine! statistics:

  • 161 Imagine! employees participated
  • We logged a total of 33,799.2 non SOV commuter miles, reducing CO2 emissions by 9.2 tons
  • Employees burned a combined 127,805.319 calories with their walking, biking, running, and rollerblading commutes 
  • Employees saved a combined $10,443.22 in alternate commutes
Even though Imagine! did not win the competition, there are several employees that our HR Department has deemed worthy of recognition for their creative and fun Go-Tober efforts:

Most hipster: Erika Skewes – Rode her longboard.
Most enthusiastic: Ally Joel – Committed to alternative commuting every day and logged 44 trips, including a rollerblading commute and several walks in from Boulder.
Most committed: Phil Robinson always rides his bike to work, regardless of weather.
Most consistent: Kate Bergeron - finds an alternative way to get to work every day. From biking, taking the bus, or finding a friend to carpool with, she always finds a way!

Monday, November 12, 2018

Thank You For Voting!

Dear Imagine! Voices friends: we made several posts the last couple of weeks about our participation in the Plante Moran Gives Charity Contest, asking you to vote for us. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to round three, but we would be remiss if we didn’t share a huge THANK YOU for voting, for sharing with friends and colleagues, and for doing your part to help create a world of opportunity for all abilities. Imagine! is a community-based organization, and we can’t survive without that support. Fortunately, our community is absolutely amazing in its support, and we are sincerely grateful.

 “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” 
- Gilbert K. Chesterton


Thursday, November 8, 2018

Imagine! Job Fair/Open House Monday in Longmont

Imagine! is hosting a Job Fair and Open House this coming Monday at our Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont.

Are you looking for a job where you can teach, encourage, and support people with intellectual disabilities to live rewarding lives? Then consider Imagine!.

If you can’t make it on Monday, but still want a career where you can make a difference, visit https://imaginecolorado.org/jobs


Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Imagine! Case Management Unsung Heroes


Today we’d like to highlight some members of our Case Management team: Erica Berridge, Susan Burd, Andy Wagner, Deanna Reynolds, and Heidi Lindeman.

These individuals have gone above and beyond their typical day to day tasks. They volunteered to be a part of the Case Management retreat planning process, which was quite a lengthy process and took many of these folks outside of their comfort zone. On top of their typical tasks, they each took on different projects, such as finding a location, planning/running the activities, locating needed items, and finding a speaker to make this retreat a fun event for all. Each of these individuals joined the team knowing they would take on tasks they had never previously done, and knowing they would be taking on tasks that would stretch their comfort zone level. As a team they brainstormed, collaborated, and planned this whole event which was an overwhelming success! Thanks to the retreat planning team for a job well done and for coming up with such an informational and fun day for all of us! Thank you all for your hard work and efforts.

Friday, November 2, 2018

Change for the Better


Coraly and Jose are from Puerto Rico and lived there most of their lives. They welcomed their beautiful daughter, Sofia, into the world and discovered she has Down syndrome. After researching education and public services for children with developmental disabilities in Puerto Rico, they were concerned for Sofia’s quality of life and decided to move.

When Sofia was one and a half years old, they officially made a transition to the mainland US. Jose is a dentist and had to close down his office in Puerto Rico and start new in the U.S. “It was a lot of pressure to start over and still provide for my family,” said Jose. “but I can’t imagine not moving here, it was the right decision for our family.”

They elected to live in Colorado as it felt safe and has a quality educational system. They found a home in Longmont and Jose continued his dentistry career in Boulder. One of Jose’s patients told him about Imagine! and the services it offers to individuals with developmental disabilities. Coraly and Jose called Imagine! right away and enrolled Sofia in Dayspring services.

Imagine!’s Dayspring offers a variety of interventions for babies and toddlers to help them excel at an early age. “Early intervention is crucial,” said Jose. “That’s why we decided as soon as she was born to make a change.” She received physical, speech, and occupational therapies at home, as well as attended the Community Calendar Activities on a weekly basis to improve her social skills. “It was great,” said Coraly. “Her motor skills, speech, and feeding improved greatly and we became good friends with her therapist.” 

“You can tell when someone is doing something for the paycheck and when it’s because they love what they’re doing. That was impressive to me, seeing the Dayspring therapists work with my daughter because they love what they’re doing,” said Jose.

Fast forward to three years later, Sofia attends two schools, socializes well with her peers and teachers, and is trilingual in English, Spanish, and ASL. Sofia is a big sister to her six month old brother. “She’s a good sister,” said Coraly. “She loves him and wants to help.”

“From the day we moved here to now, it’s incredible to see the change in how she talks, walks, and communicates with others,” said Coraly. “We’re blessed and happy to have known all these people at Imagine!.”



With Your Help, Imagine! Can Win $15,000!

Imagine! made it to the 2nd round in the Plante Moran Gives Charity Contest - thanks to YOU! 

Now we need your help again. Vote every day from today through November 7, to keep us in the TOP TEN, so we can qualify for the final round.

Click here to vote now.

Please share this and encourage your friends and followers to vote for us as well. Thanks for your help!



Thursday, November 1, 2018

Imagine! Hosting Job Fair and Open House

Imagine! is hosting a Job Fair and Open House this Friday at our Foothills Group Home.

Are you looking for a job where you can teach, encourage, and support people with intellectual disabilities to live rewarding lives? Then consider Imagine!.

If you can’t make it on Friday, but still want a career where you can make a difference, visit https://imaginecolorado.org/jobs


Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Isaac Weaver - Imagine! Excellence in Customer Service Award Recipient

Congratulations to Isaac Weaver, selected as a recipient of the Imagine! Excellence in Customer Service Award. Isaac works for Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source department.


“Every single day that Isaac comes into work, he is always in a positive mood and genuinely cares about what is going on in our clients’ life. On top of this, he always has a good rapport with the clients’ family or Host Home Providers, and will always go the extra mile to give one on one feedback on client specific projects. He is always a joy to work with!”

Monday, October 29, 2018

Last Day! Vote Imagine!

Today is the last day to vote for Imagine! in the Plante Moran Gives Charity Contest.

The rules of the contest are simple — the three Colorado charities with the most votes from their supporters at the end of three rounds will win a substantial donation. (First place will receive $15,000, second place will receive $10,000, and third place will receive $5,000.) Imagine! is an official entrant!

Show your support in round one by clicking here now and voting for Imagine!.

Thanks for your help!


Monday, October 22, 2018

Imagine! CORE/Labor Source Longmont Employee Spotlight - Maria Soto


Maria has stepped up and worked really hard in many different ways and is always willing to help. She has volunteered on numerous occasions to take transportation routes that are more challenging so that others can have a break. Maria volunteered to go to the home of one of the individuals in our services who speaks Spanish to talk with them and get certain items put on an iPad so that he can utilize it as a communication and translation device while at CLS. She always has a smile on her face and is constantly going out of her way to provide excellent customer service. Thank you, Maria!

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Vote For Imagine! Today & Every Day Through October 29

Vote now to support Imagine!. 

Voting is under way in the Plante Moran Gives Charity Contest, and Imagine! is an official entrant! 

The rules of the contest are simple — the three Colorado charities with the most votes from their supporters at the end of three rounds will win a substantial donation. (First place will receive $15,000, second place will receive $10,000, and third place will receive $5,000.)

Show your support in round one by clicking here now and voting for Imagine! once a day through October 29.

And please forward the contest link and encourage your friends and followers to vote for us as well.

Thanks for your help!


Monday, October 15, 2018

WayToGoTober Update

Today marks the middle of WayToGoTober, and Imagine! is clearly committed to commuting smarter.


WayToGoTober is a whole month dedicated to experiencing new, smarter ways to get around. Companies like Imagine!, with 100+ employees, have been challenged to get as many of their employees as possible to commute smarter at least once a week throughout October. Carpool, telework, vanpool, bike, walk, take the bus or transit – any way is a smart commute. Employees earn points for each one-way trip they take and track during October. The company with the most points wins!

Here’s some stats from Imagine!’s participation so far:

152 employees have signed up to participate.

1,867 alternative commute trips have been logged, totaling a distance of 24,402 miles.

81,058 calories have been burned.

$7,2015 has been saved.

6.5 tons of CO2 has been reduced.

Way to go Imagine! employees!

Monday, October 8, 2018

Francine Bush - Imagine! Early Intervention Rock Star

Congratulations to Francine Bush on being selected as an Imagine! Early Intervention Rock Star.


“Francine truly is a Rock Star!! Early Intervention and the families she works with are truly so lucky to have her. Francine brings such a positive attitude to everything she does. This includes: advocating for EI kids, supporting her co-workers and always being a listening ear for anyone who may need it. Francine has built strong relationships within our department and community members and is very deserving of this recognition. Thank you for all that you do, Francine!”

Friday, October 5, 2018

Jessica the Storm Chaser


Jessica Ratner accepts services from Imagine! in Longmont. She attends CORE/Labor Source classes during the week, Out & About field trips on the weekend, and lives in one of the Imagine! Group Homes. 

At seven years old, Jessica fell in love with severe weather and storm chasing. “I would save up my money and buy weather gear whenever I could,” said Jessica. She ventured into the fields with her cousin and his friends to track the weather and spot tornados.

It had been a while since Jessica was on a storm chase and she had an itch to get out there. With her 40th birthday coming up in July of 2018, she decided to give herself a present and go on a storm chasing adventure. She talked with her Primary Care Provider and they searched for an outfit online that could quench her adventure seeking thirst.

Watching a super cell thunderstorm south of Grenora in
North Dakota. Jessica is second from the left.
The storm chasing outfit they decided on was Tempest Tours, a professional storm chasing expedition company. Jessica was one of six guests on the five day trip, accompanied by two staff members. They rode in a company van, equipped with radar modules and computer screens to track the weather.

“It was a good tour in terms of experiencing severe weather,” said Kim, staff member at Tempest Tours. “A lot of breathtaking moments.”

With safety as their top priority, this group had their hands full. At one point, lightning struck just 100 feet from their van. Another company’s van was not so lucky and did catch some lightning, startling all other tours in the vicinity. “The van that got struck was ok,” said Kim. “I’m just glad everyone got out okay.”

They also experienced very heavy winds of 65-70 mph. Jessica witnessed swirling debris, floating dumpsters, and rooftops torn off homes. The tour director, Charles, stood next to Jessica and helped her stay upright so that she could experience the heavy winds. “It felt like ocean waves flowing through me,” said Jessica.
Group photo at Devil's Tower

The group also witnessed the serenity of Mother Nature and hiked a National Monument in Wyoming called the Devil’s Tower, standing 5,112 feet tall and composed of igneous rock. They soaked in the vast landscapes and mountainous views on a sunny day hike.

As the five day adventure came to an end, Jessica did not want to say goodbye. “It was heart wrenching,” said Kim, “she seemed sad to leave us all.” Jessica got the best of both worlds, witnessing severe weather that she could feel in her bones, and getting out safe to tell the story.

“I saw about six tornados on this trip,” said Jessica. “At some point, I’d like to go into the eye of a hurricane. I’m not chicken in any kind of weather.”



Thursday, October 4, 2018

We Love Barbara


Submitted by Chelsea O'Day, Assistant Site Supervisor at Imagine!'s Group Home in Boulder. 
Barbara and I strolled down to the shops on Broadway Street where she bought some colorful new socks and a local T-shirt. She enjoyed strawberry gelato at the Amante coffee shop and bought two glass bottles of Coca-Cola to take home. Staff put flowers in one of the empty bottles as a gift. (Barbara didn't like it at first, but then later decided that she did).
Barbara is 91 years old and very strong in her body, mind, and heart. She loves going out into the community as often as possible. Everybody smiles when they run into Barbara out in the community (and at home, not to mention); she makes the world a more genuine and joyful place and so many people are grateful she's in it.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Manhattan Group Home Focuses On Skill Acquisition

Staff members at Imagine!’s Manhattan Group Home are spending the next few months focusing on creative and sustainable ways to build skill acquisition, as well as developing targeted solutions to promote independence.

Each opportunity for skill acquisition is determined with the full participation of the individuals in services, and with the goal of supporting individuals to live the lives they want to live. The goal of this project is to partner with the individuals living at the Manhattan Home to enhance their future quality of life by promoting skill acquisition which will enable them to live, function, and participate more fully in their homes and communities. This is done by promoting choice and control.

This team’s hard work is already starting to produce desirable outcomes and is building real excitement among the residents. Reducing verbal prompts and assistance needed for daily living is creating a vested interest with individuals in being an important part of developing plans and expectations for their own long term success. Additionally, acquiring and customizing supportive tools like their new Echo Show and other assistive technologies reduce demands on staffing.

The key to this momentum thus far has been promoting choice and control alongside the individuals in services from the beginning through identifying specific daily opportunities for independence, and reinforcing consistent approaches across all staff members, including those providing behavioral supports. The team has done a fantastic job of leading with positivity and celebrating achievements both big and small. Supervisor Towana Vance has done an outstanding job inspiring her team of skill acquisition ninjas to make learning from each other a daily habit and building upon momentum for both staff and individuals.

Imagine!’s Innovations department is dedicated to ensuring each goal and opportunity for skill acquisition is determined with the full participation of the individual in services while using person centered practices and allowing the individual in services to determine their personal level of desired engagement. Innovations is assisting individuals to develop a vested interest in their own independence while prioritizing goals that are important to them and important for their health and safety. Towana and her team are ensuring appropriate individualized service and support goals are put in place to reflect the individual’s current desired opportunities for independence and ensuring adequate data tracking is in place to monitor progress and adjust as needed. These are just a few of the collaborative ways Imagine is creating a world of opportunity for all abilities by helping people aspire to, and achieve, a fulfilling life of new possibilities!

LtoR: Whitney Granger, Towana Vance, Christopher Sloan, Jamie Crawford, Heather Christensen


The Echo Show

Monday, October 1, 2018

Isaac Marin: Imagine! Excellence In Customer Service Award Recipient


Congratulations are in order for Isaac Marin, who has been selected as the Imagine! Excellence in Customer Service Award recipient for October.

A family member shared this with Imagine!:

“Isaac has been working through some very challenging behaviors with our daughter, and I have been impressed with him, and appreciative of him, every step of the way. In his words and his actions, he exhibits integrity, kindness, and tenacity. He has advocated creatively for things he believed our daughter needed in order to work through her challenges, and he continues to do so. In addition, I have witnessed first-hand as he trains new staff members. He is terrific at modeling respectful, adult communication with the SmartHome residents, and simultaneously treats the new staff member with respect while teaching him about all of the intricacies involved in working with each individual. He is upbeat and clearly passionate about his work, and as a parent, I am eternally grateful for his presence at Imagine!.”

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Imagine! Innovations Super Hero: Kent Vogel

Every month, Imagine!’s Innovations department presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:
  • Health, Safety, and Wellbeing 
  • Effective and Efficient 
  • Respect and Dignity 
  • Opportunities 
  • Integrity 
  • Care 
This month, the award was presented to Kent Vogel.


Kent is passionate about his work with the residents at Imagine! Foothills Group Home, and has an outstanding work ethic. He works so efficiently that he often picks up extra tasks to help out his coworkers. A shift with Kent always seems to run smoothly. While the assistant site supervisor and the site supervisor were both on vacation, Kent stepped up and helped complete additional responsibilities to help the house. He made the weekly menus and ordered the groceries, which really helped the house and other staff. Kent always has a friendly attitude while at work and enjoys helping the team strive. His presence is much appreciated by both the staff and residents.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Yan Embik - Imagine! Case Management Unsung Hero


Congratulations Yan Embik on being selected as an Imagine! Case Management Unsung Hero.

Yan is a very warm and nice person to have in the office.  He is so attentive to his clients and his fellow staff members.  He is very professional in his interactions, whether it’s in person, on the phone or over email.  Yan’s attention to detail does not go unnoticed. You can see/feel that he truly cares about his work and takes pride in completing tasks accurately and timely.   It is also noticed that Yan has a very witty sense of humor that is a pleasure to be around.  He is truly an asset to Imagine!’s Case Management team and hope he knows how much he is appreciated.

Friday, September 21, 2018

Imagine! Reps "Talk Back" At Movie Screening


On September 19, the Boedecker Theater at the Dairy Center hosted a screening of “Far From The Tree.” This movie follows families meeting extraordinary challenges through love, empathy, and understanding. This life-affirming documentary encourages us to cherish loved ones for all they are, not who they might have been. Following the screening, Kate Hines, an Imagine! Dayspring Occupational Therapist, and Patti Micklin, Executive Director of the Imagine! Foundation, hosted a “Talk Back” discussion about the family dynamics that can come from having a loved one with an intellectual disability. Kate and Patti shared intensely personal stories with humor and heart, and the evening was a spectacular success.