Manager Appreciation Week Comes to a Close

This week we gave thanks to all our managers here at The Phoenix Residence! We are so grateful for each and every one of you!! Thank you for being a part of the Phoenix family! Last but not least We’ll finish out this week with a tribute to our hardworking managers of our waiver homes. Our 4-bed waiver homes have different requirements than our CRS 6-bed sites. Help us thank our managers who manage them, including those from our Clinton, Eric's, Lydia, Suburban, and Western homes.

Jen Gottschling – Assistant Program Director 

• Started in 2016
• Previously the Scheduling Coordinator, Float Manager, and a DSP

“One of my favorite memories is watching all the individuals be able to get together again at all the parties we had this past year! I know they all missed it and the looks on their faces made my heart so happy!”

From Program Director Kim Phillips: “It is my pleasure to recognize our Jen Gottschling for her unwavering dedication and support. She consistently goes above and beyond—always willing to help anyone in need and take on extra projects without hesitation. Jen is very dedicated to helping all her managers learn and grow in their positions by being there for their questions and concerns. Her reliability, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence makes a meaningful difference every day. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dependable and compassionate leader on our team.”

Tanazia Morehead - Clinton House 

• Started in 2017
• Previously a DSP

“Every day here at Phoenix Clinton House, I make memories with the individuals that we serve, and I love it. These unique individuals make my day. Every day I learn something new with them. I try every day to make them feel like they matter, that I’m advocating for them, and that their opinions matter…My team here at Clinton House comes together as one for our individuals. My team here also keeps me sane because we all get along for the individuals that we serve. I’m not saying we are perfect, because there are some problems sometimes, but nothing that we can’t get through together. My team are ALL STARS.”

From APD Jen Gottschling: “Tanazia, you have grown so much over the year, and I am so proud of your growth! The way you interact with all of the individuals and the families is amazing to see. Thank you for everything you have done at Clinton House. I appreciate you and I know they all do too! Keep up the great work.”

Eucharia Sike – Eric’s House 

• Started in 2004
• Previously a DSP

“My favorite memories from the last year were going to the State Fair and the dance party at the main office.”

From APD Jen Gottschling: “Eucharia, thank you for all you do at Eric's House and for your dedication to the ladies! You have grown in your role this year and it doesn't go unnoticed! The details that you know about each of the ladies and the things you do for them. I appreciate everything you do at Eric’s House, and I know they do too!”

DeMarcus Taylor - Lydia House 

• Started in 2013
• Previously a DSP and House Supervisor

“My favorite memory would be that Phoenix was able to get the holiday events started up again. It is nice when everyone can get together under one roof and enjoy one another.”

From APD Shawna Zechmeister: “Demarcus has been with Phoenix since 2013. During his years of service, he has worked at many locations as a DSP as well as management. Demarcus has been a manager at Lydia House for over 7 years and has built strong bonds with the individuals who live there. Many staff throughout the company know Demarcus as well as many individuals who reside in Phoenix homes. Through life challenges, Demarcus finds the strength within himself to fight and keep going, knowing there is a light at the end. And even though there will be other obstacles to challenge him, he pushes through.

I have had the honor to work with Demarcus over the years and as his APD since February at Lydia. I have seen what keeps Demarcus going at Lydia—it's the smiles on individuals’ faces when they start attending a new program and have had a good day, when he is out in public with an individual and they are enjoying life, or as simple as getting someone a burger from McDonalds. Demarcus' main goal for the individuals at Lydia is to ensure they are happy, safe, and doing what they want to do. Even though there will continue to obstacles, there will always be that light at the end and a smile to lead the way.”

Tiffany Wright - Suburban House 

• Began working at Phoenix in 2016
• Previously a DSP and PS at Caswell & Newport
• Took over as PS at Suburban in 2024

“My favorite memory from the last year was taking over Suburban House as a manager, and seeing the smiles on the faces of the individuals and staff as the house was getting renovated and to see the outcome. It was the best move I made.”

From APD Jen Gottschling: “Tiffany, thank you for all that you do at Suburban House! You have grown so much in your role at Suburban. You take everyone on personal outings of their choice, and they really appreciate you for that. You are the exact thing that Suburban House needed to make it feel like a home! Thank you so much for everything that you do at Phoenix!”

Heidi Phillips - Western House 

• Started in 2015
• Previously a DSP & Appointment Coordinator

“My favorite memory from the last year was watching Tracy and Jillian decorate the Christmas tree with so much happiness and excitement.” 

From APD Shawna Zechmeister: “Heidi has been with Phoenix since 2015. She has taken on roles as a DSP, an Appointment Coordinator, and is currently learning her role as a Program Manager at Western House. Learning her new position comes with a lot of lessons, and Heidi is taking each lesson in stride and learning from it. She truly wants the best for the individuals who live at Western House and tries to find ways to make positive changes in their lives. Heidi has assisted two of the individuals from Western House on overnight stays for a weekend at a time. They had amazing adventures, and by the pictures she shared, you can see the happiness each of them had. Recently, Heidi has been supporting another home while they work on building a new team. Heidi is a great team player and offers assistance wherever it is needed.”

Thank you to all our managers for everything you do!!

Didn’t Get to Read All Our Manager Tributes? No problem! Visit our News Page to read all the stories from the week.