|
Organizational Development, Training & Recognition |
| |
Office Administrative Support Staff Conference (OASSC) |
| |
2004 Conference |
2005 Conference
2006 Office/Administrative Support Staff Conference
|
 |
The 16th annual OASSC was held on March 7 and 8, 2006 at Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention center. The theme for this year’s event is Living Legends ~ Leaving Legacies.
Everyone enjoyed learning about leaving a legacy, being entertained by our talented UTMB co-workers and our special guest.
Check out the speakers, talent, pictures and information below. |
|
Speakers: |
Doug Stevenson - Keynote: Creating Legends and Legacies with Stories &
Session: Tell a Story - Change a Life |
|
I’ve
given keynote speeches to audiences all over the United States and in
Canada, Singapore, England and Ireland. I’ve had articles and interviews
published in many national publications including Selling Power, Investors Business Daily, Professional Speaker Magazine, Body
Mind Spirit Magazine and many other association magazines. I was a
columnist for the Denver Business Journal, contributing a monthly
column called Talk Your Walk series, for over a year. My Story Theater
Method is also referenced in several published books on storytelling in the
US and France. With 16 years as an actor/carpenter, more than a decade in
real estate and another decade speaking, I bring a unique mix of practical
business experience combined with a theatrical approach to speaking. I live
in the beautiful rocky mountain city, Colorado Springs, Colorado, with my
wife Deborah Merriman (VP of Everything). |
 |
| Lisa Gardner - Preserving Your Legacy |
|
Lisa Gardner has a passion for teaching people to preserve their legacy. She
has been a Creative Memories Consultant for over 9 years, teaching people
how to organize their photos, mount them quickly and simply in safe albums,
and most importantly, to tell the stories that go along with those photos so
future generations can enjoy them. Lisa grew up in League City where she now
lives with her husband James, and 2 daughters, Elizabeth and Emily.! |
|
| Michelle Sierpina - Your Life Story-Your Legacy |
|
Michelle Sierpina, M.S., is Founding
Director of UTMB's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), a program of
college level courses for those over 55. She developed facilitator training
protocols for Share Your Life Story Workshops and co-produced facilitator
training videos for lifestory work and Visible Lives storyboards for elders.
She speaks nationally and internationally and has published peer-reviewed
articles and book chapters on topics in gerontology, creativity and
spirituality. She is completing doctoral studies in gerontology. |
|
| Alison Alton - Creating Your Legacy-Dr. Suess on the Loose |
|
Alison
Alton is a Human Resources Consultant in Organizational Development,
Training and Recognition at The University of Texas Medical Branch (“UTMB”)
in Galveston, Texas. Alison combines training, facilitation and coaching to
develop new skills and behaviors within individuals and teams. She is
certified in Stephen Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, as
a facilitator with Achieveglobal, in the Birkman Method for motivational
assessment, and in Reuven Bar-On’s EQi profile interpretation and coaching.
Having finalized development and implementation of Supervisor and Manager
Certification Programs at UTMB, she is now working with her team to build a
coaching network providing internal and external resources to all levels of
leadership. |
|
| |
UTMB Talent : |
Sheila Lee, SON-Multimedia
Accordian |
Rosaline Brown-Leigh, Neuroscience
Singing & Piano |
June Yowtak, Neuroscience
Piano |
Angela Wells, Family Medicine
Singing
|
Judy Barnett, Animal Resource Center
Singing
|
Andrieta Soto, RMCHP-Domicile
Karaoke
|
Sylvia Cohen, Phyllis Booker, Lillie Simpson, Eileen Figueroa, Sue Minello, Josie Van, Ruby Savoy, Wini Boyle, Melissa Behrens and Amber Silva (not listed in order) -
Sister Act |
Michael Wonio, Pathology
Guitar & Vocals
|
Natalia Garmashova, Microbiology
Dance |
Dimitrios "T.J." Tjanis, Pediatrics
Singing/Rap
|
Tanisha Edmond-Green, Orthopedics
Singing |
Kimberly Cormier, Neurology
Singing
|
Florence McMillan-Frost, Willed Body
Poetry Reading
|
|
| |
UTMB Legends
In keeping with the conference theme--Living Legends, Leaving Legacies--and building on the employee and group tributes collected during the past two years, in 2006 we sought tales of incredible events and awe-inspiring people who through an action exemplified the best of UTMB. Please read and enjoy: |
| |
Nominee- Karen Stagner
Nominator – Lisa Davis
I would like to tell you about a colleague of mine. Her name is Karen Stagner and though she has not been a part of the IMO team for very long: I can tell you that in the short time that she has been here she has made a tremendous difference and impression on me.
(rest of the story )
Nominee – Thomas Douglas
Nominator – Stephen Stone
Daily examples abound that demonstrate UTMB’s caring for our community and beyond. However, sometimes an individual comes along, stands up, and makes a genuine difference exemplifying the real heart of UTMB. Their actions speak to the best in humanity. Thomas Douglas was just such an individual. His simple acts of decency made him a very real hero in my eyes and in the eyes of those fortunate enough to have known him and worked with him. He possessed an appreciation and respect for everyone he met – regardless of their race, or socio-economic status.
(rest of the story)
Nominee- Susan Crider
Nominator – Penny Dale
I have the greatest pleasure to know of a courageous and extraordinary young lady which I am blessed to be friends with. She has shown this institution just how genuine a "Hospital Operator" should be at all times.
(rest of the story )
Nominee- Melanie Loving
Nominator – Carol Bertsche
I want to share about a co-worker who sacrificially gives to her co-workers at UTMB. It would take more than 500 words to describe all the times that Melanie Loving has gone above and beyond in caring for those around her. Whether it’s someone she supervises in the Office of Educational Development, someone she reports to, or someone outside of her department, she is encouraging, trustworthy and supportive.
(rest of the story )
Nominee - Jennifer Nitschmann
Nominator – Grace Keithley
I would like to nominate Jennifer Nitschmann, RN, MSN, CNA as one of UTMB’s Living Legends. I feel honored to be part of a Living Legend and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to showcase her commitment to the quality of services in all areas. Her knowledge of the operational and clinical areas of UTMB consists of over 24 years of service to UTMB.
(rest of the story )
Nominee- Linda Burke
Nominator – Phyllis Booker
I met Linda Burke about three years ago when I enrolled on her van pool to become a rider. Linda is employed by UTMB, Sponsored Programs, and Research Services. Linda is very dedicated to her job assignments/duties. Even though I do not work with Linda, I have seen her dedication and commitment to UTMB. She is committed and working a weekend is not ever out of the question. I remember having to come over to her department one day to pick up some work for one of my physicians.
(rest of the story)
Nominee- Ms. Percy Washington
Nominator – Pegi Pung
This is a story about a lady whom we could refer to as the “mom” of our department!
Percy has worked with UTMB for the past 16 years, and we’ve been blessed to have her with us since 1993. I manage four units and 75 FTEs in Behavioral Medicine, and I can accomplish this without an assistant manager because of the support I receive from this wonderful lady.
(rest of the story )
Nominee- Florence McMillian-Frost
Nominator – Grace Keithley
I would like to nominate Florence McMillian-Frost (Flo) as a candidate for winner of the Living Legends-Leaving Legacies contest. I am nominating her because of her delivery of exceptional services here at UTMB.
(rest of the story )
|
|
| |
| |
|
2005 Office/Administrative Support Staff Conference
|
 |
A Fresh Catch - Tools for Netting Health, Happiness and Fulfillment
Over 1,000 people caught their tools for netting health, happiness and fulfillment by attending this year's OASSC conference. We returned to the Galveston Island Convention Center.
In 2005, we cast a wider net for UTMB's “Terrific Teams.” We solicited nominations from the university community about great examples of UTMB support teams. We prominently displayed short statements about our outstanding teams, along with their photos.
To view the "Terrific Teams" click here. |
|
Keynote Address: |
 |
John Yokoyama and the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market Organization
John Yokoyama purchased Pike Place Fish in 1965. At that time, John was one of several employees of the quiet, unassuming little fish stand. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to sell the business, John’s employer offered him the opportunity to purchase Pike Place Fish.
|
As a young man of 25, John was at first hesitant to buy the business. However, the monthly payments on his new 1965 Buick Riviera were taking most of his pay. He decided he could do better on an owner’s salary and went ahead and bought the company...so… originally, John purchased Pike Place Fish so he could make his car payments… amazing how things have turned out! Over the years humble little Pike Place Fish became "World Famous" Pike Place Fish, a dynamic, fast-paced retail fish market that’s fun for both customers and employees! The antics of the fish-flinging staff have become the highlight of the Pike Place Market, and have been featured in Spike Lee’s Levi commercial, on NBC’s "Frasier", MTV’s "Real World", and ABC’s "Good Morning America". The "low-flying fish" have been captured on film and immortalized in print by filmmakers and journalists from all over the world. In 1996, Charthouse Educational Corporation produced two award winning corporate training films, Fish and Fish Sticks. These two videos document the amazing culture of Pike Place Fish and have become the best selling corporate training videos in the world. In a CNN Special Report on January 26, 2001, CNN identified the three most fun places to work in the United States. The World Famous Pike Place Fish Market was #1! At the company website, www.pikeplacefish.com, John has received many requests from other businesses and organizations to coach and instruct them on the underlying principles that have given shape to his company. To accommodate these requests, John, along with his coach/consultant, Jim Bergquist from BizFutures Consulting Company, has formed a new company, The Flying Fish / BizFutures Consulting Team, LLC. The Team now travels to company conventions and special events where John and The Fishmongers are accompanied by a BizFutures Consultant to deliver their Fish Wisdom in a way that is fun, educational and inspiring. The team also produces an array of very effective mini-workshops for managers and employees as well as a seminar entitled “INSIDE-OUT: Principles for Creating a Vital Workplace” which is held periodically in Seattle, Washington. |
|
Speakers: |
Alison Alton |
Alison Alton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Dartmouth College and a Master of Arts in Behavioral Sciences from the University of Houston, Clear Lake. Her area of concentration at the graduate level was Industrial/Organizational Psychology. As a Human Resources Consultant in Organizational Development, Training and Recognition at The University of Texas Medical Branch (“UTMB”) in Galveston, Texas, Alison combines training, facilitation and coaching to develop new skills and behaviors within individuals and teams. She is certified in Stephen Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, as a facilitator with Achieveglobal, in the Birkman Method for motivational assessment, and in Reuven Bar-On’s EQi profile interpretation and coaching. Having finalized development and implementation of Supervisor and Manager Certification Programs at UTMB, she is now working with her team to build a coaching network providing internal and external resources to all levels of leadership. |
| |
Mary Broom
|
Mary Broom is a Human Resources Consultant in Organizational Development, Training and Recognition at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Born and raised in Galveston, she is a graduate of O’Connell High School and holds a BBA in Accounting from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Mary has worked in the field of Accounting for 23 years and in Human Resources for 5 years. She has been with the University for 18 years. During her UTMB accounting career, Mary was in the Accounting and Financial Aid departments as an Accountant, and was an Administrative Services Officer with Facilities Operations. She also was Comptroller/Assistant VP for Business Services for Galveston College. Mary is certified in Achieveglobal skill modules and Emotional Intelligence from the Edmonson group. She currently facilitates Giving and Receiving Feedback, Giving Recognition, Helping Your Team Work, Values in Professionalism, portions of the Supervisory Certification and Emerging Leader programs. She also coordinates the Emotional Intelligence Series and Supervisor Certification Program. Some of the courses / programs she has helped develop are the TEAMS course for supervisors, the GEM program, and Values in Professionalism, also known as VIP. She volunteers her time to the UTMB Caring Clown Troup, sponsored by the UTMB Volunteer Office. |
| |
Gerald Cleveland
|
Mr. Cleveland started the employee wellness program at UTMB in 1992. Over the years the program has grown and changed to reflect the diversity of the UTMB populations. Gerald received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama - Birmingham and a masters degree from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. As Executive Director of the Corporate Health Consortium, Mr. Cleveland oversees the operations of the 15 plus member organization which presents opportunities for corporations and academic institutions to network and collaborate on improving the health of worksite populations. Gerald also serves as consultant for the Alumni Field House and is active in several community organizations. |
| |
| |
Julie Dial
|
Ms. Dial has been with the Health Promotion Program since 1995. She has been instrumental in the development of several programs over the past several years. The Special Intervention Program (SIP) program has become a integral part of the HP program. Physicians and other health care providers refer individuals to who have contraindication to physical activity. Julie then works with the individual to establish a program to increase their physical ability and move them toward optimal health. Ms. Dial received her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M and her masters degree from the University of Houston Clear Lake. Prior to coming to UTMB, Julie taught fourth grade in the Clear Creek ISD. An avid tennis player and downhill snow skier, Julie has a zest for life that is very contagious. |
| |
| |
Russell LaForte, MD
|
Dr. Russell A. LaForte is an assistant professor in the department of general internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB). Dr. LaForte graduated suma cum laude from The University of Texas at Austin in 1987 and received his M.D. from UTMB in 1992. He served as chief medical resident at UTMB from 1995 to 1996. Dr. LaForte is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). He currently serves as medical director of the faculty clinic in the Department of Internal Medicine and is medical director of The Wellness Continuum at UTMB. Dr. LaForte has earned honors such as the Edward Randall Medal for Academic Excellence, the William L. Marr Award in Internal Medicine, and membership in Phi Beta Kappa-Gamma Chapter. He is also a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society. |
| |
Vince Loffredo, Ph.D., MEd., B.S.
|
Dr. Vince Loffredo's educational experience includes a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Syracuse University in 1991. He received his Masters in Education from the University of Houston in Athletic Administration in 1994. He went on to received his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Houston with research in the area of Curriculum and Instruction in Physical Education in 2001. In addition Dr. Loffredo was certified in 1997 by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America as a Fitness Counselor.
Dr. Loffredo's career path started in the field of exercise science. He started his career in Dallas , Texas as a fitness consultant for the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL, and a Personal Trainer for various fitness facilities in Dallas . He later became the staff Exercise Physiologist for DRCA Medical Corporation in Houston . He then spent three years as training specialist for the City of Houston 's Police Academy . During this time he was also awarded a Doctoral Teaching Fellowship at the University of Houston, and also worked as an adjunct for North Harris Community College in Physical Education. Dr. Loffredo became a founding faculty member and the Director of Wellness for Montgomery College in The Woodlands Texas. While there he served on the Board of Directors for the Conroe YMCA. Dr. Loffredo joined Texas A&M - Galveston Kinesiology Department faculty and also worked as a Senior Academic Advisor for three years. He then became the first Vice President of Academic Affairs at American Intercontinental - University in Houston . Most recently, Dr Loffredo joined the UTMB School of Nursing in March 2004 as the Academic Counselor.
|
| |
Lulu's Salon and Day Spa
|
|
| |
Dr. Mary Malott
|
Dr. Mary Malott came to Galveston in 1998 upon graduating from Texas Chiropractic College (TCC), where in addition to her regular studies she completed a spine surgery rotation at UTMB under the direction of Alexander Hadjipavlou, M.D. During her stay in Galveston, she became endeared with Galveston County and its people and decided to open her first practice on Stewart Road (6511 Stewart Rd. Suite 7). Dr. Malott has recently expanded her coverage area by opening a second (3023 Marina Bay Dr. Suite 104, League City) and third (699.S. Friendswood Dr. Ste 105 Friendswood) clinic within Galveston County. In the past, Dr. Malott has shared office space with Family Practice, Internal Medicine, and Podiatrist specialists thus approaching health and wellness from both natural, and western medicine perspectives. Dr. Malott is Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition and practice nutrition from all three clinics. Dr, Malott was voted #1 Chiropractor in Galveston County in 2001 (reader’s choice award) and UTMB’s outstanding Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Provider in 2003. She is currently serving her second term as Executive Secretary for the American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Nutrition. |
| |
| |
Emily Riffe
|
Ms. Riffe is a graduate of the UTMB Health Education and Promotion program. She recently received her Certified Health Education Specialist certification (CHES) and has put that to good use as the coordinator of the Commit To Quit Smoking Cessation program. Emily has also help develop the Reducing Employee Accident And Disability Initiative (READI). This multi-component program funded by the state workers compensation fund, takes employees on leave due to on the job injuries and provides one-on-one physical fitness training. READI has shown significant return on investment in the pilot stage and has been continued to increase participation. Emily received her undergraduate degree from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. Emily is very active in her church and has the ability to put any situation into a positive light. |
| |
Ishmael Robles
|
A life long Galvestonian, Ishmael Robles is a 7th Degree Master Instructor in Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do. One of the best sport karate competitors from Texas, Master Robles is a two-time United States Lightweight Champion. He was rated the #1 Lightweight in the world by the World Journal of Martial Arts and captained the Texas Karate team, which won 3 consecutive U.S. Team titles. As a professional kick boxer he won 2 (PKA/WKA) United States Welterweight Championships and in 1983 captured the KICK World Welterweight Title on ABC Wide World of Entertainment. He retired in 1985 with a professional record of 27—3 with 19 KO’s. His students include Golden Greek award winner Master Al Garza, 6-time World Kick Boxing Champion Cliff "Magic" Thomas, World Kick Boxing and IBF World Boxing champion Troy Dorsey, and Judge Roy Moore — former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. He served on the board and as president of the Amateur Organization of Karate and was a national promoter for the National Black Belt League. Master Robles' instructor is 10th Degree Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, considered the Father of American Tae Kwon Do. |
| |
M.Kay Sandor, Ph.D., R.N., L.P.C., A.H.N-C, Associate Professor
|
Dr. Sandor is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing with clinical and course responsibilities in the baccalaureate program in the Older Adult, Mental Health, and the Community Health courses. She is also one of the co-directors of an interdisciplinary course entitled Spirituality and Clinical Care taught to nursing and medical students. Her teaching responsibilities in the graduate program include course coordinator for the Community as Partner course and guest lecturer in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Her academic preparation for these responsibilities includes a master of science in nursing in community health with a minor in adult education, and a doctorate in family nursing with a research emphasis on community mental health interventions. She is also a licensed professional counselor and a certified holistic nurse. In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Sandor is the UTMB liaison with the William Temple Episcopal Center in Galveston where she coordinates the Labyrinth Ministry. Her publications include research-based manuscripts focusing on community intervention research methodology and outcomes, developing curricular strategies to enhance critical thinking skills in baccalaureate nursing students, team-building consultation and intervention, spirituality and healing practices. She has recently completed a feasibility study of the physiologic and affective influences of walking the labyrinth and plans to develop a proposal for additional funding for a larger study. Dr. Sandor is a member of the School of Nursing’s Center for Health Promotion and Healing Practices. |
| |
Dr. Michael Trahan
|
It seems like nearly everyone is talking about losing weight, but did you realize that more than 30% of the U.S. adult population is classified as obese and nearly 12 million are morbidly obese? What are the medical consequences of obesity? Is stomach bypass surgery really the answer to this epidemic? |
| |
Chef Jim Whitecotton Assoc. Director of Culinary Operations - Landry’s Restaurants
|
Chef Jim was born December 8, 1959 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Crawfordsville is a small Midwestern farming community with a vibrant high school sports culture. Jim was captain of the high school football team playing middle line backer and was also captain of the wrestling team.
Chef Jim has served three US presidents: Reagan, Bush and Clinton. He has also served famous stars such as Stephen Stills, Whitney Houston, BB King, Meg Ryan, Dusty Hill and many others. He has done fund raisers for some of the most prestigious groups such as American Cancer Society, American Lymphoma Society, Kemah Historical Society and many assorted functions for kids’ schools, and charitable functions. He has recently received the Loyalty Award for 10 years of service to Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. He is on the board of directors for North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce. He is an alcohol awareness trainer and a certified sanitation trainer for the company. He is the safety manager for the Kemah boardwalk region
|
| |
Trisha Wooten
|
Trisha Wooten is a Human Resources Consultant in Organizational Development, Training and Recognition at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She holds bachelors degrees in both Social Work and Psychology from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Trisha has worked in the public relations field and has extensive experience as a health care Social Worker. She has also worked as Assistant Director at an emergency shelter for abused children and Director of a Girls Club. Her diverse background gives her the ability to relate to those on both the healthcare and business sides of an academic medical center. Trisha maintains her Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners Licensure. She is certified in Achieveglobal Skill modules and Emotional Intelligence from the Edmonson group. She currently facilitates a multitude of leadership, team development, customer service and personal development courses at UTMB. In addition, she provides professional coaching services. Trisha is active in her church and serves on both the Administrative Board and on the Moody Day School Board. She also volunteers her time with the Moody Menders program, Salvation Army, and as a UTMB Caring Clown. Trisha resides in Galveston with her husband, 2 daughters and 5 pets. She enjoys a multitude of activities including camping, photography, gardening, exercise, cooking, crafts and spending time with her family. |
| |
Manual Zamora - Reflexology, Massage & Hot Stones
|
Feeling tense? Muscles aching? Ever wondered if hot stones would help? Do you know you can relax your whole body, relieve headaches and back pain by a touch of your hand? Want to know more….don't miss this session! You'll learn about reflexology, hot stone therapy, aroma therapy and relaxation. Who couldn't use this information! |
|
|
|
|
2004 Office/Administrative Support Staff Conference
|
 |
Taking Center Stage - Shining the Spotlight on Us!
Approximately 1320 people were in attendance at this year's OASSC conference and it was absolutely excellent, exceptional and extraordinary! We held the premiere event at the new Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort; it was beautiful, the staff were fabulous and the food was delicious!
140 of our staff were nominated as "Support Stars" and were featured on the walls of fame at the convention center. Please click the OASSC graphic to the left to see their photographs and stories. |
|
 |
The keynote speaker for the morning was inspirational and had a powerful message. Jim Jacobus let everyone know that "inside every human being a champion heart beats...."
Click Jim's photo to link to his website. |
 |
The day ended with an absolutely phenomenal performance and message from Mike Rayburn who taught us to push ourselves to extremes by asking the questions; What if? and Why not?
Click Mike's photo to link to his website. |
|
| The 6 breakout sessions received great reviews as well! Please click the photos for links to their websites or to email the presenter. |
 |
Candy Whirley energized the room with Communication and Teamwork.
|
 |
Joe Gilliam "Coach Joe" let the crowd know that we are all leaders in his Leadership seminar.
|
 |
Frank Keck got the creative juices flowing in his 4 Keys to Creativity session.
|
 |
Stacey Truitt showed the crowd that they can succeed if they will Write the Script that Gets Results.
|
 |
Robert Ferguson and Krista Clarke discussed Total Wellness!
|
|
|
|
Gerald Cleveland, Dr. Juliet McKee Julie Dial, Emily Riffe and Kathleen DiNatale provided insight on Life Balance and Healthy Alternatives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
