2020 George Casanova Distinguished Service Award Winner

Each year we honor an Employee with the George Casanova Distinguished Service award.

George was one of the founders of the Aspire Foundation. His dedication and service is commendable. George is a well-respected, community-minded individual who gives freely of his time to Aspire. He is a trusted friend and advocate for Aspire, and we are a better organization because of our relationship with George.

The criteria to receive the award are as follows:

1. Exemplifies leadership and dedication that is valued by others.
2. Promotes community education that positively reflects people with disabilities and Aspire’s services.
3. Advocates for increased community involvement with Aspire (through membership in an association / civic organization/ community connections resulting in volunteers, donations/funding, or other beneficial relationships).
4. Contributes personal time, talent, and/or treasure that positively impacts people supported by Aspire.
5. Involves themselves in the agency’s strategic initiatives that help exemplify our mission and moves us forward in our vision for the future.
6. Employee has been employed with Aspire for at least 5 years.

Congratulations to Arlette Keller for being our 2020 Award Winner!!

Arlette has been a tremendous asset to Aspire since starting her career as a DSP more than 28 years ago.  Her experience and education would later bring her into the role of Director of Quality Assurance.  Over the past few years, there have been many changes at the state level that required restructuring.  Arlette worked endlessly to make sure the transition was as smooth as could be and without interruption in services.  Additional restructuring occurred within the agency in which Arlette took under her wing, the responsibility of overseeing residential services.  There have been several challenges this year (COVID).  Arlette tackles them head-on and without reservation.  She thinks outside of the box to move things in the direction of our strategic plan and mission. Arlette has demonstrated true leadership in so many ways that it is impossible to list them all.

We are so thankful for everything that you have done for us.