Employee recognition winner Cheryl Wilson with NECC President Lane Glenn, and fellow employee recognition winners Stacy Ayotte, and Duane Quinion.

Three Northern Essex Community College employees Stacy Ayotte of Exeter, NH, Duane Quinion of Westport Island, ME, and Cheryl Wilson of Chelmsford recently received the NECC Employee Recognition Award for the first quarter of 2015.

The Employee Recognition Award recognizes the many and varied contributions of the college’s nearly 700 employees. Employees are selected each quarter based on recommendations from supervisors and co-workers. Recipients receive a $150 certificate to the restaurant or mall of his or her choice.

Ayotte, an assistant professor in the Health Professions Department for the last three years, is the program coordinator for the Medical Laboratory Technology Program and  also chair of the Laboratory Science Department.

Colleague Brenda Salines nominated Ayotte noting, “Stacy is a joy to work with everyday… She is responsible for our newly acquired accreditation with National Accrediting Agency for Medical Lab Techs…She worked tirelessly for 3 years to make this happen and it may never have been accomplished without her tenacity.”

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Anna Maria College and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Lesley College.

Quinion has taught at NECC for the last five years in the Respiratory Care Program. He became an associate professor last year.

He was nominated by fellow respiratory care professor Christopher Rowse, who lauded Quinion saying “I have observed Duane directly in his teaching abilities and interaction with his students…He is a pleasure to observe in his teaching because of his genuine nature with his students and his easy going humor. He is able to put students at ease and has the ability to bring out the best in his students. He possesses a genuine empathy for students and his fellow colleagues. He is both a thoughtful and methodical teacher making sure he covers all important topics.”

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Bethel University and a Master of Theological Studies from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He earned a certificate in respiratory care from NECC in 1980.

A disability services specialist, Wilson has worked in NECC’s Learning Accommodation Program for nine years.

Wilson was nominated by several colleagues in the Learning Accommodations program. Deborah Regan wrote “Cheryl Wilson works primarily with students with psychiatric disabilities, who may experience crises.  As a result, she is often faced with students needing to be seen on short notice or no notice. She is very empathetic and goes above and beyond for these students, accompanying them to such offices as Financial Aid, the CPAC or the Bursar, to help resolve their problems.”

Fellow worker Cara Forcino wrote, “Cheryl is very dedicated to Northern Essex Community College students … She is there in times of crisis and in times of celebration. I have seen her students grow from fearing school to graduating with pride.” 

Susan Cunningham, associate director of the Learning Accommodations Center also supported the nomination saying, “She has a friendly, outgoing style and is well liked by students, staff and faculty. Her experience and knowledge in the field of disability services and in particular working with students with psychiatric disabilities are a great asset to our team…She puts a lot of effort into making sure that students get quality services.”

Wilson received praise for her patience and thoughtfulness from Deb McKinney, manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. “She seems always willing to learn something new and share with us…She is a team player.”

Colleague Cathy A. Morrow wrote, “One thing that I think about when I think of Cheryl is the touch of humor she brings to the office, sometimes laughter is the best medicine.”

Susan Martin, director of Learning Accommodations praised Wilson’s curiosity and for often challenging the “status quo” when it comes to office procedures and policy. “She is honest and sincere with students, fellow staff, and faculty members. She has a witty personality and can lighten the moment when needed!”

She holds an Associate of Business from Fisher Junior College, a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Public Relations from Emerson College, and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Rivier College.