Shameshia Holmes
2017 Trustees' Fund Award Recipient

Program Coordinator May Center for Adult Services

Shameshia has been a Program Coordinator at residences in West Springfield for more than five years. She successfully and efficiently runs a busy and challenging residential program with four women who have multiple developmental and behavioral challenges. She is patient and kind-hearted, and always puts individuals served and her staff first.

She was instrumental in opening one home in the spring of 2015 by working closely with the administrative team to ensure a smooth transition that included welcoming two new individuals to adult residential services. Shameshia supported and worked closely with their guardians as they adapted from child to adult services. One of the individuals had special dietary needs that Shameshia quickly accommodated with new shopping and cooking techniques. Her professionalism and follow-up have allowed her to develop strong working relationships with the individual’s day programs.

Shameshia is extremely dedicated to her staff and their development. Two of her direct care staff have grown into strong Assistant Program Coordinators as a result of her commitment to mentoring and coaching. Shameshia’s colleagues have high praise for her:

“When Shameshia visits the administrative office, she is professional, personable, and thoroughly follows up on details pertaining to her program,” says Operations Manager Jeriko Perkins. “Shameshia continues to impress me with her ability to run an efficient and caring home,” says Clinical Director Margaret Walsh. “Her first priority is always the needs of the people she works with, and she expects this from staff. When conflicts arise, she is able to handle them honestly and with empathy. Shameshia is a great teacher, she isn’t afraid to help when needed, and she does not give up on the staff or the women she works with.” West Springfield, Mass. Back to Employee Honors