At Woodhaven, we take immense pride in the accomplishments of our team members. Today, we are thrilled to spotlight Fontella Jackmon-Jones, a dedicated member of our family, who recently achieved a significant milestone in her career. Fontella, who has been with us for just over a year, has earned the prestigious “Work Incentive Practitioner” certification through Cornell University. This accomplishment is not only a testament to her dedication and hard work but also a reflection of the supportive and nurturing environment we strive to create at Woodhaven.
A Passion for Benefits Planning
Fontella has been an advocate and has aspired to assist individuals with benefits planning for the past 5 years. Her passion for helping people navigate their benefits planning has been a driving force in her career. Fontella has spent 25+ years serving in the field of disability services, in various roles. The desire to expand her ability to assist a wider range of people motivated her to pursue the “Work Incentive Practitioner” certification. This certification, which she had aspired to obtain for many years, is a significant addition to her impressive list of accomplishments.
Embracing Challenges and Broadening Horizons
The journey to this achievement was not without its challenges. Fontella admits to underestimating the difficulty of the program initially, given her many years of experience. However, she embraced these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. One of the most demanding tasks was writing an 8-page detailed case study, which required her to apply her knowledge without the benefit of a real individual to assist. The final exam, which comprised over 38 pages of work, was another hurdle she overcame with determination and perseverance. These experiences broadened her horizons and changed her perspective, enriching her professional growth.
Impacting Woodhaven and the Community
This certification is not just a personal achievement for Fontella, but it also brings immense value to Woodhaven. It allows us to extend our reach and help more people in our community. It enhances our understanding of the intricacies of benefits and how they work together, enabling us to better serve those who rely on them. We are excited about the opportunities this opens up for increased community collaboration.
A Testament to Woodhaven's Supportive Culture
Fontella’s journey is a shining example of what we stand for at Woodhaven. We believe in supporting our team members in their professional growth and helping them realize their dreams. Fontella’s achievement is a testament to this commitment. She expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the leadership at Woodhaven, which rallied around her and helped her dream become a reality after only a short period as a member of the Woodhaven team.
Looking Ahead
Fontella has also had a desire to join the “Journey Toward Inclusive Excellence” for many years, a goal she attained this year, becoming a committee member. She was likewise honored to be a finalist for the “Make It Happen” challenge with New Chapter Coaching, further testament to her dedication, commitment and positive outlook. When asked about her favorite thing about Woodhaven, Fontella said, “You can be authentically yourself, and your voice is heard. There is so much respect and encouragement from the leadership to help us grow so that we can better serve our individuals.” This sentiment encapsulates the culture we strive to foster at Woodhaven – one of respect, growth, inclusivity and authenticity. We are incredibly proud of Fontella and her achievements. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a supportive work environment. We look forward to seeing the positive impact her new certification will have on our community and the individuals we serve.