Chelmsford Woman Receives Employee Recognition Award from Northern Essex Community College.

Courtesy Photo: Employee Recognition Award recipient Cheryl Wilson, a disability services specialist in Northern Essex Community College’s Learning Accommodations Program with NECC President Lane Glenn.

Three Northern Essex Community College employees, including 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.

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. She is very busy with these students and is often booked solid on any given day. She has a great sense of humor, and is able to calm students down who may be anxious or stressed out.”

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.”

She was praised for her patience and thoughtfulness by 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 her 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!”

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

She holds an Associate of Business from Fisher College.