Site Manager Alyson with an individual.
By Nicole Lemire
Hollow Road Site Manager Alyson Kalisz says that the key to running a successful program is putting the individual’s needs first and maintaining good communication between staff. Hollow Road was named BCArc’s DDS Program of the Year this summer, so clearly she knows what she’s talking about.
Alyson has worked at BCArc for five years, with the last three being site manager of Hollow Road. During COVID, she made sure that the house was following all protocols and diligently cleaning, practices that they still maintain to this day.
“My main goals for this program is to keep the individuals happy and healthy, and to keep their house clean and acceptable to live in,” Alyson said. “That is my number one priority.”
Previously, all of the program’s members were nonverbal, and the house had an established dynamic, but within the past year, a new resident moved in who had more behavioral challenges. Alyson praised her staff for handling this shift, and for adapting quickly and learning how to best accommodate this individual’s needs.
Alyson attributes the success of the program to the hard work of her staff, and the willingness of the individuals to adapt. One staff member that she specifically highlighted was Albert, a full-time staff member who she felt went above and beyond.
“The staff do anything and everything for this program. Some, like Albert, have been here a long time and treat the individuals like family. It’s nice to see our hard work get recognized.”
Hollow Road has won Program of the Year several times over the years, the most recently being in 2013. Winning this year was a rewarding experience for the staff, who all are glad to see their hard work being recognized.
