Congrats, Matt!

At work yesterday, Jim announced that Matt won a Clinician of the Year award!  There are 125 branches that span 11 states in Encompass. Colorado Springs is just one of the branches and he got this award!

I guess each branch sends a selection for clinician (therapy or nursing), home health aide and office staff. Then these are sent to corporate for April Anthony (CEO), Tracy Kruse (COO) to choose the top 5-8 from each category (Clinician, Home Health Aide, Office Staff) of the company.  So there are usually about 15 total awarded with the three categories combined.  Each Branch Director writes up a report on why their people deserve the award. Jennifer, Matt's Branch Director, even showed him the report yesterday of words from his patients, fellow clinicians and office staff praising his effort, attitude and aptitude.

I'm so proud of him! But I always have been really. I guess I'm just floored that he works at a place that regularly recognizes and appreciates him. It's unreal. It makes what he does so rewarding on a daily basis. If not from his patients, from his supervisor or even all the way to the top. It's just crazy. I think it makes his work incredibly fulfilling. I know not everyone can say this.  We are grateful.  In just the last week or so, three patients have written in to the office to let them know how much they enjoyed working with Matt. He really is in the right career for his abilities and bent. And he is blessed by those who take the time to appreciate that. It really says a lot about his patients!

The boys and I made the banner for him yesterday for when he got home.


I asked him before going to bed about it again. He said he still couldn't really believe it. I'm just so proud of him and grateful that others seem to see what I see in him. It's not all about clinical knowledge (that's an important part though!), I think his attitude gets him far. He doesn't complain, he's appreciative and considerate and he tries to refrain from or join in on negativity. He's also very content exactly where he is. I'm probably going to get in trouble for this post (from Matt), but if I can't brag about him to our closest family and friends, then who can I? I know some of you will (and should!) feel great pride and joy in this unexpected award. You helped to shape him into who he is today.

I'm so glad the boys have him for a daddy to emulate. Here's Nathan with his banner...and his foot?


Nathan chose all of the colors specifically for daddy. He liked the sparkles on the black, red and blue ones!  He loved cutting the papers, punching the holes, writing the letters (with my help, of course), and stringing them up!  In case you can't tell, the gray paper by the "S" has a "green snake" and "fireworks" on it :)


He is invited to Las Vegas in March for Encompass' annual meeting where he will stay at the Bellagio and receive his award!


We are so proud of you, Babe!!!!!!