The McCrimmon Award is named for Ed McCrimmon, a longtime staff member at the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) known for his outstanding dedication and integrity in service to individuals with autism. Tragically, he died in 2017. The McCrimmon Award was established to keep Ed’s memory alive while celebrating other direct support professionals like him who give their heart and soul in providing critical care to individuals with autism. This award is sponsored by Rob and Jennifer Christian.
Congratulations to the 2024 McCrimmon Award winners: Micah Dupree and Calyn McMullen for their outstanding commitment and service.
Micah Dupree
Nominated by Kim, Mark and Trevor Tizzard
After a year and half of working with Trevor, the Tizzard family shares “Trevor wakes up early with excitement and joy on the days he gets to come to Creative Living. He looks forward to seeing the amazing staff at Creative Living, but mostly ‘his friend’ Micah. As his parents, we get to see Trevor’s silly and fun personality which is often reserved for us and a few close friends. Micah has become one of those trusted people.”
The Tizzards were impressed from the start by Micah’s wish to learn all he could about Trevor—his likes, dislikes, and triggers. With that information Micah and Trevor fill their days with meaningful activities they decide on together, which continues to help Trevor flourish toward his independence and his best life. “Micah has incorporated healthy activities into their day (YMCA, park walks, and yoga) while sprinkling in some of Trevor’s favorite things like volunteering at Produce Project, checking out the catfish at Bass Pro, and of course the cats at Second Chance.” When asked, Trevor lists these three activities, but “they are just a snapshot of the fun these two get up to. There is much more they do in the community!” And what does Trevor like best about Micah… “Listens to you, Produce Project, Bass Pro Shop and Second Chance.”
“There are not words to express what it means knowing that your loved one is in a safe, fun environment with amazing staff like Micah. He is consistent, professional, and enthusiastic. We are truly grateful.”
Calyn McMullen
Nominated by Karin Youngquist and ASNC colleagues Dana Greeson and Angela Polson
“Calyn came to our family after we endured a thirteen-year-long wait for the Innovation’s Waiver, and we had very high hopes,” says Karin Youngquist, “and Calyn has surpassed these wishes by a long shot. Our daughter Emma is not easily engaged, and it is difficult to come up with things to do with her that she truly enjoys.” Emma’s communication is very limited, and she has very little experience of being out and about in the community. Karin credits Calyn with turning all of this around. “Calyn has never been afraid of a challenge such as taking Emma to places she’s never been before to test where and what Emma’s preferences are, always giving her a choice. She stands up for Emma by taking control of the situation and advocates for Emma every time she is out in the community.” According to Karin Calyn found THE thing that gives Emma so much joy— going to the gym. “Calyn knew to start small and work up towards bigger goals. It was not easy in the beginning, but it is truly amazing how far they have come in such a short time.”
Calyn’s ASNC colleagues also praise her hard work and commitment. “Calyn doesn’t back off when she sees a challenge,” says Regional Staffing Specialist Dana Greeson, “and always collaborates with the team to support each individual she works with.” “Calyn has gone above and beyond,” says Associate Autism Services Coordinator Angela Polson, “by attending team meetings at school and at home to assist with collaboration across all venues of her client’s life.”
Karin’s family has “literally discussed that, if Calyn was a superhero (which she already is to us and Emma by the way), her superpower would be the ability to stay calm and collected in the most stressful situations. … She has an impeccable way of defusing escalating scenarios in a way that we have not witnessed before, and we have learned a lot from her actions and interactions with Emma.”
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