Recognizing Excellence: The Arc Mercer Celebrates Staff at Monthly TAC Awards Luncheon

Following a powerful Juneteenth celebration, The Arc Mercer community remained gathered for the TAC Monthly Awards Luncheon. These luncheons are an opportunity to spotlight the 99% of remarkable things our staff accomplish every day rather than focus on the 1% of mistakes. We celebrate the kind of excellence that often goes unnoticed but fuels our mission and makes Arc Mercer an extraordinary place to work and receive care.

At The Arc Mercer, employee recognition is at the heart of our culture. The Team Atmosphere Committee shines a light on the everyday heroes who make this agency run, the frontline mission critical staff who pour their time, energy, and heart into supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Arc Mercer is proud to maintain a staff turnover rate of just 6%, a stunning figure in an industry where high turnover is the norm. 

Honoring Milestone Work Anniversaries

This month, we celebrated several exceptional team members for their years of dedicated service:

5-Year Honoree

• Leasa Farquharson, Shift Manager, Hilltop

Each 5-year honoree received a customized Arc Mercer plaque, lapel pin, $150 gift card, and celebratory balloon.

10-Year Honoree

• Chrystal McNiel, Shift Manager, Buttonwood

Chrystal was recognized for a decade of outstanding service with a customized plaque, $150 gift card, lapel pin, and balloon.

25-Year Honoree

• Tarweh Witherspoon, DSP, Greenwood

  
  

Tarweh is an Arc Mercer legend. Starting his journey at the agency the same year Executive Director Steve Cook began his tenure, Tarweh has spent 25 years delivering exceptional care and mentoring generations of consumers. He is also a co-chair of the Liberia Culture Group and a driving force behind Project 601, our international initiative to expand services for people with IDD in Liberia.

In honor of this major milestone, Tarweh received a special 25-year lapel pin, $350 gift card, and a custom plaque recognizing a career defined by compassion, leadership, and impact.

May 2025 Rising Star of the Month

Celesta Baier, OTC/156/Avalon

Nominated for her selflessness and peer mentorship, Celesta goes above and beyond to support her visually impaired peers in the food service program—often assisting others before even beginning her own work.

“She takes pride in being a guide, assistant, and friend to her peers. She always puts others first and is a supportive friend.” – Nominated by LaShana Deacon, Recreation/Respite

Celesta received a framed certificate, a $100 gift card, and a congratulatory balloon from the Office of Executive Direction.

May 2025 Employee of the Month

Hilda Aguilar-Perez, DSP, Klockner

A true example of what makes Arc Mercer’s frontline staff so special, Hilda was praised for her consistent kindness, patience, and joyful spirit.

“Her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed.” – Nominated by Kelly Gonzales, Health Care Center

As Employee of the Month, Hilda was awarded a framed certificate, a $250 gift card, balloon, and an exclusive Employee of the Month lapel pin.

At The Arc Mercer, we believe that recognition fuels retention, motivation, and mission-driven excellence.

We invite all staff to submit nominations every month for the Employee of the Month and Rising Star of the Month awards. Whether it’s a co-worker who consistently brings positivity to your team, or a consumer who’s made meaningful strides toward their goals—your voice helps shine a light on the people who make Arc Mercer what it is.

Nominate someone today—and help us celebrate all of the great things happening all around us every day.