Self-Advocate of the Year - Michael Howell
Nominator Betty Shanks says Michael Howell entered the world kicking and screaming “equal rights for all!”  When his first employment agency suggested a sheltered workshop for him, Michael said no, answering phones and doing computer work was what he preferred – and that is what he got.  While living in Spokane, dreams of adventure entered his mind and Michael managed to move to Bremerton, where he attended community college and worked.  When his desire for adventure was satisfied, he came back home to Spokane.  Today Michael is an active member of Self-Advocates in Leadership, the state Developmental Disability Council and the Spokane County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board, helping all three organizations to promote equal rights and a good life for people with disabilities.
Congratulations, Michael!

Advocate of the Year
Debbie Nguyen
Nominator Roy Larson says that Debbie Nguyen, whose brother has a developmental disability, has helped him a lot.  And she has helped Roy, too.  "She’s been a best friend to me since we met in January 2004," Roy says. "I have been to her home just about every month and she fixes a meal for me and appreciates and respects me.  She accepts me for who I am and has looked out for me many times, including when my dad died and I was doing real bad.  She’s done this for a bunch of people.  She’s given God a lot of her time and loves him with all her heart." Congratulations, Debbie!

Dr. Carl Bodenstein, Neonatology Associates Spokane
Nominators Don and Corrine Pierce report that Dr. Bodenstein was their son Tristan’s doctor in the neonatal intensive care unit for the first six weeks of Tristan’s life.  Born with aqueductal stenosis resulting in a severe hydrocephalus, Dr. Bodenstein told them about a new experimental procedure at Duke University, involving the reinfusion of stem cells from the child’s umbilical cord to help regenerate damaged brain tissue.  Because of the risks for Tristan, who had breathing difficulties, of traveling to Duke, Dr. Bodenstein obtained approval from Duke and Sacred Heart and perform the procedure himself in Spokane.  "He is an exemplary advocate," says the Pierces "with a compassion that allowed our son Tristan, a child with a disability, the best start possible."
Congratulations Dr. Bodenstein!

Educator of the Year - Kathy Thorson
Nominator Sandie Lowry has never seen a teacher who loves what she does as much as Kathy Thorson.  Walking by her classroom, you might smell homemade cookies or see students getting ready to go off-campus to a work site or restaurant, where they learn social and practical skills like ordering lunch, receiving the correct change or nutrition, safety or work skills.  After her school day, Kathy goes to the Lighthouse and works with young people with disabilities struggling with aggression.  She donates her barn and tack so these young people can enjoy the pleasure of riding a horse.  What an opportunity for any child.  Kathy's second nominator, Mary Sherwood, has substituted for and with this nominee for 20 years and has always been impressed with her kindness and professionalism.  She says Kathy makes coming to school a fun adventure, while teaching skills that carry her students well after leaving her program. Congratulations, Kathy!

Employer of the Year - The Berg Companies
Charlotte Mace wrote that the Berg Companies provides a true example of an integrated workplace, rewards employee loyalty and hard work and allows employees to gain skills and responsibility and reach their full potential within the organization.  They are the embodiment of natural supports, allowing employees to train new employees and support each other without limitations.  This employer has a long-term relationship with both The Arc of Spokane and Nova Services. Congratulations, Berg Companies!

The Good Neighbor Award - Natalia Seefeldt
Nominator, Rosslyn Bethmann says Natalia Seefeldt, a realtor with RE/MAX, has worked with The Arc of Spokane's homeownership program for a year. During that time she has shown great patience, persistence, adaptability and a willingness to learn while helping individuals and families with disabilities achieve their goal of home ownership.  Natalia has a heart to work with families with low incomes and deserves recognition for her tireless commitment. Congratulations, Natalia!

Media Person of the Year - Bert Caldwell
Nominator Dave Sonntag says that Burt Caldwell, a business reporter for the Spokesman Review, has written several pieces throughout his career from a business perspective about the contributions that people with developmental disabilities can make to our community.  He has quietly attended just about every Hire Ability Day and has written helpful articles about the event, which promotes to employers the advantages of including people with disabilities in the workforce. Congratulations, Bert!

Organization of the Year - The ISAAC Foundation
Nominator Polly Powell says, "This non-profit is a treasure that sprang from a tragedy.  The founding parents lost their son, who had autism, three years ago due to a heart defect.  Instead of being paralyzed by their grief, these parents channeled it by forming a foundation in their son’s memory.  Their foundation awards grants to families of children with autism to help pay for speech, occupational, hippo and other therapies.  Their organization is well run and continues to grow." Congratulations, Holly and Reed Lytle and The ISAAC Foundation!