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Celebrating Michelle’s 15th Anniversary at TVS

Celebrating Michelle’s 15th Anniversary at TVS

Michelle Ekeanyanwu is celebrating her 15th anniversary at TVS. However, her career at TVS well before 15 years ago, in 1993. “I worked production folding boxes for DuPont before being promoted to a Material Handler,” she reflects. “I started at TVS because I needed flexible hours. I was a stay-at-home mom with children in daycare. It was important to have a job that could fit into my life.”

Michelle came back to TVS again in 2000, once again working in production and as a machine operator. In 2008, Michelle returned briefly to production before being promoted to quality. She said, “Quality lets my abilities shine!”

As a level II Quality Technician, her responsibilities include checking labels, lot codes, pallet movements, and production counts to ensure the product meets and exceeds the customer expectations. “My favorite part of the job is catching the little things that might be otherwise missed,” she said. “I want to be here and do a good job – it feels good.”

“Ever since I have known Michelle, she has been a hard worker. She has great attention to detail and is at the top of all our protocols,” reflects Quality Director Dan Fisher. “She is always asking good questions and bringing up other thought-provoking ideas.”

One of Michelle’s favorite parts of the job is the SQF (Safe, Quality, Food) Sensor Evaluation Panel. At different points throughout the year, Michelle bakes a panel of products such as pancakes or biscuits and bakes another panel of the products with intentional mistakes such as including mushroom powder or adding extra leavening. “The best reaction was when I offered Jeni Welch an intentionally messed up biscuit,” laughs Michelle. “She was so shocked that I was going to give her something bad on purpose.”

As TVS has grown, so has Michelle. Over the past few years, she has focused on Dietary Supplements. “I am proud that I have learned all the quality aspects of encapsulation,” Michelle said. “This line was very different from our other areas and had huge packets of paperwork to fill out. I was really determined to learn and perfect this area.”

She has also obtained numerous certifications to continue advancing her career and expertise.

“I am so proud of Michelle’s hard work and growth, especially in the dietary supplement side of our business,” said Quality Manager John Safi. “In the last two years we have produced over 160 million capsules and 1.5 million jars and canisters of dietary supplements and Michelle has been the lead on overseeing quality inspections for our new automated lines. I look forward to seeing her grow at TVS for many more years.”

Michelle’s world of high quality continues to her home. She recently purchased a home and applies her quality skills to inspect the house. “I am so much happier with how TVS is moving forward with business and employee care – both at TVS and at home,” she said. “It is because of TVS that I was able to purchase a home.”

When not caring for her new home or cutting the grass, Michelle enjoys photography and taking weekend trips with her kids for short getaways.

It’s not always about working at TVS. Michelle reflects on Christmas parties with Santa Claus and bringing her children to other work events.

“I remember a celebration of life for Tamara Meadows years ago,” she says with a smile. “We released balloons in the back field to honor her life, and one of the balloons got caught in a tree. It was able to get itself free, just like Tamara’s dedication and hard work in real life. I remember thinking, ‘What other company would stop the day to celebrate life?’”

Looking into the future, Michelle hopes to see quality have a stronger presence in other departments and to keep perfecting, or home in on, what each product needs.

“My advice after 15 years at TVS is, hang in there. TVS gives you the ability to do more, move jobs, and use your abilities,” Michelle says. “I am very happy to be here.”

TVS Reaches 365 Days of Safety!

TVS Reaches 365 Days of Safety!

For the first time in three years, TVS is celebrating 365 days without a lost time accident! “I just want to give a big thank you to everybody,” said Safety and Security Manager Jackie Compton. “It takes every single person to reach a goal such as this.”

To say thank you, TVS provided all employees with a pizza lunch the first week of May.

“We’ve been under construction in the administration area and out on the work floor for several months,” reflects Compton. “This has created limited walkways and forklift aisles but communication between pedestrians, forklift operators, and construction workers has been incredible.”

Looking ahead, TVS is aiming to surpass their longest safety record of 474 days in July. We look forward to another celebration!

TVS Employee Specialist Katie Pace Retires

TVS Employee Specialist Katie Pace Retires

“To be successful at job development, an Employment Specialist must be able to use skills and experience as well as, have a creative imagination. They must be able to imagine individuals who may not appear to have the capability to perform certain tasks completing those tasks,” said TVS Program Director Carla Hill. “This is Katie’s gift.”

After 8 years at TVS and a lifetime of working for adults with disabilities, Katie Pace has retired! “Katie accepts individuals where they are and gently guided them to where they wanted to be,” reflected Carla.  “She never wants to give up; always asking herself, what can be done to help make this person successful.” Katie is described by coworkers as selfless, humble, loving and accepting.

“The best part of the job has been watching people grow from a ‘child-like’ place to having adult conversations. All because they are being treated as an adult in their professional setting,” said Katie. “I love being able to be a part of their development and growth.”

Her career began in Tucson, Arizona working with adults on Medicaid while pursuing a nursing degree. “This job made me realize that this is what I wanted to do with my life,” reflects Katie. “I changed my major from nursing and didn’t look back!”

Shortly after moving to Brevard in 1987, Katie met a neighbor who worked at TVS. “She talked to me about TVS and what they were doing for adults with disabilities, I thought, ‘I don’t care what the job is, I want to work there.’” Later that year, Katie began her TVS career as a production worker building boxes for DuPont before working in the cafeteria and filling in gaps with one-on-one services after an unexpected death of a fellow employee.

“It was God intervening,” she said. “From buying the home on Cedar Mountain, having a neighbor who worked in the field of my gift, being able to help when a tragedy hit, and finally being pushed to gain my degree.”

In 1989, Katie left TVS to complete her degree in Special Education with a specialization in Learning Disabilities from Western Carolina University. During this time, Katie worked for different group homes around the area to best accommodate the school-work schedules. It was during her education that Katie, “fell in love with the younger generation through teaching.”

She completed her degree and taught in local elementaries schools for three years before opening her own company, Plans For Life. “Plans For Life became one of the best case-management agencies in North Carolina,” said Carla. “I think Katie would say that the most rewarding part was making things better for the individuals she supported.”

Unfortunately, case-management, that had been privatized was moved back to the state operated LME/MCO system and Katie had to close the doors. “We had a group home, direct care services, 300 plus clients, and 40 employees that served Transylvania, Asheville, and Hendersonville,” reflected Katie.

In 2014, she returned to TVS. “TVS was meant to be a part of my life,” she said. “I am so glad that God made TVS such a big part of my world and for its ability to enhance the lives of people who need a helping hand and support. I never want to see the mission change.”

As an Employment Specialist at TVS, Katie would go out and find employment opportunities for individuals, educate the client about the job, help with the interview, and with any monetary needs to get the individuals into work.

“Katie came into my life at the end of my senior year in high school. She was instrumental in her guidance and encouragement to apply for the position I currently have here at TVS,” said TVS Life Skills Direct Support Professional (DSP) Maddy Shannon. “It was the best decision, and it is thanks to her support and encouragement.”

On a final note, Katie said, “You really have to care and respect the people you are working with and for, that’s what makes all the difference in the lives we touch.”

Successful Art Showing for TVS No Limits Artists

Successful Art Showing for TVS No Limits Artists

Party Animal - acrylic on wood uses abstract lines and colors to create a fun and colorful cow sticking out its tongue.

During the month of April, the art exhibit “Just Passing Through” was shown at the Transylvania Community Art Council (TCArts) gallery. This annual show promoting the Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) “No Limits” artists highlights a variety of subject matter, different medias, and lots of color.

“At the Arts Council, we look forward to the “No Limits” artists’ exhibition each year. The quality and variety of the artwork in the exhibition is exceptional, and each artist has his or her own unique style,” said TCArts Executive Director Kathy King. “My favorite part of the show is the opening reception and visiting with the No Limits artists, most of whom really enjoy talking about their artwork – and seeing it exhibited in the Gallery.”

This year the TCArts hosted two separate opening receptions to accommodate all the “No Limits” artists. Both day and evening receptions welcomed community members, family members, and artists as well as snacks and beverages for refreshments. Visitors had a variety of painted animals, geometrically country quilts squares, and other nature themed media to see.

“From the flowers to the feet, to all the funky animals we painted, it was all a lot of fun. Many days we went home covered in paint ourselves,” laughed TVS INTERACT Supervisor Brooke Wilson.

TCArts remits 100% of the sales price to the artists and this year, the gallery did exceptionally well with 75% of the artwork having been sold.

“I feel like after the first few hours of the show being on display it was already a success. In my opinion, success is measured by much more than just monetary value,” reflected Wilson. “Success was looking around the gallery and seeing nothing but smiles and joyful conversations amongst the artists, families, and community members.”

Looking ahead, the TVS “No Limits” artists will be featured at the Transylvania Chamber of Commerce as their featured Artist of the Month in August and is planning an internal holiday themed art sale near the end of the year. 

Click here to read the Transylvania Times article about the event.

Highlights from Just Passing Through

Alicia O’Shields Celebrates a Decade at TVS

Alicia O’Shields Celebrates a Decade at TVS

“Alicia is the happiest when she is able to get stuff done,” said friend and coworker Cathy Miller. “If she wants it, she goes and gets it.” From driving a forklift truck or pallet jack, to organizing ingredient set-ups, Alicia O’Shields is a jack-of-all-trades and does a little bit of everything at TVS. “Over the past 10-years, set-ups are my personal favorite job to do,” says Alicia. “It is hard work, but I really enjoy the fact that I am taking a large part in producing important food and who it is being sent to.”

Over the past decade, Alicia has been a vital asset working in the set-up area. During this time, TVS has blended metric tons of pancake mix and bakery mixes for U.S. Troop Support along with SuperCereal Plus, a cereal specially formulated for children, aged 6 to 24-months, facing food insecurities around the world. Each of these products must have each ingredient weighed out and organized into individual ‘set-ups,’ before being blended, packaged, and shipped to those in need.

“Alicia is an inspiring and steady presence at TVS. She is dedicated to our mission and our co-workers,” says TVS CEO Jamie Brandenburg. “Alicia is one of the many bright spots I have coming to work. No matter the challenge or obstacle in front of her, she seemingly always finds a way to overcome.”

Alicia first started at TVS in 2007 with the North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (NCDVR) working on the production floor. After a short employment, Alicia left TVS for employment at Julie’s Sub, now known as Creekside. A few years later, she returned to TVS in 2013 and started working in set-ups.

“Due to health, I now work wherever I am needed,” explains Alicia. Moving around and helping different departments, is one of her goals at TVS. Alicia also expressed her interest to be a machine operator, “it is one of the few jobs here I have not been trained on.”

Ask anyone at TVS how they would describe Alicia and you will hear; quiet and funny. But the number one thing said by everyone is, hardworking. “She is a hard worker, sometimes working too hard,” chuckled Chase Potts.

“Chase calls me his litter sister even though I am older than him,” laughs Alicia. “I really enjoy working with everyone here. Chase, Steven Morris, and Kolby Laughter, are some of the individuals that come to mind first.”

Reflecting on the last decade, Alicia laughs thinking about her supervisor, Ernest Williams, in a tutu at a dunking booth during a company picnic. “I also really miss working with the participants in INTERACT,” Alicia shared. “And I miss the TVS Thanksmas potlucks, I would always make a pineapple casserole.”

“She makes a mean pineapple casserole,” said Cathy with a smile. “Alicia is really good about being there when you need somebody. When I was out sick and in the hospital, she offered to cut my grass and help me out.” Cathy is not alone; Alicia spends her free time helping others by taking care of yard work, mowing lawns, and doing anything that needs to be done.

Just a couple years ago, Alicia and her wife AJ purchased a home. They share it with their son, Brandon, a puppy named Baxter, and two cats. When not cooking or hanging out in their new house, Alicia and her family enjoy camping at Coal Creek and Cantrell Bridge.

“I have grown a lot over the past 10-years, especially in working with my social anxiety,” reflects Alicia. Her wise words over the years at TVS are, “work hard and strive to learn as much as you can.”

Image above: (left to right) Alicia, Aj, and Brandon