Anniversary profile - T-V-S Overcoming Challenges

TVS DSP Carolyn Trapp celebrates 15th anniversary!

Jul 12, 2024 | News

Residential Direct Support Professional (DSP) Carolyn Trapp is celebrating her 15th anniversary at TVS! “Carolyn has brought us a wealth of knowledge and lived experience,” said Carla Hill, TVS Programs Director. “She is a dedicated and loyal TVS employee. She has shared her compassion with us for 15 years and I hope she will be with us for 15 more!”

Carolyn taught K-8 Special Education (Varied Exceptionalities) in Alabama before joining the TVS team. Over the years, Carolyn has worked as the Resident Manager of Tanjer House and Fisher Road Group Home, been a provider [DSP] for residents in Supported Living, as well as working as a full-time, part-time, and as a PRN employee.

Throughout all her different career positions at TVS, Carolyn most enjoys working with residents’ families. “They are great, and I understand where they are coming from,” says Carolyn. “I have a brother in a group home in Florida and I want to give others, what I also want my brother to experience in life.”

Carolyn is credited for fostering the bond between the different group homes. She organized hangouts so the residents could visit with others for holidays or special events. The BBQs, picnics, and hangouts are still a favorite among residents. Many of the home residents commented that Carolyn “is a good cook” and that “she is good, polite, and caring.”

“I am blessed to have found TVS,” reflects Carolyn. “I have made close friends with those who work here, and this job has kept me young. It has broadened my horizons and got me out into the community more than I would have been otherwise.”

Thinking back over the last 15 years, Carolyn remembers the first Night to Shine Prom held at the Rec Department. “It was amazing to see everyone celebrated and experience a great evening,” she said.

Carolyn has done it all! – Special Olympics, group vacations to Myrtle Beach, and surprise goth band concerts. “Tanjer was set up to go to a concert at the Orange Peel in Asheville one weekend, years ago,” laughs TVS Residential Coordinator Lynn Brewer. “Carolyn had no idea who they were going to listen to but when they got there it was a goth band.” Surprised by the music genre, Carolyn and the residents walked down the street to a sport bar where they ate peanuts and watched games on the TVs.

Lynn also bragged about Carolyn’s different charts and visual aids that are used by residents to help keep track of which DSP will be there, daily chores, and other aspects in the homes that are constantly changing. “She is very thorough and organized,” says Lynn. “One of her best qualities is helping individuals find their strength and letting them shine!”

Friend and TVS DSP co-worker, Karen Benson, echoes her strengths. “She always comes up with ideas for the best for residents such as techniques for life skill building and her calming demeanor always makes residents feel safe,” said Karen. “Carolyn is one of the most compassionate and caring people I know.”

When not working, Carolyn enjoys watercolor, gardening and getting outside whenever she can, as well as watching her three grandsons.

“I would like to bring more gardening and growth in the community homes,” said Carolyn. “I simply enjoy going through life together with the residents and nurturing their souls.”

Carolyn laughs, “I thought I was coming here for a couple of years, now it’s been 15 years. My wise words of advice would be to ‘just chill’ – take a breath and let things be what they are. It will all be okay.”

Michael Cook celebrates 20 years at TVS!

Jul 31, 2023 | News

“I have been working here for 20 years,” smiles Michael Cook, TVS Production Associate. “It feels good to see my name above the microwave.”

A rotating slide deck on the breakroom TV displays company activities, health messages, important dates for employees to remember, and to Michael’s comment – it celebrates employee anniversaries.

“You can’t think of TVS and not think of Michael,” said TVS CEO Jamie Brandenburg. “One of the highlights of my workday is receiving a warm greeting from Michael in his own unique way. Often, his greetings remind me of something that happened years ago—and he describes the event down to the smallest detail.”

He can be found closing cartons, passing boxes down a conveyor belt, quality checking canisters to make sure they are clean before packing them into boxes, and wiping cans before they are filled with Mountain Maid Pancake and Waffle Mix. “I have always worked here,” says Michael. Throughout the years, he has also worked in the TVS Kitchen preparing lunch for employees and cleaning the warehouse space as a Quality Housekeeper.

While Michael is trained in every area of production his favorite product to work with are the almonds and walnuts. In 2017, TVS started packaged nuts for the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, which are sent to U.S. Troops around the world.

“Once he is shown how to do something, he knows exactly what to do and you never have to show him again,” said Production Manager Brian Wilson. “I have worked with Michael for four years and it is never a dull moment with him. I absolutely love it!”

Michael is described as kind, positive, smart, and as a good singer and master at song lyrics.

“Michael has a memory like the Library of Congress,” said Brian. “I enjoy talking music with him because he knows the words to any song.”

While working, you might find him dancing and working to the beat of the music.

Production Associate Joanna Morgan has worked with Michael for the last eight years. “He really is a good singer; much better than me,” she laughed. “He is cheerful and smiley with a positive attitude. Michael always says, ‘good job Joanna’ and then gives me a high-five. He high-fives everyone when the achieve things.”

Michael is a fixture at TVS – to echo his supervisor and coworker, “he is loved by all, and he is one of my favorite people to work with.”

Michael’s fun and kind personality is reflected in his life outside work. He enjoys The Cracker Barrel, Chocolate Chip Birthday Cake, and Michelangelo – the orange Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

When not at TVS, Michael is enjoying the company of his dogs, Apollo and Nova, along with his 4 cats. His other hobbies include watching game shows like The Price is Right and his favorite sitcoms, Three’s Company and The Jeffersons.

Michael also mentioned past adventures at the Mountain State Fair, where he loved to ride the Ferris Wheel and drive Bumper Cars. He has also been involved in the Transylvania County Special Olympics participating in bowling, soccer, swimming, and track and field competitions.

Reflecting over the years, Michael said, “Today has been a great day.”

Lynn Brewer Celebrates 15 Years at TVS!

May 26, 2023 | News

“Lynn is a master manager, planner, arranger, and always with the individual in mind. Person-centered is how she lives her life,” says TVS Programs Director Carla Hill. “She treats every individual with dignity and respect, helping everyone she supports to speak for themselves.”

Lynn Brewer is celebrating her 15th anniversary at TVS. She does a little bit of everything as the Residential Coordinator including staffing the group homes, handling any maintenance needs, and making sure services and needs for all the individuals are met including doctor appointments and other necessary engagements.

“She is so awesome. She takes me to all my appointments and hangs out at the house. We have peppermint tea together,” said resident Laura Newton.

“One of my favorite things actually happened during the pandemic. I would take everyone out one at a time; to go and do whatever they wanted,” reflects Lynn. “The residents were always together, and this gave them a little break from that, and I was able to learn what everyone loved to do, one-on-one.”

“She knows how to find places to have fun,” Carla says with a smile. “From train and boat rides, to musicals, 3D movies, Special Olympic Games, and more – if a resident wants an experience, Lynn does everything she can to find an opportunity.”

There have been around 6 or 7 beach trips over the past few years. Both Lynn and the residents remember the beach trips. “Going to Surf City!” said resident Taylor Love excitedly, when asked what fun things he and Lynn have done. “She is funny. We make funny faces back at each other.”

Lynn has always worked in services. When she was first hired at TVS, she was working with individuals on the production line before being asked to help with residential administration. Lynn took over the Tanjer House Group Home in 2008 and a year later the Fisher Road Group Home was established, later followed by Individual Supported Living.

“I remember saying, ‘I want to work there one day,’” said Lynn about TVS. “I am thankful and grateful to do what I do and to do it here, with all the support. My favorite part of this job is about being an advocate for the individuals we serve.”

Lynn’s fun and caring nature started with her first job at Disney World while she completed high school and before transferring to Greensboro College to pursue a teaching degree in Special Education. “In my senior year I realized that I didn’t want to teach,” said Lynn. “I realized that when these individuals grow up, they will still need services.”

She added a minor in Social Work before graduating in 1982. It was during this time that she also met her husband, Terry, at choir practice. They have been married for 37 years and have two children.

In college, Lynn worked in the residential field and started at Transylvania Association for Disabled Citizens, Inc (TADC) after moving to Brevard. She continued her career as the Activities Director at College Walk and as the United Cerebral Palsy Manager until she welcomed her first daughter.

At TVS, Lynn is dedicated to, “making their lives normal by helping them live the life they want to lead.”

Being Person-centered is an aspect of all the TVS Programs. “Lynn is the most understanding and thoughtful person, she always truly cares about each of us,” said residential DSP Carolyn Trapp. “She has a way of seeing things outside the box. I’m just so glad she has been with TVS for 15 years. She is the best supervisor ever, and a very good friend.”

When not at TVS, Lynn and Terry are very active in the AVL City Church helping with the music and hospitality. She also enjoys reading books and traveling to see her children in Georgia or Seattle. “I have great friends and a great husband. We try to laugh a lot and survive being married,” laughs Lynn. “It’s a simple life, but a life I love.”

Reflecting on the last 15 years at TVS she says, “I am always amazed by how little I know and how much I am still learning. I hope to stay humble and able to learn.”

Celebrating Michelle’s 15th Anniversary at TVS

May 19, 2023 | News

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.”

Alicia O’Shields Celebrates a Decade at TVS

Mar 10, 2023 | News

“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