Writing on the Wall: Fall 2022

Replenish, Rekindle, Reconnect
For the first time since before the
pandemic, Wall Residences staff were
able to gather in person for a Staff
Conference at the Floyd EcoVillage.
Held September 20 - 22, the event
combined team specific training,
cross-department strategic planning
discussion sessions, and activites
intended to provide a bit of respite.
Tuesday kicked off the event with
team building and training for the
Therapeutic Consultion, Applied
Behavioral Analysis, WRAP, and RN
Care Management teams. More staff
arrived at lunchtime. In the afternoon,
we heard from state representatives
from the Office of Licensing and
Division of Developmental Services,
as well as from Heather Norton, the
Assistant Comissioner from DBHDS.
Wednesday found staff sorted into
diverse groups to allow differing
experience and viewpoints to come
together as staff from various regions
and roles formed small discussion
groups. It was a day of open, transparent
sharing as we tackled the big
questions of what is working, what
creates frustrations and hurdles, and
brainstormed together for solutions.
The day closed with activity stations,
including a private concert by staff
member and singer/songwriter Emmaline
Hicks, who was recently featured
at FloydFest.
Thursday’s focus was Sponsored
Residential Services, with detailed
trainings provided on home studies,
compliance, and capacity evaluations
for Program Managers, Regional Coordinators,
Admissions & Marketing,
and the Quality Assurance Team.
While the training and small group
discussion formed the content
of the agenda, the real
key to the event was the
simple fact of being together
in person. Wall Residences
has grown remarkably in
the past several years and
for many staff, the conference
was the first chance
to interact with others as
more than just a face on
a screen. Both new and
longtime staff shared simply
being together and meeting those
they had not yet was meaningful
and appreciated. We are grateful
for this chance of time set aside to
replenish, rekindle, and reconnect!
~Angie Covington
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