The PLUS Company serves their clients so well due to the amazing dedication of their staff members. We share some of their stories here, but head to the PLUS Company website for more staff profiles.

Ellen Greten has worked for The PLUS Company since 1983, before many of the current staff were born!  At the time, The PLUS Company operated a large sheltered workshop on Simon Street, and clients were expected to spend their days working or learning vocational skills.  Ellen was hired to lead a new, innovative program called “Work Stations in Industry.”  This program allowed PLUS to put small, supervised groups of people with disabilities to work in companies throughout the community.  Ellen’s first site was working with a group of ladies cleaning hotel rooms at Howard Johnson’s.  “I must admit it was one of my favorite jobs,” Ellen says. “My group, many of whom have since passed away, was delightful.  The head of housekeeping and all the staff at HoJo’s were so welcoming.  It was challenging work but a lot of fun too.”  As time passed, Ellen moved on to more management positions, but is often still called upon to do direct care and site supervision.  “The best part of my job is working with the most varied collection of uniquely wonderful people. I have worked with people under some extremely challenging situations, where everyone worked together, helping each other through.  When I eventually retire (and I know that will happen someday), I will look back on my years at PLUS with great fondness.”

Bishnu Lama has been part of The PLUS Company for many years, first as a provider and now as a Direct Support Professional. Currently, Bishnu works in one of our staffed residences. Bishnu displays the essential qualities inherent in an exceptional employee. His attention to detail, as well as his ability to see the bigger picture, allows for him to prepare for and meet the needs of his clients. His calm and encouraging demeanor creates a safe and relaxed atmosphere for everyone, and allows clients to work towards their full potential. Bishnu doesn’t wait to be asked to do something. If something needs to be done, he does it without missing a beat. Thank you, Bishnu, for your amazing attitude, your passion for helping your clients to learn and grow, and for referring other staff members who have also become valued employees.

Christine Teixeira is the Massachusetts Retail Career trainer. Which means she runs the Retail internship. Christine will work with a group of 4 students at Marshalls. Her day will consist of classroom time where she will work with them on the curriculum, along with teaching the students the different job task at Marshalls.

Christine is a dedicated member of the Massachusetts Career trainer group. Christine is always willing to jump in and help cover any placements she is needed. So, it was no surprise that when Christine was needed to return to work.

She was so willing and eager to support her folks who were being called back to their jobs during this pandemic. Christine is always willing to flex her hours to best support folks on their job. When Christine’s supervisor asked her to teach a zoom class “Yoga” She agreed with enthusiasm. Christine brings a sense of excitement and positivity to everything she does. The folks who work with Christine are always eager and excited when Christine shows up to their workplace.