One of Origami’s Very First Employees Retires After 24 Years

In February, we celebrated a rare employee milestone. One of our very first employees retired on February 9, 2021, after nearly 24 years of service as a Direct Support Professional. When Origami’s doors first opened in 1997, Mike was Origami’s fifth employee. Since that day almost 24 years ago, Mike has compassionately and competently served Origami’s residents, and after a fulfilling and rewarding career, is ready to retire. Mike attributes his longevity at Origami to “matching yourself with a career that fits the person you are.” Mike found his passion caring for Origami’s residents as a Direct Support Professional in the Residential Program.

Mike has worked with individuals with brain injuries for 35 years, 24 of those at Origami. As a Direct Support Professional, Mike provided direct care and support to Origami’s residents. Direct Support Professionals serve as a resource and advocate for Origami’s clients. What Mike found most unique about Origami was providing individualized and unique care plans to residents in a home-like atmosphere.

Tammy Hannah, Origami’s president & CEO, and another longtime employee who recently celebrated 20 years at Origami in 2020 herself, commented on the legacy Mike’s leaving at Origami, stating, “As Origami has grown and changed over the years, we feel so grateful to have retained such a compassionate, caring, and competent professional like Mike. This is a rare milestone that won’t happen again at Origami. Our clients and team will greatly miss Mike, but he will forever be remembered for his unmatched commitment to living out our mission of creating opportunities and transforming lives.”

Mike reflects fondly on his 24-year career at Origami, stating, “my fondest memory at Origami is that I was able to help others; there’s far more happiness in giving than in receiving.” Mike believes that when it comes to working with and caring for others, two traits are essential: empowerment and empathy. He has always believed in empowering individuals, “not just hearing a person, but listening and participating, and having a part in what matters to them” and having empathy, “putting ourselves in the other person’s place and thinking about how we would like to be treated.”