Mar 16, 2021
Here at ASD, we believe the longevity of our staff is truly a testament to the supportive company culture we have worked hard to foster. Though our company has grown exponentially over the past ten years, we have never lost that feeling of a small, family-owned company. We highly encourage staff interactions through collaborative projects, team building exercises, social activities, athletic competitions, volunteer events…you name it! This is because we want everyone at ASD to remain connected as we grow and evolve as a company.
In 2017, we introduced the “ASD Extra Mile Award” to give our employees the opportunity to commend one another for a job well done. Every month, several of our employees are selected based on nominations submitted by their co-workers and featured in ASD’s monthly newsletter, The Team ASD Times. This award fosters positivity in the office and helps us to spotlight employees who go above and beyond to do a good job at ASD. Since this award was first introduced, employees in each one of ASD’s different departments have been featured. Our staff appreciates being able to recognize their fellow colleagues and the different ways they contribute positively to ASD.
We will be regularly sharing “ASD Extra Mile Award” Winners on our blog. Below are the most recent recipients of this distinguished honor.
ASD’s Fall 2020 & Winter 2021 Extra Mile Award Winners
Trina Carney
Senior Call Specialist – ASD’s Operations Team
Joined ASD in April 2003
“Even during an extremely stressful and emotional time during the busy season Trina remained a model employee. She was very dependable during the stress of the holidays which so happened to be an extremely busy time for us as well.”…“Trina always goes the extra mile to make sure everything runs smoothly. She’s always happy to help. Her relatability helps strengthen her ties to the callers.”…“Trina can always be counted on to do a great job and be very helpful to everyone, but to be able to do that during this busy time without ever missing a beat has been nothing short of extraordinary. Send her 2 T-Shirts!!!”…“ Trina is always positive and willing to take on any task. She is very knowledgeable in the system and ASD protocol as a whole. Trina is always picking up open hours to help out or help a fellow call specialist in need of coverage.”
“Trina’s genuine kindness and good nature is what makes her so special. She genuinely cares and wants to help grieving callers get through a rough call.”… “The fact that she was able to be there for her family during an extremely devastating time in their lives, while still being fully committed to ASD and not recording one attendance violation alone should be enough. Not to mention still having to deal with the general stress of this time of year while also being in a global pandemic, remaining positive and upbeat through it all and being an absolute asset to ASD has been very very impressive.”…“Trina has always been a huge help when we are in need. Whenever there are new features or procedures, she will clarify what is expected so she can do the most professional and accurate job for our clients.Since going full-time with ASD, Trina is always asking when we need help and more than willing to take on extra hours.”
Tish Baker
Supervisor – ASD’s Training Team
Joined ASD in January 2017
“Tish is always eager and willing to dive right in and coach new Call Specialists by giving them the necessary tips and tricks to take excellent calls.”…“Tish has an amazingly positive outlook on ASD and what it provides for all of us. Her friendly, enjoyable personality makes her a wonderful member of the ASD family.”… “Tish does a wonderful job making new employees feel welcome at ASD and providing them with the crucial skills that they need to be successful here.”
Gerald Butts
Advanced Call Specialist – ASD’s Operations Team
Joined ASD in April 2019
“Gerald greets everyone, every day with a smile and a hello. He does his very best to go above and beyond to do his very best for every single call he takes.”…“Gerald learns from and welcomes call reviews or suggestions to help him be a better call specialist.”…”Gerald is never short, abrupt or curt with a caller or client – he is genuinely too happy for that.”…“When he received his home computer, Gerald was completely humbled by the offer. He will always do his best to positively, and proudly, represent ASD.”
Kimberly Quinn
Assistant Supervisor – ASD’s Operations Team
Joined ASD in June 2010
“Kim is always willing to help anyone with coverage or issues. Even though we are on different shifts, she responds in a timely manner.”… “Kim is extremely knowledgeable with the way everything works and can assist with any questions.”… “Kim truly shines as a trainer and when assisting with special projects. I’m extremely thankful to be able to reach out to her because she is one of the most friendly and patient coworkers we have!”
Jason Bathurst
Client Solutions Specialist – ASD’s Customer Solutions Team
Joined ASD in March 2008
“Jason is a very dedicated staff member. He is consistently coming up with ideas that could improve the experience of ASD staff as well as ASD clients.”…“Jason’s experience as a funeral director give our company better insight into the needs of our clients.”… “Jason continually goes above and beyond what is asked of him. There are many clients who specifically ask for him by name. He is always willing to take on any task even when he knows it’s going to be challenging.”…“The PCS department would not be the same without Jason and his tenacity.”…”A part from his excellent work ethic, Jason has an awesome sense of humor and really contributes a lot to making our office feel like one big family.”
Giselle Santocoloma
Training Specialist – ASD’s Operations Team
Joined ASD in April 2019
“Giselle is such a pleasant, happy person and that carries into her work”…”Giselle is always going above and beyond to help callers and clients. She is willing to learn as much as she can to improve her performance for ASD.”…“Giselle is always positive when given constructive input and positively moves forward with feedback. She is always asking if she can help with any projects and is eager to move forward in the company.”
Will Wall
Senior Call Specialist – ASD’s Operations Team
Joined ASD in May 2016
“Will is so kind and always willing to help with any extra tasks or projects we may ask of him. He is always available to share his extensive knowledge of ASD with any newer staff that may be in need of help.”… “Will’s calm tone and demeanor are great with callers and clients. He has been a constant reliable employee through these past few weeks of increased call volume.”
Laura Higgins
Senior Call Specialist – ASD’s Operations Team
Joined ASD in June 2011
“For the past 10 years, Laura has been a dependable employee of ASD. She is a reliable and consistent member of the team who always projects a positive attitude… “Laura has helped in multiple areas throughout her time here, whether it be training, assisting or more recently assisting PCS.”… “Laura is always willing to provide extra assistance when needed. She is a great asset to our ASD team.”
Heather Curtiss
Training Specialist – ASD’s Operations Team
Joined ASD in August 2019
“Heather is one of ASD’s team players for sure!!! She is always swapping shifts to help colleagues and will even help them if they can’t repay her.”…“Heather is extremely approachable, knowledgeable, compassionate and friendly. She is an ideal trainer.”
Major Everett
Advanced Call Specialist – ASD’s Operations Team
Joined ASD in September 2018
“Major is an ASD All Star! He is always willing to provide an extra helping hand to his coworkers in need, from assisting with coverage to answering questions to help the rookies.”…“Major is a great asset to this company. He is kind and respectful to his co-workers and always goes the extra mile to help anyone that needs it.”
Aimee Dunphy
Advanced Call Specialist – ASD’s Operations Team
Joined ASD in February 2020
“Aimee has been a constant since day one with ASD. She has great knowledge of the system and has a wonderful tone with callers and clients alike.”… “Even though she was off for her wedding – Aimee offered to work extra hours to help out if we needed it.”…“Aimee has only been with us a short time, but her positive character and personality have us anxious to see her as a trainer!”…”Aimee is a natural when it comes to take calls and is a great new addition to our team!”
Be sure to check back next season to read about our Spring 2021 Extra Mile Award Winners.
RELATED READING
ASD’s Spring 2019 Extra Mile Award Winners
ASD’s Summer 2019 Extra Mile Award Winners
ASD’s Fall 2019 Extra Mile Award Winners
29 Reasons Why ASD Employees Find Their Work Rewarding
About The Author
Jess Farren (Fowler)
Jess Farren (Fowler) is a Public Relations Specialist and Staff Writer who has been a part of the ASD team since 2003. Jess manages ASD’s company blog and has been published in several funeral trade magazines. She has written articles on a variety of subjects including communication, business planning, technology, marketing and funeral trends. You can contact Jess directly at Jess@myASD.com
