Collinsville resident honored with Oklahoma Governor Disability Employment Award of Excellence

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Sixteen individuals from across the state, five employers and two prominent media outlets were honored during the annual “Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence” held recently at the Phillips Pavilion on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City.

Originally created by former Governor and First Lady George and Donna Nigh 29 years ago, the awards recognize individuals with disabilities with a Governor’s commendation for “Outstanding Achievements in Employment.” One of this year’s winners included Alyssa “Ali” J. Johnston of Collinsville, Okla., who received her award from Oklahoma Secretary of State Chris Benge and Oklahoma Department of Human Services Director Ed Lake.

Johnston was nominated for the distinction by Sassin & Associates Inc. Program Manager Tammy Pitts who said Johnston was shy and quiet when she first started working with her, but changed after discovering her passion for working with senior citizens. She later became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and got a job at the Tulsa Nursing Center.

“A little more than one year later, Ali is one of the most requested CNAs now working at the center,” Pitts said. “She has received several ‘WOW!’ cards from residents and co-workers who say they appreciate how she often goes above and beyond the call of duty, and for her strong work ethic and positive attitude.

Pitts said she is also proud that Johnston has passed all of her Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services’ milestones with determination and heart. When she is not working at the Tulsa Nursing Center, Johnston spends some of her free time volunteering at her church and caring for her loving family in her hometown community of Collinsville, Okla.“Ali’s shell has been cracked open and she’s a whole new person,” Pitts said. “It has been an absolute joy to see the brightness in Ali come alive.”

The Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence competition and program is co-sponsored by the Governor’s Office, the Oklahoma DHS Developmental Disabilities Services, the Oklahoma DRS and the Oklahoma Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst. Award winners are annually selected by a panel of public servants and volunteers that either serve people with disabilities or who represent organizations that provide direct care for them daily.

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Alyssa “Ali” J. Johnston receives an Oklahoma Governor’s Disability Employment Award of Excellence.