Tessa McMahon Highly Commended in Yooralla’s Excellence Awards 2021
2021 Excellence Awards Highlights
Tessa McMahon, L&OD Coordinator and Instructional Designer has been highly commended in Yooralla’s 2021 Excellence Awards for Operational Goals and Service Excellence.
The Operational Goals and Service Excellence Award is for an individual employee who exceeded expectations to provide a service for Yooralla employees, managers and/or customers that contributed to an operational outcome.
Supporting employees
Tessa was nominated by Margie Arthurson, Manager, Learning and Organisational Development who was impressed by Tessa’s focus on building a capable and productive workforce. Her nomination was supported by Heather Cobham, Nick Veljanoski, Jane Carter, Carmel Browne, Nadia Garcia, Liz Sherry, Kirsty Gatsios and Joanne Malone.
“It was a really tough year coming in and out of lock down and constantly updating our approaches to learning to best accommodate the organisation, so it was wonderful that my efforts (and the efforts of the L&OD Team) were so appreciated across the organisation,” said Tessa.
Tessa has gone above and beyond expectations in providing learning and development expertise to employees and managers. She supports new employees to complete induction and eLearning courses, supports managers with interpreting compliance reports, and works with subject matter experts to design and develop training content.
“Her work is always underpinned by a respect for the power and control customers have over matters that affect their daily lives,” said Margie.
When Yooralla took over management of the Macey Heights service, Tessa supported over 30 staff with the transition, including those who needed assistance to improve their computer literacy and access systems.
“The patience she demonstrated was incredible and on occasions she spent considerable time with employees … she was just so patient and kind and understanding,” said Heather Cobham, Employee Relations Manager.
A positive attitude
Tessa has an optimistic approach to all interactions. When the content of many training courses had to be adapted for online delivery, Tessa gained an excellent reputation for her skill in the design and development of eLearning courses. Carmel Browne, Manager Allied Services and Wellbeing, East liaised with Tessa to produce an eLearning tool for the ASW teams on a transdisciplinary approach to providing care and support.
“Tessa was able to review the existing PowerPoint and quickly understand the complexity of the model of service delivery,” said Carmel.
While the previous year had its challenges, Tessa has remained positive.
“The thing I am most proud of achieving is simply making it through 2021. There were so many projects we worked on as a team, but I am most proud that we have managed to stay so positive throughout this time and remain flexible and resilient,” said Tessa.
Leadership and research skills
Nick Veljanoski, Information and Cyber Security Manager worked with Tessa to update the Cyber Security induction program.
“Her commitment to the employees of Yooralla is always front of mind and often challenges me to think about how we best meet their needs,” said Nick.
Director, Quality and Safeguards, Jane Carter notes Tessa’s participative leadership style and her understanding of adult learning styles.
“Tessa demonstrates strong research skills and knowledge of the topic, provides links to other policies and procedures that may enhance the training program and displays great skill in the understanding of adult learning,” said Jane.
Tessa has a strong belief in Yooralla’s purpose and goals.
“I love what I do, and I love the organisation I work for. I admire all of our front-line workers. I want to be able to support them as best I can, so they can support our customers to the best of their ability,” said Tessa.
Congratulations to Tessa on being highly commended for your work. Yooralla is proud to have such an enthusiastic and motivating staff member.