Les Walker has been employed at the Allegany County Health Department – Outpatient Mental Health Center since August 13, 1986. Les has worked with both adults and children and currently works in the ASET (After School Educational Therapy) Program that provides services to children ages 6 – 12. Les does an amazing job in this program and can always be counted on to provide a safe, secure, and calm atmosphere for the children. He is professional and always willing to go above and beyond his assigned duties. Les is a certified CPI trainer and provides trainings to all staff on de-escalation and restraint. He is a member of the Code Green Team and responds to all emergency situations in the Health Department. Les also has great opportunity to put his skills to use in the ASET program. He has been bitten, spit on, kicked, yelled at, and taken a wide variety of punishment. However, he never becomes angry or upset with any child. He continues to work with them until them calm down, all the while reminding them that they are good children. Les’ knowledge and amazing rapport with the children is evident daily and you can frequently hear children calling out to say “hi” to Mr. Walker. Les is also well known among his co-workers for his singing of “Happy Birthday,” whistling in the hallways, giving out hugs and always providing encouraging words. Staff respect and appreciate Les’ kindness, caring, and positive attitude. He is a true pleasure to work with and Mental Health is proud to have Les on their team. For so many reasons, Les is truly deserving of being the March 2010 Allegany County Health Department Employee of the Month.
