Human Resources Manager (HRM), Apuzo Ibe, who was hired on 4/29/2008 and worked in our group homes as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for her first three years of employment with Hartwood. Apuzo was then hired/promoted into the vacant HRM position and has remained a vital member of our senior management team since. Having worked as a DSP, Apuzo brought a working understanding of the unique challenges a direct care worker experiences in the field and the requisite skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to be successful in that position (as she was) to her new position. That experience made her uniquely qualified and adept at screening job applicants and, once hired, supporting new employees through the onboarding and orientation processes to ensure they got off to a good start as new Hartwood team members. Apuzo is very much family-oriented and enjoys spending time with her siblings and parents when not at work.
Thank you for all you do for Hartwood and the residents, Apuzo!