Contract Staff Honored at Putnamville Correctional
Greencastle, Ind.—Three contractual staff were honored at the Putnamville Correctional Facility with “Key Contributor” certificates for their service during the ongoing pandemic. Amber Cooper, with Aramark, along with Brandy Leek from Wexford Health, and Brandon Hughes with Oakland City University. “Key Contributor” awards are presented to contractual staff who work together with facility staff, not only to provide essential services, but also demonstrate exceptional teamwork by going above and beyond what is expected. Each of the people honored contribute to the smooth operation of the Putnamville Correctional Facility and make a positive difference in the lives of offenders and other staff members they interact with each day.
Amber Cooper – Aramark
Amber Cooper is a vital part of the food service operations at Putnamville Correctional Facility. She coordinates meal services with custody staff and ensures Aramark's serving lines are ready to begin service on time. When questions arise about any food service needs, Amber is the “go-to person” for both new and veteran staff. Recently, Amber worked with staff to coordinate the Ramadan meal distribution. She coordinated with IDOC custody staff, and Wexford staff, to deliver meals to the quarantined units during the time offenders were also receiving medications. This coordination helped operations to continue running smooth. Amber is unwavering with her dedication, value, and teamwork mindset.
Brandy Leek, RN Supervisor – Wexford
Brandy Leek recently promoted to RN Supervisor and has quickly developed into a fantastic leader. Since the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic she has played a crucial role contributing to the success of facility staff during the pandemic event. Amber developed, implemented, and coordinated various projects to limit the effect of the pandemic. Brandy encourages those around her, and never sits idly by; instead she can be found in the housing units obtaining medical screens, drawing labs, working in the clinic, or assisting other staff members. Brandy is the definition of a team player who identifies a task and quickly works to complete it while remaining positive and ensuring proper protocols are consistently followed.
Shawn Hughes -Oakland City University
As an adult educator Shawn Hughes knows the importance of education. He also knew it was important to not let the pandemic interfere with the learning opportunities for offender students living in a quarantine environment the result of the COIVD-19 pandemic. Shawn presented the idea of video recording lessons and downloading them onto tablets already assigned to each offender. After many hours of research Shawn identified the proper format necessary to record multiple 15 minute presentations for each instructor. Once recorded the lessons can be loaded onto the tablets and accessed by students even if they are in a quarantine environment. This initiative is still in the final planning stage and once implemented will enhance the learning experience regardless of the pandemic.
Timmy Phegley, the Deputy Warden of the Putnamville Correctional Facility, when asked about the three individuals stated “We have benefited the result of these dedicated professionals working at our facility, who each, in their own way, have proven to be invaluable assets as we work through the pandemic together.” Deputy Warden Phegley continued, “Each person recognized has contributed to the smooth operation of this facility the result of the fresh ideas they bring to the table and their 'can do' spirit. Thank you Amber Cooper, Brandy Leek, and Bradley Hughes for your contributions to the Putnamville Correctional Facility."
 Pictured left to right: Deputy warden Hartzell, Shawn hughes, Amber Cooper, Brandy Leek, and Deputy Warden Timmy Phegley
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