BEST OF THE BEST 2013 - MICHELLE BULLER

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Narrator: Beneath that pink hard hat and silky blouse is one tough lady. Michelle Buller has worked at Life Circles Workshop in Wetherford for almost ten years. Run by Jones Healthcare, that's where staff and individuals with developmental disabilities recycle cardboard, paper, plastic, aluminum - you name it, they recycle it. 

Michelle is a Workshop Program Manager and Job Coach and leads by example. Whether it's jumping into a dumpster or the back of a truck Michelle coaches the people she works with to accept challenges that come their way. Just don't make the mistake of telling her that someone is not capable of doing or trying a certain job. 

No Audio: Michelle Buller Workshop Program Manager

Michelle Buller: It makes me really, really mad. I have... one of the, one of my goals here when I first started was, we had a job coach who just did not think that the girls could something because it was a man's job. And we have a girl here that had very low self-esteem and she just, she didn't think she could do anything. So when it came time to do time studies and things like that I encouraged her to try to outdo the guys. Let's see what we can do. Can we do it better than the guys? And before I knew it she did do better than all the guys. I mean she out did them in every job we have. 

Narrator: Michelle is quick to look for practical ways to solve problems like adding a pull rope so shorter workers can complete the bailing process. By adapting equipment her creative approach has opened the door for new job opportunities and made a big difference. 

No Audio: Jennifer Bradshaw Agency Director, Jones Health Care

Jennifer Bradshaw: Oh wow, they still to this day are just overjoyed. You see it in their faces when they're doing their job. Even though they might get hot and it's a sweaty, hard job they're constantly just full of energy and vibrant about the fact that they're there doing it. The fact that they never thought they would and something so simple as just that person stepping in to solve that problem. I mean what a wonderful blessing to them and I know they feel that way. 

Narrator: Michelle passes along her strong work ethic and sees people for what they are able to do and not their disability. That's what makes Michelle one of the best of the best. 

Jennifer Bradshaw: She is definitely made for the work that she does. She is the caring person first and the authoritative person second. She always wants to find the good in the people and always wants to help them achieve their goals. 

Narrator: She says the people she works with are like her kids. And they need a little encouragement just like everyone else. 

Michelle Buller: Walk in with an open mind and an open heart and see where it takes you. My husband and I fight because I'm here all the time because I love being here. I love being with these guys. And if I could take them home with me I would. 

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