December Champion of the Month, Daniel Klonowski, has worked as a Rise Direct Support Professional for over 12 years. He brings valuable experience from his various previous work experiences, including at AccessAbility and his time working as a PCA for a family member with Downs Syndrome.

Daniel started out working in our Community Integrated Placement program in 2009, and soon began working on setting up one of our first group community employment crews at Cummins. He worked at that site for nine years – and the crew he helped establish is still going strong today, nearly 15 years later! Daniel left Rise for several years but returned after the pandemic because he “missed the people and having a job with a sense of purpose and service.” He now works with the Rise crew at AMCON.

According to his colleagues, Dan is an invaluable asset to the Rise team, both at AMCON and at our Spring Lake Park site. “Dan is the first staff on the production floor each morning, even though he has his own SET site,” a team member shares. “He is always going above and beyond not only for his site but also for Spring Lake Park when he is here in the morning before his crew arrives. He is always ready for any task and goes above and beyond in making sure the floor gets off to a good start.”

Daniel shares that he is “super proud” of his AMCON crew, who exhibit flexibility and reliability every day. When asked about his favorite part of the job, Daniel names his team. “I don’t think a day goes by where I and my team don’t laugh and enjoy each other’s company, no matter how busy we might be or bringing whatever stresses we have in our own lives. Everyone is happy to be counted on by the company and praised for what a great they job they do.”

Outside of work, Daniel spends his time hosting Trivia Mafia, painting, and drawing comics. His art has even been featured on TV! Daniel also loves spending time with his four grandkids, two cats, and “one awesome home theater.”