Dodie Derck, Executive Assistant to Bev Johnson, CEO/President and Melissa Chesley, CFO

Dodie Derck joined Easterseals in Spring of 2020 as Executive Assistant and is so thrilled with her role to support Easterseals President Bev Johnson and provide Administrative support to the Executive Team, including CFO Melissa Chesley with tasks as requested. She also leads new employee orientations.  Dodie says, "I’ve never worked in a more joyful and fulfilling organization. It renews my faith in people and kindness every day. Before working at Easterseals I hadn’t been around children in years (I don’t have any of my own) and when I see them playing on the playground, walking through Administration building or hearing their giggles, my heart smiles. I’m a better person because I work here."

Dodie would  like to be known as the “go to person” for the office, Executive team and Board members, "I want to be known for always being a ray of sunshine and taking time for each person I come in contact with."

Dodie is a ray of sunshine, and her attitude is infectious, "I am so proud to work for Easterseals Northeast Central Florida! The all-female Leadership team, and dedicated staff make me want to come to work every day.  My life philosophy is “today only happens once, make it amazing” and I hope I share that spirit with everyone I meet every day with an upbeat, positive attitude!  I was lucky to have been furloughed by a major healthcare system last April, because that lead me to Easterseals. I didn’t know it then but the blessing of working for a non-profit and helping disabled children was just what I needed to feel like my job, my life, and my renewed faith in mankind matters. What a wonderful gift it was to be given the opportunity to work for such an amazing organization!"

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