Pittsburgh Mercy March Colleague of the Month: Maggie Vescio
Maggie Vescio’s colleagues point to her selflessness as one of her glowing attributes. Whether it’s being an advocate for persons served at medical appointments, helping them budget and manage their finances, or being there as a support, she is always there for them as well as her colleagues.
For all she does at Davis and Fleming Community Living Arrangements (CLAs), Vescio was named Pittsburgh Mercy’s March Colleague of the Month.
Just a few weeks after the terrorist attacks against America on September 11, 2001, Vescio joined Pittsburgh Mercy’s casual pool after working at a nursing home. She needed a full-time job, and by December that year, she became a counselor serving two women at our Davis CLA.
A few months later, a position opened to provide the medical and financial support at Davis. She had the background needed and has been in that job with Intellectual Disabilities Services ever since.
“My main job is to be an advocate,” Vescio says. “But I do whatever the site needs. I’ve known them for 20 years. I treat them like my family. I don’t treat them any differently.”
She escorts Davis residents to their medical appointments, makes sure their medications are up to date, notes changes in their medical logs, and informs the team and their families about the visits.
“She makes sure they are safe, getting the best health care possible, and that their medications are working effectively,” says Stacy Fitzgerald, Training, Education, and Development manager and former Davis supervisor. “Without Maggie at Davis, the clients would not be getting the best care.”
Vescio also deals with services such as rent rebates, Medical Assistance (Medicaid), and state consolidated waivers that allow persons with intellectual disabilities or autism to receive services.
Davis CLA Supervisor Jamie Howell said one resident ran out of money in his account and needed a ride to work. Vescio stepped up, came to work at 6:30 a.m., took him to work, and stopped in the middle of the day to bring him home.
“Maggie was not assigned this duty, she volunteered,” Howell notes. “The mere action that she was willing to do this to guarantee that this person made it to work demonstrates how she has touched on all of our (Pittsburgh Mercy) values.”
When the pandemic hit, the residents couldn’t go to appointments or on outings. Vescio says she was grateful for colleagues from the ID day programs who came to Davis to help. She says that helped with the transition.
Her generosity extends beyond Davis. In addition to the 13 residents at Davis, she also helps the three women who live at Fleming CLA, which is close by.
This year, when John Fassinger shifted from residential care advisor to counselor at Oakville CLA, with the same job duties as Vescio, he asked for her insight on several issues. She answered all his questions. She even did some research on his behalf.
What he didn’t know—and what she didn’t share at the time—was that she had recently had a heart attack. Vescio is also a cancer survivor.
“This is something that she does, not for herself, but because she thinks of others before herself at all times,” Fassinger says. “Pittsburgh Mercy is blessed and lucky to have her.”
Outside of work, Vescio enjoys time with her grandchildren, crocheting, and music.
Kirk Baxendell, team lead at Davis, sums it up: “Maggie is awesome! She is great with our folks, manages all of their appointments, helps with anything that comes her way, is a team player, and we are thankful to work with her!”
