Social Development Manager Roger Gossett can’t sing. And you don’t want to see him dance. But he can take a group of students or staff and motivate them to safely scale the tallest mountain. And catch each other if they fall.

That is Roger Gossett’s forte’. This manager at the Alaska Job Corps center is remarkable in his ability to create synergy and purpose between people. And this, in part, is one of the many reasons Roger Gossett is the Employee of the Month in Palmer, Alaska.

He personifies the perfect team builder who is a leader, who is approachable, and who is 110% committed to the task at hand. Roger has been with the Alaska Job Corps for twenty years and has been a counselor, RA, Supervisor, Leadership director and now is the Social Development Manager. This critical position is a big one because it oversees the 83% of students’ time, when they are out of their daytime training classes. And it is during a crucial time slot—after class or after work—when major problems and challenges surface and can threaten anyone’s career and life development.

Roger wants students and staff to be busy, in meaningful activities. Not everyone wants to play basketball. Not everyone can easily handle living with three roommates. Roger recognizes that each of the 230 students are individuals. Likewise he recognizes that his 27 department staff members have unique talents and he tries to place them in positions of success.

Roger is a Disney Fan—specifically a Mickey Mouse lover. His collection of Mr. Potato Heads, line his office. These quirky aspects are all a part of making Roger approachable and endearing. He is not afraid to show his human side and this invites others (both students and staff) to do likewise.

When Roger teaches a class, “his hair may be on fire but he would never know it.” This popular teaching metaphor means that Roger focuses intently. He reaches out and engages his students and staff. And because of his amazing background, he can teach proficiently in many areas: First Aid, CPR, Leadership, Mental Health First Aid, Protective training, Mountaineering, Group dynamics, or Wall Climbing. None of these subjects are taught lightly and all are hands on. Roger was a Police officer and he has continuing certifications as a Wilderness First Responder, Boating Safety Waterwise Instructor, Lifeguard, Commercial Driver, and Hunter Education Instructor. He attributes many of his skills to continual training in”Project Adventure,” an experiential education program which focuses on process, experience, positive play and engagement.

Roger’s commitment has vastly improved the Alaska Job Corps Residential and Recreational program. It is no surprise that this department also received the “Department of the Quarter,” due to his and his staff’s dedication to students’ success.