EVANSTON — “They add so much,” said Joy Bell of two of her employees at Compassionate Journey Assisted Living facility. Bell is referring to 47-year-old Susan Frame, who has Down syndrome, and 23-year-old Tanner Spatig, who is autistic. Both have been in Bell’s employ since she purchased the facility in January 2020.

“I like it a lot — making all the desserts,” explains baking extraordinaire Frame. “I like to listen to music on my tablet while baking,” in particular Elvis Presley, as Frame is a super fan. She later shared photos of her recent trip to Graceland with the Herald.

“I love baking everything,” said Frame, before highlighting her mandarin orange cake and sugar cookies.

“She makes killer peanut butter cookies, too,” added Bell.

Grillmaster Spatig explained, “I like cooking barbecue on the Fourth of July.” 

Spatig initially started out at the facility as a custodian. Through a partnership with Evanston High School’s learning lab, he became skilled at general maintenance. When he’s not in the kitchen cooking or washing dishes, he also helps the housekeepers clean rooms weekly, takes the trash out and launders linens.

“He’s really intuitive about what people need,” said Bell. “If someone [a facility resident] has vision issues, he’ll help them find things on their plate, or turn their plates for them. He really pays attention.”

“When you tell him how to do something and he figures it out, that’s just how it’s going to get done from here on out. He’s very consistent,” said Bell. She cited his impeccable attention to detail. “Too much sometimes,” joked Cathy Frame, a nurse at the facility and Susan’s mother.

Kitchen accommodations have been made for Frame and Spatig.

“We’ve provided them with a special chopper, and timers they can use,” Bells said. “We change recipes around to be more easily understandable. And everything must be returned to the exact same place — everything in its specific place.”

Both Frame and Spatig frequently participate in the Special Olympics of Wyoming — Frame for 18 years, Spatig for 11. Spatig plays golf with Bell, and is excited to try bocci ball for the first time later this year.  Frame has run track and field, thrown shot put,  and competed in long jump, skiing, basketball and swimming. Both athletes enjoy bowling and snowshoeing as well. Spatig explained that, outside of the Special Olympics, he’s also dabbled in bull riding.

Aside from their place of employment, Frame and Spatig also share Crystal Fry of Triple C — Crystal’s Compassionate Care.  Fry is a state-funded respite care provider and job coach. Fry exercises, shops and meal plans with Frame.  Fry, who is also Spatig’s aunt, assists him in the kitchen at the facility.

Bell noted that both Frame and Spatig have each been awarded Disability:IN Uinta County’s Employee of the Year. Spatig was recognized in 2021 for his work at Bell’s facility, and Frame in 2018 for previous employment at the Uinta County Senior Center in Evanston.

In addition to working part-time, six days a week at the facility, Frame has also worked part-time at Smith’s Food and Drug for 24 years.

Frame and Spatig both express that it feels like a family at Compassionate Journey.

“Friends can be family,” Frame lovingly adds.