MDHA’s fifth annual Case Manager of the Year Award (Virtual) Luncheon, will be held on December 9, 2021, 12-1.15pm. Registration is required: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EcDxfFJxSAm4_dP6DC-8Cg. Check out the Case manager of the Year Award page for more info.
And the nominees are…
Amanda Espinosa, of The Bridge, was nominated by Rebecca Cox for Compassionate Soul. Rebecca tells us that, “Amanda goes above and beyond daily to meet guests where they are. She finds ways to work within, around, and through systems of care… Amanda strives to assist others because she cares for others. Her job description and assigned job duties are beside the point.” Congratulations, Amanda!
Brandy Stockton, of The Samaritan Inn, was nominated by Heather Molsbee for Tireless Teacher. Heather tells us that, “Brandy has… grown and helped mold not only policy changes but new staff as well… She puts huge efforts into ensuring case managers… are learning new things and pushing the limits of their advocacy to ensure the success of our residents… Brandy loves to seek out potential in others and help cultivate their goals and future aspirations.” That’s astounding, Brandy!
Brooklynn Sanders, of City House, was nominated by Marcy Martinez for Radiant Rookie. Marcy tells us that, “Brooklynn… has gone above and beyond in more ways than can be counted… (She) took on additional tasks outside of her normal job description, came in to cover multiple overnight shifts when no other staff were able to make it in, picked up additional on-call days, developed creative fun ways to keep others going… and took clients for COVID testing, potentially risking exposure.” Wow, Brooklynn!
Candace Leverton, of Vogel Alcove, was nominated by Kim Holmes for Tireless Teacher. Kim tells us that, “Candace is an exceptional and dedicated team member… who wears more than just a case manager ‘hat’… to ensure the best interests of everyone… She believes in being the change agent for all people…. She provides unconditional support and mentoring to case managers, encouraging them to always to be the best they can be… Our case managers feel inspired by her as… she provides them with encouragement and motivation.” Candace, we’re inspired too!
Dana Bonfy, of City House, was nominated by Marcy Martinez for Tireless Teacher. Marcy tells us that, “Dana’s dedication and drive have been evident in her passion to train up other employees, case managers, and future social workers. Dana is a true ‘Tireless Teacher’ who has taught and coached over twenty new employees, five fellow case managers, and over a dozen Social Work interns… Dana’s glass is always half full… her positive outlook is contagious…. Dana has stepped up as a true leader.” Dana, that’s positively wonderful!
Dedra Medford, of Parkland HOMES, was nominated by Sara Galvez for Compassionate Soul. Sara tells us that, “Dedra is patient centered. She takes initiative to identify patients who need care and goes out of her way to ensure they get the help they need. Her rapport generation skill is remarkable. Patients believe in her support and can better embrace their care plans because of this. Her work is a calling and not a job. This shines through in everything she does.” Dedra, you’re a shining example for the rest of us!
Lauren Hogan, of Austin Street Center, was nominated by Dustin Perkins for Radiant Rookie. Dustin tells us that, “Lauren cheerfully took on one of the toughest caseloads at Austin Street and has remained dedicated to excellent work with that clientele. She readily rolls up her sleeves to do more than what is expected of a shelter-based case manager in order to secure her clients’ well-being… She… can be relied upon to demonstrate the core values of our organization… She is the ‘life of the party’ on our case management team, always finding a way to put a smile on a teammate’s face.” That’s radiant, Lauren!
Lisa Stephenson, of Housing Crisis Center, was nominated by Gina Norman for Compassionate Soul. Gina tells us that, “Lisa… is an investigator, a supporter of others dreams, an advocate, a counselor, a mediator, a cheerleader, an accountability partner, a crisis interventionist, an HMIS ‘guru,’ a human lie detector, a housing locator, a delivery carrier, a financial coach, a collaborator, a nurturer, a caregiver, a place of comfort and nonjudgement. She is hope incarnated… ultimately creating a more just and caring world. She’s ‘all that’ wrapped up into one phenomenal case manager.” That’s quite a combination, Lisa!
Ofelia Zamora, of The Stewpot, was nominated by Michelle Secours for Compassionate Soul. Michelle tells that, “Ofelia… has always treated her clients with such care and compassion… She gives each client the time that they need, never rushing them and going at their pace. Sometimes sessions go well beyond the scheduled time, or even past close of business if her client needs it. She makes clients feel valued and heard; she builds a strong rapport with them, where they can have challenging conversations, but still feel safe… Her clients are always so happy to see her and feel very cared for by her. Ofelia will take that extra step for her clients…” That’s compassionate, Ofelia!
Shanon Cooke, of Metrocare Services, was nominated by Bianca Zamora for Radiant Rookie. Bianca tells that, “Shanon is Metrocare’s Radiant Rookie as she has been persistent in her endeavor to assist individuals with housing retention… She has had a huge impact on the lives of those she serves. Many of the individuals on her case load have communicated that they love having her as their case manager because she is patient, helpful, listens to them…. she seeks out information if she does not know the answer, and follows through with what she tells them she will do.” That’s huge, Shanon!
Tia Campbell, of The Samaritan Inn, was nominated Heather Molsbee for Radiant Rookie. Heather tells us that, “Tia… was thrown into the deep end quickly when the case manager she was temporarily relieving went on to bedrest much sooner than anticipated… She quickly gained the respect of her residents. She does a great job of building rapport and is not afraid to tell a resident, ‘I don’t know, but I’ll find out!’ She seeks out guidance and corrective instruction and does not shy away from asking questions. We love having her on the team.” That’s incredible, Tia!
Valerie Palmer, of Austin Street Center, was nominated by Dustin Perkins for Tireless Teacher. Dustin tells us that, “Valerie has lived experience… (and) deep compassion… not only for people experiencing homelessness but for those who help them as well. She is exceptionally dedicated to the mission of ending homelessness and helping her team stay focused and productive. She… volunteers to spend extra time leading learning experiences and attending CoC Assembly meetings. She is hungry to learn and to pass on her knowledge to others!” That’s dedication, Valerie!
Yolanda Washington, of Viola’s House, was nominated by Thana Simmons for Compassionate Soul. Thana tells us that, “Yolanda traveled the road of the residents she serves daily and has given her life to serving after all she experienced.” Yolanda began her educational journey, earning her GED at the age of 51, and continuing her education all the way to earning a master’s degree in counseling. She showers love upon the young women she serves, leading them by example, and showing them through her life story how far they can go. Yolanda, what service!
