Congratulations to the 25 new graduates of the Children’s Home Society University (CHSU) leadership program!
Last week, the class received their diplomas and celebrated the two years of hard work they’ve put into growing their leadership skills at Children’s Home Society.
“We’re proud that our second cohort of CHSU graduates is ready to step into leadership roles,” said President and CEO Michelle Lavallee.
CHSU, which was kicked off in 2021, is a leadership development program designed to prepare employees to lead through change and transformation. It offers employees a pathway to growth and development and helps the entire organization develop a culture of leadership and development.
“The program helps develop the foundational mindsets, skillsets and tool sets of a CHS leader,” said Lavallee.
Sample modules include “Trust: The Bedrock of Organizational Health and Results,” “Creating a Culture of Performance and Accountability” and “Coaching for Engagement, Development and Performance.”
Day-long class sessions are held every other month over a two-year period. The third cohort has already begun.
The 2025 graduating class includes:
Child Advocacy Center and Prevention
- Jennifer Arnold, Family Advocate Coordinator of the Child Advocacy Center
Shelter for Family Safety
- Gwen Betz, Assistant Program Director, Shelter
- Krista Buckholz, Assistant Program Supervisor, Shelter
- JaeLynn Garry, Outreach Advocate, Shelter
- Emily Hall, Assistant Program Supervisor, Shelter
- Polly Hooks, Assistant Program Supervisor, Shelter
- Breckin Steilen, Assistant Program Supervisor, Shelter
- Paola Rodriguez, Crisis Advocate, Shelter
Executives
- Jennifer Byers, Chief of Staff
- Shannon Clark, Chief Financial Officer
- Jon Mammenga, Chief Philanthropy Officer
- Allison Sanderson, Chief Operating Officer
Facilities
- Brad Hansen, Facilities Supervisor, SFCH
Foundation
- Erica Krohn, Director of Events and Volunteer Management
IT
- Austin Winter, IT Director
Marketing
- Clara Jacob, Brand Strategist
Outpatient Mental Health Services
- Nichole Knepp, Assistant Program Director, BH Outpatient Therapy
- Jenica Woods, Community Health Worker Team Lead
Residential Treatment
- Dawn Endsley, Clinical Unit Supervisor, Madsen House
- Jennifer Stavenger, Nurse Supervisor
- Tayla Sysavath, Team Coordinator, Van Demark House
- Rachel Walton, Clinical Unit Supervisor
Schools
- Ericka Bohle, Assistant Director of Schools, Loving School
- Paige Knuth, Teacher Assistant, Loving School
- Chris Perryman, Behavioral Specialist, Owen School
Newly retired Rick Weber, formerly Director of Development, delivered the commencement address. He reflected on CHS’s long history and the importance of blending the past, present and future. He also shared a piece of advice he received from former employee Sue Williams.
“You are all future leaders of CHS and have so much to offer. If I could tell you anything, it would be what Sue told me years ago, ‘Be 100% present with people.’ It doesn’t matter if that’s a client, a colleague, or anyone else—just be present, because it goes by way too fast.”
Congrats to the new graduates! Enjoy a few more snapshots from the celebration.
