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
Shelter for Family Safety
Executives
Facilities
Foundation
IT
Marketing
Outpatient Mental Health Services
Residential Treatment
Schools
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.