Congratulations to the following winners for Employee of the Month at Black Hills Children’s Home:

Amanda Falk: Amanda is an important asset to her team. She works hard in keeping children safe. Amanda shows up on time and always keeps her supervisors informed of important situations. Thank you for everything you do! You are greatly appreciated.
Nominated by Candi Davis

Brandi Tonkel: Brandi, our Lead Forensic Interviewer, has hit a major milestone in her career. In addition to dedicating a decade of her life to interviewing and advocating for children, she hit her 2,000th interview on 10/1/2020. This past month, she has taken on some of our most devastating child abuse cases, providing skilled interviewing for those children. Brandi has had to balance her regular work load while mentoring our newer interviewer and meeting increased requests to testify in court. Brandi has shown tenacity in her willingness to meet the demands of work referred to us. She seeks out personal balance and direction at work when things get tough. She understands that the work load will not always be like this and honors that, sometimes, we just have to get things done. I am very appreciative of having Brandi on our team!
Nominated by Tifanie Petro

Mackenzie Ramirez: Mackenzie has been cheerfully working overtime to help provide coverage in the school. She has committed to various shifts, including her regularly scheduled work week, and has been able to remain positive, energetic, and kind. 
Nominated by Rachel Walton

Thank you, Mackenzi, in the extra support for night staff. It has made a huge difference!
Nominated by Kim Hunsaker

Congratulations to the following winners for Employee of the Month at Children’s Inn/Bright Start:

Gwen Betz: Gwen is an amazing team player and a wonderful Brave Beginnings staff. I have seen her calm children who are experiencing the hardest time emotionally and walk other staff through steps that she found to be comforting. Gwen wears multiple hats at Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety, anywhere from covering Assistant Program Supervisor to Case Management, and her own position. And she does it with ease. Gwen, you are awesome to work with and I appreciate your hard work ethic and demonstration of our core values. Thanks for all you do! You rock! :) 
Nominated by Michelle Schroeder

Congratulations to the following winners for Employee of the Month at Sioux Falls Children’s Home:

Angela Smith: Angie is a team player. She is a very important member of the community based team. She embodies the core values, not only at work, but in her personal life, too. Angie has continually helped me in various ways as we work closely together in both of our programs! Thank you, Angie, for all that you do! 
Nominated by Vanessa Hoogendoorn

Kelsey Weber: We were short wake-up staff and Kelsey came forward to help cover. I appreciate her willingness to do so when I know her plate is full with her own family in the morning and preparing for the school day. Thanks, Kelsey!
Nominated by Kari Clark

Maria Letcher: Maria agreed to cover shopping for other staff so that all the children's fall clothing needs were covered. Thank you, Maria!  
Nominated by Dawn Endsley