Child Guidence Center

Rapid Response Team - Nikki Deese

This one will not come as a surprise to anyone here. I’m always nervous someone will try to steal this team member from me. She is described in this way by her colleagues: “We cannot operate without , who is efficient, helpful, funny and always knows what is going on.” My personal joy in having this person on our team is that she gives just the right mixture of silliness and seriousness. I can count on her in a pinch and she handles so many things with expediency without me needing to express the urgency of the matter. She also handles many things before I am even aware they are becoming an issue. It’s just done. That is a very clear sign of a fantastic assistant!!

So I am pleased to announce last year’s Rapid Response Excellence Award winner has been voted to receive the honor again in 2009, although under a different name.

She is now known as - Nikki Deese!

School Based Team - Lorrie Brannan

Lorrie has been a wond erful addition to Team 22 and displayed excellence in her work and attitude from the very beginning of her time at CGC’s SBT team. She maintains a pleasant attitude while keeping on top of the team business at all seven sites. She helps all the therapists learn the administrative paperwork initially or when changes come up. She stays on top of the billing issues ensuring the team members are aware of any problems and thus helping them avoid paybacks. No matter how many times she is called about an issue, she is pleasant and goes to any link to find the answers as soon as possible. She is always professional and courteous and sees when something needs to be done before anyone brings it to her attention. She will research problems until she finds the answer. She is a quick learner herself and stays on top of the numerous insurance issues that arise. She is helpful to others within the agency as well and participates in agency wide activities with great enthusiasm. Congratulations to one of the finest employees at CGC. The SBT is so lucky to have her.

Team 30 - Chelsea Hoffman

Chelsea is bright, caring, and has excellent organizational skills. She started as an intern and has become a crucial part of Team 30. She is always concerned about her clients and is willing to go the extra mile to provide excellent services for them. She has mastered the photographic techniques and software used as part of the diagnostic process for FASD. She is able to gain the trust and cooperation of children in obtaining the photos. She provides excellent case management services to arrange evaluations and services. Chelsea is a valuable team member. She is always willing to assist other team members. She has developed systems to track data needed for various reports. She has excellent computer skills and recently completed a poster session for a national conference. Congratulations to Chelsea. Team 30’s Excellence Award winner for 2009!

Team 45 - Ron Sloan 

I can tell you this team member will attempt to blow this off with a scoffing laugh and eye roll. Not one to seek attention, but described by colleagues as, “such a wonderful person to work with;” “always has a great story to tell.” Another colleague writes, “He demonstrates excellent clinical skills with a strong family systems approach and training. He has worked diligently to meet the increasing demands of his position and displays a positive working relationship with schools in the community, families and DCPS Interventionists. His sense of humor has been greatly appreciated by team members, both current and past.” I can always count on this therapist to argue his point, but to ultimately abide by my decisions.

Team 45 is so pleased to have as a part of our family and to present to you our Excellence Award winner for 2009 – Ron Sloan!

Case Management Team - Shkyna Lockett

Shkyna is considered one of the hardest working people in case management. If you want to know how to access any service, ask Shkyna. She’s very knowledgeable about the available services in the community and never hesitates to share this information with others. She’s known to go that extra mile not only for her clients and families but her co-workers as well. Regardless of the weather or her own health, she finds the way to make things happen for her clients. One of the most amazing things about Shkyna is that she’s turned her desk calendar into a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle of community phone numbers and has the ability to know where every number is!!!

This year’s excellence award winner for case management is Shkyna Lockett.

FSS Team - Paul McRae

A Full Service School therapist wears many hats. In addition to being a good therapist for clients, they need to be a good social worker, mentor, case manager, teacher supporter, ambassador and all around cheerleader. The excellence award winner for the FSS this year wears all these hats with ease. This person has quickly gained the respect of his peers, school staff, parents, and FSS partners. He is often sought out for assistance by other FSS therapists due to his strong clinical skills, is respected for his exemplary documentation, high productivity, and high ethical standards. He volunteered for the most difficult placement when the team experienced a problem. As a brand new employee, he volunteered for the Wellness Committee. He became affectionately known as “Coach”, gently encouraging others to become more active. He runs 5-10 miles a day before most of us get up in the morning, then comes to work dressed to the nines. As one employee puts it, “I wake up hoping I can have some Paul McRae positive energy today.”

Arlington Outpatient Team - Jeanne Klusman

Yes, she is client centered, purpose driven, efficient, effective and demonstrates integrity and a sense of teamwork, but in addition to all of that, she is funny! Team 26 agrees that she has a knack for making people laugh and so much of what we do in this field is help others to laugh at the tragedy of life.

She also just happens to be the highest producer on her team as well as the fastest paperwork completer. Her organizational skills are awesome. She’s one of those rare individuals who is both right and left brain competent. Her clinical skills are outstanding. Her understanding of complex human behavior and her willingness to share her knowledge with coworkers is noteworthy. We are also proud of her for recently passing the licensure exam.

This year’s winner of the Excellence Award for Team 26 is Jeanne Klusman!

Westside Team - Jennifer Bishop

Jennifer is a wonderful supervisor who is very much loved by her staff. She is described as supportive, creative and bright. She bonded with her team very quickly and contributed to the cohesiveness of the Westside team. One of her coworkers calls her the glue of WDT.

The children at the center love her and what’s more important, they get better as a result of the time they spend with her. She has skillfully started many therapy groups at WDT which are powerful instruments of change.

We are so fortunate to have found her! Congratulations to Jennifer Bishop!

North Duval Team - Kay Cooper

Kay is loved and admired by her staff. She is an excellent supervisor who is “very knowledgeable in our field, is dedicated and has the type of personality that encourages the same in all of us.”

This is the 3rd year Kay has earned this award regardless of the constellation of staff on her team. That has to mean something. She is dedicated to excellence in dealing with both the clients and the staff. She has proven to be loyal to Child Guidance Center.

We are very happy to present the Excellence Award to Kay Cooper!

South Duval Team - Angie Pino

Smart as a whip and gentle as a butterfly; that’s Angie Pino. She is loved by her team for her knowledge, her humility and her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure they succeed.

She works long hours perfecting systems, handling crises with grace and sharing her clinical knowledge.

She is truly excellence personified and grace under fire. We proudly present the 2009 Team 36 Excellence Award to Angie Pino.

Administrative Team - Jim Rodriguez

Does an excellent job with all reports and working with the new software system. He does an awesome job on dashboard reports for all teams as well. He’s quite the character. If you’re having a bad day and need a good laugh, he’s the guy to go to.

He is very knowledgeable about his job. Everyone knows they can depend on him when they need help. We proudly present the 2009 Team 21 Excellence Award to Jim Rodriguez.