November 2015 Winners
Eric Wren
Child Safe Michigan
Oakland County, Michigan
"Eric makes you feel like you are family. He is hard working and cheerful. He came out to speak to my parents. He answered all their questions and put their mind at ease. We are blessed to have such a great guy like him."
Heather Grasl - 2ND TIME WINNER!
Bethany Christian Services
Oakland County, Michigan
"One of the things I appreciate most, is that Heather doesn’t have set 'office hours'. She has contacted me on Sundays and late evenings. She truly has the best interest of the kids at heart. She always takes our time and schedules into consideration. Heather works hard for the kids that have been assigned to her. I appreciate Heather and her dedication."
October 2015 Winners
Vicki Pelletier
Ennis Center
Genesee County, Michigan
"Vicki is an amazing caseworker, she always has a smile on her face, and eases any concerns or misunderstandings instantly. She stays in constant contact with families, and has a very understanding and compassionate heart."
Andrea Torres
Ingham County DHHS
Ingham County, Michigan
"She goes out of her way to make sure the kids have what they need. She always returns phone calls and emails in a timely manner and never makes the foster parent feel like a burden. I have loved working with her and wish she was the worker for all my cases!"
Kreisha Miller
Lutheran Social Services
Oakland County, Michigan
"Ms. Miller is incredible. She's always on top of any questions we have and fast to get us answers. She works our case with enthusiasm, which I'm sure is not easy in this line of work. Ms. Miller is a delight to work with, and we love having her as our licensing worker. It's very obvious she takes pride in her work. If she could be cloned the system would be much better!"
September 2015 Winners
Heather Grasl
Bethany Christian Services
Oakland County, Michigan
"I am a single, full-time working, foster mother to two toddler boys and they are my first foster children. She is always there for me to cry to, vent to, ask questions of, support me and she is NEVER judgmental. I can ask her anything and she will be there for me and the boys. She has fought for the boys to receive the support services that they need. The boys LOVE her. They are always excited to see her and give her hugs and kisses. I feel like her only client. She encourages me to be the best person I can be for the boys. I truly feel like she would do anything to help us, I know she is only a phone call or text away. I have told her that I do not ever want to take foster kids if she is not going to be the worker. She always has the right ways to say things and approach the situation, even in the face of adversary. I cannot say enough about how wonderful Heather is."
Melanie Stickel
Monroe County DHHS
Macomb County, Michigan
"Melanie is always on top of all of her paperwork. She always follows up to make certain we have everything we need. I am always certain she is putting the best interest of the child ahead of everything. She has been very reassuring to my foster child, helping her understand the process and what is going on. She has been a big support to both of the children."
Lisa Sturms
Monroe County DHHS
Macomb County, Michigan
"Lisa has been available many times after hours, responding to concerns. She has been very supportive and available during challenging behavior times with our teen. She seeks out services immediately when we request help with things. She stays with us at appointments when we need her to as well."
August 2015 Winners
Cheryl Green-Ollie
Kalamazoo County DHHS
Kalamazoo County, Michigan
"From day one Cheryl took great care to make sure our foster son had what he needed, from help getting Early on to making sure we understood any and all paperwork we needed to fill out. When we had other placements in our home and the case worker of those placements wasn't helping us with much needed items for their care, Cheryl went above and beyond bringing paperwork that needed to be filled out for those placements to my work so that I could fill out and sign and then Cheryl took it upon herself to take the paperwork back with her and turn it in herself. When our foster son fell and broke his leg, Cheryl (who was out sick with severe personal health issues) came to the doctor with me and helped me with the other foster child we had to take along as I couldn't find a babysitter and she then followed us to the hospital they were admitting us to and she stayed several hours to ensure everything was ok!! I can't even begin to express how absolutely WONDERFUL this woman has been, going above and beyond for her cases and if it weren't for her we would have closed our foster license due to a terrible experience with another case worker!!! I have only listed a TINY bit of the MASSIVE amount of things Cheryl has done for our foster son and our family, She is absolutely the most amazing caseworker Kalamazoo County has and has been dealing with a ton of health issues herself, please give this WELL DESERVING hard working, most caring individual the recognition she so DESERVES!!"
Ashley Schlagheck
Ottawa County DHHS
Ottawa County, Michigan
"Ashley has the ability to beautifully balance and see the big picture with compassion and grace towards all involved. She is diligent, dedicated, and professional, with a special ability to connect with others. I feel very blessed to have worked with her and would love for her to be recognized for the great job she does. Thank you!"
Jennifer Summers
Midland County DHHS
Midland County, Michigan
"I could give you several hundred examples but they come down to a few simple things that make Jennifer exceptional at what she does. Here is the short list:Jen communicates effectively. She is prompt in returning calls, emails and texts. It doesn't matter how busy she is (and she is slamming busy!!) she will always get back to me. Jen is a genuine advocate for the children. She supports reunification and does everything in her power to support that goal. After all, the best place for a child is with their parents IF they can provide a safe and loving home. That being said, she doesn't beat around the bush or allow people to pull the wool over her eyes. At the same time, she won't work harder than the parents to support the goal. Jen works in a very high stress position and she does it with a smile and laughter. Judge Allen is the judge in our Baby Court. Baby Court incorporates several local agencies to assist with the goal of reunification. Other agencies could be: Community Mental Health for counseling for the children, the parents and even parenting classes; Shelter House for domestic abuse counseling; homemaker's services to assist with housing, budgeting and job hunting; drug rehab facilities and other agencies as needed. The expectations are high to ensure that all options are exhausted prior to the termination of parental rights. Jen is able to consistently meet these expectations that are set forth. I appreciate having a case worker that works for the children but is acutely aware of the needs of the parents and the foster parents. She is amazing and I truly appreciate being able to work with her."
Caitlyn Young
Lutheran Social Services
Lenawee, Hillsdale and Jackson Counties, Michigan
"She is available whenever I need her. From sitting with me at the hospital to checking in at 8PM, she is always there. She is wiser than most and is able to both address my concerns and tell me when I'm out of line. Trust me, I need both!!"
July 2015 Winners
Juli Bradford
Orchards Children's Services
Oakland County, Michigan
"Juli rocks she has so many wonderful qualities! Juli makes my FD12 feel like she is the only one that she has, Juli has been there for her 100%. Juli has not just been there for my FD but also for myself and for my daughter. Although we have a team at Orchards, Juli is always there to make sure everything is moving smoothly or as well as it can move. I appreciate Juli very much and a thank you is not enough for this wonderful woman."
Cheryl McCurdy
Ostego County DHHS
Ostego County, Michigan
"Cheryl was quick to answer my emails or questions even after hours. She spent the time to explain things and answer all my questions. She was quick to get all the services I needed in place for the kids. If she did not know something she found out the answer and got back to me. She was always friendly and generally cared about the children and their needs."
Bonika Singleton
Child Safe, Michigan
Oakland County, Michigan
"Ms. Singleton on many occasions has went above and beyond for all of her foster families ensuring safety, proper knowledge, and overall flow of the process. She takes the time out to call and check on not only the well being of the child in our care but us as well. She provides more than enough resources for answers to questions that may arise. Not to mention her personality is always pleasant and positive. Ms. Singleton is an all around joy to work with and be around. My husband and I are blessed to have her as our worker."
June 2015 Winners
Abby Camann
Child Safe, Michigan
Oakland County, Michigan
"Every time I see Abby I feel like I need to hug her (ha... and I do!). She has always been so nice, understanding and helpful. I feel like Abby is part of my family. Even when I don't need to speak with her, or ask her a million questions, I will send her photo's of my grandson Robby. I commend all of the "Abby's" that work with us foster parents because we all need the comfort -- and most of all -- trust that Abby gives to us."
Ashley Fry
Catholic Charities of SE MI
Oakland County, Michigan
"Ashley is always fair and considerate of both foster parents & bios alike. She works so hard and always makes herself available to help "her kids". She only gets paid until 5Pm, but is known for tracking down her wayward SIL kids at all hours of night. She does it because she cares. She sees their value when others would think they're worthless. Ashley Fry cares & it shows. I love that she's always treated me like my opinion matters, while many workers make foster parents feel like know-nothing babysitters. She just rocks!!!"
Sarah Gorby
Ionia County DHHS
Ionia County, Michigan
"Sarah is amazing, she is always there when we have questions and is great about answering even the craziest questions. She makes us feel appreciated and heard. I can't say enough great things about her. She really cares about her families. She has been there so many times for us, Even at 2 am when I'm stressing out and need to vent. She has never made us feel like we were a bother or a burden. She is a great person and worker, we actually moved over an hour away and decided to stay with the agency she is with just because of her. We have an agency that is only 15 minutes from our home, but she is the reason we haven't transferred our license."
Kimberly Tkaczyk
Monroe County DHHS
Monroe County, Michigan
"Kim is very thorough during all of her home visits. She never misses an appointment. She never forgets to do unannounced visits quarterly. I feel confident that our case is being handled by the book given how thorough she is. She is very accommodating and understanding to my schedule and often offers to jump and and provide transport for my foster son. She always responds quickly to questions and concerns I have."
Seana Watson
Family Service & Children's Aid
Jackson, Michigan
"Seana never wavers. She is on her game 100% of the time, and she does not let anything fall through the cracks, no matter how small the issue might seem. She never forgets anything she told you she would do, and she follows through quickly. Seana communicates clearly and promptly, she is a stalwart advocate for the children on her caseload, and she doesn't take crap from anyone. Seana is very personable and friendly. She radiates integrity. Seana adores the children, makes each and every one of them feel special and loved, and clearly cares a great deal about her job. Plus, her hair is ALWAYS perfect. :) Seana Watson is the best person I can imagine for the job of foster care case manager, and I count myself extremely fortunate to have had her on all my children's cases so far. I cannot praise Seana's dedication to her work highly enough."
Eric Wren
Child Safe Michigan
Oakland County, Michigan
"Eric makes you feel like you are family. He is hard working and cheerful. He came out to speak to my parents. He answered all their questions and put their mind at ease. We are blessed to have such a great guy like him."
Heather Grasl - 2ND TIME WINNER!
Bethany Christian Services
Oakland County, Michigan
"One of the things I appreciate most, is that Heather doesn’t have set 'office hours'. She has contacted me on Sundays and late evenings. She truly has the best interest of the kids at heart. She always takes our time and schedules into consideration. Heather works hard for the kids that have been assigned to her. I appreciate Heather and her dedication."
October 2015 Winners
Vicki Pelletier
Ennis Center
Genesee County, Michigan
"Vicki is an amazing caseworker, she always has a smile on her face, and eases any concerns or misunderstandings instantly. She stays in constant contact with families, and has a very understanding and compassionate heart."
Andrea Torres
Ingham County DHHS
Ingham County, Michigan
"She goes out of her way to make sure the kids have what they need. She always returns phone calls and emails in a timely manner and never makes the foster parent feel like a burden. I have loved working with her and wish she was the worker for all my cases!"
Kreisha Miller
Lutheran Social Services
Oakland County, Michigan
"Ms. Miller is incredible. She's always on top of any questions we have and fast to get us answers. She works our case with enthusiasm, which I'm sure is not easy in this line of work. Ms. Miller is a delight to work with, and we love having her as our licensing worker. It's very obvious she takes pride in her work. If she could be cloned the system would be much better!"
September 2015 Winners
Heather Grasl
Bethany Christian Services
Oakland County, Michigan
"I am a single, full-time working, foster mother to two toddler boys and they are my first foster children. She is always there for me to cry to, vent to, ask questions of, support me and she is NEVER judgmental. I can ask her anything and she will be there for me and the boys. She has fought for the boys to receive the support services that they need. The boys LOVE her. They are always excited to see her and give her hugs and kisses. I feel like her only client. She encourages me to be the best person I can be for the boys. I truly feel like she would do anything to help us, I know she is only a phone call or text away. I have told her that I do not ever want to take foster kids if she is not going to be the worker. She always has the right ways to say things and approach the situation, even in the face of adversary. I cannot say enough about how wonderful Heather is."
Melanie Stickel
Monroe County DHHS
Macomb County, Michigan
"Melanie is always on top of all of her paperwork. She always follows up to make certain we have everything we need. I am always certain she is putting the best interest of the child ahead of everything. She has been very reassuring to my foster child, helping her understand the process and what is going on. She has been a big support to both of the children."
Lisa Sturms
Monroe County DHHS
Macomb County, Michigan
"Lisa has been available many times after hours, responding to concerns. She has been very supportive and available during challenging behavior times with our teen. She seeks out services immediately when we request help with things. She stays with us at appointments when we need her to as well."
August 2015 Winners
Cheryl Green-Ollie
Kalamazoo County DHHS
Kalamazoo County, Michigan
"From day one Cheryl took great care to make sure our foster son had what he needed, from help getting Early on to making sure we understood any and all paperwork we needed to fill out. When we had other placements in our home and the case worker of those placements wasn't helping us with much needed items for their care, Cheryl went above and beyond bringing paperwork that needed to be filled out for those placements to my work so that I could fill out and sign and then Cheryl took it upon herself to take the paperwork back with her and turn it in herself. When our foster son fell and broke his leg, Cheryl (who was out sick with severe personal health issues) came to the doctor with me and helped me with the other foster child we had to take along as I couldn't find a babysitter and she then followed us to the hospital they were admitting us to and she stayed several hours to ensure everything was ok!! I can't even begin to express how absolutely WONDERFUL this woman has been, going above and beyond for her cases and if it weren't for her we would have closed our foster license due to a terrible experience with another case worker!!! I have only listed a TINY bit of the MASSIVE amount of things Cheryl has done for our foster son and our family, She is absolutely the most amazing caseworker Kalamazoo County has and has been dealing with a ton of health issues herself, please give this WELL DESERVING hard working, most caring individual the recognition she so DESERVES!!"
Ashley Schlagheck
Ottawa County DHHS
Ottawa County, Michigan
"Ashley has the ability to beautifully balance and see the big picture with compassion and grace towards all involved. She is diligent, dedicated, and professional, with a special ability to connect with others. I feel very blessed to have worked with her and would love for her to be recognized for the great job she does. Thank you!"
Jennifer Summers
Midland County DHHS
Midland County, Michigan
"I could give you several hundred examples but they come down to a few simple things that make Jennifer exceptional at what she does. Here is the short list:Jen communicates effectively. She is prompt in returning calls, emails and texts. It doesn't matter how busy she is (and she is slamming busy!!) she will always get back to me. Jen is a genuine advocate for the children. She supports reunification and does everything in her power to support that goal. After all, the best place for a child is with their parents IF they can provide a safe and loving home. That being said, she doesn't beat around the bush or allow people to pull the wool over her eyes. At the same time, she won't work harder than the parents to support the goal. Jen works in a very high stress position and she does it with a smile and laughter. Judge Allen is the judge in our Baby Court. Baby Court incorporates several local agencies to assist with the goal of reunification. Other agencies could be: Community Mental Health for counseling for the children, the parents and even parenting classes; Shelter House for domestic abuse counseling; homemaker's services to assist with housing, budgeting and job hunting; drug rehab facilities and other agencies as needed. The expectations are high to ensure that all options are exhausted prior to the termination of parental rights. Jen is able to consistently meet these expectations that are set forth. I appreciate having a case worker that works for the children but is acutely aware of the needs of the parents and the foster parents. She is amazing and I truly appreciate being able to work with her."
Caitlyn Young
Lutheran Social Services
Lenawee, Hillsdale and Jackson Counties, Michigan
"She is available whenever I need her. From sitting with me at the hospital to checking in at 8PM, she is always there. She is wiser than most and is able to both address my concerns and tell me when I'm out of line. Trust me, I need both!!"
July 2015 Winners
Juli Bradford
Orchards Children's Services
Oakland County, Michigan
"Juli rocks she has so many wonderful qualities! Juli makes my FD12 feel like she is the only one that she has, Juli has been there for her 100%. Juli has not just been there for my FD but also for myself and for my daughter. Although we have a team at Orchards, Juli is always there to make sure everything is moving smoothly or as well as it can move. I appreciate Juli very much and a thank you is not enough for this wonderful woman."
Cheryl McCurdy
Ostego County DHHS
Ostego County, Michigan
"Cheryl was quick to answer my emails or questions even after hours. She spent the time to explain things and answer all my questions. She was quick to get all the services I needed in place for the kids. If she did not know something she found out the answer and got back to me. She was always friendly and generally cared about the children and their needs."
Bonika Singleton
Child Safe, Michigan
Oakland County, Michigan
"Ms. Singleton on many occasions has went above and beyond for all of her foster families ensuring safety, proper knowledge, and overall flow of the process. She takes the time out to call and check on not only the well being of the child in our care but us as well. She provides more than enough resources for answers to questions that may arise. Not to mention her personality is always pleasant and positive. Ms. Singleton is an all around joy to work with and be around. My husband and I are blessed to have her as our worker."
June 2015 Winners
Abby Camann
Child Safe, Michigan
Oakland County, Michigan
"Every time I see Abby I feel like I need to hug her (ha... and I do!). She has always been so nice, understanding and helpful. I feel like Abby is part of my family. Even when I don't need to speak with her, or ask her a million questions, I will send her photo's of my grandson Robby. I commend all of the "Abby's" that work with us foster parents because we all need the comfort -- and most of all -- trust that Abby gives to us."
Ashley Fry
Catholic Charities of SE MI
Oakland County, Michigan
"Ashley is always fair and considerate of both foster parents & bios alike. She works so hard and always makes herself available to help "her kids". She only gets paid until 5Pm, but is known for tracking down her wayward SIL kids at all hours of night. She does it because she cares. She sees their value when others would think they're worthless. Ashley Fry cares & it shows. I love that she's always treated me like my opinion matters, while many workers make foster parents feel like know-nothing babysitters. She just rocks!!!"
Sarah Gorby
Ionia County DHHS
Ionia County, Michigan
"Sarah is amazing, she is always there when we have questions and is great about answering even the craziest questions. She makes us feel appreciated and heard. I can't say enough great things about her. She really cares about her families. She has been there so many times for us, Even at 2 am when I'm stressing out and need to vent. She has never made us feel like we were a bother or a burden. She is a great person and worker, we actually moved over an hour away and decided to stay with the agency she is with just because of her. We have an agency that is only 15 minutes from our home, but she is the reason we haven't transferred our license."
Kimberly Tkaczyk
Monroe County DHHS
Monroe County, Michigan
"Kim is very thorough during all of her home visits. She never misses an appointment. She never forgets to do unannounced visits quarterly. I feel confident that our case is being handled by the book given how thorough she is. She is very accommodating and understanding to my schedule and often offers to jump and and provide transport for my foster son. She always responds quickly to questions and concerns I have."
Seana Watson
Family Service & Children's Aid
Jackson, Michigan
"Seana never wavers. She is on her game 100% of the time, and she does not let anything fall through the cracks, no matter how small the issue might seem. She never forgets anything she told you she would do, and she follows through quickly. Seana communicates clearly and promptly, she is a stalwart advocate for the children on her caseload, and she doesn't take crap from anyone. Seana is very personable and friendly. She radiates integrity. Seana adores the children, makes each and every one of them feel special and loved, and clearly cares a great deal about her job. Plus, her hair is ALWAYS perfect. :) Seana Watson is the best person I can imagine for the job of foster care case manager, and I count myself extremely fortunate to have had her on all my children's cases so far. I cannot praise Seana's dedication to her work highly enough."