For the first quarter we would like to recognize Sam Lakes for Living the Mission of CHOICES. Sam has gone above and beyond to display teamwork by maintaining positive relationships with all staff of CHOICES. She has consistently worked across programs to provide the best services to her clients.
Sam is described by co-workers as being friendly and approachable. She is patient and kind with our foster parents and youth. She has provided ideas to the foster are team on how to improve their CPST with youth. This is helpful to the foster care team but also is an added service benefit to our kids.
Sam has been a leader in helping implement new EHR system. She has stepped up to the plate to use her clients as guinea pigs to trouble shoot errors within the system. Additionally she has spent a lot of her own personal time testing the features of Carelogic, all while maintaining a pleasant “I can help” attitude. This positivity during the transition is contagious; it makes challenges easier to navigate.
Above all Sam is truly a team player, always willing to step in and help as needed. She is a natural teacher to interns and new staff, allowing them to shadow her on visits. Her passion can be seen in helping to establish the bus pass fund, suggesting new ways to raise money and coordinate volunteers. If there is need with a client Sam steps in to help anyway she can. Most recently she helped facilitate getting new beds for a set of siblings to keep them with their Grandmother. Also upon seeing another client was without food she ran to the store to purchase food for a couple days.
In summary we believe “Sam just rocks!” The management team would like to congratulate Sam on being chosen as Employee of the Quarter. Her day to day work and interactions with the CHOICES team consistently exemplifies the CHOICES mission and guiding principles.
