CARE Awards Honor Those Who Go Above and Beyond in Child Welfare
We would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all the incredible staff, dignitaries, board members, and community partners who joined us for our CARE Awards on Friday, February 7th! It was an amazing event, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to honor and celebrate those who go above and beyond in child welfare. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment make a lasting impact, and we are proud to recognize your contributions.
We look forward to our next CARE Awards on Friday, October 10, 2025!
CONGRATULATIONS 2024 CARE AWARD RECIPIENTS
- DCF Partner of the Year — Nicholas Gemma
- Community Partner of the Year — New Life Family Church
- Guardian Ad Litem Partner of the Year — Barb Robertson
- Group Caregiver Partner Award — LSF Hands of Mercy Everywhere
- Rising Star Award — Wadad Kantor – LSF
- Better Together Award — Early Childhood Court Initiative
- Engaging Children and Families Award — Takisha Welch – KCI
- Make It Happen Award — Erin Allen – KCI
- Inspirational Worker Award — Catherine Berk – YFA
- Spirit of Excellence Award — Judithbee Martinez – KCI
- Focus on Permanency Award — Ashley Pascua – YFA
- Emerging Leader Award — Scott Cook – KCI
- Administrative Support Staff of the Year — Marianne Byron – KCI
- Community Connections Award — Shawanna Felton – KCI
- Family Preservation Team Member of the Year — Carole Trawick – KCI
- Healthy Start/MIECHV Team Member of the Year — Courtney Cosper – Healthy Start Alachua
- Out of Home Care Team Member of the Year — Camille Hayes – KCI
- Data Utilization and Performance Award — Melissa Atkison – KCI
- Judicial Champion for Children and Families Award — Judge Stephen Toner Jr.
- Mission Award — Deb Grudzinski – YFA
- Vision Award — Amanda Marsh – LSF
- Values Award — Paula Mealy
YFA STAFF AWARDS
- Family Support Worker of the Year — Ashley Eady
- Case Management Support Staff of the Year — Kathy Spurling
- Family Case Manager of the Year — Shayla Martin
- Case Manger Supervisor of the Year — Paige Spencer-Peterson
KCI STAFF AWARDS
- Family Support Worker of the Year — Charles Pete
- Case Management Support Staff of the Year — Felicity Krause
- Family Case Manager of the Year — Jacob Lightfoot
- Case Manger Supervisor of the Year — Melinda Curry
LSF STAFF AWARDS
- Family Support Worker of the Year — Osilita Dixon
- Case Management Support Staff of the Year — Jennifer Bobbitt
- Family Case Manager of the Year — Tara Poyner
- Case Manger Supervisor of the Year — Kelsey Bette
