Rainbows’ 10:15+ Club honors and recognizes staff members who have been with Rainbows for 10 or more years. In 2023, the 10:15+ Club had a total of 46 members! Every year we are amazed, proud, and grateful for the many staff who celebrate 10 or more years with our organization, providing services for our children and families. Rainbows is a wonderful place to work, as demonstrated by the longevity and commitment shown in our 10:15+ Club.
The special day started at 10:15 a.m. with a luxury bus trip from Overland Charters to Chester I. Lewis Park where guests were treated to a tour by Kaye Sears from Wichita Parks and Recreation. Kaye explained the significance of the park and highlighted the beautiful and meaningful art. The group then boarded the bus and headed to Elevate, Wichita Foundation’s new event space where they were greeted by Board members and welcomed by James Woods, Director of Nonprofit and Donor Connections.
After a delicious Mediterranean buffet from Olive Tree Catering, guests split into two groups for activities. One group walked to GROW where they enjoyed creating their own terrariums and visiting while sipping lemonade in the unique atmosphere. The other group stayed at Elevate and enjoyed a session of mindful coloring led by Sontia Levy-Mason, owner of Get Ya Color On. Midway through the afternoon, the groups changed places so that everyone was able to participate in both activities.
All guests came together in the afternoon to finish the day with music, laughter, cheesecake, and baklava before getting back on the bus to return to Rainbows.
“I always look forward to The 10:15+ Club day at Rainbows,” said Susan Harsh, Coordinator for Butler County Infant/Toddler Services program. “It gives me the chance to connect with old friends within the agency and to be with my team outside the workplace. It is always fun to wonder where we will be going and what we will do together! Thanks to Rainbows and the Board for appreciating us and giving us this day.”
The highlight of the day is the Awards Ceremony where staff are honored for milestone achievements. Congratulations to the following staff who were honored for their milestone achievements this year!
10 Year Honorees
Stefanie Loubert, Lead Teacher, Early Care and Education Program
Olga Valenciana, Family Case Manager, Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Services
Allison Bruntz, Occupational Therapist, Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Services
Erica Anyalechi, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services (not pictured)
15 Year Honorees
Leslie Stevens, Mental Health Specialist, Mental Health Services (not pictured)
Teresa Ybarra, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services (not pictured)
25 Year Honorees
Teresa Shackelford, Scheduler, Family Support Services
Kimberly Stewart, Speech Language Pathologist, Butler County Infant/Toddler Services
Stacy Jensen, Assistant Teacher, Early Care and Education Program
Charlesetta Berry, Para-educator, Early Care and Education Program
Myra Niederee, Speech Language Pathologist, CBETS
Christy Hutto, Program Assistant, Connecting Point (not pictured)
Holly Smith, Payroll Coordinator, Human Resources (not pictured)
30 Year Honorees
Susan Harsh, Coordinator, Butler County Infant/Toddler Services
Diane Porter, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Services
The 10:15+ Club event is a board sponsored activity. Thank you to the Rainbows’ Board of Directors, and special thanks to Pat Gearhart, Hale Ritchie, Adam Pogue and Katie Porter for joining us at the event.
