The criteria for Rainbows’ employee award, the Prism Award are to demonstrate Rainbows Guiding Principles, be an exemplar in the role they fulfill for Rainbows; demonstrate leadership; make children and families their highest priority; and represent Rainbows in a way that reflects positively on the entire organization.
This year Rainbows honored an educator who has devoted her career to Rainbows beginning in 1999. Maria Magno has served in various roles in Rainbows’ early care and education centers, first at Uptown Kids, then at Ritchie Family Center, Kids’ Cove, and now at Kids’ Point.
She was nominated for this award because she is not content to just carry out her job duties; she constantly looks for ways to make Rainbows Early Care and Education an outstanding program. She is a dedicated professional who embodies all of Rainbows’ Guiding Principles.
“Maria makes our program successful,” said Michelle Croomes, Early Care and Education Coordinator. “As the Para-facilitator, she is responsible for staffing all the classrooms on a daily basis. She is a calming influence on the paras and all Early Care and Education staff. She has been instrumental in working with Catholic Charities Foster Grandparents who have served in our classrooms over the years.
“Maria helped get us through the pandemic by coming to work every day, not knowing where or how she would be needed,” said Michelle. “Some days it was cooking for the children, other days it was working in the classroom, or managing the front desk.”
“She took it all in stride and never complained,” said Michelle. “She never focuses on the day before because she is always moving ahead toward what can be achieved today.”
The kids love Maria, and on the rare days that she is gone, they demand to know what’s going on and when she will be back. They all know her because she helps in all of the classrooms and has a special relationship with each and every one of them.
Maria, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
