What do you get when you combine milestone awards, inspirational speakers, and prize giveaways? The Rainbows Annual All Staff event of course.
The annual gathering and celebration of Rainbows’ staff and board members took place this year on Monday, August 7 at Botanica Lotus Hall. Board members Pat Gearhart, Vera Bothner and Gail Johnson were on hand to welcome everyone.
A new Strategic Plan for 2023 – 2026 was revealed and championed by Board Member Vera Bothner. Each staff member received a copy and was encouraged to identify their part of the five focus areas: High Quality Services, Financial Viability, Effective Advocacy, Exceptional Talent Development, and Compelling Communication and Outreach. The document is designed to be flexible and adapt as Rainbows grows and implements the strategies.
The group was inspired by special speakers Corey & Andrea Landreth of El Dorado. The family shared their story of receiving Rainbows’ services for two of their children. Their son Trent is an individual with level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder with no conversational speech and an incredible artistic ability but no voice to share his gift with the world. Trent did some original artwork for staff on site that day. Find out more at DrawingsbyTrent.com
In sync with the Lights, Camera, Action theme, opportunities to take a new ID badge headshot were offered throughout the morning.
Staff enjoyed winning prizes and hearing from President Gay Kimble on highlights from the year as well as her why’s for choosing to work for Rainbows. “The work we do is important and changes lives. Your part and my part in that work is important. We all have purpose,” she said. Gail Johnson, Board Treasurer and Vice President of Finance Andy Walston gave an overview of the Agency financial position.
Staff were honored for reaching milestones of service. Board members Gail Johnson and Gary Proffitt presented the awards.
Staff were honored for reaching milestones of service. Board members Gail Johnson and Gary Proffitt presented the awards. Susan Harsh was honored for 30 years of service, she says, “It has been my honor to work for and be associated with an organization like Rainbows. Seeing growth in a child’s development and the connections my team make with the families is amazing. The dedicated staff in Butler Co. have made work fun!”
5 year milestone awards
Laura Claros, Para-professional, Kids’ Point, Early Care and Education
Carmen Dorton, Mental Health Specialist, Early Childhood Mental Health
Michelle Drouhard, Executive Assistant, Administration
Scarlet Grassie, Interpreter, Rainbows United, Inc.
Christina Greenwood, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services
Madison Jacobs, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services
Emily Jensby, Mental Health Specialist, Early Childhood Mental Health Services
Emilee Johnson, Records Specialist, Case Records
Melani Kliewer, Volunteer Coordinator, Marketing
Zachary Knoop, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services
Lynlea Southards, Coordinator, Targeted Case Management and Autism ABA Services
Angie Thomas, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services
MacKenzie Tilma, Lead Teacher, Kids’ Point, Early Care and Education
Dana Welch, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services
Julie Williams, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services
Alexis Young, Lead Teacher, Kids’ Point, Early Care and Education
10 year milestone awards
Erica Anyalebechi, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services
Allison Bruntz, Occupational Therapist, Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Services
Stefanie Loubert, Lead Teacher, Kids’ Point, Early Care and Education
Olga Valenciana, Family Case Manager, Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Services
15 year milestone awards
Leslie Stevens, Mental Health Specialist, Early Childhood Mental Health Services
Teresa Ybarra, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services
25 year milestone awards
Charlesetta Berry, Para-professional, Kids’ Point, Early Care and Education
Christy Hutto, Program Assistant, Connecting Point
Stacy Jensen, Assistant Teacher, Kids’ Point, Early Care and Education
Myra Niederee, Speech Language Pathologist, Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Services
Teresa Shackelford, Scheduler, Family Support Services
Holly Smith, Payroll Coordinator, Human Resources
Kimberly Stewart, Speech Language Pathologist, Butler County Infant/Toddler Services
Cayla Wasson, Coordinator, Connecting Point
30 year milestone awards
Susan Harsh, Coordinator, Butler County Infant/Toddler Services
Diane Porter, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Services
Congratulations to all our milestone staff members. Many staff members continued with trainings in the afternoon and the following day.
