Employees gathered on Monday, August 4 taking time to reflect, reconnect, and renew a shared commitment to the children and families served through Rainbows.
This year’s theme, Harmony, is more than a word—it’s a way of being.
President Rachel Banning said, “Harmony doesn’t mean we’re all the same. It means we’re moving together, with purpose, respect, and unity. In music, harmony is created when different notes come together to make something beautiful. At Rainbows, each of you is a note in that composition—bringing your unique gifts, perspectives, and heart to the work we do.
Over the past few years, we’ve navigated change and challenge. And through it all, you’ve shown resilience, compassion, and dedication. Now, we have the opportunity to build on that—an ecosystem of trust, curiosity, and authentic relationships.
As we look ahead, let’s embrace harmony not just as a theme, but as a practice. Let’s listen deeply, collaborate generously, and celebrate boldly. Because when we move in harmony, we create something extraordinary—not just for each other, but for every child and family we serve.
Thank you for being part of this beautiful Mission.
Today is a celebration of that journey—and a moment to look ahead with unity, purpose, and the strength that comes from moving forward together.”
As part of the morning, staff milestones were recognized and awarded to many individuals.
One-year honorees:
Angelo Silva, Direct Support Professional
Devin Farris, Paraprofessional
Tasha McKeever, Development Coordinator
Makenzie Kozar, Speech Language Pathologist
Mariety Perez, Direct Support Professional
Melissa Meckel, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Natalie Rockers, Occupational Therapist
Sophia Johnson, Speech Language Pathologist
Elizabeth Smith, Mental Health Specialist
Rachel Banning, President
Lisha Lamb, Physical Therapist
Janelle Girty, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Zahara Tucker, Direct Support Professional
Hope Lipke, Direct Support Professional
Edgar Dean, Direct Support Professional
Jennifer Palma, Direct Support Professional
Bianca Palma, Direct Support Professional
Kaitlyn Scott, Paraprofessional
Angela Almaatok, Direct Support Professional
Erica Olsen, Physical Therapist
Lindsay Vo, Direct Support Professional
Alice Mendez, Registered Nurse
Keagan Davis, Direct Support Professional
Linda Schneider, Direct Support Professional
Blanca Garcia Pacheco, Assistant Teacher
Courtney Emery, Data Specialist
5-year honorees
Rhonda Allen, Accounting Specialist
Edwin Lopez, Direct Support Professional
Cheyenne Hancock, Direct Support Professional
Jordan Geer, Case Manager
Rebecca Borg, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Shanley Morris, Social Worker
Karastene Keopplin Markham, Social Worker
10-year honorees
Autumn Hutchinson, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Jamee Funk, Program Specialist
20-year honoree
Beth Watkins, Speech Language Pathologist
25-year honorees
Wes Cantrell, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Rossana Gonzales, Mental Health Assistant
Kerri Dixon, Social Worker
Amy Foster, Physical Therapist
Brenda Marr, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Yolanda Castillo, Assistant Teacher
To end this part of the program, Tina Beems, MIS Coordinator was honored for her 30-years of service. Vice President of Programs and Services gave a tribute to Tina’s dedication and contributions “Tina’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our mission, and her contributions have shaped the way we serve, support, and grow,” said Lindsay. “Tina, thank you for 30 years of unwavering dedication. You have made a difference in ways that words can only begin to express. We are better because of you.”
2024 Prism Award Honoree Autumn Hutchinson was also recognized. Autumn is a dedicated Early Childhood Special Education Teacher in our Rainbows Academy preschool and Pre-K program at Kids’ Point.
Autumn’s passion for teaching and her creative approach to helping children grow make her a standout leader at Rainbows. She’s known for sharing valuable strategies with both parents and colleagues, always ready to lend a hand.
Inspiring keynote by Megan Galloway with Everleader engaged staff in activities designed to equip individuals with tools to create harmony as well as dream about the future of Rainbows.
“The work we’re doing today matters,” said Megan. “Each of us walk into this room carrying a lot, most of it invisible. Like an iceberg, we tend to see only the surface: body language, tone, clothes, attitude. But underneath that is our story: our experiences, insecurities, values, and struggles. All of it shapes how we lead and connect. We don’t leave that at the door when we show up to work.
It interacts with other people’s icebergs, creating friction, new ideas, and connection. We don’t stumble into healthy teams or healthy cultures by accident. It takes intention.”
Employees who have been with the agency for 10 years or more were gathered for the traditional 10:15+ Club photo. Prize drawings and breakfast tacos were provided. Rainbows University, a financial overview, and the Give 5 employee giving campaign were highlighted in the morning’s events.
Rachel closed the morning session with this charge, “Together, we are building a future where Rainbows is the heartbeat of the community, providing limitless, gold-standard services for children with special needs and their families.
Let’s move forward bravely—together.”