Shari Syron (pictured center) is a Family Service Worker at the Minnehaha ECEAP center. She serves families in the Battle Ground and Hockinson districts (read her staff spotlight here). Her coworker, Shaunene Edwards, had this to say about Shari:

“Shari struggles with some health issues, but despite this, she enters work each day with a smile and a ‘can do’ attitude. She never complains, and the needs of the families she serves are always of the utmost importance. She sees the good in every day and is the queen of positive affirmations.

Shari often goes above and beyond what is required to do her job, and if she doesn’t know the solution to a family’s challenging situation, you can bet she’ll be on the phone finding someone who can help until the situation is resolved.

Shari is one of the most experienced members of our ECEAP Family Service Worker team. We all look to her for answers and ideas. She is mindful and deliberate in how she deals with all people, and this makes her an excellent part of our team! She is always the first to look for a way to celebrate our successes and will often send a note of praise or buy a cup of coffee to show her gratitude.”

Katrina Alderman (pictured far right) is the ECEAP Services Coordinator in the Early Care and Education department. Her Family Service Workers team had this to say about her:

“Katrina always finds a way to flip problems into challenges, and instead of focusing on the negative and feeding into negativity, she moves forward to solving the issue.” – Heidi Guiney

“Katrina has a heart that desires the best for every person, whether an employee or a family we serve. She has been so supportive making sure I am emotionally in a good place. She hears me when I am venting, and she also asks if I am ok when I am down. She makes it a point to check in, and she offers herself as support when she knows things we may be going through are challenging.” – Amber Hoggatt

“Katrina continually thinks ‘outside the box’. I remember one situation with a stressed child with developmental delays who was unable to self-soothe. Several of us tried different things to help him calm. Validating feelings, redirecting, providing a quiet place…all failed to help him. Katrina walked into the room, sat down with a book and very quietly invited the child to sit with her. He sat down while she quietly, almost in a whisper, read to him. I learned a lot that day from her.” – Shari Syron

This year ESD 112 cabinet gave special recognition to Casey Gleysteen, who has made a big impact on the ESD. She is leaving us for new adventures on the east coast.

Casey has been a member of ESD Connects since she came almost five years ago. Since the day she came, a constant source of ideas, fun and energy. She’s been a ringmaster, a cheerleader, Cindy Brady, a ghost buster, and a tacky tourist. She was THE event planner, skit writer and official EMCEE of the ESD. If we ever had a need, no matter how silly or strange, she stepped up with a smile to add a little more fun and energy to our work place. She brought her Southern Charm to the ESD – along with so much more, and quickly became the HEART of the ESD.