Celebrating Social Work Month: Spotlighting Wellpoint Care Network Staff

March is National Social Work Month. It became formally recognized in 1984.

This month, we uplift the social workers in our country and celebrate their constant contributions to our society.

Social work can be emotionally draining and require long hours, yet those in the profession strive every day to improve many people’s quality of life and advocate on their behalf.

The theme for Social Work Month 2023 is “Social Work Breaks Barriers.”

Wellpoint Care Network would like to take the time to recognize some of our amazing social workers in Child & Family Well-being.

Services they oversee include foster care, child welfare case management, care coordination and Youth Transitioning to Adulthood (YTA) program. The goal is to bring stability to the lives of young people and their families engaged in, or at risk of, involvement with the child welfare system experience regarding safety and stability, as well as overcoming trauma to thrive.

Shari Fritsch – Permanency Consultant

“She has been praised by all three supervisors she works with for her organization, efficiency, knowledge of permanency and willingness to help.” — Maria Andrade

Victoria Calcutt – Care Coordinator

“Despite supporting several high needs youth and their families, Victoria is always willing to cover for other staff when needed and maintains a positive point of view in the midst of difficult situations.” — Melinda Calderon-Pitchford

Kennedy Latham – Care Coordinator

“Kennedy truly exemplifies a never give up attitude and consistently holds hope that her youth and families can make positive changes in their lives and encourages them to keep going.” — Melinda Calderon-Pitchford

Christine Woods – Independent Living Supervisor

“Christine goes above and beyond to ensure that the needs of the youth served in Supervised Independent Living (SIL) and Youth Transitioning to Adulthood (YTA) are being addressed and advocated for. She does this while truly embracing Wellpoint Care’s vision and mission statement in her work, looking for creative ways to support the programs.” — Melinda Calderon-Pitchford

Marla Reed – Peer/ Support Advisor

“Marla has quickly shown that she is a compassionate person who sees the potential for our young people and wants to see them be independent young adults who recognize what bright futures they can have. She is firm, but caring and desires the best for them.” — Melinda Calderon-Pitchford

Lexi Secor – Treatment Foster Care Specialist

“Lexi stands out as compassionate, thoughtful, genuine and forward-thinking. Her sense of humor shines brightly through every interaction you have with her, which makes the more challenging parts of the work all the better. Although Lexi’s caseload has been significantly higher than typical, she takes on each day with professionalism, grace and perseverance. She is the true epitome of what great social work is.” — Cheryl Everts

Tara Hampton – Treatment Foster Care Specialist

“Tara places professional value on client and family wellbeing, with an eye on environmental factors that may be influencing the client in Treatment Foster Care. Tara leans into learning about social injustice and is aware of her part in systemic racism and does not shy away from talking about things in the open. Tara is a TBRI Practitioner and helps clients and families learn to regulate and relate on their own, teaching the tools so clients and families can advocate for themselves. Tara has high expectations of herself and those she works with, and she does not shy away from conflict. Tara is a warm professional who her clients, families and the TFC Department can count on.” — Suzanne Monda

Merranda Houston – Foster Care Licensing Specialist

“Merranda deserves to be recognized for her passion and desire to train new licensing specialists, as well as her collaboration with other departments.” — Laura Reitz

Alicia Lawanson – Foster Care Licensing Specialist

“I would like to recognize Alicia Lawanson for her dedication, compassion and teaming.  Alicia has demonstrated a true team approach when working with the children and families she serves and the help she has offered to those not on her direct caseload.  She not only focuses on her role, but is always willing to help others or take on more responsibilities so that as a “team” we succeed!  I truly appreciate Alicia’s “one organization” approach and her passion to see all be successful.” — Amy Alba

Raven Ormond – Foster Care Licensing Specialist

“Over the past few months, Raven has assisted new staff in learning licensing processes. In addition to that, she licensed homes, relicensed homes, and completed adoption addendums. Raven has graciously taken on new cases and was involved in the planning and execution of Wellpoint Care’s month long celebration of Black History Month.” — Marande Buck

Emily Davis – Foster Care Licensing Specialist

“In the month of February, Emily licensed two homes, one which was primarily Spanish Speaking (Emily does not speak Spanish). Emily has worked to support her foster parents during difficult times while also being able to advocate for the families and be a team player.” — Marande Buck

Tiffany Myrick – Foster Care Licensing Specialist

“Tiffany continues to be the beacon of organization. Tiffany is very supportive of her families and has developed strong relationships with many of them; which helps her to be able to have tough conversations. Tiffany has taken on new cases with ease and no complaints.” — Marande Buck

Trecia Perry-Hill – Foster Care Licensing Specialist

“Trecia continues to build up her case load and does so with ease. She is excited about meeting new families and raves about the great connections she’s able to make with them. Like her teammates, Trecia also issued an initial license this month. Thanks for being the calm in our craziness Trecia!” — Marande Buck

Kristina Janik – Child Welfare Program Manager

“Kristina continuously demonstrates a commitment to Integrity and Excellence in her daily practice.  She models consistency and pride in her work, which shows the commitment to those that she is working with.  As a Child Welfare Program Manager, Kristina has to navigate high stress situations where she has to remain focused and strategize ways to maximize strategic program outcomes, as well as child safety outcomes that are critical in the field.  Kristina’s leadership is an important part of our team’s success!” — Lisa Vega

Isabel Chavez- Case Manager

“Isabel is a dedicated case manager, who genuinely invests in each of the client’s she serves. Isabel will go out of her way to ensure that she provides the best possible service to each and every person she works with. Isabel is a strong advocate, who embodies compassion and empathy in all that she does.” — Kristina Janik

We’re always looking for passionate, driven people to join our team. To learn more about the opportunities available at Wellpoint Care Network, click here.