Stephanie Abarca & Amy Giacalone
Twinkle Team Award
In every organization, there are individuals who shine brightly—illuminating the path for others through their unwavering commitment and heart-driven work. For this first Shooting Star Award, we are proud to honor two exceptional team members with the award we are fondly calling (in keeping with the Denim and Diamonds theme), The “Twinkle Team” Award. These two individuals consistently go above and beyond their roles, embodying compassion, dedication, and advocacy in every interaction. Their impact resonates not only within their teams but across the entire organization, inspiring excellence and elevating the standard of care and collaboration.
These two work tirelessly to ensure that both staff and participants feel safe, respected, and supported, especially during what can be stressful and intimidating experiences. Their calming presence and thoughtful approach help ease anxieties and foster a sense of dignity and trust.
What truly sets these two apart is their willingness to give of themselves. They regularly purchase snacks and activities out of their own pockets to create a more welcoming and comforting environment for staff and participants. Their generosity and thoughtfulness do not go unnoticed. A recent example of their compassion and insight occurred when they recognized that a participant was visibly anxious during a particularly stressful situation and interview. With empathy and creativity, they were able to gently distract him with a snack and fidget toy—helping him feel more at ease. This allowed the participant to open up not only to them, but also to others, ensuring his voice was heard and his needs were better understood. These two always think of others. For example, they recently sent a “shout out” to staff who received positive feedback on satisfaction surveys, celebrating their contributions and boosting morale. They’ve also implemented incentives to encourage participation in the satisfaction surveys, further demonstrating their commitment to fostering a supportive and engaged workplace culture.
Beyond their daily responsibilities, these two consistently demonstrate a level of commitment that far exceeds the expectations of their roles. While their official duties typically conclude after conducting interviews and sharing findings with a supervisor, they don’t stop there. Instead, they take the initiative to follow up with supervisors and staff to ensure that participants receive the adaptive equipment, accommodations, or additional supports they need to thrive. Their advocacy doesn’t just stop at individual cases—it has led to meaningful, systemic change. Several policies and practices have been reviewed and improved as a direct result of their thoughtful recommendations and persistent efforts. Their work has had a lasting impact, not only on the lives of participants but also on the culture of care and responsiveness within our organization.
This amazing duo are also fierce advocates. They recently identified a participant in clear distress and took the initiative to recommend a meeting to address his rapidly declining condition. Their proactive approach ensured that the participant received the attention and care he urgently needed, and his caregiver was grateful for assistance from the agency. Due to his rapid decline, he was able to move into a new home where there are more staff available to meet his ever-changing needs. They use their role within the agency and their voices to make a real difference for the participants we serve.
These two are more than just staff—they are pillars of support, empathy, and excellence. Their unwavering commitment to the well-being of both participants and staff makes them truly deserving of this recognition.
Sugey Galvan
Heart of Gold Award
This next award recipient exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond. She doesn’t just complete tasks, she transforms them into meaningful experiences that empower the individuals she serves. This person was nominated because she is credited by her colleagues for turning routine assignments into life skills classrooms. She identifies each participant’s strengths and makes sure everyone has a role. Her approach creates a tradition so impactful that her absence is felt deeply by those she supports. She volunteers her time within the Agency outside of her job duties where her creativity and participant engagement help to elevate even the most basic event or activity.
She brings the same energy and creativity to every single aspect of things that she is involved in. Whether it is decorating for an event or running errands for an event she finds an opportunity to engage participants by transforming a store run into a wellness outing, promoting movement and participation in the community. She doesn’t just excel in event planning and decorating she provides immeasurable care and support to those who participate in our program. She has been noted for alerting the nursing staff when she first noticed a participant’s health decline and ensured that he remained active and engaged once he was better, treating him with dignity and respect in every moment spent with him. Her compassion extends to all—staff and clients alike. She adapts activities, coordinates transportation, and ensures everyone feels included. Her creativity, empathy, and professionalism make her a cornerstone of our team.
She doesn’t just do her job, she elevates it. She leads not by doing things FOR others, but by doing things WITH them. Her spirit of respect, partnership and inclusion, and her heart for service make her a deserving HEART OF GOLD AWARD recipient.
Heidi Russell-Green
Diamond Heart Award
This next Shooting Star Award honors a leader whose work continuously transforms lives and inspires those around her.
During her tenure with UCP Seguin, this nominee has demonstrated an exceptional commitment of support to both participants and staff. Her ability to connect deeply with individuals is evident in the remarkable transformations of two long-term participants, whose behavioral improvements and job stability are a direct result of the supportive environment she fosters.
She engages in meaningful conversations, listens with intention, and empowers participants to pursue their aspirations. Her encouragement sparks enthusiasm and motivation, creating a ripple effect throughout the UCP Seguin community.
One of the most heartwarming examples of her dedication was her determination to help participants fulfill their dream of going on vacation. Rather than dismissing the idea due to budget constraints, she organized fundraisers, secured sponsors, and involved participants in creative efforts like fashion shows. The result was a joyful, memorable trip filled with laughter, karaoke, and marshmallows.
Her commitment to celebrating each participant’s birthday with personalized décor and favorite foods, and her inclusive holiday events, reflect her belief that everyone deserves to feel special and included.
This UCP Seguin Diamond also empowers her staff and other colleagues, organizing mock interviews and outlining clear visions for workforce preparation. Her leadership inspires others to reflect on their own impact and strive to do more.
Jabari Steen
Making It Shine Award
This next Shooting Star has been an invaluable member of our Adult Services program for over two and a half years. During that time, he is noted for consistently demonstrated exceptional compassion, patience, and commitment to the individuals he supports. He is deeply attentive to the men in his care, treating each person with the utmost respect and humanity. He embodies compassion in action.
One story, shared by the person who nominated him, captures the heart of who he is. He began working with a young man who had recently moved into one of our CILA homes after spending much of his life in a difficult family environment where his most basic needs and life skills had not been nurtured. The transition was extremely challenging, and the participant—quiet, withdrawn, and largely non-verbal—struggled to adapt to a new setting and routine.
Where others might have seen limitations, this Shooting Star saw potential. He understood that with time, patience, and consistent support, this young man could learn to care for himself and communicate his needs. Giving up was never an option—he worked with him day after day, celebrating every small milestone and providing encouragement every step of the way.
Through his steady guidance and dedication, this Shooting Star has supported the young man in achieving outstanding progress. He now manages his own personal care with confidence and communicates using full sentences. These are life-changing accomplishments that have given him not just new skills, but also independence, confidence, and dignity.
This Shooting Star was nominated because his unwavering commitment, empathy, and belief in the people he serves truly sets him apart. His work reminds us all of the power of patience, compassion, and human connection. He is a shining example of what it means to be a Shooting Star.
Lee Taylor
Out of this World Award
From the very beginning of his journey at UCP Seguin, this next UCP Seguin Shooting star has been a source of warmth, encouragement, and unwavering support for his team and other colleagues. He is known for creating an atmosphere of comfort and belonging.
His leadership goes far beyond the basics, he offers individual attention, emotional support, and professional insight that enables those around him to grow and develop.
His grace under pressure, consistent presence, encouraging posture and patience is what sets this awardee apart. He is a very collaborative colleague who does not shy away from rolling up his sleeves when necessary.
According to his team, he is a transformative leader who demonstrates supervisory excellence that fosters individual growth, confidence, and compassion. He is said to build team unity, encourage open communication, and ensure that each staff member feels valued and equipped to succeed.
This Shooting Star is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose, and his impact continues to elevate our program and every participant and staff person within it.
His work with families in the field clearly shows that he cares deeply about the people we serve. He treats everyone with respect and gives families the chance to feel heard and supported.
This afternoon, I am proud to present the Shooting Star Award to an individual who exemplifies all of its qualities. While I am extremely proud to present it, I am even prouder that three of the four nominations came from members of his team: Obehi Adiman, Danielle Brown, and Yadira Tobias. The fourth nomination came from Rebeca Florentino-Lopez.
Lee Taylor was the only nominee to receive 4 nominations, so I am presenting him with the OUT OF THIS WORLD Award!
Guardian of Standards
Wendy McDaniel
When it comes to being dedicated to upholding and enforcing the quality principles and integrity of our Children's Licensing Program, this person often comes to mind. Wendy McDaniel, has ensured that established norms and values are met and maintained, resulting in top quality of services for the children in our Foster Care program and their Foster Parents. If you have ever heard one of her co-workers describe her they say things like –
Wendy has been a constant source of guidance and encouragement
Wendy never says no
Nominating Wendy for a Shooting Star was a no brainer
We joke around saying “Wendy is the Licensing Department”
Wendy has made such a difference in the Licensing Department, yes she does her job, but it is so much more than that. When the Licensing Department did not have a Director, Wendy took the initiative to step in and help. She assisted in writing documents related to our program’s Strategic Plan, attended meetings that the Director would normally attend, and completed monthly reports requested by DCFS. She also went above and beyond by making herself available to Foster Parents not on her caseload and assisted her co-workers to resolve issues. These were not other duties as assigned, but challenges that Wendy picked up to help her team in continuing to provide the best quality of support, which resulted in better services for the kids.
A professional staff in the Children’s Department was in her position for about a month when she received over 15 emergency referrals on a Friday for children who were sleeping in offices. Wendy didn’t hesitate to step in and help. Wendy stayed on the phone with the staff for hours, despite her upcoming time off. They called countless foster parents and brainstormed ways to get some of the kids into a warm bed for the weekend. Working together, they immediately placed 2 kids and identified 6 additional homes for long term placement. Because of the trusting relationship Wendy has built with many Foster Parents over the years, including some that are not on her caseload, she was able to reach out to them and assist with finding welcoming families and homes for these children. Without Wendy’s assistance, the staff would not have been able to locate as many placements for the youth who were desperately in need of immediate homes.
Wendy’s experience and knowledge in the Licensing Department never goes unnoticed and we hope she knows how much we all appreciate her. We want everyone to know that Wendy is definitely our Shooting Star in the Licensing Department!
