UCP Seguin is fortunate to have talented and dedicated staff that work hard every day to fulfill our Mission. Each year staff nominate those of their peers that have gone above and beyond their daily duties to ensure that those we serve receive the highest quality of care and support.
Caroline Haehnel
Heart of the Team Award
Every successful team has someone whose presence brings stability, connection, and consistency. For the Development team, that person is Caroline Haehnel. Through periods of change and transition, Caroline has been the heart of the team, providing unwavering support, sharing her knowledge generously, and ensuring both colleagues and donors feel
valued and supported.
Throughout periods of change and transition, Caroline has been a steady and dependable presence for the Development team. She consistently steps up when needed, sharing her deep knowledge of our donors and the organization's history to help others succeed. Her willingness to support new team members and fill gaps during staffing changes has helped
ensure continuity and stability.
Caroline goes above and beyond in serving our donors. Rather than simply passing questions to others, she takes ownership and makes sure donors receive timely, thoughtful assistance. Whether helping someone establish a recurring gift or providing context about a long-standing relationship with UCP Seguin, she understands that strong donor
relationships directly support the people we serve.
Caroline is also an invaluable partner during events, helping with logistics, problem-solving, and adapting to new processes and technology to ensure success. She approaches every challenge with patience, professionalism, and a commitment to doing
what is best for the organization.
Caroline may prefer to work behind the scenes, but her impact is felt throughout the organization. Her knowledge, dedication, and genuine care for our mission have helped the Development team navigate significant transitions while continuing to provide exceptional support to donors and participants.
While many contributions can be measured in tasks completed or goals achieved, Caroline's impact is measured in the trust she builds, the support she provides, and the stability she brings to those around her. As the heart of the team, she helps keep the Development department connected, focused, and moving forward. Her lasting influence and dedication make her a natural choice for the Hall of Fame Heart of the Team Shooting Star Award.
Shantina Pugh
The Legendary Game Changer Award
This next shooting star gives 110% every day and somehow seems to have never-ending energy. She leads from the front, works alongside staff, and often outworks everyone around her. She expects the homes to be in tip-top shape because these aren't just program sites, they are participants' homes.
Working in the Stabilization Program can be challenging. Individuals with significant behavioral needs are supported, and there are times when even the most experienced staff can struggle to figure out what to do next. The nominator of this Shooting Star shared that she has an incredible ability to recognize when help is needed. She doesn't stand back and tell staff what they should be doing, she jumps right in beside them and shows them. When a participant is having a difficult moment, she is quick on her feet and can come up with another approach or solution that staff may not have considered. She has shared so many of her "tricks of the trade", and because of her, the person who nominated her has become better at supporting people with challenging behaviors even after more than 30 years in this field.
What means even more to her nominator is knowing that her support doesn't stop when she walks out the door. When the new Stabilization Home was opening, she was on vacation and could have completely disconnected. No one would have blamed her, but she continued checking on staff because she knew they were a new team opening a new home and wanted to make sure they felt supported. She gave them guidance about participant behaviors, answered questions, and made sure they knew that they weren't figuring everything out alone. That says a lot about who she is.
This shooting star is tough. She has high expectations, and she will absolutely remind you to "stay in your lane." Her nominator has learned to appreciate that about her because there is a reason behind it. She wants everyone to understand their responsibilities so that the program runs smoothly and, most importantly, participants receive the care and support they deserve.
This Shooting Star was nominated by Penny Wood because after more than 30 years in this profession, it means something for her to say that another person has taught her so much. Her commitment and care truly sets her apart. The recipient of the Shooting Star Award for – “The Legendary Game Changer Award” is Shantina Pugh!
Christina Atwood
Shooting Star
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Dina Stoner
Shooting Star
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Nycole Redmond
Shooting Star
Some people come to work and do their jobs. Others give a piece of their hearts to the people they support. Nycole Redmond is one of those extraordinary people. Nycole previously provided one-on-one support to an individual with incredibly complex
medical needs who could not speak for himself and depended entirely on others for his care.
During one of the most medically challenging periods of his life, when even returning to his own home was uncertain, Nycole was there. She gave so much of herself, going far beyond what anyone could reasonably expect, to ensure he received the care, comfort, and dignity he deserved.
She learned to understand what he couldn't say. She recognized the smallest changes in his expressions, knew when something wasn't right, and advocated for him when he couldn't advocate for himself.
And through it all, she never lost sight of the person behind the medical challenges. For his family, Nycole became someone they could trust with what mattered most in the world to them. His mother often said she didn't know what she would do without Nycole. Imagine the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone loves and cares for your
child with that level of devotion.
What makes Nycole so special is that her compassion wasn't limited to one individual or one difficult period. Although she has since transitioned to supporting others, she continues to give that same dedication, patience, and heart to the people who depend on her today.
Nycole reminds us that our greatest impact isn't always something we can measure. Sometimes it's the comfort we bring, the trust we earn, and the difference we make simply by refusing to give anything less than our very best.
Lucia Martinez & Gabriela Salgado
Behind-the-Scenes Superstars Award
It is a genuine privilege to present the Behind-the-Scenes Superstars Award to two remarkable colleagues whose work touches every employee, even though so much of what they do happens quietly in the background: Gaby Salgado and Lucia Martinez.
Every pay period, more than 550 employees place their trust in Gaby and Lucia to ensure payroll is accurate and on time. That responsibility is enormous. Yet through demanding workloads, tight deadlines, holidays, new sites, staffing changes, and evolving pay structures, they continue to show up with steadiness, expertise, and care.
What makes them truly special is not only what they accomplish, but how they make people feel along the way. Whether they are welcoming a new hire, resolving a payroll concern, or helping someone understand taxes, PTO, or pay, they listen with patience and respond with professionalism, empathy, and respect. In moments that can feel personal or stressful, Gaby and Lucia help employees feel heard, reassured, and valued. Inga Sandoval, who nominated them, described Gaby and Lucia as the team that keeps the wheels turning and the paychecks flowing. Behind every paycheck is a person—and a family—counting on its accuracy and timeliness. Gaby and Lucia understand that deeply, and they never lose sight of the human impact of their work.
Their efforts may happen behind the scenes, but the confidence and peace of mind they provide can be felt across every program, every location, and every employee we serve. Their expertise, integrity, compassion, and positive attitude strengthen our organization. They remind us that excellence is not always loud; sometimes, it is the quiet, consistent
care that makes everyone else’s work possible.
Gaby and Lucia, please know how deeply your work is appreciated. Thank you for the long hours, the countless questions answered, the problems solved, and the kindness you bring to every interaction. Most of all, thank you for taking such good care of the people who make up this organization.
With heartfelt gratitude, please join me in congratulating Gaby Salgado and Lucia Martinez, recipients of the Behind-the-Scenes Superstars Award!
