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. Here are this year's honorees:
Alma Garcia
Pillar of Excellence
It is evident that this Shooting Star is a true professional who not only brings expertise in accounting, but also exemplifies the virtues of hard work, diligence, and a strong commitment to excellence. She not only navigates complex financial processes with grace, always trying to ensure that our records are accurate, she continuously steps up and takes on more, showing her unwavering support to the rest of the department.
Back in December of 2020, there was a new addition to the Accounting Department, Kristin Hourigan. According to Kristin, she immediately took notice of a true leader. Someone she refers to as the backbone of the Accounting department. Kristin witnessed how this woman was doing the job of 5 different positions, yet always maintained a level of professionalism like no other person she had ever worked with before.
Alma Garcia showed up, wore many different hats, and was always the first person in the office and the last to leave. She continuously displayed such great integrity, which is essential for the Accounting Department. One of the most admirable qualities that Alma has is her ability to remain calm under pressure. Don’t get me wrong, she may get a little feisty at times, however, in moments of intense deadlines or challenges, she displays a level of composure and focus that inspires us all. Her resilience and determination to see things through is a testament to her character and commitment to our collective success. Alma is extremely resourceful. She has worked with the agency for over 30 years and consistently goes above and beyond! Other departments often seek her out for guidance and assistance related to accounting matters, and Alma always tries to help in any way that she can. Alma is such an inspiration and deserves to be recognized for all that she does.
So today, as we honor you, Alma, let us not only recognize your achievements but also the spirit of teamwork and dedication you foster within our workplace. Alma, thank you for your hard work, and for being an integral part of our team. On behalf of the Shooting Star Committee and Kristin Hourigan, who nominated you for this award, I proudly present you with the “Pillar of Excellence” award. You are a shooting star!
Gloria Corral
Compassionate Caregiver
As human beings, a sense of belonging and engagement is incredibly important to our overall well-being. When you are living in a new Country, do not know many others, have no way of getting out into the community yourself, you rely on the kindness of others to help you. Gloria Corral is that person. Her response to any request is, “let me see what I can do” …she just won’t say “no.”
Although Gloria touches the lives of so many individuals each and every day, this nomination is about the relationship between Gloria and a Home-Based participant, Dmitry. Dmitry and his mother came to the United States from Russia with the help of a family member. When Gloria met the family, the first thing she was able to do was establish trust with Dmitry’s mom. Gloria immediately was able to connect with Dmitry’s mom, help her understand what was happening with her son and help her feel comfortable with support---she trusted Gloria. Dmitry was not always easy to understand, so Gloria learned how to use an IPAD with the help and training of a Speech Therapist and then she, in turn, trained Dmitry and his mom how to use the IPAD. This became a main source of communication for Dmitry. He was able to communicate that he wanted to participate in social activities in the community, but due to his mother’s age, she did not have the energy or ability to take him out. Gloria saw how important it was for him, and she then volunteered to be the person to take him out into the community. For the next several years, after her regular workday at the day program, Gloria would take Dmitry out into the community to do the things he really enjoyed doing---seeing a movie, going shopping, and going out to eat. These activities provided Dmitry with a true feeling of independence and connection with his community. After COVID when the participants were starting to return to the day program, Dmitry did not return. Gloria knew that this too was an important place for Dmitry to connect and socialize with others. Gloria would regularly go to his home on the weekends and take him out into the community.
This year, Dmitry became very ill, and he was hospitalized for many weeks. Gloria visited him regularly and often helped both Dmitry and his mom understand and navigate the hospital system. His mother does not drive, so Gloria would regularly pick her up from her home and take her to the hospital so she could be with her son. When it was determined that Dmitry could no longer remain at his own home due to his health and medical issues, Gloria assisted with the adjustment of Dmitry to his new ICFDD home. She continued to pick up his mom and take her to visit him. Dmitry is doing better now. He remains at his new ICFDD home. Gloria was an integral part of helping and supporting both Dmitry as well as his mom navigate all that he has gone through. It is safe to say that Dmitry would not be doing as well if it had not been for Gloria and all that she has done for this family. Gloria is an amazing person as well as a wonderful staff person who exemplifies all that is outstanding in caring for individuals with disabilities. She deserves a Shooting Star as well as a Star in Heaven.
On behalf of the Shooting Star Committee and Cheryl Deardorff, who nominated her, I am proud to present the “Compassionate Caregiver” award to Gloria Corral. Gloria, you are a Shooting Star!
Robert Hughes
Spirit of Joy
This Shooting Star award acknowledges an employee who consistently uplifts the spirits of their co-workers and participants by fostering a positive work environment through their infectious enthusiasm, kindness, and support. We definitely have an employee who exemplifies all those action words.
Many know this person as the cheerful and creative guy from Berkeley. He’s someone who is friendly, passionate, and loves to dance, especially twerking. While all these things are true, Ben Gutierrez has had the privilege of working closely with this individual for the past two years and has come to see that there is so much more to him than most at UCP Seguin might realize.
He goes above and beyond his role every single day. After spending his day at Berkeley, he consistently picks up extra hours. The participants eagerly anticipate his presence, knowing their day will be brighter because he’s part of it. From making the Berkeley Bee t-shirts for staff and participants (often at his own expense and not wanting to be reimbursed) to leading the Berkeley Choir and organizing events like Berkeley Idol and UCP Seguin’s first staff talent show, his dedication and creativity are unparalleled.
During the holidays, he shines even brighter. He encouraged all the staff at Berkeley to provide small gifts for the participants and personally made gifts for each of them, including securing $10 gift cards. Not only did he do that, but he also made sure his co-workers received special gifts, a tradition he upholds every year. If a participant shows up without lunch, he never hesitates to dig into his own pocket, sending Ben (his assistant, I guess) to grab some chicken so we can grill and share a meal together. He has done this numerous times, even in the snow he will bust out the grill!
Robert Hughes is not just a Life Skills Mentor- he is a mentor, a role model, and someone Ben and so many others deeply admires. A perfect example of his impact was during Berkeley Idol, where his client-centered approach really emerged. One of the participants, who is usually reserved and quiet, surprised everyone by giving a lively and outgoing singing performance. Those who know this participant were amazed at his transformation. The participant said that performing in front of such a large audience was the best moment of his life. This transformation was thanks to Robert’s dedication! He consistently worked on building the participant’s confidence through countless rehearsals and motivational pep talks, turning a typical event into a moment of joy and empowerment.
For his unwavering commitment, compassion, and the joy he brings to everyone he encounters, on behalf of the Shoot Star Committee and Benjamin Gutierrez who nominated him, I am proud to present Robert Hughes this year’s Spirit of Joy, Shooting Star Award. Robert, you are a Shooting Star!
Daisy Benitez
Champion of Fun
Have you ever met that one person who just can't sit still and embodies the word FUN? Perhaps their name should be “the Outing” or “the Birthday Party Lady”. Today, we get to recognize not just an outstanding employee, but a true catalyst of fun and creativity within our organization.
Not a single special event or activity gets missed when this employee is around. If a participant tells tells her about an outing or fun activity they would like to go to, she will do everything in her power to make sure it happens. She’ll figure out transporation, purchase needed tickets, and always makes herself available. If it’s someone’s birthday, be assured that she will be leading the charge with the celebration. Not only does she do this for our participants but also for the other employees she works with. Her attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and boundless creativity never goes unnoticed. Not only does she make sure there is enough food for everyone during celebrations and special events, she pays close attention to ensure all health considerations such as food allergies and other potential risks are a priority. Her approach to making sure everyone feels special along with her bright and positive attitude and a desire to make an impact, turns the ordinary day into an extraordinary one.
Daisy Benitez has a unique gift for making everyone feel included and celebrated, and her enthusiasm is contagious. The initiative she takes to acknowledge others in both big and small ways, not only ensures they feel valued but also fosters a spirit of collaboration and unity with her co-workers.
On numerous occasions she has whipped up a delicious meal for a participant or staff who forgot to bring a lunch. There are so many examples to show how Daisy has continuously stepped in to save the day. Recently, at the annual Brookfield Zoo day, one of the participants brought a lunch from home that needed to be heated up. They told Daisy and she said, “I’ll get it heated up for you.” She went to a nearby restaurant and insisted that they heat up the lunch. The manager was not too willing to do this but if you know Daisy, she’s not going to give up when it comes to her participants. Needless to say, the participant enjoyed their hot lunch.
Daisy’s passion for creating fun and unforgettable experiences has transformed the atmosphere at the Carr Center and enriched the lives of our participants. Her ability to bring people together in meaningful and fun ways has strengthened the bonds amongst many of her co-workers.
As we honor you today, Daisy, we want you to know how much we appreciate your hard work, dedication, and the light you bring to UCP Seguin. On behalf of the Shooting Star committee and Ana Diaz Deleon who nominated you, we present you with the Champion of Fun Award. Daisy, you are a Shooting Star!
Melissa Jones
Adventure Enthusiast Award
Good afternoon, everyone, today we are honored to recognize someone who embodies the spirit of adventure – not just through her personal passions, but in the way she approaches every aspect of her work.
The “Adventure Enthusiast Shooting Star Award” is more than just a title; it represents someone who pushes boundaries, embraces challenges and most importantly, creates opportunities for others to experience the world in ways they never thought possible.
This year’s recipient has done just that, and so much more. Working with our participants who face behavioral challenges is no easy task, but she has dedicated herself to ensuring they feel secure in their own home and surroundings. She has a gift for helping them acclimate and adjust, ensuring that healthy choices are integrated into their daily routines such as looking up healthy recipes and hosting weekly cooking classes, all while making them feel empowered and in control of their own lives.
Her creativity shines through in everything she does- whether it’s helping to decorate houses, putting together imaginative and successful fundraising baskets that help raise essential funds, or finding ways to give selflessly of her time and energy to those around her.
But perhaps her greatest passion is in providing unforgettable experiences for the participants she supports. Melissa Jones doesn’t just take them on outings, she gives them the adventure of a lifetime! She has taken participants, who may have been previously held back due to their significant behavioral challenges, to an out of state vacation to the Mall of America. She helps create memories and opportunities they will treasure forever.
She has often told her supervisor “I’ll always have your back, I am here to make your job easier” but not only is it her being helpful, it’s her dedication, compassion and adventurous spirit that have made a profound impact on the lives of so many.
According to Shantina, it’s not easy to do everything Melissa does even though she makes it look easy. She works so hard to make sure her participants are living their best lives and does it with grace and resilience. Her dedication does not go unnoticed; it inspires all of us to embrace kindness and compassion for the people we support.
Thank you, Melissa, for your tireless efforts, your endless patience, and the love you pour into your work. You remind us that being a DSP is not just a job; it's about human connection. You are a true hero, and we are so grateful for all that you do.
For her selfless service, creativity, and belief in the potential of every participant she works with, on behalf of the Shooting Star committee and Shantina Pugh who nominated her, I am proud to present the “Adventure Enthusiast Shooting Star Award” to Melissa Jones. Congratulations, Melissa, you are a Shooting Star!
Wendy McDaniel
Guardian of Standards
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!
