Social Work Month Recognition 2022

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The Time is Right for Social Work

Social Work Month 2022 Banner

The Somerset County Department of Human Services  is helping celebrate the 2022 Social Work Month celebration in March with the theme “The Time is Right for Social Work,” which underscores the contributions social workers have made to this nation for more than a century and how the services they provide are needed more than ever as our nation addresses economic inequality, systemic racism, the need for improved health and mental health care, COVID-19 and other issues. Through the Social Work Month Recognition Contest, we asked the community to consider nominating social workers who continuously impact our communities through their work.  As leaders, these honorees exemplify hard-work, advocacy, and compassion. Here at Somerset County, we thank you for your commitment and all that you do!

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Social Work Month 2022 Proclamation

Social Work Month Honorees 2022

Updated on 03/11/2022 9:52 AM

 Christina PanareseChristina works tirelessly to keep track of her clients' needs and get them the services they need. She is a great asset to staff at the Senior Wellness Centers and helps monitor both homebound seniors and senior center participants. Christina can always be counted on to address any issues with professionalism and care.
Delaney ThortonDelaney's empathetic skill set allows her to connect with youth and families in the field to provide great intervention services. She has created specialized resource lists for the program. She also brainstorms creative processes for staff to link youth and families to appropriate services in the tri-county area. Delaney presents her knowledge of safety planning and coping mechanisms for successful de-escalation.

Heather ViebrockHeather works with youth with significant drug use and high-risk behaviors such as firesetting and sexual acting out. Despite others who have given up on these youth, Heather truly embodies the wraparound values of "unconditional care" and being "strengths-based". She incorporates the youths' voices into her treatment plans and will come back to the table with compassion and no judgment to develop a new plan, sometimes multiple times if needed. 

 Helen AdamsHelen Adams has an extensive history within the social work field. Above all, Helen is compassionate about the well-being of others. She understands the client's needs and has the ability to form strong connections and empathic relationships with others. She contains an internal will to help others and is self-motivated, knowledgeable, and dedicated. 
 Jasmine ReynoldsJasmine Reynolds is recognized for her unique personal and professional characteristics, experience and skills. She possesses determination and a positive attitude in helping others succeed. Jasmine is dedicated and her overall disposition is caring and compassionate. Jasmine is committed to making a difference in the world and peoples lives.
 Jazmin SanchezJazmin started with us during the pandemic. Jazmin shows the ability to overcome adversity and manage the stress associated with crisis intervention. Jazmin is a support for many of her coworkers and provides trauma-informed care for the families she works with. 
 Justin MacMathJustin is a new addition to our team. He has shown an ability to learn quickly and is eager to learn more about the field. Justin shows empathy for the families he serves as well as a passion for helping others. Justin is energetic, has a positive attitude, and has been a wonderful addition to the program. 
 Kaitlynn HaugenKaitlynn Haugen, LCSW is the primary Clinician with the SPIRIT (Supportive Partners In Recovery and In Treatment) program at Catholic Charities and has been with us for a year. In that year, she has demonstrated a compassionate and gentle approach when working with the adult chronic mental health population while working with the team to ensure all of her client's needs were being addressed. Her attention to detail and organized nature make her invaluable.  

Madhura DeoMadhura goes above and beyond when addressing crisis intervention and stabilization within our assigned population of youth 0-21. As a senior MRSS staff, she provides training, knowledge, and support to others. Madhura educates the staff on unique and varied approaches and interventions that are suitable to the needs of each youth and family. She is also a certified trainer in the Nurtured Heart approach. Madhura is an excellent and appreciated member of the MRSS team!

Meg IsbitskiMeg goes above and beyond her role as the Mental Health Administrator. Meg was instrumental in Hurricane Ida and COVID-19 response to the community. 

 Shelia Perry-BushShelia Perry-Bush is committed to helping others succeed. Shelia demonstrates how much she cares about a client's happiness by being uplifting and encouraging. She is compassionate and maintains a professional and caring relationship with everyone she encounters. Shelia is a role model and asset to many within the community.
 Stephanie BrainStephanie Brain, Director of Quality Assurance and Corporate Compliance at Alternatives, is a true self-starter and excels with every task assigned to her. Stephanie approaches her work with a calm, professional, objective, and compassionate demeanor. Her supervisor described her as “a sponge”, and as someone who believes in researching best practices. Stephanie utilizes what she learned through her education and experiences in the field of Social Work to navigate daily operations in her current role.
 Stephanie PowleyStephanie is an intern with our Mobile Response and Stabilization Service program. She has been a crucial part of providing case management for the families we serve. She is always willing to put in the extra care and effort the families deserve. Stephanie has taken every opportunity to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, during her time with our department.
 Sue TepperSue serves as the Clinical Supervisor for Behavioral Health Services in the Family Service Office of Catholic Charities, and she exemplifies what true "social work" means. She is relentless in her efforts to serve as many people as she can who are struggling emotionally while training the clinical staff on all methods of treatment delivery with dignity and respect. Sue is committed and dedicated to helping everyone in our Somerset County communities.