Damian Chandler jumped into the wild world of Residential Youth Services with both feet and has never looked back. Each day, he has met new challenges. Not to mention, outside the box situations, and chaos that only a full moon and teenagers can bring. As COVID-19 precautions and preparations began, Damian was instrumental in asking the hard questions to ensure the safety of both staff and youth while tirelessly working to implement the ever-changing plans, such as utilizing full PPE. No matter the situation or level of client acuity Damian faces, he strives for excellence, puts all people first (youth, staff, community members), and does the right thing by everyone he serves. Damian conducts himself with integrity and professionalism while bringing about peace to all. He always shows up with a positive, can-do attitude and inspires others to approach life in the same way. Damian is a mentor and a helping hand to staff and youth alike. He lives the Five Things (boundaries, predictable, consistent, kind, and transparent) and is an integral part of accomplishing the goal of RYS: helping teens trust adults a little bit more. We are fortunate to have him as a co-worker, leader, and team member.

Stephen White has been with the Life Adjustment Program for just over a year as a Registered Nurse. Stephen brings professionalism, compassion, and expertise to the campus. Over the past three months, Stephen has gone above and beyond from stepping up to ensure our residents receive temperature checks to helping cover weekends so the workload is spread efficiently. He was one of the first staff to volunteer to work in the isolation unit. His supervisor, Tena, says, “It has been awesome to watch the residents as they start their day whether in their apartment or approaching Stephen for their morning temperature. There are jokes and fun interactions along the way.” Stephen does these additional tasks while meeting the day to day needs of residents, which can often be complex. He has built relationships with staff and he is often their first contact when they are concerned. As a side note, he loves to bring his homemade enchiladas and chocolate, which is always appreciated.

Cara Weaver has worked for Hilltop for over ten years and is currently a Family Navigator for the Colorado Community Response program. Cara has an exceptional work ethic and excels at family engagement and relationship building. She voluntarily leads the financial stability groups (Bootstraps) as well as preforming assessments for people in need of immediate housing. Cara steps up to help whenever needed, severing as a wellness champion, representing the FRC with the Clifton Community Transformation Project and other events. During COVID, Cara found she needed more to do as her caseload declined. She voluntarily went to work part-time at LAP. No matter the situation, Cara never steps down from a challenge, knowing that an extra hand is always needed. Cara respects the individuals she works alongside and enjoys interacting with clients. Cara has a bubbly and fun personality and always has a positive outlook on everything she does. The passion she has for working with people exemplifies the Hilltop Way and our values in everything she does.

Hollie Roach serves as the Dining Room Supervisor for The Commons. During the pandemic, she has gone above and beyond in many ways. She developed a system to ensure all residents at the Commons get three meals a day delivered directly to their apartments, and ensures the Cottage residents are well taken care of. She has maintained staffing and continued clear communication for her 29 direct staff members. She never hesitates to help other departments, even if it means she has to push outside of her comfort zone. Hollie was the first to volunteer to help with the month-end billing cycle when another employee was ill. On multiple occasions, she has assisted in different departments because she recognized they were shorthanded. Hollie has also rearranged her schedule several times to help on weekends and holidays without waiting for someone to ask. Hollie continues to find ways to make residents feel cared for and supported during this time. She has made a point to deliver special desserts and “sing-a-grams” to residents on their birthdays. Hollie is a fabulous example of being a team player.