Transparency
Rosanne Whyte
Rosanne is an individual who embodies dedication, respect, and unwavering support for the people in her life. She is an ILS instructor who goes above and beyond to foster self-reliance in others, and encourages people to advocate and ask for help when needed. Rosanne does not shy away from what can be difficult and sometimes sad work, and meets people where they are at with a kind, humble demeanor. She puts time and effort into building relationships with others, and recognizes their gifts, values, and beliefs. Rosanne is there in the best of times, and she’s there when times get tough. She is someone people can count on, and truly is an Everyday Hero.
Dr. Bob Boyle
Dr. Boyle worked for Far Northern Regional Center for 14 years until his well deserved retirement earlier this Summer. Dr Boyle is a wealth of knowledge to his coworkers. He’s available to answer questions and provide constant support. He always provides strong advocacy for our clients and their access to services. Bob has an easy wit and is comfortable speaking to anyone. You always feel valued and heard by him.
I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people. – Maya Angelou
Plumas Transit
I am nominating Plumas Transit because this group of dedicated people support everyone in the community. This group has worked through COVID, fires, etc. and has ensured that everyone in our community is able to access services and needs. The staff of Plumas Transit is happy, helpful and caring and embraces everyone.
Lauren Burlingham
Lauren is one of the coolest people I know. She is kind, funny, and genuine. Her professionalism is second to none. One of my favorite things about her is that she goes out of her way to help anyone who asks for it. She is incredibly knowledgeable, resourceful, and empathic to those she serves as a service coordinator. When there is a new challenge, she jumps in with both feet and not only learns the basics of the new concept or subject, but deep dives and comes back with detailed explanations and ideas of how to help. I am lucky to serve a large part of the population that has experienced the awesomeness that is Lauren. The feedback I have heard most about her is that she comes in and fixes all or most of the problems they have. Everyone I’ve ever heard mentions her name has said that she makes them feel seen, heard, and validated. They are often sad they don’t get to work with her for longer.
Inclusion is what Lauren is all about. She has been working hard to get the Shasta County Inclusion Task Force up and running again after the pandemic. I love her tenacity to make improvements and smoother paths for all that she encounters. I have seen Lauren in many different settings and she is always open to all she encounters. She will advocate for anyone and often helps those others see as challenging or difficult to work with. Lauren is an asset on any team and a valuable member of our community.
On a personal level, I think Lauren has an amazing and deep sense of humor. She always has logical and sound advice to give and when she doesn’t know what to say she just says that. It’s rare to find someone so real and down to earth as Lauren.
Ginger Moyles
I am honored to nominate Ginger Moyles, for “Advocacy Hero.” I had the pleasure of traveling to get to know Ginger, and her community, including highlights of her natural and daily advocacy efforts. Ginger resides in a remote area, within Northern California. (Siskiyou County) She is well known by her community and when greeted on the streets, fellow residents are proud to update her on their loved one’s status and progress.
Ginger has a strong heart for advocating for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, within the school system and beyond. She has a keen eye for individual education plans and 504 plans. Ginger is acutely aware that living in a small town, comes with lack of centralized services and supports. Where there are gaps, she advocates to find a person-centered approach to support. Where there is a workaround to streamline, she digs to learn more.
As Ginger learns of new supports within California, she is mindful to bring them home and share the wealth! Although Ginger’s community does not hesitate to seek support, her goal is for individuals to feel supported and speak for themselves. In closing, I feel that Ginger would be an honorable awardee as she is someone who sees the big picture and truly believes where there is a will, there is a way!
Marlene McCollum
Marlene McCollum is a Case Management Supervisor here at Far Northern Regional Center who has gone beyond the call of duty for me. She went with me to buy a car for the first time from a dealership last year. She was there to help me navigate the process of buying a car. She has taken me and picked me up from a doctor’s appointment, and she has brought me to work and taken me home when my car was in the shop. She even invited me to go to lunch on Christmas Eve with her mother, sister, and niece. She has a caring heart and will help me with anything I need when I am down sick, like shopping for me or bringing me a meal. She truly is an Everyday Hero in my book.
Elena Bramble
I have worked with Elena Bramble on the Local Childcare Planning Council for the past year. Elena has always advocated for children with disabilities in every conversation brought to LPC, especially around inclusion and access to childcare for families with children with disabilities. She advocates daily for these families as the Program Director for Rowell Family Empowerment. She and her team empower children and adults with diverse abilities to succeed by offering Special Education Workshops and In-person and phone consultations about their child’s special education rights. She directs her team in evaluating assessments and Individual Education Plans (IEP) with parents so they can better understand the important documents that lead to informed decisions. Elena never shies away from helping connect SCOE families I’ve sent her way with applicable resources. Elena Bramble advocates on a whole other level for individuals with disabilities in our community! She is a true hero to so many adults, families, and children!
Daphne Wood
Daphne is a strong advocate for both clients and staff. She is supportive and always there to ensure that everyone’s needs are being met in the best way. She has been working hard with learning the Self-Determination Program, becoming a trainer for Person Centered Thinking, and just being an overall powerhouse for the Far Northern Regional Center team. She is quick to take on tasks and works her hardest until it is completed. Nothing is ever seen as less in her book and everything takes priority. She is an amazing person, supervisor, and team member that values compassion, hard work, and equality for all.
Erin Gillis
Erin goes above and beyond for Far Northern Regional Center and her clients. She works with difficult to serve clients/families who struggle with mental illness at times. She assists with advocacy and helps clients navigate relationships with vendors. Erin also trains Far Northern Regional Center staff and instills person centered thinking into everyone she meets!
Tania Pilar Camara
When I get stressed out Tania is there for me. She cares about whom she serves, and shows it by always listening. When we go to the Doctors, she always likes to hear what my doctor has to say. I have worked with her for over a year. When I get stressed, Tania reads with me to help me calm down.
Tania and her granddaughter took me to the client’s picnic in Durham and she went out of her way to get me there.
Tania has a great attitude and she really cares and wants the best for those she serves. She’s helping me with self determination process. She is helping me find a salon and to get with In Motion gym so I can get healthy again.
She found a person to do my hair and that makes me happy. She goes the extra mile with me. She likes to decorate and for Valentine’s Day we did it really good. She helps me to make the art show at Mains’l. We are going to start to cook together and eat healthy. I’m glad she’s part of my life. I can count on her and she takes me to my appointments and she makes me laugh.
Tania is a very special worker for my friend. She has helped her with embracing the wider community Mains’l has to offer. She has taken her to the Mains’l picnic, a recent art show and next month a company Luao. She does all of this with a desire to help my friend embrace a wider community. She is thoughtful caring and helps all she works with to reach their fullest potential.