Transparency
Kara Hall (Superhero)
Kara Hall is the Public Authority Recruitment and Registry Supervisor for Butte County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program. I have been working with Kara through my career in various capacities as an advocate, direct service professional, and through my role as a member of the Butte County IHSS Advisory Committee. Kara is extremely knowledgeable of the IHSS program and its numerous processes for recipients and care providers. She is always helpful, available and provides guidance and direction to help people with program assistance. Kara is an incredible asset to the people we support and advocate for, and to the thousands of people who benefit from the IHSS services. Kara has dedicated her career to Butte County and is one of the kindness and most helpful person I’ve ever known! She deserves recognition for her service and effectiveness in her position!
Tami Diab (Superhero)
Every single day Tami Diab goes above and beyond to not only complete her work, but to help her team complete theirs. She takes the time to teach her coworkers many tips and tricks that she’s learned throughout the years. She is the go-to information person (other than Trish) in the POS department. Tami also handles the entirety of SDP by herself while also creating wonderful and helpful excel sheets for the rest of the team. Tami enjoys teaching, and it’s very apparent if you’re her student – every question will be explained in detail as many times as the student needs.
She’s truly incredible and a lynchpin in the POS department.
Chico Art Center (Advocacy Hero)
The Chico Art Center has consistently fostered a welcoming and accessible environment for individuals of all abilities.
As advocates for inclusivity, the Chico Art Center is committed to keeping open art shows accessible to artists of all abilities. Art and self-expression do not always come easily for neurodiverse individuals. Having a space that encourages an artist’s confidence and creativity can be empowering, allowing them to share their creative thoughts with a community that celebrates individuality, while building bridges between diverse audiences.
Heather Edmonds (Barrier Buster Hero)
Heather Edmonds Intake Specialist at FNRC is a tireless advocate whose work exemplifies the highest level of dedication, compassion and skill. She has made it her mission to ensure that individuals in jail who may have developmental disabilities are treated with dignity, fairness, understanding and respect. She recognizes the unique challenges this population faces and consistently goes above and beyond her role as an intake specialist breaking down systemic barriers, educating others and fostering collaboration among agencies. Her work bridges critical gaps between individuals, jail staff, public defenders, vendors and community partnerships. She has built trusted relationships that allow for open communication and creative problem solving, often transforming situations that once felt hopeless toward pathways that created support and advocacy. Through her advocacy she not only secures necessary accommodations for evaluations to take place but inspires others to embrace diversity and inclusion in a meaningful and action oriented way. In every interaction Heather Edmonds demonstrates courage, empathy and an unwavering commitment to equity. She is not only a voice for those who often go unheard but also a catalyst for systemic change proving that a person’s dedication can influence an entire network for the better. Her actions embody the true spirit of a Superhero-seeing people for their abilities, standing up for what’s right and inspiring others to do the same.
ACS Zac Yurkovic (Team Hero)
The Crisis Stabilization Team has proven, time and again, that their work is not simply a job — it is a calling. Each member demonstrates an unwavering dedication to serving individuals in moments of profound vulnerability, where compassion, empathy, and professionalism make the difference between despair and hope.
Their commitment begins with the long hours and emotional stamina they bring to each shift. These professionals enter unpredictable situations with calm, measured responses, balancing safety with humanity. They understand that crisis intervention is not just about de-escalating a moment — it is about preserving dignity, restoring trust, and creating pathways toward stability.
Bethany Hammons (Everyday Hero)
Bethany goes above and beyond everyday, she does it all! Steps up and does day service as needed when short staffed which has been a long time as of recent. She is my go to person! She is available to all. Even with every day challenge’s she manages to get her job done and then some! Bethany is always thinking of others, she even gives her time on weekends to nature made helping others is just one of her abilities. She always pulls through even in the most stressful times she is there! Bethany deserves the appreciation from all!
7th Street Centre for The Arts Staff (Team Hero)
The 7th street staff for doing an incredible job with inclusion. They have a sound mixer who is visually impaired. Furthermore, they have a person they support who is deaf and have made an effort to include her in our choir class and in their arts and theatre program. As a team, each member of this talented staff go above and beyond to highlight and support the unique gifts in everyone they support.
Laura Barrie (Superhero)
Laura serves as the Program Manager for Successful Living with Autism through Training and Education (SLATE) at Rowell Family Empowerment.
Laura is a dedicated leader who ensures her staff and volunteers are supported, empowered, and aligned with the mission of creating meaningful opportunities for children and families. She brings an extraordinary level of joy and creativity to her work, using active play and music therapies to teach essential social and emotional skills. Through her approach, children gain tools that extend beyond the classroom—skills they can apply at home, in school, and in their communities.
Beyond her professional expertise, Laura has a gift for building trust and connection with both children and families. She and her team consistently go above and beyond to foster inclusive environments, always using a person-centered approach. Their dedication enhances relationships, strengthens family bonds, and improves overall quality of life for those they serve.
Barney Rowe (Superhero)
Barney Rowe goes above and beyond for his clients along with the providers who serve them. We have had 7 different service coordinators and he is one that truly is always there with the answers. We always hear back from him by the next day if not the same day. He knows his clients that when he arrives for an annual or quarterly he is prepared and comes with information for them knowing ahead of time what they are already going to be asking him. He takes the time to talk with the clients when he sees them and if there are family members at the meetings he is attentive and answers their questions or gets back to them with the answers. The fact that he knows his clients and takes the time to answer any questions to them, the staff or even the family is remarkable. I can honestly say without a doubt he takes the position serious and cares for each client on his caseload. He just has a way with making them feel important, valued and feel what they are saying is the most important thing. We need more like him. Thanks Barney for always going that extra mile no matter what!
Lisa Odell (Barrier Buster Hero)
Lisa Odell is incredible at seeing an issue and coming up with a plan on how to make the issue a bit more bearable, if she doesn’t solve it completely.
Over the years Lisa has held many different positions in FNRC, and at every single one she works at making the lives better for the people who work here (as well as the folks we serve!). Lisa’s door is always open to those with questions, and although she may seem quiet, she has a lovely sense of humor that will demolish any reservations you had before entering her office.
One of the ways Lisa has helped is in the POS Department – Lisa has completely redesigned the authorization bridge list to improve the employees lives (and save time). She has also made countless schedules to make the authorizations uniform and the comments easier to understand for FNRC and the vendors.