We are pleased to announce our award winners for Employees of the Quarter and Team of the Quarter for Quarter 3, July – September 2021!
Employees of the Quarter
Kendra Takak – Employment and Training Director
Kendra has been an enthusiastic resource for me in my position at AMCC as the Education Coordinator.
She carefully and patiently answers all my questions and provides answers to questions I don’t know to ask yet. I have wanted to bring cultural relevancy to the educational opportunities at AMCC and she has never let me down in providing resources or people to assist me. She is a wealth of information and wants to help. Some examples of her “Outstanding” performances were when AMCC was conducting a book drive of culturally relevant books. Kendra provided pamphlets from Kawerak and went through her own personal books and donated many for the inmates to enjoy and benefit from. Prior to Covid closing AMCC’s doors to outside visitors, Kendra has provided trainings at AMCC. When an inmate was interested in CDL classes, Kendra met with me and worked diligently with ways the courses could be offered at AMCC.
Above all else, Kendra exemplifies patience, cheerfulness, and demonstrates a love for her tribal members and communities. I am grateful for everything she does for AMCC
Nominated by -Deb Weston, AMCC Education Coordinator
Clarissa Eide – HR Benefits Specialist
Clarissa has deserved the credit for keeping HR running for the entire month of September and most of October. Clarissa took over while myself and Barb were out of the office for a variety of reasons. She covered with grace, with positive attitude, perfect attendance, and did not say no to anything that came her way. There is an expectation that there is a quick response from HR at all times. During the best of times it is challenging for our staff to meet it. Clarissa worked really hard to meet that expectation for not just her own position, but two others as well. Clarissa generally is an outstanding employee, but her efforts during the times noted are not just outstanding, but extraordinary. If I could think of a bigger word to describe how hard she worked, and how hard it is to do what she accomplished I would, but no word comes to mind.
Nominated by -Darlene Trigg
Jessica Farley – ABE/GED Program Specialist/Instructor
Jessica Farley did an outstanding job putting together the 2021 fall higher education transition program. Jessica developed an executed the whole program with input from co-workers and the young college students she knows. Jessica was able to set up webinars on topics of interest to students, invite special topic presenter and university staff and facilitate some great webinars. She also organized travel schedules for students and for staff to escort students to Fort Lewis and tUAS. Of the 18 students who started the program -14 completed – and they are all still attending their schools of choice! Two of the students who chose not to go to in person school , Jessica helped to get registered for distance learning courses from the university of their choice. Part of the program was to escort and guide students through their first days at their university. Jessica assisted 5 Fort Lewis students to Fort Lewis Colorado and concerts there found an additional three students from our region who needed help. She helped them as well to get set up and situated! EESS is extremely proud of Jessica and the Transition Program and hope to have the same success next year. Jessica has gone above and beyond and truly cares about the success fo these students. -Pamela Cushman
Additional Commendation from the community:
I would like to express my gratitude to Jessica Farley, and her team that went on the trip to assist the first time college students orientation process assistance. This assistive program is a great way to start further education for our regional communities. It opens an avenue for parents and family members to have first hand experience for student orientation, and creates an invaluable insight for parents to know what our siblings are entering for their higher education. As a parent, I am grateful for the service Kawerak, and Jessica Farley’s team have provided during our trip for my daughter. The program support have lessen a huge financial burden as a parent, to support my daughters further education. Once again thank-you for your support! -Richard Kuzuguk
Team of the Quarter – Kawerak CFS
Shiela Randazzo & Kirstie Henry
Kirstie and Sheila have taken it upon themselves to develop and facilitate an e-portfolio program for youth in foster care from our region. They have partnered with UAA and OCS and were able to use the software, Digication, for free. They have been planning for a while, including creating curriculum and recruiting teens and young adults to participate.
Kirstie and Sheila have DEFINITELY gone above and beyond their regular job duties for the youth from our region. They saw that the youth were falling through the cracks and took it upon themselves to make a difference in their lives.
Nominated by: Traci McGarry
