Nichole is so much more than a receptionist: She is the face of CNHC and provides a positive first impression to all who come here. With a smile and a kind word for everyone, Nichole earns praise from her coworkers and CNHC clients alike. She is always eager to help, regardless of whether the task at hand falls within her regular duties. Nichole truly deserves recognition as our Employee of the Month, and we are so glad to have her on our team!

Within an amazing 41 years as a licensed foster parent in Florida and New York, Joanne has enhanced the lives of countless children. Her passion and dedication create an environment for safety and unconditional love for the children in her care, even those others have described as “difficult.” She has also been an invaluable resource of knowledge in assisting new and seasoned foster parents to navigate the system of care.

The VEGAS Committee is pleased to announce that LaTisa McKinney is our January Employee of the Month. LaTisa has been an asset to the Background Team for many years and has been serving in child welfare for over 20 years. She has played an important role in recent months, ensuring that all adoption backgrounds for NAD and Strike are completed in a timely manner.

Outside of her normal workload, LaTisa has completed over 100 adoption backgrounds in the last 2 1/2 months, as well as helping train new staff. LaTisa always has a positive attitude and gives 110%.

Please join us in congratulating LaTisa! We deeply appreciate her dedication.

When Stefanie Smith joined the Data Team during the transition, she hit the ground running and immediately became an integral part of not only the survival of the team but the entire circuit.  She helped the heartbeat of C13 continue to beat when so many others left.

A few months ago, she was recognized for her skills and knowledge and became the CNHC Data Analyst. Once again, she stepped up. In addition to her new position, she continues to help not only get the work done, but also train others on her processes.

She continues to excel in her new position and continues to assist data and other teams.  This has resulted in her working into the wee hours of the morning – out of love for what we do, and sheer devotion to the providers who do so much for the kids in our care. She wants things to be right, not just for herself, but because she understands that what we do directly impacts the lives and welfare of the children.

Stefanie is a tremendous asset to the Children’s Network of Hillsborough organization, and to any team lucky enough to have her.

For February’s employee spotlight, CNHC is delighted to recognize Director of Quality Management Lynda Rosario. Lynda and her team work diligently to ensure that all children in our system of care receive the attention and services they deserve. She brings agencies together for the wellbeing of children, and keeps all parties informed and up-to-date as challenges are identified and overcome. She consistently displays excellent leadership skills and is a true asset to CNHC and the children and families we serve.

More About Lynda

Lynda has worked for over 20 years in the Dependency System serving children and families in the Central and Suncoast Region. Lynda developed her knowledge and expertise through her extensive experience in investigations and in case management. Lynda has held various positions in leadership at local Case Management Organizations as well as at the state. Having been designated as an expert in risk, interviewing, and child abuse/neglect identification, she has testified in both civil and criminal trials as an expert. Additionally, Lynda has participated in the CIRRT training and completed fatality reviews in the state.

Lynda completed her BA in Criminology at the University of South Florida. She is certified as a Wrap Facilitator and Coach. Lynda has completed TBRI training and is certified as a Psychological First Aid and Trauma Informed Care Trainer. She is certified in Children’s Mental Health First Aid as well.

CNHC Family Finding Supervisor Jantel Thomas received the 2022 Public Servant Award at Joshua Way of Hope’s Night of Hope Gala on October 19, 2022.

The Public Servant Award is presented to an individual who strives to improve the lives of children and families in the community. Jantel Thomas was chosen because of her dedication and commitment to working with local children and families, providing inspiration and hope.  At Children’s Network, Jantel ensures that children are placed in Kinship Care whenever possible. In addition to her work at CNHC, Jantel gives back to the community through the help of her family, sorority, and friends. She also partners with local colleges and teaches a parenting class at a local domestic violence shelter.

Jantel truly deserves this prestigious award, and we are proud to have her on the CNHC team!