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October 2012 volume 12, issue 10

Bringing Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services employees closer together

DHHS Employees Celebrate Special Anniversaries with State Employees from the Norfolk This issue of Connections is dedicated to the employees of DHHS, the Regional Center got together for a people who have devoted their careers to serving Nebraskans and group photo to celebrate the many, making such a difference in the lives of so many people. many years of devoted service to the Department. That’s Division CEO Kerry Winterer and Division Directors attended ceremonies Director Scot Adams to the right. across the state recognizing employees for years of service. These are just Photo: Bonnie Engel a few examples. read more> read more >

Here’s Kerry Winterer with On page 10 we’re introducing a new column Marian DeBuhr, Social called “Making Courtesy Common in the Services Supervisor, Beatrice, Workplace.” Check it out for some good with her 45th anniversary ideas. clock. Photo: Bonnie Engel Making Making Courtesy read more> Common read more > in the Workplace Courtesy Common Recognition for Years of Service 2012 Employees /Supervisors of the Year 2012at the Workplace Many employees have been with DHHS for a number of years and are Pages 4-8 list the 2012 Employee and Supervisors of the Year, complete with celebrating special years of service awards this year. See pages 11-14 for a photos and a short write-up from their nominators about why they received complete listing of employees and their years of service (starting with 10 their honor. years.) read more > read more >

October 2012 Connections 1 of 16 Jump to Front Page Homepage Homeruns The Good Life EOY/SOY Courtesy Years of Service Way to Go Budget Stay Connected on Homepage Homeruns DHHS’ Awesome Employee Website…. A Super Good Time was Had by All, WOWS! Picnic Fun for Everyone Sept. 27, 2012 at the Fremont Customer Service Center, Looking for exclusive information about Sept. 18, 2012 DHHS? Try the DHHS employee website! Here are some recent posts on the DHHS The WOWS committee at the Fremont employee website and the dates they Customer Service Center organized its appeared. Got an idea or a photo you’d like first annual picnic for Fremont CSC staff! to share for the employee homepage or WOWS stands for Watch Our Work Soar. Connections? Send it to Committee [email protected]. members soared make the connection . . . LRC’s Walk for Mental Health Awareness, indeed DHHS Public Website: www.dhhs.ne.gov Oct. 4, 2012 with a fun DHHS Employee Website: http://dhhsemployees/ These walkers took advantage of a beautiful picnic for DHHS Helpline: 1-800-254-4202, (402) 471-6035 in fall day and walked for mental health employees, Lincoln, or via e-mail at [email protected] awareness, Friday, Sept. 28, at the Lincoln From Left: Alison Dillon (Captain America their Regional Center. Their bright yellow Shirt), Nancy Klimek (World’s Best families, Comics), Edith Soper (The Avengers), Chief Executive Officer: Medicaid and Long-Term Care t-shirts, sponsored by the Network of Care, and even Joanne Badura (Super Hero’s The Green Kerry Winterer Division Director: say, “Lincoln Regional Center, Helping their Vivianne Chaumont Lantern, Batman, The Flash & Superman) , Behavioral Health Division Director: Public Health Division People Rebuild Their Lives.” In addition and Joe Ballou (Superman). families’ Scot Adams, Ph.D. Director/Chief Medical Officer: Dr. Joann Schaefer to the arboretum walk, activities of the dogs. Children and Family Services Veterans’ Homes Division day included tours of the LRC museum, Division Director: The Grand Island Veterans Home celebrated Director: the labyrinth walk, and various exhibits. Angie Thomas Pristow John Hilgert National Comic Book Day on Sept 25, 2012. This was LRC’s third annual walk, and Bubak, Developmental Disabilities Chief Operating Officer: GIVH Recreation Staff wore Super Hero/ Division Director: Matt Clough it celebrates the unity of mental health Social Jodi Fenner Comic T-shirts to promote the event, and professionals, consumers and community Services Connections is published monthly for employees of the the American Legion Auxiliary sponsored Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services supporters in their shared vision of hope Supervisor, Bingo prizes for the Members which were Fremont, by Communications & Legislative Services (CLS). for recovery and ongoing mental health Elora Smith, 5-year-old coupons to the GIVH Fox Hole Canteen. says, “The treatment reform. daughter of Kindra CLS Administrator: Graphics and Layout: picnic Smith, Fremont. Elora Kathie Osterman Judy Barker Additional donated items were used for turned Editor: prizes including Archie Comic Books, is pictured here with Dianna Seiffert out to be new friend, Amp, Jill bright lap robes and bed pillows. A packet a huge  Aksamit’s dog Readers are invited to submit news, photos & story ideas which included comic book facts, comic success. We to the editor via: book word searches, match the “Super had face Phone: (402) 471-1695 Fax: (402) 471-3996 Hero” to the name, and instructions on how painting, E-mail: [email protected] to draw a comic character were given to volleyball, a cake walk and there was a dog Interagency mail: Nebraska State Office Bldg. 3rd Floor each Member. U.S. mail: P.O. Box 95026 park so people were encouraged to bring 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5026 the dogs.”

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The Good Life: A reminder of what we all share and hope to provide to our fellow Nebraskans making a difference for You have pride in what you do and so many people. personalize our mission of helping I also had the privilege to recognize the people live better lives. 14 DHHS Employees of the Year and It’s what you do every 13 Supervisors/Managers of the Year day, whether you’re Special recognition on October 24. These employees were educating and protecting nominated by a peer, someone who people through public During October, state government pays noticed their knowledge, enthusiasm, health efforts; assisting special tribute to its Employees of the positive attitude, and focus on doing the elderly, the poor or Year and Supervisors or Managers of their best. These people are all leaders those with disabilities; the Year and state employees who reach within DHHS and it was truly special to providing safety to their milestone years of service to the spend the day with them. They are an abused or neglected state. This issue of Connections focuses inspiration. children or vulnerable on these DHHS honorees. adults; serving those in The bottom line is that you, need of 24-hour care; or According to Gov. Heineman, this DHHS employees, are the face of otherwise supporting this year more than 1,800 state employees our organization, whether your work. received special recognition for over interactions are with each other, Governor Dave Heineman, Bonnie Engel 37,000 years of service to the state. He partner organizations, our clients or our (Administrative Assistant to the CEO) and Kerry When I came to the said that as he travels the state, citizens neighbors. We, too, hear from satisfied Winterer celebrate Bonnie’s 35th year of working in Department over three routinely thank him for help they customers and some of those comments state government. years ago, I didn’t know have received from state agencies and appear each month in Connections as what to expect from all of their positive encounters with state well as in the “Kudos” section of the By Kerry T. Winterer, CEO you, and media reports employees. DHHS Facebook page, and they are aren’t always flattering. gratifying to read. October is state employee recognition In DHHS alone, 524 employees received month as proclaimed by Governor I can say that from day one, I’ve a milestone recognition totaling 11,350 Congratulations, again, to the honorees, Heineman, so I want to take this been impressed with the level of years of service and experience. and thank you all for the work you do opportunity to thank all DHHS commitment and dedication I see every day. employees for the work you do every in our employees. You do things I was able to attend all of these day. day in and day out that require a ceremonies across the state and great deal of knowledge, diplomacy, celebrated these achievements with The Department provides important patience, and empathy. I don’t know employees. It was an honor and each and, oftentimes, life-sustaining services. that I could do what so many of our time, I came away with an even greater Our mission, “Helping people live employees do, routinely. appreciation for you, your knowledge better lives,” provides the motivation for and commitment. October 2012 Connections 3 of 16 Jump to Front Page Homepage Homeruns The Good Life EOY/SOY Courtesy Years of Service Way to Go Budget

Employees of the Year 2012 DHHS is proud to introduce the 2012 Employees and Supervisors/Managers of the Year. It’s such an incredible honor! These employees were recognized for their achievement at a ceremony at the Lincoln Country Club on Oct. 24, 2012. Mary Barrett Community Support State agencies are allowed to select one employee and one Supervisor/Manager of the Year for every 500 people Specialist, Children employed by the agency. The following write-ups were taken from the nomination forms. Pictures were provided by and Family Services, the Department of Administrative Services. Congratulations to all! Central Service Area Mary does a fantastic management programs. She organizes accurate information about their cases. a positive impact in Nebraska for child job of contacting activities for several multidisciplinary Margene’s positive attitude in moving support enforcement. and engaging committees. Donna readily helps forward and making ACCESSNebraska a community partners. document discussions and findings and success shows through in everything she She supports the critical need for prompts coworkers to follow through on does. Paula Gutierrez ACCESSNebraska to have community assignments. She is very knowledgeable Housekeeper, partners as a resource by being a of computer software programs and is Western Nebraska necessary link for communication always willing to go above and beyond Sondra Cluck Veterans’ Home with the partners. Mary supports the call of duty. Donna is an asset to the Child Support ACCESSNebraska and partnership Paula has a true Norfolk Regional Center. Enforcement development through accurate, passion for making Worker, Children thoughtful, and well done presentations. a difference and and Family The number of contacts and range being a team player. Margene Boyce Services, North of different partners that Mary has She always comes Social Services Platte developed is impressive. The quality of to work with a very positive attitude and Worker, Children service which Mary puts into her work Sondra is enjoys putting a smile on everyone’s faces. and Family Services, exemplifies our continued commitment dedicated to her Paula willingly accepts additional duties Lincoln Customer to clients we service. work, coworkers and customers. She and does so with a “can do” attitude. She Service Center is always looking for ways to improve is the first to volunteer anytime extra Margene is a case processing by sharing shortcuts or work needs completed. Paula also has a Donna Baumann dedicated employee techniques she has found to make work true passion for caring for our members. Staff Assistant I, who does her best each and every day. more efficient. Sondra is very involved in She is frequently found interacting with Norfolk Regional Her abilities, extensive knowledge, the Nebraska Child Support Enforcement our members. Paula has a caring spirit Center professionalism and care for clients and Association. She plans an outstanding and is definitely one of a kind. She takes coworkers are impressive. She is more fall conference each year which provides great pride in her work and routinely Donna is competent, than willing to help fellow coworkers valuable training to county attorneys, passes inspections with flying colors. thorough and well enhance their knowledge to better clerks and caseworkers in the child Paula is a wonderful role model for other organized. She serve the citizens of Nebraska. Margene support field. Sondra uses her positive staff. helps coworkers shows compassion and understanding attitude and sense of humor to approach get their job duties to internal and external customers. She any challenge. Sondra has definitely made done on a timely basis. She initiates truly cares about getting clients every and completes tasks that add value to benefit they may be entitled to and receive the performance improvement and risk October 2012 Connections 4 of 16 Jump to Front Page Homepage Homeruns The Good Life EOY/SOY Courtesy Years of Service Way to Go Budget

Joan Hult regulations, and the ability to engage all individuals with DD with emergency Derek Rusher Quality Assurance and respond to multiple stakeholders. needs. Jan is an invaluable asset, and Teacher, Youth Coordinator, She developed and implemented a plan her daily contributions to making the Rehabilitation and Norfolk Veterans’ for the expansion of the Managed Care systems and processes more effective are Treatment Center, Home Program from a three county area to a immeasurable. Kearney ten county area. The expansion resulted Joan has devoted Derek is creative and in a costs savings and has improved much time and he is educating the the quality of the services provided to Kathryn Pinkley energy into youth to be creative. Medicaid clients. Heather demonstrates DHHS Policy/ restructuring the He has worked very integrity, patience, and admirable Regulation Quality Assurance process at the NVH. hard over the past year to engage youth dedication in each new challenge. Her Coordinator, Legal She is always looking for ways to improve in activities they may not get to do attention to detail and thoroughness in Services, Lincoln the process and shows a willingness to anywhere else. He taught them skills on everything she does is recognized by her accept suggestions for more effective Kay has served as how to design a rock garden and do the peers, Medicaid clients and Medicaid and efficient ways to utilize resources. the agency’s sole manual labor. He had poster contests and providers. Joan understands customer service and coordinator in the a Valentine’s Day contest where youth routinely adjusts her schedule to meet rulemaking process since the number could complete art work and earn an the needs of new employees needing of Regulation Coordinators for DHHS incentive for their work. Derek designed Janice McHale flu vaccines or TB testing. Joan has was reduced from four to one in 2010. the YRTC-K logo and then had youth Staff Assistant II, shown the ability to multi-task through This fundamental restructuring of the design billboards that are now displayed Developmental monitoring member and staff health process required substantial effort by in the gym. Derek has used his art Disabilities, Hastings issues, preparing for survey, and ensuring Kay. The process had to be reevaluated background to help make the facility a Quality Assurance practices are in place. Jan brings and streamlined. New guidelines and warmer, soothing place for the youth to Due in no small measure to Joan’s Quality enthusiasm, forms and a training presentation were live. Assurance programs, NVH received a professionalism, developed to help DHHS Divisions deficiency-free survey in 2012. efficiency and and programs transition to the new a positive work procedures. Throughout this stressful Janis Singleton ethic to the workplace every day. Her and demanding period, Kay maintained Administrative Heather Leschinsky experience and interpersonal skills are a positive and professional attitude. Her Assistant I, Public Program the foundation of her ability to support contributions have been invaluable in Health, Lincoln Coordinator, the work of Service Coordination across helping make this complicated process Janis has a positive Medicaid and Long- the state. Jan treats individuals in service, more efficient while also ensuring that the attitude, strong work Term Care, Lincoln Service Coordinators and Administration resulting regulations are consistently high ethic and courteous with dignity and respect. She provides in quality. Heather is and helpful manner. support to staff with policies and responsible for the Her professionalism procedures, budget worksheets, statewide Medicaid Managed and friendliness to other employees is forms development, computer access and Care Program which impressive. Janis is a very respectable training, and Priority One Tracking for entails multi-component coordination, and positive role-model. She has trained extensive knowledge of policies and

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and assisted new employees to keep Cherri Trump before deadlines and addressing multiple Katherine Batt contracts and projects on schedule, while Developmental requests with ease, intelligence, and a CFS Service Delivery still covering her own workload. Her Technician II, positive attitude. She has the ability to Administrator I, coworkers have great respect for her and Developmental make complex data understandable to Children and Family rely on her input heavily. Recently, Janis Disabilities, Beatrice any stakeholder. Ying’s attention to detail, Services, Western was asked to help with a special project. State Developmental improvement of data integrity, and astute Service Area She jumped right in, working long Center analysis allows Behavioral Health to be Kate supervises hours and sharing ideas, to create a very data-driven so that a positive difference Cherri has a CFS workers who professional looking document. Janis is can be made in the lives of the consumers positive attitude and focus on adoption someone you can count on for assistance, we serve. constantly has a smile on her face. She is and guardianship cases. She also led support, research and information at any dependable and can be counted on to get the Permanency Planning Team. Her time. the job done. Her dedication is evident Supervisors of the Year 2012 innovative, assertive and dedicated in her willingness to work when she is leadership has resulted in 185 children needed. Cherri continuously goes above achieving permanency in a “forever Carolyn Stuczynski Troy Bailey and beyond to support the people who home.” Kate is very organized and helps Human Resources Office Manager, live within the entire area in which she her staff develop organizational skills Officer, Operations, Medicaid and Long- works, 420 Solar. She selflessly puts the which contributes to their success in Bellevue Term Care, Lincoln needs of the people that live at 420 Solar reaching permanency for children and Carolyn exemplifies before her own. She is supportive of her Troy manages staff families. Kate consistently reviews work the DHHS co-workers as well as the individuals she in the MLTC Call load, helps staff prioritize tasks, facilitates Values and Core works with. Cherri is truly an asset to the Centers, Electronic use of available resources, and always Competencies with BSDC. Data Interchange remembers that safety, permanency, her dedication and Help Desk, Medicaid and well-being for children are the top commitment to the Veterans’ home and Inquiry Line, Medicaid Screening priorities. Kate is an excellent role model filling vacant staff positions. Carolyn Ying Wang Desk and Data Entry Team. He shows for her staff. started an ENVH walking club. She has Statistical Analyst III, leadership and professional courtesy been instrumental in keeping the group Behavioral Health, in meeting the daily needs of staff, organized and on track. Carolyn’s upbeat Lincoln an expanded Data Entry Team and a Karry Bloomquist attitude and coaching positively impacts growing call center. He maintains a highly Nurse Supervisor, Ying has an ENVH employees. Her dedication and professional and courteous demeanor Grand Island unparalleled passion to support the Veterans’ Home in the midst of daily routine and Veterans’ Home talent for creating, reflects on the quality of care provided to emergent challenges. Troy has a strong analyzing and As the Restorative the Veterans. Carolyn is a very valued and ability to problem-solve and display making sense of any Department well respected Human Resources Officer. “grace under fire.” Troy demonstrates a dataset. She has an incredible grasp of Supervisor, She always exhibits esprit de corps and is willingness to listen, an ability to meet the Behavioral Health data and manages Karry has willing to go above and beyond the call of multiple challenges head on and serves to quickly complete any report needed. initiated many positive changes. She duty. as an outstanding resource to his staff, Ying’s quality work makes the jobs of has developed unit-based restorative coworkers, and everyone serving with others easier. She exceeds expectations programs to provide additional therapy him in the Medicaid Claims Unit. on a daily basis by completing reports for members, improving their level of

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functionality and quality of life. She Brenda Chase and services. She has been instrumental Karen Harker holds her staff accountable to ensure Child/Family in providing leadership to the campus Federal Fiscal that the members receive the best care Services Specialist on 3rd shift where there are the fewest and Performance possible. She shares proper techniques Supervisor, Children people available to help in times of crisis. Manager, Behavioral with nursing staff on all three shifts to and Family Services, Her ability to have staff work as a team Health, Lincoln help provide consistent quality care. Eastern Service Area has been instrumental in ensuring the Karen has a positive Karry works diligently to put appropriate patients have calm and peaceful nights. Brenda is an excellent attitude, strives for measures in place to ensure members Ellie promotes the mission and vision of supervisor who cares excellence and works comfort and safety. Karry has a wonderful the agency and is a key member of the about her employees. diligently to improve “can do” attitude and is a tremendous LRC Leadership Team. She is very organized and has the ability the fiscal network reporting and federal asset to the Grand Island Veterans’ Home. to present information in an effective fiscal reporting for Behavioral Health. way. When Brenda started supervising She has the ability to make complex Libby Hanzel in Initial Assessment, she had no Initial fiscal concepts easily understood. Karen Dawnette Bredberg Social Services Assessment experience. She put forth is an effective supervisor with a caring Director of Nursing, Supervisor, Children a tremendous amount of effort to learn and supportive supervision style. She Eastern Nebraska and Family Services, from her staff and other supervisors. developed a fantastic and talented Veterans’ Home Fremont Customer Brenda actively engages in casework and team that is cohesive, effective and Service Center Dawnette has created goes out on cases with her employees in efficient. She is very patient and takes a strong sense of order to keep a current understanding Libby is a great every opportunity to teach and mentor team work at ENVH. of the work being done. Under her supervisor individuals which results in improved She encourages leadership and direction, her team has who constantly outcomes and performance. Karen staff to learn and strengthened their relationships with each encourages her team to succeed and promotes the value that each individual grow. Dawnette is approachable, fair and other and improved their quality of work. build self-confidence. Her inspiring brings to Behavioral Health and leads reasonable. She has made tremendous words and fantastic resources have by the example of the DHHS mission, contributions toward the improvement helped her team reach number one in the helping people live better lives. of the facility and member care. She has Vera “Ellie” Friesen state for calls and work tasks on several implemented necessary changes to ensure Associate Director occasions. She recognizes achievements higher safety standards, improved quality of Nursing, Lincoln and accomplishments made by her team. Deborah Johnsen of care and created more productive Regional Center Libby is very approachable and is more Program Manager, and satisfied employees. Dawnette than willing to answer questions or Developmental Ellie has demonstrates professionalism and is provide clarification. She is always there Disabilities, responsibility of admired for her ease at which she is able to help her employees and does so in a Beatrice State the overnight staff to connect with co-workers to provide a professional way. She has a phenomenal Developmental for the entire LRC positive, fun working environment. She attitude and her constant bubbly Center/ Bridges campus. She is a is highly motivated to make ENVH a personality keeps her team’s spirits high. Program dependable and reliable supervisor with great place to live for the veterans and a Libby makes the job exciting, challenging a genuine, compassionate manner. She great place to work for staff. and rewarding for her employees. has extremely high standards for patient care and is continually looking for and giving input on ways to improve care

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Deb shows unyielding dedication to in the millions and services provided to She is responsible for providing HR Sandra Renken the individuals and staff she supports thousands of people, she never loses sight support to many areas. She does an Business Manager II, at Bridges. She takes time to talk with of the importance of every individual excellent job at staying on top of what Youth Rehabilitation employees about their accomplishments client. is going on in each area she supports. and Treatment and concerns. She shows a genuine Her management skills are outstanding. Center, Geneva appreciation for the time and effort put She makes her expectations known Sandi is a fair forth by staff in difficult situations. Deb Jillion Lieske and encourages her staff to do their and consistent is quick to provide positive feedback to Service Coordination best. The quality of work that her staff supervisor. She staff in an effort to build staff morale and Supervisor, produces is high. She works very hard always takes time a team mentality. She is a great role model Developmental to make sure everything is running to listen to any concerns her employees and strives to make Bridges a healthy, Disabilities, Lincoln smoothly and according to the rules may have. Sandi chaired the American supportive, and successful working established. LaDene is highly respected Jillion is a dedicated Correctional Association committee to environment. Her extensive knowledge and her employees are grateful for supervisor who the very successful result of the Youth and experience has bettered the lives of the opportunity to grow under her enjoys challenges Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in not only the individuals who reside at direction. and looks for ways Geneva being accredited again this year. Bridges, but the lives of the employees as to improve the provision of service Sandi keeps the best interests of the Youth well. delivery. She supports her assigned Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in service coordinators by staffing each Geneva in mind in all that she does. situation appropriately and attending Melissa Leypoldt team meetings and court hearings. She Health Program has modified and enhanced training Manager II, Public with service coordinators to ensure they Health, Lincoln understand that service provision is no Melissa sets an longer a choice but an order of the court. example of a Jillion’s passion for accurate and detailed strong work ethic information has helped guarantee a for her staff and smooth delivery of services focused on perseverance in outcomes desired by individuals while adversity. Melissa looks for creative ways also meeting the needs of the courts and to make work fun and healthy. She ensuring the safety of the community. seeks feedback from staff and makes adjustments accordingly. In her role as LaDene Madson a Health Program Manager, Melissa has Human Resources developed protocols, innovative data Manager II, systems, partnerships, and outreach Operations, Hastings strategies. She is highly creative and does an exceptional job of adapting to LaDene is a very new conditions. Despite the fact that dedicated employee Melissa manages programs with budgets and supervisor.

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“Courtesy is the shortest distance between two people.” ~Anonymous

By Richard Metler, System Consultant have only through persistent effort. Staff Development Positive work culture is created only Please email me your thoughts, concerns, or suggestions about workplace when we each individually make efforts courtesy and workplace relationship at: [email protected]. Welcome to “Making Courtesy Common to be the kind of person we want to be I will email you a response, and perhaps anonymously feature your thoughts, in the Workplace.” This column will around while we are at work. concerns, or questions in a future column. address workplace courtesy from a variety of topics to raise our awareness The good news is that it’s easy. Deep of the importance in how we treat one down we already know how to take another at work. personal ownership of feeling positive at work. So how can we each do our part? It’s startling to consider that most of us spend one half of our awake life either 1. Treat every single person we at work, getting ready for work, going to encounter at work with dignity, and from work, or thinking about work. respect, and courtesy. Incredible isn’t it? When thought of in these terms, what goes on at work takes 2. Make the commitment to take good on a whole new level of significance. care of our relationships with co- workers in all we say and do. The environment in the workplace plays a major role in how productive and 3. Be kind and courteous: smile at effective any of us are at work. It’s also people and say Good morning, Hello, a major factor in our personal health, Please, Thank you, You’re welcome. well-being, and satisfaction. In a positive work environment, people are much Most of the time, people treat us the more likely to give their best efforts and same way we treat them. The consistent Making feel personal satisfaction. habit of courtesy will positively influence the actions of others. Courtesy at work What makes a positive work can be contagious as others follow your environment? lead. As the saying goes,Making “A rising tide Courtesy lifts all boats.” Unfortunately, a positive and rewarding workplace culture is not something Working together, we can create a Common that can be done for us or handed to us workplace where kindness, courtesy, and by anyone. Positive workplace culture respect define our every interaction. in the Workplace where we enjoy being at work with our co-workers is something each of us can CourtesyOctober 2012 Connections 9 of 16 Common at the Workplace Jump to Front Page Homepage Homeruns The Good Life EOY/SOY Courtesy Years of Service Way to Go Budget

Marjorie Colburn Grand Island Veterans Home Children & Family Services - Lynn Pomajzl Recognition for Years of Service 2012 Pamela Schwabauer Toni Saltz Eastern Service Area Susan Yates Teresa Wynn Teresa Allen-Williams “I know the price of success: dedication, hard Operations - Financial Services Medicaid & Long-Term Care work, and an unremitting devotion to the Lincoln Regional Center Donald Eckley Mary Suzanne Clark Vicki Bauer Richard Friel Terri Hennig Emil Spicka things you want to see happen.” Deborah Bishop Frank Lloyd Wright David Nicklas Denise Hoffman Jon Sterns 35 Years of Service Robert Owens Public Health Children & Family Services Ruth Roedel Joann Erickson Chris Hanus Director’s Office Vicky Wright This year more than 1,800 state employees received Debra Firman Michael Kelly Bonnie Engel special recognition for their 37,000+ years of service Children & Family Services - Sandra Klocke to the state. In DHHS alone, 524 employees received Children & Family Services - Director’s Office - IS&Ts Northern Service Area David Micheels a milestone recognition totaling 11,350 years of Central Service Area Gayle Bachman Michael Puls Patricia Nave service and experience. Beverly Enderle Evelyn Lyons Cindy Williams Roger Rhylander Because employees are located across the state, Jean Seely Director’s Office - Legal Services Children & Family Services - Kathyrn Ward those working in facilities and Service Areas are Children & Family Services - Lee Brawner Southeast Service Area Michael Wentink identified accordingly. The Regional Centers are in Eastern Service Area Behavioral Health Linda Brennan Grand Island Veterans Home the Division of Behavioral Health, Veterans’ Homes Robert Kubat Jim Harvey Brenda Coonrod Kathleen Kroeger are in the Division of Veterans’ Homes, the Beatrice Susan Schunk Kelly Ostrander Sue Gilbert Operations - Financial Servicest State Developmental Center is in the Division Cindy Sullivan of Developmental Disabilities, and the Youth Phyllis Wachtler Hastings Regional Center Laura Yoakum Glenda Lawson Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers and Service Children & Family Services - Patricia Adrian Areas are in the Division of Children and Family Southeast Service Area Norfolk Regional Center Children & Family Services - Operations - Human Resources and Development Services. Charlie Bennett Kathy Arends Western Service Area Nancy Bettin Tracy Cullin-Culligan Theresa Deckert LeeAnn Zach This information is provided by DAS State Lynn Fitzgibbon Operations - Support Services Personnel. If errors or omissions appear, please Linda Franzen Verlin Redlinger contact your local Human Resources Office. Carole Steffen Lincoln Regional Center Youth Rehabilitation and Denise Cobb Developmental Disabilities Kelley Champion Treatment Center - Geneva 30 Years of Service Elizabeth Cartwright Teresa Haynes Carol Fox 45 Years of Service Operations - Support Services Bradley King Ralph Sedelmeier Director’s Office - IS&T Beatrice State Development Corinne McCoy Mary Stofer Dawn Longwell Lincoln Regional Center Pamela Raecke Center Children & Family Services Mark Nelson Rolando Bretos, Jr. Susieann Eichenberger Beatrice State Developmental 40 Years of Service Jean Brandl Hastings Regional Center Gerold Lindsay Stephen Marmon Center Director’s Office – Communication Debra Steidley Shelly Cantrell Jo Price Lynette Reinke Mary Buss & Legislative Services Byron Van Patten Children & Family Services - Bobbie Carel Janet Schueler Mike Wight Public Health Southeast Service Area Children & Family Services - Douglas Corey Lincoln Regional Center Howard Isaacs Central Service Area Marian DeBuhr Director’s Office – Legal Services Connie Doyle Robert Fahrnbruch Dannie Kossmann Kathryn Pinkley Ann Kawata Connie Mahloch Charles House Beatrice State Development Vicki Sue Nelson Kathryn Mankin Janice Martin Casey Sanders Hastings Regional Center Center Rita Thalken Howard Nelson Steve Breault Rosalee Reedy October 2012 Connections 10 of 16 Jump to Front Page Homepage Homeruns The Good Life EOY/SOY Courtesy Years of Service Way to Go Budget

Norfolk Regional Center Darrell Larson Behavioral Health Roy Hammond Deborah Husa Operations - Financial Services Kandice Lange Alecia Stevens Susan Adams Nancy Klug Ronald Leitschuck Sheila Harris Patrick Weich Vicki Victor Librado Lopez Medicaid & Long-Term Care Hastings Regional Center 20 YEARS OF SERVICE Children & Family Services Charlene Young Ellen Mohling Barbara Joy Timothy Deal Tammy Schmit Marsha Baumfalk Cheri Delay Director’s Office - IS&T Lowell Sedlacek Children & Family Services - Edwin Seidel Children & Family Services - Southeast Service Area Sandra Green Public Health Lincoln Regional Center Lori Van Eperen Central Service Area Verdell Bohling Janet Johnson Julie Anderson Medicaid & Long-Term Care Brenda Bender James Balk Roberta Castillo Diane Koza Denise Den Melissa Haecker Michael Zgud James DeFrain Anne Pittock Victoria Dudley Cathy Jo Truax Margie Sutej Sandra Holmes Children & Family Services - Jeffrey McCain Janet Duncan Linda White Hastings Regional Center Eastern Service Area Eastern Nebraska Veterans Sandra O’Meara Kathryn High Public Health Henry Potts Marjorie Cook Home Karen Thaut Michelle Schamens Children & Family Services - Karen Bowen Linda Soukup Gwen Jones Diannia Young Western Service Area Susan Dempsey Lincoln Regional Center Norfolk Regional Center Nancy Gamboa Children & Family Services - Grand Island Veterans Home Jacqueline Fosler Roger Glenn Caroline Baumann Jennifer Lynn Southeast Service Area Diana Buhrman Janice Hake Dale Clark Ann Larimer Norfolk Regional Center Linda Bryceson Nancy Klimek Youth Rehabilitation and Penny Clausen Suzette Moeller Margaret Pick Cheryl Frederick Linda Rickard-Eddy Treatment Center - Geneva John Kelly Patricia Urzedowski Kevin Piske Patricia Heng Norfolk Veterans Home Darlene Sunderman Stan Miller Craig Podany Lois Thiel Grand Island Veterans Home Susan Bockelman Youth Rehabilitation & Brian Wolesensky Children & Family Services Tamara Arnold Children & Family Services Treatment Center - Kearney Operations - Financial Services Karen Heng Christine Falldorf Randall Chapp Children & Family Services - Susan Divan Bryan Rettig Alice Stoner-Stimson Lynn Ficken Dennis Ellis Western Service Area Daniel Leffler Operations - Human Resources & Jerry Vanderbeek Daniel Fox Kondra Jividen Mary Martinez Kerry Thompson Development James Kaslon Diane Lamon Children & Family Services - David White Karen Parde Youth Rehabilitation and Joyce Hoferer Donna Warburton Central Service Area Mick Woodside Gay Rogert Treatment Center - Kearney Mary Osborne Debra Watson Joy Walkowiak Developmental Disabilities Peggy Tjaden Don Purvis Nancy Fowler Norfolk Veterans Home Operations - Support Services Children & Family Services - Todd Johnson Dave McGrew Children & Family Services - Developmental Disabilities Terry Blum Eastern Service Area Fritz Nuffer Bruce Paul Central Service Area Michael Crawford Vickie Adams Gayle Pierce Susan Richling Catherine Krebsbach Carla Crook 25 YEARS OF SERVICE Darniece Amos Carol Torres Penny Voichoskie Kathy Anstine Children & Family Services - Beatrice State Developmental Director’s Office - Jan Wagner Tamara Witzel Gloria Baker Eastern Service Area Center Communications & Legislative Western Nebraska Veterans Bette Westerfield Beatrice State Developmental Otto Burton Ronald Ackerman Services Home Rhonda Bohling Center Barbara Hawley Marla Augustine Joan Carter Children & Family Services - Monica Gowen Scott Hofmann Judith Braun Northern Service Area Ellen Mattley Thomas Graham Director’s Office - IS&T Christina Iiams Sharon Clausen Patrick Munoz Terry Hersh Donna Barrows Dixie Kimes Elizabeth Hicks-Hunt October 2012 Connections 11 of 16 Jump to Front Page Homepage Homeruns The Good Life EOY/SOY Courtesy Years of Service Way to Go Budget

Dianna Leslie Beatrice State Developmental Norfolk Veterans Home Norfolk Regional Center Amber Sterkel Public Health Deborah Newsome Center RoseAnn Ross Michelle Clark Mechele Witt Carl Easterling Shayne Schiermeister Greg Blaha Emil Hledik Peggy Jordan Youth Rehabilitation & Linda Staggs Patricia Jantz Operations - Financial Services Dennis Leschinsky Children & Family Services Treatment Center - Geneva Jeannette Krull Cheryl Burcham Angela Parrish Children & Family Services - Shirley Kamler Barbara Mann Corina Harrison Kayl Dahlke Candace Stevens Northern Service Area Connie Reinsch Grace Ojeda Mary Howard Anjelina Renteria Daniel Taylor Margaret Chamberlin Sandra Renken Gina Otto Amy Witte Russell Wren Kari Kraenow Operations - Human Resources & Brenda Russell Margaret Plugge Children & Family Services - Eastern Nebraska Veterans Danny Sikyta Development Youth Rehabilitation & Sarah Scheinost Central Service Area Marina Stansberry Connie Schulz Treatment Center - Kearney Home Susan Schlieker Genevieve Sharp Mary Balcom Connie Glover Nancy Turpin 15 YEARS OF SERVICE Juan Urrutia Medicaid & Long-Term Care Janet Irlmeier Jeanie Winter LaVae Fattig Trenton Waite Children & Family Services - Director’s Office – Robert Jones Elizabeth Longman Grand Island Veterans Home Southeast Service Area Communication & Legislative Children & Family Services - Douglas Rose Joette Novak Rick McKimmey Linda Hughes Services Eastern Service Area Ruth Vineyard Developmental Disabilities Wanda Reimers Marilyn Kimbrough Gregory Votava Musa Dube Peggy Beaudette-Duggan Edith Soper William Wiley Patti Smalley Public Health Jeff Blunck Sandra Thinnes Kristie Sylvester Children & Family Services - Kathleen Burklund Director’s Office - IS&T Kellie Boury Nancy Carley Norfolk Veterans Home Western Service Area Norman Hamel Children & Family Services - Margaret Cole Troy Huffman Jerie Hansen Laura Davis Joseph Homan Northern Service Area Amy Sharpnack Sue Mollring Michael Sukup Valarie Gartner Shane Krause Kristine Hanefeldt Naomi Sweet Orehek Lori Pflanz-Jerkovic Julie Gockley Michael Ramsey Catherine Heyne Mark Vetter Western Nebraska Veterans Tammy Reeves Home Elizabeth Hessler Gregg Shonka LaDonna Mead Tamera Reynoldson Beatrice State Developmental Kimberly Seelmeyer Philip Todd Geraldine Gurnsey Youth Rehabilitation & Josephine Rodriguez Hastings Regional Center Center Operations - Financial Services Treatment Center - Geneva Robert Semerena Rochelle Dixon Children & Family Services - Mikel Balderson Susana Egge Jeffrey Soukup Connie Johnson Southeast Service Area Deneta Hahn Kathie Brower Operations - Human Resources & Rita Tiedt Heather Sidders Lesa Kechley Sami Harms Ray Mohlman Development JoDeen Swartz Michelle Valdez Tammy Hereth Kathrine Zabel Lincoln Regional Center Children & Family Services - Sonja Horst Sandra Arnold Developmental Disabilities John Andreini Western Service Area Kary Rash Eastern Nebraska Veterans 10 YEARS OF SERVICE Tina Bruning Todd Falter Susan Allen Cheryl Trimm Home Jana Deines Laurie Good Jeff Brown Tamara Weichel Director’s Office - IS&T Jan Stubbe Renee Greunke Kerry Held Rochelle Dotson Kathryn Whitmore Curtis Helgoth Jane Lindsay Tricia Kutschkau Sonya Gugelman Christy Pankoke Grand Island Veterans Home Medicaid & Long-Term Care Kate Mathias Gary Madison Karen Roland Corey Stefkovich David Kreutzer Janice McHale Cheryl McMurry Melissa Smith Heather Krieger Karen Lillie Christina Reece Mary Ogle Diane Reed Debra Salmon Maximina Sotelo October 2012 Connections 12 of 16 Jump to Front Page Homepage Homeruns The Good Life EOY/SOY Courtesy Years of Service Way to Go Budget

Director’s Office – Legal Services Maribel Gurrola Youth Rehabilitation & Michelle Parker Western Nebraska Veterans Operations - Human Resources & John Baker Becky Lentz Treatment Center - Geneva Nancy Taylor Home Development Dorothy Russell Angela Peppie Tammy Adams Becky Agan Mencl Hastings Regional Center Idalia Urbina Joy Williams Public Health Christine Harrison Betty Hert Ann Wood-Holley Billye Bignell Operations - Financial Services Youth Rehabilitation & Virginia Johnston Dianne Harrop Patrice Budenholzer Operations - Support Services Children & Family Services - Judy Kussman Treatment Center - Kearney Edilma Him-Osorio Crystal Hier John Hayden Eastern Service Area LeeAnn Schutte Brandon Pierce Tasha Jedlicka Cinde Swartz Linsey Yokley Gloria Correa Lincoln Regional Center Donna Jobman Olga Jenkins Developmental Disabilities Patricia Lemke Ann Alberico William Manhart Amanda Anderson Diane Lowe Juanita Brock Sarah Markuson Emory Haynes Justin Nelsen Despina Gallardo Corissa Ulane Jillion Lieske Patricia Owens Suzanne Hart Joyful Stoves Barbara Remmers Kris Hoover Children & Family Services - Eunice Sexson Michaele Johnson Northern Service Area Beatrice State Developmental Luanne Jones Melissa Carpenter Center Kimberly Kilgore John Evans Rhonda Balderson Eastern Nebraska Veterans Zeb Moseman Sheila Sawatzky Kenneth Belz Home Carolyn Nash Kathy Weiland Jesse Bjerrum Mark Edwards Stan Wiegert Bobbie Zalme Elizabeth Bond Patti Howe Jolene Burmeister Norfolk Regional Center Children & Family Services - Oksana Korotkikh Southeast Service Area Kathryn Chace Elaine Thiemann Terry Beltz Karen Engelman Alec Frerichs Penny Buck Brandy Holling Grand Island Veterans Home Kimberly Johnson Shannon Bulau Vince Knee Jocelina Calhoun Jeanette Malone Harriet Coble Michelle McAtee Jerel Geren Adrienne Pettigrew Shirley Drahota Alla McBride Amanda Jenneman Jennifer Runge Laree Kubes Jessica McCarthy Trish Kelly Bertha Topp Cami Long Linda Novak Kathleen Payne Starlet Ware Bonnie Long Micheal Pangborn Betty Peterson Judene Mewis Children & Family Services - Yvonne Parde Ardis Sullivan Children & Family Services Western Service Area Dean Rademacher Lucinda Urwiller Connie Wiley Kristy Buckles Debra Cox Sandra Reed Marcia Regier Teri Chasten Leanda Honeywell Norfolk Veterans Home Barbara Schroeder Stephanie Mundhenke Bethany Monnahan Jennifer Last Denise Walker Karen Wegner Medicaid & Long-Term Care Daniel Reding Susan Wolfe Children & Family Services - Sarah Briggs Karen Sheaks Central Service Area Marilyn Jackson Jodi Smith Joan Feeney October 2012 Connections 13 of 16 Jump to Front Page Homepage Homeruns The Good Life EOY/SOY Courtesy Years of Service Way to Go Budget

Working with Nebraska Tribes WNVH Medical Director Recognized to Improve Health Data Collection By Josie Rodriguez, OHDHE honored by the Great Plains Tribal as Nebraska’s Family Practitioner of the Year Chairman’s Health Board for his Dr. Kent Lacey, medical The Office of Health Disparities and outstanding work for Tribal Public director for the Western Health Equity (OHDHE) is working Health Data. Anthony Zhang worked Nebraska Veterans Home with the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s very hard in providing public health data in Scottsbluff, was recently Health Board and the Nebraska Tribal to the Board and Nebraska tribal leaders. recognized as the Family leaders to improve public health data OHDHE would like to thank Practitioner of the Year for collection for Nebraska’s federally- Anthony for the great work he does. the state of the Nebraska. Another thank you goes out to Dr. Tom recognized Tribes. Public health data The award was presented Safranek (State Epidemiologist, Public collection among tribal communities to Dr. Lacey by Gov. Dave Health) for his guidance and support in in Nebraska is vital in identifying Heineman at the State minority data collection across the state health disparities and improving Capitol in September. and to Norm Nelson (Statistical Analyst, health outcomes for culturally-diverse In a nomination letter, populations in Nebraska. Public Health) for his help and support with data for this meeting and the work Lonnie Starke, WNVH OHDHE participated in the Facility Administrator “Prevention of American Indian he does to provide minority data for the wrote, in part: Morbidity and Mortality” meeting held office. “Dr. Lacey has been in Grand Island on Sept. 26, 2012, by the For more information regarding the Medical Director Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Health the report, please contact OHDHE for WNVH for over 25 Board and the Northern Plains Tribal at 402-471-0152 or visit years. During this time, Epidemiology Center. The meeting was www.http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/ held to help coordinate efforts among Pages/healthdisparities_index.aspx Dr. Lacey has provided WNVH has enjoyed three Nebraska tribal leaders to improve excellent medical care coupled with deficiency-free annual USVA Surveys, tribal public health data collection excellent customer service. Dr. Lacey’s in great part due to Dr. Lacey’s excellent efforts in the state. friendly and professional approach has OHDHE presented information fostered excellent customer relations care and management of the medical to tribal leaders on recent Behavioral with the residents and their families. needs of the residents. Risk Factor Surveys completed in Dr. Lacey has always been willing to Dr. Lacey is a great asset to this collaboration with the office and take the extra time necessary to spend facility and always demonstrates a Nebraska Tribes. Information was with the residents and their families positive approach when performing also presented regarding a recently so they may fully understand their his duties. He is very deserving of this released “Health Status of American medical options. honor.” Indians in Nebraska” report. This report is the first of its kind released by the state for Nebraska American Congratulations, Dr. Lacey! Indians. At this event, Anthony Zhang, Anthony Zhang receives honor and OHDHE Epidemiology Surveillance recognition gift from Great Plains Tribal October 2012 Connections 14 of 16 Coordinator was recognized and Chairman’s Health Board. Jump to Front Page Homepage Homeruns The Good Life EOY/SOY Courtesy Years of Service Way to Go Budget

DHHS Budget Submitted. Here’s What to Expect Next… Putting together a budget is hard work; State public policy statement and plan You can scroll down and click on Agency mean that there will be no increases, most of us know this from personal for the use of public human and financial Number 025, Dept. of Health & Human only that it will be an issue that will experiences and can relate to the resources – its budget. The State budget Services. There you will see all of the affect all state agencies. challenges of anticipating income and embodies the policy and financial documents that have been submitted expenditures and making compromises. priorities for State government.” And, as part of our budget request, totaling The total budget (federal, state and It’s not easy and, in fact, sometimes it’s “Now as much as ever agencies must more than 2,000 pages. The budget cash funds) for DHHS this year is easy to put off. appreciate the critical link that exists instructions specified that no requests $3,083,280,811. DHHS’ budget request between agency strategic, results-based should be included for annual increases for the next biennium is $6,900,293,976 When it comes to the DHHS budget, planning and the allocation of finite or decreases in employee salary or health ($3,359,791,938 for FY 14 and we look years ahead in requesting the public resources.” care benefits. This doesn’t necessarily $3,540,502,038 for FY 15). funding necessary to administer DHHS programs. As with all state agencies, Now that DHHS’ budget request has DHHS’ budget request for the fiscal year been submitted, here are the next steps: 2013-2015 biennium was submitted to the State Budget Division in September. The budget requests from all state agencies will be reviewed over the next The work surrounding DHHS’ budget several months by Gov. Heineman and request is a significant task and began the State Budget Division. Questions early in the year. Each Division Director, will be asked and information will be COO Matt Clough and CEO Kerry provided. This is significant because Winterer take this responsibility the needs of all state agencies are being seriously and spent many hours with considered against the funding that division administrators and Financial will be available. The result will be Services section staff doing their best to the Governor’s Budget Request which anticipate issues, trends, program needs will be submitted to the Legislature in and other considerations. January. The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee will then submit a budget The importance of the budget request that will have a public hearing followed is illustrated in the State of Nebraska by floor debate. Budget Instructions (a 147-page document), in part: “The budget You can see the entire budget request on request process is used…to assist in the the State Budget Division’s website at development of the most significant http://budget.nebraska.gov/

October 2012 Connections 15 of 16 Jump to Front Page Homepage Homeruns The Good Life EOY/SOY Courtesy Years of Service Way to Go Budget In Gratitude Letters to DHHS employees who are helping people live better lives To Lisa Maddock (Child Support Enforcement Program Specialist, Lincoln), My wife and I would like to say a big thank you for the class that you and Mr. Hinds put on in McCook. We appreciate the time and effort from both of you and your dedication to your job. It is very apparent that you both care very much From Erin Noble (Social Services Worker, Lincoln): about what you do. Keep up the good work. I got a call from a client the other day. She was very A local business in McCook complimentary of Krissa Richards, (Social Services Worker, Scottsbluff). The client said that Krissa was very Byron Van Patten, Lisa’s supervisor, says….Lisa and an patient and answered all of her questions. She said employee of the Treasurer’s State Disbursement Unit provide Krissa “made her day” and explained exactly what she outreach and training to NE Employers regarding issues would need to do to report and verify her SE. The client pertaining to remitting child support. also complimented the customer service that she has received as a whole, stating that each person she has From Sara Gilbert (Child and Family Services Supervisor, gotten when she calls is very nice and always helps her Lincoln) out. A client’s father wanted to tell me what a great job Josh Price (Children and Family Services Specialist, Lincoln) did handling his son’s case. This father said he came to Nebraska from Oregon to support his son and provide stability and structure in his son’s life. That father said that Josh did a great job working not only with his son but with him as well, and he Dear Dan Scarborough (Facility Administrator, Youth appreciated Josh being firm, but fair, with his communication Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Geneva), and expectations. I would like to thank you, your staff and youth for participating in the Discover Geneva Summer Celebration events. (Program Manager, Office of The community support that this event receives each year is From Doug Gillespie very impressive. We appreciate your willingness to volunteer Environmental Health Hazards & Indoor Air, Lincoln) with the “inflatable games” in the Fillmore County courthouse square. I received a call from a teacher and supervisor at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln who had just talked with Again thank you for your support. (Health Program Manager, Public Health) He Sara Morgan had questions about radon which Sara was able to help him Mayor Rodney Norrie with. He was very complimentary of the fact that she took her time explaining the radon requirements, and how easy it was to get the answers he wanted from a state program.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services mission: Helping people live better lives. OctoberCLS-PB-1 2012 (99726)Connections 16 of 16