Catholic Charities Employee Recognition 2025
Recognizing Catholic Charities Employees
Catholic Charities Twin Cities helps tens of thousands of people each year, thanks to more than 500 dedicated employees. This year, nearly 200 employee recognition award nominations were submitted by staff across the agency. Each nomination contained a story of dedication, compassion, and excellence. We’re honored to announce the recipients of the 2025 Employee Recognition Awards:
Leadership Award
Sandrel Givens
Program Manager II, Midway Housing Programs
Sandrel has been a leader at Catholic Charities even before she took a leadership role. She is kind, creative, patient, understanding, and deeply committed to our residents, clients, and staff. She inspires those around her and gives hope in even the most challenging times. Nominators described her as someone who navigates transitions with grace, ensuring no gaps in services for clients and no disruption for staff. With strong communication skills, an open-door policy, and a calm, solutions-focused mindset, she uplifts her team while keeping clients at the center. Sandrel embodies the very essence of leadership, guiding with compassion, strength, and integrity.
Advocacy Award
Michael Kaup
Program Manager II, Housing-Focused Behavioral Health Support Team
Michael was nominated for their passion and dedication to advocating for those most vulnerable. They demonstrate genuine care for both staff and guests and models clear, compassionate communication. Michael’s ability to build strong outside partnerships has strengthened our programs and expanded resources for clients. Colleagues describe them as deeply invested in their work, with a commitment that makes a meaningful impact across the agency. Michael’s advocacy is not just professional—it is personal, heartfelt, and transformative.
Supportive Services Award
Justin Whitcomb
IT Services Manager
Justin is recognized as one of the most collaborative, patient, and supportive team members at Catholic Charities. Despite the constant demands on his time, he meets each request with composure, patience, and a deep willingness to help. Nominators noted his ability to make others feel prioritized, even when he has countless other responsibilities. He listens, responds thoughtfully, and develops solutions that keep the agency moving forward. Justin’s dedication, humility, and calm support for both staff and programs embody the spirit of supportive services.
Teamwork Award: Family Service Center Team
Allie, David, Rafito, Courtney, Andrea, Erika, Molly, Nadia, Nacole, Imani, Monique, Giselle, Vetti, Latanya, Trevon, Sue, Velissa, and Langston
Allie, David, Rafito, Courtney, Andrea, Erika, Molly, Nadia, Nacole, Imani, Monique, Giselle, Vetti, Latanya, Trevon, Sue, Velissa, and Langston
The Family Service Center team exemplifies true teamwork. In the past year, they served nearly 400 people, including over 200 children, ensuring families in shelter are met with kindness, care, and safety. Their trauma-informed, collaborative approach supports adults with housing and resource connections, while making sure children are connected to schools, transportation, and services. Together, they oversee day-to-day operations, provide stability, and bring compassion into every interaction. Colleagues describe them as a team that leans on each other during challenges and celebrates successes together. The Family Service Center team is a shining example of what it means to serve with dedication and heart.
Inclusion & Belonging Award
Kuatree Dillard
Unit Manager, Diversion Program
Kuatree excels at building genuine and caring relationships across programs and departments. She seeks out those she doesn’t know and makes a point to welcome everyone. Her ability to encourage diverse perspectives ensures all voices are heard, fostering a workplace where people feel valued and respected. Colleagues shared examples of her advocacy for youth, her efforts to build equity into systems, and her support for staff leadership development. Her influence has created a more inclusive workplace culture where differences are celebrated, learning is constant, and everyone belongs. Kuatree leads with compassion, thoughtfulness, and a deep commitment to justice.
Outstanding Supervisor Award
KaTina Cummings
Program Manager II, Coordinated Access to Housing and Shelter (CAHS)
KaTina’s nominators describe her as both a powerful leader and a supportive mentor. From the very start, she has been welcoming, open to conversation, and committed to helping others grow personally and professionally. She leads by example—demonstrating what she asks of others, modeling calm in difficult situations, and listening deeply to her team. KaTina has spent over 10 years advocating for homeless families, finding housing opportunities for those with the highest barriers and fighting for fairness when families are denied. She is admired for her integrity, honesty, and dedication, and for creating an environment where her team feels supported and valued. KaTina’s leadership is transformative, both for her team and for the families she tirelessly serves.
Organizational Sustainability Award
Amanda Lube
Senior Government Grants Officer
Amanda’s grant work resulted in $14 million in public sector funding in the past fiscal year. This extraordinary achievement required not only expertise in Catholic Charities’ programs, but also the ability to bring together leaders, finance, and funder goals with creativity and precision. Nominators described her strategy and follow-through as essential to making our programs a reality. Amanda’s commitment to excellence in grant writing strengthens the foundation of our mission, ensuring we have the resources to serve thousands across our community.
Rising Star Awards
Alex Green, Mental Health Practitioner III, Children’s Day Treatment Program
Alex Green, Mental Health Practitioner III, Children’s Day Treatment Program
Alex has been described as a bright light, bringing energy, creativity, and compassion to her work every day. She creates joyful, imaginative experiences for children facing significant challenges, from leading interactive quests with goblins and dragons, to developing thoughtful, structured lessons. Her ability to meet children with both patience and fun helps them build skills, confidence, and hope. Colleagues praised her calm, steady presence in high-energy environments, her commitment to teamwork, and her embodiment of Catholic Charities’ values—dignity, compassion, collaboration, and empowerment. Alex truly is a rising star whose impact is already felt deeply by clients, coworkers, and the agency.
Kasia Lee, Housing Intake Specialist, Higher Ground St. Paul Residence
In just one year, Kasia has become a trusted and valued part of the Higher Ground St. Paul team. As Housing Intake Specialist, she quickly learned the complex eligibility criteria for multiple housing programs, and now partners closely with case managers to support applicants and residents alike. Nominators emphasized her compassion, professionalism, and the dignity with which she treats every client. Her positive attitude and collaborative approach make her a joy to work with and a clear rising star at Catholic Charities.
Nasha Jordan, Case Manager III, Aging and Disabilities Program
Nasha’s passion for her work shines through in everything she does. Colleagues describe her as smart, resourceful, and resilient, with a deep commitment to clients and coworkers alike. She brings joy to the office, offers a listening ear during difficult times, and consistently puts clients first. Nasha demonstrates compassion, empowerment, and integrity every day, making her an inspiring presence for her team and those she serves. She is a rising star who brings energy and heart to her role.
Client Services Award
Shelley Nichols
Case Manager III, Homeless Elders Program
For over 38 years, Shelley has dedicated her career to serving with compassion and persistence. Nominators shared countless stories of her advocacy, her expertise in housing older adults, and her ability to streamline processes to put clients first. From intake to housing case management, Shelley has consistently supported the most vulnerable with dignity and skill. Her colleagues describe her as an irreplaceable teammate whose commitment has never wavered in decades of client-centered work. Shelley’s impact has been profound across generations of clients and coworkers. Shelley will be retiring this next month, and the nominating staff couldn’t think of a more fitting way to show gratitude than to let her know how deserving she is of this year’s Client Services Award.
On behalf Catholic Charities Leadership, thank you, Shelley, for your commitment and the gifts you’ve brought to the Catholic Charities community for almost 40 years. Congratulations.
Client Services Award
Zeporah Wallace
Mental Health Practitioner IV, Children’s Day Treatment Program
Zeporah is described as “a true treasure and blessing” to the children she serves. She fosters safe, nurturing spaces for children who have often experienced deep trauma, breaking down barriers with consistency, patience, and compassion. Colleagues highlighted her gift for connecting with children who struggle to trust, and her ability to empower students to find their voices. Through her warmth, structure, and integrity, Zeporah transforms lives and models Catholic Charities’ core values in action.
Client Services Award
Mary L. Senger
Assessment Specialist, Saint Paul Opportunity Center
Mary has been serving clients at Catholic Charities for more than five years with compassion, dedication, and exceptional quality. She goes above and beyond in her intake work—taking extra steps to connect clients with additional services, such as the Elders Program, when needs arise. Known by many longtime clients by name, Mary has built trust and meaningful relationships that extend beyond the intake desk. She is described as client-centered, dependable, and someone who embodies the spirit of service in every interaction.
Client Services Award
Patricia Longs
Case Manager II, Scattered-Site Housing Program
Pat exemplifies trauma-informed care in her case management, even with clients facing extreme challenges. Colleagues praised her patience, resourcefulness, and ability to collaborate with community resources to support client success. Whether helping a client remain housed, supporting educational goals, or leading group sessions to foster community, Pat demonstrates excellence and compassion. She is seen as a wealth of knowledge, a mentor to peers, and a legend in her work at Catholic Charities.
Recognizing Years of Service
Congratulations to Catholic Charities employees who have reached the following service milestones:
35 Years
Marla Backer
30 Years
John Gambino
25 Years
Yolanda O’Reilly
20 Years
Shari Sibbald
Zeporah Wallace
15 Years
Brenda Beaulieu
Bruce Hall
Cassandra Ayash
Elizabeth Knight
Hannah Puffer
Jasson Edward Merrill Massey
Lisa Welch
Novolia Latrese Tindall
Richard Britten
10 Years
Alicia Jean Gillmore
Crystal Porter
Lakeisha Yates
Lynnette Williams
Molly Lo
Rasheena Bickham
5 Years
Aja Marie Loscheider
Alicia Ann Carlson
Chantell Ford
Emilia Lewin-Karras
Erik Roger Olson
Jennifer Lynn Heras
Madria Walker
Marcia J. Popp
Mary Lisa Senger
Paul M. Harvey
Richard Donn Cotton
Shemariah L. Jenkins
Thomas Rafito Lorenzo
1 Year
Adekola Adediran
Adriana Martinez Diego
Aleesa Baakko
Alexander Deming
Alexandra Green
Alexis Mae Harcey
Alexis Shaw
Alicia Renee Sanchez
Alyssa Toni Leach
Amanda Luedtke
Amani Wagner
Angelina Martinez
Anthony Wilson
Artist Graham
Austyn Hartwell
Bianca Moore
Brion Poole
Capria Lee
Carys Frances Church
Chantell Perkins
Christian Jelks
Cieara Keaunte Simms
Cory Evans
Dante Dayee
Dashana Golds
Deondre Riley
Dhuguma Bati
Eileen Katherine Grace
Elizabeth Halbert
Emoni Polk
Ema Corahni
Evalynn Eleby
Frank Edwards
Geroldine Anderson
Gracie Virginia Evans
Iqra Mohamud Abdullahi
Jennifer Danielson
Jessica Dreischmeier
Jessica Smith
Jimmy Hardin
John Fahrendorf
John Marston
John Thaysen Clay
Kasia Lee
Kate Martig
Katiya Janiece Longs
Khia Ross
Kwedeh McBorrough
Lamin Touray
Lashawnda Manson
LeAnne Wilcox
Light Bastian Love
Lorraine Lige
Majesty Holden
Malea Seng
Margaret Larson
Mariah Turner
Micah Isaiah Jamaal Coatie
Miguel Jones
Molly Grosz
Monique Carrillo
Nicole Grosz
Olivia Harris
Patrick Joseph Bayle
Raheem G. Finklea
Rosamaria Brooks
Roseline Momo
Sameya M Osman
Samuel Lopez Bautista
Samuel McWell
Sariah Jean Jackson
Shaynice Flemming
Stevana Ndumbe
Takeysha Sharron Robinson
Tamiko Allen
Tyshauna Washington
Veronica Dokken
Yvonna Yashica Kwan Foots
