Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home announces 63 employees have completed the organization’s 2014-2015 Staff Leadership Program. This follows the graduation of 16 staff two years ago and 42 staff last summer from the Home’s Staff Leadership Program. This year’s expanded leadership program included Leadership I (16 participants), Leadership II (8 participants), Leadership III (11 participants), and Clinical Leadership (14 participants). In addition, departmental leadership courses were designed for staff of the Recreation department, Life Skills Training Center and Mental Health Supervisors (14 participants).

The Staff Leadership Program was created and is led by Gary Rambin, Director of Staff Development. The goal of these intensive Staff Leadership courses is to broadly enhance the capability of our employees by sharing content, teaching leadership skills, offering experiences and expanding the perspectives of employees who are willing to commit to the extra time and effort this voluntary program requires.

Rambin said, “We are so excited and proud for the individuals and teams who participated in this program. These staff have made an intentional commitment for self development and team development by giving their all to be and become the best they can be which in turn goes directly to pushing our Mission Statement.”

Rick Wheat, President and CEO of the Home said, “Every investment we make in our employees pays huge dividends for them and for the children and families who receive our care. By giving employees opportunities to build their leadership skills, we enhance quality of care, increase organizational strength and improve our resiliency. That this voluntary program continues to grow is a very clear statement about the professionalism of our employees. That our staff invest themselves in this leadership development program says good things about the future of our ministry to Louisiana’s children, families and communities!”

During this year’s Celebration Luncheon on June 16, Rambin announced the names of staff who completed the program and awarded the Certificates of Completion.

The names of those who completed the 2014-2015 Leadership Programs are:

Leadership I: Elizabeth Vidos, Lester Herbert, Kewanna Jones, Tammie Locke, Kenneth Brice, Nick Tatum, Natalie Orourke-Christopher, Sherree Jarvis, Shannon Jones, Tateachala Duke, LaTonya Spencer, Cynthia Venderlinden, Morgan Davis, Carnisa Pines, Shirley Stringfellow, Tahir West

Leadership II: Christina Gordan, Vivan Hardy, Dana Johnson, Otis Jones, Karen Sasser, Kasha Thomas, Ashley Warr, Matt Gaston

Leadership III: Mike Beard, Joseph Bellamy, Sammie Collins, Shartika Hogan, Stephanie Hunter, Shaun McMurray, Jennifer Blackwell-Micek, Ramonica Modest, Lenard Pruitt, Shannon Riley, Matalaoa Hammock

Clinical Leadership: Boga May, Gary Snider, Brandy Calloway, Jennifer Ditter, Andrew Morse, Mandy Willis, Shawn Downhour, Ginny Hixon, Mamie Moses, Jessica Williams, Jennifer Mire, Jamie Norris, Jenna Naron, Angel Livingston.