"I Won't Just Tell You, I'll Show You" GEM Recipients Model Behavior

July 27, 2022

PORT ST. LUCIE - Communities Connected for Kids congratulates Veronica White and Sara Topmiller for winning this quarter’s Going the Extra Mile – or GEM – Award.

White and Topmiller won the award, an honor given to staff and caregivers for excellence in serving children and families in Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast, for the period spanning April through June.

White, a case manager supervisor in St. Lucie County, received the award in the Emerald Division, which covers case-management staff. She was nominated by fellow Case Manager Supervisor Mo Shihadeh.

“There are so many things I can say about Veronica, but the main thing that comes to mind is determined,” Shihadeh said. “She has, on multiple occasions, gone out in the field to assist her people and give them the guidance they need showing them on a daily, ‘I will not only tell you how to do things, but physically show you as well’.”

In a world that has changed so much since COVID, Shihadeh said it is refreshing to work with people who will genuinely look out for others and lead by example.

Sara Topmiller, quality management specialist, received her GEM award in the Ruby Division, which recognizes the work of administrative and program staff. She was nominated by St. Lucie County Director Lorrene Egan, who praised her for her work on multi-disciplinary team staffings.

"Multi-Disciplinary Team staffings were enacted through law in 2021, and CCKids had to use existing resources to meet the new requirements,” Egan wrote in her nomination.

The call went out to staff, and Sara answered, she said.

“Sara Topmiller has been performing double duty for eight months, and still she is so professional and sensitive to the needs of children and families as they struggle through placement, education, and sibling separation issues.

“She shows excellent partnership in working with case management, the department, the Guardian ad Litem program and a multitude of families and providers. She just keeps pushing on with a positive attitude and outlook.”

CCKids’ Board of Directors will recognize White and Topmiller during its July Board meeting. Each employee will receive a $100 bonus and a plaque.

If you know a CCKids employee who has gone above and beyond, let us know. Click the link to the nomination form.