WJCS celebrated outstanding achievements by employees over the past year at our annual holiday celebration on January 10th. Congratulations to our well-deserving 2024 Staff Award Winners!
Batkin Developmental Disabilities Professional of the Year Award
Kendra Fray, Residence Manager
Kendra has been a vital member of WJCS Community Programs since 2014, bringing exceptional leadership and compassion to her role as Residence Manager. Known for her hands-on approach, Kendra ensures individuals’ needs are prioritized—whether coordinating medical appointments, supporting families through transitions, or decorating new spaces to ease adjustments. Her leadership was especially evident during the successful transition of residents from Valdale House, where her efforts ensured comfort and continuity. Kendra’s unwavering commitment to the people she serves and her ability to inspire staff make her a valued role model and leader.
Clinical Staff of the Year Award
Monica Valdovinos, Social Worker
Monica has been a cornerstone of the WJCS school-based team since 2014, earning admiration for her commitment, consistency, and clinical expertise. As an exceptional children’s therapist, Monica brings patience and deep understanding to her work, always putting the child’s needs first to inspire lasting progress. Whether co-leading after-school programs, working through challenging cases, or supporting families, Monica’s calm approach and dedication foster meaningful results. Her passion, creativity, and reliability make her an invaluable advocate for children and a trusted colleague to her peers.
Leonard Rohmer Outstanding Accomplishment Award
Ashley Cabrera, DSS Program Coordinator
Ashley is a dedicated and versatile leader whose impact spans multiple roles at WJCS. As Director of the DSS Satellite Clinic in Yonkers, Ashley skillfully supports staff and clients while coordinating with the Department of Social Services. Her warm personality and “can-do” attitude create a welcoming and productive environment, even in high-stress settings. Ashley also oversees WJCS Social Clubs, promoting dignity and respect for members, and chairs the Clinics Incident Review Committee, where her expertise ensures thoughtful reviews and improvements. Her leadership, compassion, and reliability make her an essential part of the WJCS team.
FSSY 2024 Dedicated Service Award
Bernadette Renwick, FSSY Director of Housing Programs
Bernadette Renwick is a Health Care Administrator with more than 35 years of experience, the last 29 years spent at FSSY. She has been a steady hand, firm, friendly and respectful, reassuring clients and staff while dealing with the mundane and the extraordinary. Her responsibilities have grown to include legislative advocacy, community engagement, compliance, audits, and contract management. In recent years, Bernadette shepherded the FSSY Home Care department through the dark days of the pandemic and the successful closure of FSSY Home Care Department in 2024. Bernadette is a former member of several Professional Advisory Committees and a longstanding Executive Board member for NYS Association of Healthcare Providers. Her ability to get people to listen to what some may seem as opposing views is her superpower, ensuring her success in her leadership of FSSY Housing Program. Bernadette’s belief that all people deserve dignity and respect is a guiding principle in her life.
Susan Lewen Staff Excellence Award
Caitlin Leon, Director for Training and Digital Equity
Caitlin is an exceptional team member whose passion, dedication, and leadership shine across her many roles at WJCS. A skilled trainer and facilitator, she successfully leads impactful Mental Health First Aid initiatives while playing a pivotal role in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) work. She chairs the Training Subcommittee, guiding her team through challenges with persistence and vision. Whether supporting youth through difficult transitions or collaborating on agency-wide initiatives, Caitlin’s professionalism, positive energy, and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable part of the WJCS team.
Susan Lewen Staff Excellence Award
Judy Fink, Director of Senior Care
Judy embodies the very best of WJCS through her expertise, compassion, and dedication to senior services. Recognized county-wide as a leader and advocate, Judy mentors colleagues and inspires her team to grow as professional and caring social workers. Her exceptional ability to build partnerships, foster teamwork, and quietly deliver tremendous results has elevated the reach of senior programs. Judy’s quiet leadership and boundless care make her a trusted colleague, a valued mentor, and an extraordinary advocate for the seniors she serves.
Reggi Mensch Spirit Award
Janet Paseltiner, ParentChild+ Program Coordinator
Janet has been an inspiring leader in the Mount Vernon community as Coordinator of the ParentChild+ program since 2018. Known for her creativity, energy, and exceptional leadership, Janet fosters collaboration and trust within her team of Early Learning Specialists, improving services for families. Her engaging trainings, innovative curriculum development, and leadership of the Summer Fun in Hartley Park Program have strengthened WJCS Early Childhood Programs’ reputation and reach. Janet’s dedication, warmth, and ability to inspire both staff and families make her an invaluable part of the team.
Reggi Mensch Spirit Award
Natasha Francis, Peekskill Clinic Secretary
Natasha is the heartbeat of her team, embodying professionalism, warmth, and reliability. Managing the front desk with focus and grace, Natasha skillfully handles administrative tasks while creating a welcoming space for clients and staff alike. Known for her resourcefulness, attentiveness, and positive energy, Natasha seamlessly balances multiple responsibilities and consistently goes above and beyond. Her dedication and calm presence provide invaluable support to the clinic, earning the admiration of colleagues and clients who recognize her as an essential part of the team.
Geo is a dedicated leader and clinician who seamlessly balances multiple roles at WJCS. As Assistant Clinic Director in Mt. Vernon and Interim Clinic Director in Yonkers, he provides exceptional clinical support to staff and clients while ensuring both sites run smoothly. Known for his “Super Hero” approach, Geo’s work includes mentoring clinicians, engaging clients, and promoting Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), for which he serves as Coordinator. Whether representing WJCS at events, mentoring colleagues, or stepping up to assist in any way needed, Geo’s expertise, positivity, and team spirit make him a true asset to his clients and colleagues alike.
Congratulations to our most-deserving Annual 2024 Award Winners! You make us #WJCSProud!
