"You Make a World of Difference" 2023 Staff Recognition Celebration

On the morning of September 29th, the Oakland Family Services team came together outside of our Pontiac office to recognize the service and achievements of our valued staff members.

Brian Newman, Board of Directors Chair, gave opening remarks and thanked everyone for their hard work over the past year. Jay Wachowicz, Board of Directors Vice Chair, shared some exciting news about the workplace that will be publicly announced before the end of the year. Several other board members were also in attendance, including Ron Hillard (Immediate Past Chair), Kathleen Lynd, Jeff Vlasic, and Ted Willett.

Jaimie Clayton, President and CEO, emceed and gave remarks throughout the event.

Fifteen individuals were honored for their years of service at the agency with speeches (and one song) from their supervisors:

Five Years

  • Jennifer Batey, Youth Peer Support Specialist

  • Shannon Blevins, Supervisor of Clerical Operations

  • Alison Desmone, Lead Family Preservation Case Manager

  • Kerri Gentry, Vice President of Program Operations

  • Amy Hostinksy, Supervisor of Clinical Services

  • Sarah Kukla, Intake Clinician

  • Shelly Martyniak, Outpatient Medical Case Manager

  • Becca Pifer, Early On Evaluator/Service Coordinator

  • Lynette Whitten, Supervisor of Foster Care Licensing

Ten Years

  • Kym Carlson, Day One Therapist

  • Lisa Gillett, Foster Home Licensing Consultant

  • Rod Kovac, Director of Facilities

  • Chelsea Quinn, Outpatient Therapy Supervisor

  • Valerie Whitaker, Home-Based Therapy Supervisor

Fifteen Years

  • Colleen Horton, Specialized Services for Youth Therapist

Many staff members were also recognized for reaching their one-year milestones.

Pamela Coleman-Gay, Early On Evaluator/Service Coordinator, celebrated her last day with Oakland Family Services before retirement. She was honored for her almost 40 years of service with the agency.

In the weeks before the celebration, all Oakland Family Services staff had the opportunity to nominate their peers for the 2023 “Cultural Difference Maker” awards. Categories included:


  • Focused on Customers

  • Team Player

  • All About Solutions

  • Inspiring to Others

  • Delivers Exceptional Results

  • Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Champion

  • Brings “Good Ole Fun”

  • Lives and Breathes OFS Culture

  • Passionate for Our Mission

  • OFS Ambassador

  • Acts with Integrity and Respect

  • Wellness Champion

  • Seeks to Learn

  • Gives Benefit of the Doubt

  • Practices Brutal Truth

  • Embraces and Drives Change

  • Does Whatever It Takes

  • Manages Up


Genevieve Jones, Specialized Services for Youth Therapist, took home the big trophy for 2023 “Difference Maker.”

Our staff truly makes a “world of difference” for the agency as a whole and the clients we serve. It is always a pleasure to recognize the team that is committed to building brighter futures for individuals and families in the community. We look forward to celebrating many more years with our passionate and dedicated staff members.

Learn more about careers at Oakland Family Services

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