Celebrating Our Team: A Day of Appreciation, Recognition, and Impact

On the final day of school at Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania came together to celebrate the true heart of our organization—our incredible team.  This appreciation event was more than just a day of gratitude; it was a celebration of purpose, commitment, and the powerful work being done in schools across our region every single day.

The event provided a well-deserved break from the frontlines of student support and gave our team an opportunity to connect, reflect, and be recognized. As we looked out over the mountain views, we honored employee service anniversaries, applauding those who’ve dedicated years to empowering students and families in Eastern PA. Each milestone reflected a deep and lasting impact on the communities we serve.

One of the highlights of the day was our annual employee awards ceremony. These awards shine a spotlight on individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in their roles, bringing our mission to life through creativity, collaboration, and care. This year’s honorees truly embodied the spirit and values of CIS:

• Five Basics Award – Manny Sostre and Kemmy Francis were honored for their exceptional work at Tyson Schoener Elementary. Together, they have created a supportive, engaging environment by implementing programs that reflect all Five CIS Basics. From trauma-informed staff training and social-emotional learning groups to after-school clubs and academic support, their efforts have positively transformed the school climate. They’ve built strong relationships with students and families, provided basic needs through pantry boxes and a clothing closet, and even introduced career exploration opportunities. Their work culminated in a community clean-up project, instilling pride and responsibility in students. Manny and Kemmy’s dedication truly embodies the CIS mission.

  
  

• Innovative Project or Program – Wanda Colon and Loris Rodriquez were recognized for their leadership in launching a school-wide home visit initiative at 10th & Penn Elementary. In collaboration with school leadership, they coordinated visits to every student’s home throughout the year—building stronger connections between families and the school. Each visit included a learning bag with academic resources and a pantry bag of food, fostering both educational support and basic needs assistance. This creative, large-scale effort deepened trust, improved communication, and helped staff better understand the students they serve—making a lasting impact on the entire school community.

  
  

  

  
  

• Milliken Leadership Award – Nick Camacho was honored dedication to students and

  families at Southern Middle School. This year, Nick conducted home visits for each of his case-managed students, building meaningful relationships and trust with families. He also provided essential translation support during key meetings, helping bridge communication between school and home. Beyond the school walls, Nick partnered with local law enforcement and the justice system to create community shadowing opportunities for students. His tireless commitment and ability to connect resources with needs exemplify true leadership and the spirit of CIS.

  
  

• Collaborative Impact Award – Angie Gerlach from Wilson Area Intermediate School was recognized for her outstanding ability to bring together school and community resources to create meaningful change. She established a generous partnership with Five Below, securing multiple pallets of donated goods for multiple CIS sites and coordinating logistics to ensure smooth distribution. These items have already supported multiple tiers of interventions and school-wide incentive programs. Angie’s leadership didn’t stop there—she continues to share innovative ideas, offer support to colleagues, and contribute valuable feedback to strengthen agency practices. Her collaborative spirit truly advances the CIS mission across every level.

  
  

• Data Master Award – Ana Acosta-Colon from Southwest Middle School was honored for her exceptional skill in using data to drive timely and effective student support. She consistently completes her data tasks with accuracy and uses the information to inform school leadership and stakeholders. Ana’s data-driven approach allows her to manage a large caseload—over 70 students this year—by grouping students based on their goals and progress. Her careful monitoring ensures students receive the right level of support and are discharged when ready, maximizing her impact and helping more students succeed.

  
  

  

  
  

• IDEA Excellence Award – Caleb Baukman and Irina Del Valle were recognized for their dedication to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility through their leadership of the Minority Empowerment Clubs at Fleetwood Middle and High Schools. Together, they fostered stronger connections between middle and high school students, promoting a greater sense of belonging. Their collaborative efforts included joint presentations, cultural celebrations, community activities, and a field trip to Philadelphia to explore diverse cultures. Their work not only strengthens student engagement but also bridges the gap between schools, especially supporting minority students in feeling connected and empowered.

Our administrative team was also honored with two special awards:

• The CARE Award – Presented to Communications Manager Mike Raymond in recognition of his commitment to Commitment, Accountability, Relationships, and Equity. Mike’s creativity, compassion, and exceptional relationship-building skills shine through in everything he does. Drawing on his experience working directly inside schools, he has seamlessly translated that passion and dedication into his communications role, transforming outreach efforts and strengthening connections across all CIS sites. His leadership continues to elevate the agency’s mission and impact.

  
  

• The IMPACT Award – Program Manager Dominique Connor was honored with this year’s IMPACT Award for her outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainable growth. Known for her unwavering support and responsiveness, Dominique goes above and beyond to ensure her team feels included, equipped, and empowered. Whether it’s showing up on short notice or offering thoughtful guidance, she leads with vision and care—fostering a culture where staff can thrive both professionally and personally.

This day reminded us of the extraordinary work happening in classrooms, hallways, and communities across Eastern Pennsylvania. Our site coordinators are changemakers—building relationships, breaking down barriers, and showing up every single day for the students who need us most.

To every member of the CISEPA family: thank you for being present, for being passionate, and for being the driving force behind our mission. We are proud to walk alongside you—and even prouder to celebrate you.