Staff Standouts Recognized At Annual Board Meeting Breakfast

December 6, 2024

McCall held its Annual Board Meeting Breakfast on December 6 to celebrate the incredible work our staff members do each and every day. “Many thanks to all who made it happen and attended,” said McCall President & CEO, Maria Courant Skinner, LCSW. “For those unable to make it – we missed you!”

A big thank you for everyone who participated in the Staff Award nomination process – the response was terrific. “It is SO evident that you have great admiration for one another,” Maria said about the organization-wide survey designed to give special recognition to deserving staffers. “What an amazing testimony to the generous team culture at this special organization!” Without further ado, here are this year’s winners, as voted by fellow McCall team members.

Heart of Gold Award

For the staff member who embodies our mission to inspire hope and promote wellness and healing through a continuum of behavioral health services – prevention, treatment, recovery supports, and community engagement – for individuals of all ages and families across Connecticut.

The winner is Noel DeLeon, Community Engagement Specialist. Here’s what his colleagues say about Noel:

“Noel embodies the description of Heart of Gold. I have witnessed his gentleness, kindness, and compassion on a regular basis.”

“He’s simply a beautiful person with a beautiful soul and a heart made of pure gold.”

“Noel always steps up for his clients and coworkers alike. Noel has given more than his all to the company and the people he believes in.”

“Noel goes over and beyond to make sure individuals receive the services and treatment needed.”

Shining Star Awards

Given to the person who interacts with staff and clients in a friendly manner, positively motivates and respects others, is accountable, dependable, flexible, and a good team player, is committed to excellence and professional development, demonstrates an open mind, takes a creative approach to problem solving, and helps to develop new ideas.

It was a tie!! Congrats to Darian Graells, B.A. CPS, Prevention Program Supervisor & Alex Long, Food Services Coordinator. Don’t let us sing the praises of these standout staff members, look what their colleagues wrote…

About Darian

“Darian is one of the most friendly and personable colleagues I have ever worked with. In the office, she creates a culture of comfort and care, and out in the community, she makes strangers feel like they’ve known her for years.”

“Darian is, above all, an outstanding team player. She is committed to professional development and approaches problems with an open mind.”

“Darian sets such a positive tone in every room she’s in, whether it’s somewhere within the McCall office or in the community. She’s very approachable, dependable, charismatic, and relatable.”

“Darian is a force to be reckoned with! She has a positive attitude and wants the best for McCall and the clients she serves.”

About Alex

“Alex has one of the most stressful jobs in Residential, and I have never seen him lose his cool or be anything but polite, empathetic, and patient.”

“Alex always comes to work with a smile and is there to help and accommodate with anything that both staff and clients may need.”

“He is always making sure everyone is fed a nutritious meal filled with love. Not only is his cooking amazing, but he serves the clients with a smile every single day.”

“Alex goes above and beyond. He always has a positive attitude toward his peers and clients.”

Alex’s supervisor, Clinical Program Director Teesha Huertas, LCSW, adds, “Alex is that staff member you hope for. He is friendly, kind-hearted, a team player – and, man, can he cook!”

Service Awards

We also celebrated the retirement of two board members, whose years of service to McCall have been marked by unwavering dedication, impactful contributions, and a steadfast commitment to supporting our mission and the clients we serve.

Pictured from left to right:

Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW, President & CEO

Susan Suhanovsky

Frank Travisano

Joe Stanley, Board Chair