Click on the a picture to go directly to the statements of appreciation that's been shared. 

Karen Bard CCF Program Assistant	Nichole Culley CCF Coordinator	Roxy Dinca MSW Program &  Fiscal Assistant		Pauline Duffy PhD & Associate Dean for Academic Affairs  Program Assistant

Erika Gitchell MSW DO Program Assistant	Kate Hahner MSW Admission & Program Assistant	Karen Harrington CCF Program Assistant	Laurie Leasure CCF Program Assistant	Nick Miller Registration & Records Coordinator

Erika Nebel SSW Student Office Specialist	Melissa Penners CFS & BSW Program Assistant	Candace Posada SSW Student Office Specialist	Jenny Sanchez CFS Office Specialist	Jessica Slothower Field Education Program Assistant

Rachel Smith CCF Office Coordinator	Lesly Verduin SSW Administrative Assistant & Reception	Sharyl Widener MSW DO Program Assistant

Karen Bard, CCF Program Assistant

"Karen Bard brings a rock-solid sensibility and responsibility, coupled with humor and practicality, to help hold the big pictures in place and keep it all on track." - Catherin Darnin

"Karen is always eager to learn and so gracious when taking on new work -- truly an asset for us! - Marisa Lara

"Karen does a wonderful job of juggling tasks associated with the numerous projects. She is an extremely quick learner and readily offers support to all on the team. Her honesty is refreshing and grounding for all around. It is a pleasure to have her, and the family, around the Center." - Bill Baney

"Karen Bard is the savvy professional lead for the Cross Systems academy. She has brought organizational systems and intelligence to this emerging program. I appreciate her patience with the trials of starting a new program and the challenges of bringing on (and supporting) new staff who are unfamiliar with PSU policies. All this while having two beautiful new babies! We think she took our motto of "it's all about the children" to heart a little more than we anticipated!!!" - Katharine Cahn

Nichole Culley, CCF Coordinator

"Nichole brings strong interpersonal skills and a ready attitude to her new role and responsibilities at the Center. Her open attitude and positive energy make Nichole a productive team member and an asset to the Leadership Academy." - Deborah Reed

"Nichole has proved to be an invaluable member of the LAMM team. She dove in with both feet without checking the temperature and has kept her head above water without needing to use her water wings. Thanks for your willingness to do whatever it takes to make the LAMM great and making it look easy!" - Rod Johnson

"Nichole has taken on her new position with incredible fortitude! She really had to hit the ground running takin gon work she'd never done before and has done so with great determination and results!" - Marisa Lara

Roxy Dinca, MSW Program & Fiscal Assistant

"Your work on planning and organizing the Welcoming and the Hooding Ceremony is amazing! It is so helpful to know you are taking care of so much of the "big picture" planning as well as the details. You continue to do a wonderful job with MSW correspondence, and you have taken on additional tasks associated with the new DARS system with still and care. Thank you so much for all your hard work." - Jim Nash

"Thank you for helpingme with all the travel arrangements for the Senior Scholar in Social Determinants of Health candidates! It was a lot of work, dealing with complicated schedules but you did a really good job!!" - John Barnett

"You are great at everything you do. Thank you for all the little things you do to make our school run smoothly and our lives that much easier. We appreciate you!!!" - Laura Nissen

"It's been great to watch you learn and grow into your role. I espcially appreciate how you work with students to prepare for graduation which is such an important event for the students." - Pauline Jivanjee

"Her creativity and artistic talents, bubble letters and wondeful colorful signs, which remind me to enjoy my crating side." - Sarah Bradley

"Roxanne's dedication and attention to her work is sprinkled with joy, kindness, and enthusiasm. I appreciate the way she brings her personal self to her work." - Stephanie Wahab

"I really appreciate your upbeat energy." - Susie Snyder

"I think Roxy could run graduation and Americorps single handed. Her organization skills, attention to detail and friendliness make it a pleasure to work with her. She takes time with students and is one of the "go to" people for students. Thank you." - Janet Putnam

"I appreciate your cheerful smile and your willingness to share your artistic talent to creat eye-cathing posters and signs for field events." - Ellen Masterson

"I'm so glad I've known you since you came to the School of Social Work.  You've grown so much and achieved so many of your goals, it's been a pleasure to be a part of that. Your color brightens our lives up, and your eye for detail keeps those bills paid! Thank you." - Crystal Froembling

"Thanks for your presistence and attention to detail. You keep us on the straight and narrow!" - Dean, Kristi Nelson

Roxanne was recognized publicly by campus partners in the PSU Business Center for her impeccable organization of financial documents and procurement card documentation, we're lucky to have her!

Roxanne Dinca was recently noted in the PSU P-Card Newsletter for her organizational skills which helped the SSW P-Card Review, go smoothly. Way to go Roxy! 

Pauline Duffy, PhD & Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Program Assistant

"Thank you for being a lovely person who guides in many ways in your soft approach to others and with your presence." - Charlotte Goodluck

"Thank you for your consistent, knowledgeable support of the Ph.D. program, continuing even as you are now juggling new responsibilities!" - Dan Coleman

"I appreciate how you have helped with so many different tasks, doing minutes for meetings (especially when it involves deciphering my awful handwriting), making folders, doing scheduling, keeping track of my calendar and doing whatever is needed." - Pauline Jivanjee

"Thank you for being so prompt and courteous in your replies to me. You are also very informative when it comes to our physical environment. Your feedback and suggestions are very uch appreciated!" - John Barnett

"The early bird among us, Pauline works quietly to accomplish the work of the Ph.D. program. I enjoyed working with you on Eileen's retirement dinner and love our "chats". Your conversation is laced with "Irishism" that are such a treat. The little treasure you share with me, like the combo folks are always a surprise package that adds a change to my admissions tasks." - Janet Putnam

Erika Gitchell, MSW DO Program Assistant

"Thank you for being so honest in so many ways." - Charlotte Goodluck

"Keeps an amazing amount of information about the distance program in her head and seems to be able to solve most any problem I bring to her. I especially value her expertise in marketing our program and her computer savvy." - Gary Smith

"Erika is the go to girl - she is organized, a super savvy techie that doesn't make a luddite like me feel silly. I really appreciate her writing skills and her web creativity." - Ginger Edwards

"Thanks for your wonderful organizational skills and attention to detail in processing the MSW-DO applications for the Eugene site. Your ability to work collaboratively with everyone involved int he admissions process made this challenging admissions process for the distance program seem like a piece of cake!!" - Gretchen Thiel

"Thank you for all that you do for Distance, your work on the Social Justice, Diversity, Equity and Invlusion Committee and your overall willingness to pitch in and get the job done. You are an amazing team player!" - John Barnett

"I can always count on Erika to help me get the things I need, to support students when it's appropriate and to make sure I'm set up with all the tools needed to teach a distance course." - Kate Davis

"Incredible use of color and style that brings "Life" to the Distance Option website. Awesome recruitment materials. Terrific attention to details and a real database wiz! Thanks for all your great work, Erika." - Mindy Holliday

"I respect and appreciate Erika's ability to speak power to truth. She is an important and valuable member of the SSW." - Stephanie Wahab

"...calm presence that belies the myriad of details she holds as she caretakes the bones of our program."  - Linda Reilly

"Erika is the distance admission queen. I appreciate all that you have done to organize and manage the distance applicants and the students in the distance sites. You are a wealth of knowledge about these students and are always able to produce the answer, quickly and with a smile." - Janet Putnam

"It's always nice to connect with you. I appreciate your thoughtful persepectives and insights about our community. I also appreciate your participation in developing our school's communication guidelines." - Ellen Masterson

"Thanks for your flexibility and the many talents you brings to DO." - Dean, Kristi Nelson

Kate Hahner, MSW Admissions & Program Assistant

"All I can say is THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK ON OUR SELF-STUDY! Your gentleness in working with me was sorely appreciated. I know I can be a bit scattered. I also appreciate your ability to have boundaries and to ask what else is needed." - Charlotte Goodluck

"It would be difficult to overstate the positive contributions you make to the administration of the MSW program. I know how much Janet values your work on Admissions, which requires you to organize and keep track of an immense amount of information -- both hard copy and electronic. You are incredibly helpful and responsive in your interactions with potential and actual applicants, and you provide speedy and accurate information to those admitted. Your work with the curriculum committee and MSW program team is superb -- well organized, prompt, and accurate. I greatly appreciate your willingness to take on last-minute tasks, such as helping with the School of Social Work Licensure packet last month." - Jim Nash

"How many MSW applications? Over 700? Wow! You do such an amazing job assisting in the coordination of the MSW Admissions process...while at the same time staying friendly, professional and such a supportive team member. Also, thank you for creating the Adjunct Spreadsheet, it has so many bells and whistles, it's incredible!" - John Barnett

"Kate is really great to work with, has a very calm and kind presence about her." - Lisa Hawash

"Wow! Incredible patiene and tremendous assistance in so many areas. Thoughtfulness and initiative that makes all of our jobs so much easier. Always a smile! Thanks so much!" - Mindy Holliday

"You have been wonderful in helping Paul to develop the workload database and getting it fully implemented. I know you have a ton of work to support the MSW Program and yet you still managed to do a great job on the BSW self-study. I'm glad you can still fit in time to help me." - Pauline Jivanjee

"The smile that never stops, so organized and patient with everything that gets thrown at her." - Sarah Bradley

"Kate's contributions to the curriculum committee this year has been invaluable and much appreciated. Thank you for your serious organizational skills!" - Stephanie Wahab

"I continue to be amazed at how you and Janet can keep track of 100s of admission files without losing your mind or your cool. You always got me the admission files I needed without missing a beat." - Susie Snyder

"What can I say, but you are the life preserver that keeps me afloat. You have made a huge difference in my ability to get work done. Your ability to think ahead, keep me on task and offer new ideas is wonderful. The work you have done in admissions is phenomenal and your interactions with applicants and students is always professional and respectful. You accept new projects with a smile and are always ahead of the timeline. Thank you, thank you, thank you." - Janet Putnam

"I have really appreciated working with you on the MSW curriculum committee. You are ALWAYS a few steps ahead in terms of anticipating folks' needs and keeping us moving forward. You are cheerful, careful, energetic, and bright - we all appreciate you so much. Thank you for everything you do!!!" - Laura Nissen

"You have an aura of quiet, calm competence about you which I appreciate. You are dependably efficient. I was quite impressed when I heard you present information to a group of newly admitted students last year." - Ellen Masterson

"Thanks for your willingness to pitch in, whatver the task, You rock!" - Dean, Kristi Nelson

Karen Harrington, CCF Program Assistant

"Karen Harrington works steadily with great humor and calmness to support the hurly-burly of Wraparound and the many last-minute needs that emerge. She keeps the boat going forward!" - Catherine Darnin

"Thanks for holding down the fort these last few months...and always with the smile!" - Kellie Herold

"Karen has the best attitude! She takes on things with a calm demeanor even under pressure." - Marisa Lara

"I'm so glad to know you are working across the street...and it's such a treat to occasionally cross paths with you! - Ellen Masterson

"Karen, I appreciate your passion and I have missed seeing you since being a different hoods. Keep it real, Karen Style!" - Crystal Froembling

"Karen's insight, support and grounded nature is an asset to all around her. She is quick to acknowledge the work of other and is reluctant to shine the light on herself. She brings a wonderful sense of humor and insight to every conversation. Karen is crucial to the success of the Center and we are lucky to have her as part of the team." - Bill Baney

"Karen is quietly one of the nicest and most efficient people in the office. I wish I could have more time to get to know her better." - Bonnie Dalton

"Karen Harrington has been absolutely totally great about backing up Karen Bard and the cross-systems team while Karen was on maternity leave. At this point I do not know what we would do without her, and I'm glad she's not staying full time. Her artistic sensibilities, her sense of humor, and her patience are all very much appreciated." - Katharine Cahn

Laurie Leasure, CCF Program Assistant

"Totally dependable and dedicated to doing a great job. Fast response to any request I make and really on top of things. A great pleasure to work with and a treasure for our program!" - Gary Smith

"Laurie is such a multi-tasker, goodness! She stays on top of so much field work for the DO team with 4 coordinators and coutless field instructors and students. She manages to remembers so much personal detail, it truly is amazing." - Ginger Edwards

"What a powerhouse you are! Thanks for all your work to support the field tasks and activities in all four distance sites, as well as your work with CWEP on behalf of our distance students! We can always count on you to support and assist us." - Gretchen Thiel

"A remarkably quick study. You have captured the heart and soul of field for the DO team...Way to go! Always a pleasure, come rain or shine. Much thanks!" - Mindy Holliday

"A dynamo.  I would be pleased to get done in week what she accomplishes in a day!" - Linda Reilly

"Laurie's great! She's a wonderful asset to the Child Welfare Education Program and I am very appreciative of the support she's provided me during this last six months!" - Marty Lowry

"I can email Laurie and always get a response within minutes. She has the info on the Child Welfare students and gently encourages us to get those admission decisions done so 4-E can make their selections. It's great to know you are there when I need to know about process or student status. Thanks." - Janet Putnam

"Laurie's thoroughness is always appreciated. I can rely on her to think of every detail, ask kquestions, and double-check which is extremely helpful!" - Marisa Lara

"You do a fabulous job helping to keep distance site coordinators and campus field team connected, which I realize is no easy task! I'm so pleased that you are part of our field team." - Ellen Masterson

"Without Laurie, I would be unable to accomplish much of anything. Laurie keeps the Partnership students' files so well organized that it is a relief to know that when I need to find information, all I have to do is pull out the file and it will be there. Laurie lets me interrupt her constantly, and is always smiling and good-natured about answering my question or finding information I need right then. She once made me wait all of 15 minutes!!! In my past, program staff people hav made me wait days, not minutes!!! Laurie is the best team player ever. She is knowledgeable beyond expectation. She is warm and willing, she is fun, she is genuine, she truly cares about me and about the students in our program. Laurie will go more than just one extra mile...thank goodness she is so efficient!!!" - Bonnie Dalton

"Thanks for your good work in the CWP and DO." - Dean, Kristi Nelson

"Laurie Leasure is the rock of the Child Welfare Education Program. This has been an extraordinarily challenging year and she has been a critical piece of the solution as we re-built the program together. Her energy, her factual knowledge of the program, and her commitment to clarity have all been a real contribution to the program. It is hard to believe that she is only half-time with the partnership; she makes a FULL time contribution!" - Katharine Cahn

Nick Miller, Registration & Records Coordinator

"Thank you to Nick for being so attentive to smooth operation of so many details; your stories of your international travel have made me feel more connected to others." - Charlotte Goodluck

"I think we are so fortunate to have you in your position, Nick. Your knowledge of the ins and outs of scheduling and registration, and your readiness to take on special projects, are outstanding. I have come to rely on you a great deal in this position. I also value how you work so well with faculty and students when they come to you with requests. You are always eager to help and quick to respond. It is truly a pleasure to work with you." - Jim Nash

"You are a Registration and Records Coordinator extraordinaire! Your attention to detail and ability to produce complex scheduling spreadsheets every term is truly amazing! To our newest staff member, "Welcome and Thank you!" - John Barnett

"Thank you for your quick and friendly help scheduling rooms or sorting out problems. It is great to have you on our team!" - Laura Nissen

"You are so organized! Thanks for the great work! Registration was never so easy!" - Mindy Holliday

"Your joining the SSW has been a gift. I like the way you are so proactive in thinking of new ways to better keep track of course planning and the schedule. And I appreciate your volunteering to join the workload group." - Pauline Jivanjee

"The newbie, who tackles an issue with creativity and thoughtfulness." - Sarah Bradley

"I feel like Nick as added a level of organization and streamlining to classroom space and organization issues. Thanks Nick!" - Stephanie Wahab

"You make registration go so smoothly and always know who to contact to get the answer to a problem. I appreciate your creative solutions and ideas for improving the way we do things. Your calm demeanor, humor and organization makes you a wonderful addition to the School and our hallway." - Janet Putnam

"I appreciate how quickly you access information when I need it...and how well you understand how to get things dones in the university. You do a great job!" - Ellen Masterson

"We are so lucky to have you! Thanks for your attention to detail and for helping us be more efficient." - Dean, Kristi Nelson

Erika Nebel, SSW Student Office Specialist

"You totally rock! I will vote for you as President." - Charlotte Goodluck

"What a delight. You always say "HI" and offer assistance without being asked. Thanks so much!" - Mindy Holliday

"You are so amazing, from your expertise with drupal to all things computer related, to your upbeat attitude and your constant ability to get the work done and troubleshoot problems....GREAT job! Thank you for always pursuing excellence in everything that you do." - John Barnett

"Always a nice smile and kind words." - Pam Milleri

"I know you've done a lot of work on the new SSW website and I think it looks great. So thank you for that and for all the other things that you do to help out." - Pauline Jivanjee

"Helpful, upbeat." - Sarah Bradley

""Sure" is your most frequent response. Is there a project you won't take on? You are quick, bring good energy to your work and produce beautiful work regardless of the task. What will we do when you graduate and no longer want to work with us?" - Janet Putnam

"I appreciate your bright and friendly disposition and willingness to help whenever needed. We are all lucky to have you." - Ellen Masterson

"You are so much fun to work with, your energy, wit, and style have made working with you an absolute pleasure.  Thank you for your constant drive, willingness to jump in on the next new idea, and your dilligence with the most boring tasks.  I want to be there when you're elected President Mz. Nebel!" - Crystal Froembling

"You are our Jill of all trades! Thanks for your flexibility and graciousness." - Dean, Kristi Nelson

Melissa Penners, CFS & BSW Program Assistant

"Melissa holds together all of CFS - she manages the faculty, advises students, and cheerleads for us all. She is the unsung hero who knows where to find everything needing to be found, how to resolve user error in our technological snafus, and how to best advocate for our students' needs. All that, and fun, too!" - Ben Anderson-Nathe

"My goodness, don't know where to start....you are tremendous in all areas. Your smile is so infectious; your ability to work with studentsk faculty, and many unexpected visitors is amazing. Your knowledge of university resoures is so helpful. Your support of the BSW Program from its infancy to "early toddler" stage is appreciated dearly. I am so fortunate that you are across the hallway. Thank you!" - Charlotte Goodluck

"Melissa has always been a wealth of knowledge about PSU and CFS. I know I can ask Melissa any time I have a question that I cannot find the answer to. Melissa is a major resource to CFS and BSW students, attentive and supportive to any number of questions that may come from students in our two undergraduate programs. Thanks for always having candy we cal all enjoy Melissa!! Melissa is the master of all things CFS." - Jana Meinhold

"You are so wonderful with students, faculty and staff...what can't you do? I am so glad we are now co-located, it has been such a pleasure working with you over the past year...Thank you!" - John Barnett

"We're all lucky to get to work with Melissa! Her organization, program knowledge, and her ability to keep track of so many moving parts is impressive. And on top of it all she's always got a smile on her face, even with the stream of people coming in and out of her office with questions only she can solve. Thanks for everything you do Melissa!" - Kate Constable

"You are amazing, beautiful and so capable!! Thank you for all your efforts to be both a supportive, guiding force for students but also do so much for us as faculty behind the scenes. You keep our boat afloat for sure...and with great joy and style. We appreciate you ever day!!! - Laura Nissen

"The woman with the key...she helps me get in my office on those days I can't keep my key where it needs to be (that may rhyme)." - Pam Miller

"You were so great working on the BSW self-study documents and you are always so helpful, even though you work with the two undergraduate programs and I know that is a lot." - Pauline Jivanjee

"Amazing calmness, always feels centered and unflappable." - Sarah Bradlley

"How is it possible that she knows the answer to every question and always responds with a smile? Thanks for all the work you do with the BSW and CFS programs." - Janet Putnam

"Anytime I need to know something about the BSW program, you have the answer or know how I can get it." - Ellen Masterson

"Have you ever thought that we are in about opposite spots on the building? I'm so grateful to see you smiling face when I take a walk "around the block" and get to say hello and check in with you.  The walk is good for me, but it wouldn't be the same without your shining personality at the other end. " - Crystal Froembling

"You are the backbone of our undergraduate programs! Thanks for all your great work with students and faculty." - Dean, Kristi Nelson

Candace Posada, SSW Student Office Specialist

"Thanks for your amazing customer service, your friendliness and your ability to assess a situation and take the appropriate action. We have really enjoyed working with you." - John Barnett

"It's great having you work at reception every afternoon and make everyone feel welcome. And I know that you manage to do all kinds of additional tasks to help out while you are here, which is wonderfull." - Pauline Jivanjee

"It's so nice to have you at the from desk in the late afternoons/evenings. I still remember and appreciate how very, very helpful you were to me when I was staffing the hospitality booth at CSWE and needed info for visitors - you cheerfully did lots of online research for me ('cause I had no internet access). Thank you!" - Ellen Masterson

"At the end of the day, the crazy stuff happens! You have it all under control with a wonderful calm personality and flexibility. Congratulations on graduation!" - Crystal Froembling

"Thanks for your welcoming and reliable presence at the front desk." - Dean, Kristi Nelson

Jenny Sanchez, CFS Office Specialist

"It is so helpful to have you around. You are flexible, thorough, supportive, and you maintain a positive can do attitude. Thank you for all of your great work!" - Melissa Penners

"Jenny, can you believe my first interaction with you I appreciated you?! I bet it's no suprprise to those that know you.  Thank you for taking action when you knew a guest needed help at our school.  You didn't have to do anything to help, but you came and found resources and took action.  Thank you!" - Crystal Froembling

Jessica Slothower, Field Education Program Assistant

"Jessica Slothower was immensely helpful in such a friendly manner, orienting me to the program and answering my many questions." - DeeAnna Dennis

"Thank you for your professionalism, your teamwork spirit and your ability to stay grounded in the midst of chaos! It is a pleasure working with you!" - John Barnett

"There is no way to express my gratitude for the multiple ways in which Jessica coordinates field communication, solves little problems and big and can always be counted on to do exactly what she said she would do. She always does it well!" - Kate Davis

"She is so responsive to field instructor requests for information - and she is just really nice to work with." - Lisa Hawash

"A really sweet person...quick to respond and so nice." - Pam Miller

"You are amazing. You juggle so many responsibilities and yet you always know what is going on in Field." - Pauline Jivanjee

"Effectively manages the whole field team, our quirky personalities, 400 students and their field applications and numerous field instructors; reminds me of things I need to do. She's always on top of everything and so calm, even when the world around her is swirling and then can speak French and talk about wine." - Sarah Bradley

"Jessica is a rock as far as I'm concerned. She has always been able to support me and field instructors around our questions and needs associated with internships. Her responses are always prompt and helpful." - Stephanie Wahab

"Thanks for all your prompt responses and the graceful way you manage so many details related to field." - Susie Snyder

"Field has been so lucky to retain this quietly talented woman!" - Linda Reilly

"It is so nice to have Jessica near my office. Her soft spoken and gentle personality is a delight. Whenever I have a question she is willing to stop whatever she is doing to be helpful. I know she keeps field ship shape and is always there to assist students. Plus she visits beautiful places and brings lovely pictures back!" - Janet Putnam

"You are such a kind, helpful and competent person and member of field team. I appreciate how professional, thoughtful, and timely you are in responding to field team, students, field instructors and faculty. I consider myself and our team very lucky to be able to work with you." - Ellen Masterson

"You are a gem among gems! Thanks for your dedication and hard work." - Dean, Kristi Nelson

Rachel Smith, CCF Office Coordinator

"Thank you for taking me to SPA! I truly appreciate your sense of direction, your sense of humor, and your overall "good sense"! - John Barnett

"I truly enjoy working with Rachel! She is always helpful, generous with her time, willing to train others, and funny to boot!" - Marisa Lara

"I really appreciate how patient Rachel always is with me and my computer questions! Also, she has the awesome screen savers that just cheer me up. She works very hard, and is an incredibly nice person just to be around. Rachel lets me pester her with the smallest questions about how to make my computer behave, about how things work in our program, about how I should be behaving!!! She is also genuine and refreshing to be around." - Bonnie Dalton

"I appreciate how well you have coordinated the meetings and work distribution for the tasks/projects I have participated in with your program." - Ellen Masterson

"Rachel, thanks for stopping and chatting about the kids, and life, and NoPo. Even though we don't have much "work" to do together, it's nice to know I'm not the only one with a teenagers!"  - Crystal Froembling

"Rachel is the touch stone for the Center. Her candor, humor, and experience are greatly appreciated. Regardless of who she comes in contact with at the Center, she treats all with the same level of support. It's great to work with Rachel." - Bill Baney

"You go girl! Thanks for your energy and verve!" - Dean, Kristi Nelson

"Rachel is the warm and welcoming face of the Child Welfare Partnership. She is absolutely unflappable and has fans across campus for her kind and accommodating manner. In particular I want to acknowledge how she conveys a warm welcome to diverse people of all backgrounds." - Katharine Cahn

Lesly Verduin, SSW Administrative Assistant & Receptionist

"As a new adjunct faculty member this year, Lesly Verduin was especially helpful as I got settled in. I appreciated her consistent friendliness and willingness to open the shared computer space for me the first several weeks of the year before I got my keys." - DeeAnna Dennis

"Such a warm face for the School of Social Work.  I am amazed at the demands of being right on the front line and her grace in managing people, questions, dumb questions (often from me) as well as her workload!" - Linda Reilly

"You are the bright spot when I arrive each morning. I am so grateful for your knowledge of everything technical and the generosity you exhibit when I need help. So many people comment on the helpful and friendly person who is their first introduction to the School. Thank you for the time you give, even to those who can be a challenge. And many thanks for taking the time to share information about the School and its programs with folks who drop by or are waiting to meet with someone. It is the welcoming first impression that is so important!" - Janet Putnam

"Thank you Lesly for being the first person I generally see when I come to the School. You are so pleasant, cheerful and calm that it often feels like a "mini serenity" break during the day. Of course I love the little "zenite" pebbles on your desk. I appreciate all the times you have made me pdf's when I need them. I also love we can discuss the beauty of northern Arizona and we both know exactly what that is like in the spring." - Charlotte Goodluck

"Thanks Lesly for always having a good morning smile and for always being patient with my many questions! Your good energy is muchappreciated!!!!" - Eleanor Gil-Kashiwabara

"A cheerful voice on the phone and a pleasant greeter at the front desk. Very efficient and capable. Performs a much wider variety of tasks than I at first realized." - Gary Smith

"Lesly, it is always a pleasure to step off the elevator on the 6th floor and see your smiling face on my quarterly visits to campus! Thanks for being such a positive and helpful "face" to the School of Social Work." - Gretchen Thiel

"It's weeks like these, (when you are on vacation) that we truly appreciate (#1) how much work you do and (#2) how you make it look so effortless! Bravo to you Lesly!" - John Barnett

"How many ways can we thank you for the cheerful, smiling capability that you share every single day raim or shine? We all benefit so much for your warmth and great care with being literally often the first contact forks have with our school community - as well as helping everyone navigate the ins and outs along the way. You are deeply appreciated!!! Thank you in giant bouquets!!!" - Laura Nissen

"Lesly is always great to work with and takes care of many random requests for so many people - she is often the entry point to the school (phone/front desk) and is always really warm, kind and generous with her time." - Lisa Hawash

"Graciousness under fire. Your welcome makes my day, day after day! The amount of time you take to assist me whenever I ask is so very much appreciated to say nothing of those wonderful treats! Thanks!!!!" - Mindy Holliday

"Gosh...she is our point person! What would we do without her?" - Pam Miller

"I know you can't be here on Friday, but I want you to know how much I admire your steady presence at the reception area and your patience with all the questions. And your work on the web has been wonderful." - Pauline Jivanjee

"A woman of many talents - web, data, and customer services. She knows and has everything, or at least if she doesn't she will find it. Always willing to help." - Sarah Bradley

"While I could go on and on about how supportive, helpful, respectful, knowledgeable and kind Lesly is to everyone in the School, I particularly appreciate her empathic and authentic way. I feel like I can be a human being around Lesly, not just a professional worker. Lesly is interested in people's lives and interests and finds all kinds of ways to engage us around our lives in general. I feel like Lesly is a serious back bone for the SSW." - Stephanie Wahab

"It is so reassuring when you are nearby to answer my dumb questions in an every-so-friendly way. You always come through for me when I need help. And thanks for your friendly "hello"s when I step onto the 6th floor. It makes the place feel homey." - Susie Snyder

"You do such a good job of welcoming people to the school and connecting them to the person or event that brought them to our school.  you quietly and effectively take care of so many details, large and small.  and, your ability to solve technology challenges is impressive and very much appreciated by me. " - Ellen Masterson

"You know that you are the glue that holds our public spaces together.  I have absolute faith that no matter who shows up at the School of Social Work you will have an interesting chat and be the friendliest person they've ever met.  I appreciate how incredibly reliable you are and committed to our school.  Thank you for sharing your passions with us through food, plants, and good conversation!" - Crystal Froembling

"You are always there to help with a smile! Thanks for being the welcoming face of the School." - Dean, Kristi Nelson

Sharyl Widener, MSW DO Program Assistant

"Steady and dependable. Always wants to help out any way she can. Goes out of her way to help me with my job. Always pleasant to work with." - Gary Smith

"Sharyl is always helpful and claming to everyone around her. She just gets it done. One thing I really appreciate is that she processes travel expenses so quickly!" - Ginger Edwards

"Sharyl, I appreciate your good-natured but dogged pursuit of the processing of travel reimbusements for me and the other site coordinators; I know it is a big job to handle for us, as well as all the faculty travelling to distance sties, and you do it with such a helpful and positive attitude. Many thanks!" - Greatchen Thiel

"Congratulations on all the hard work that you do - taking initiative, processing complicated travel and all the while being so friendly and constomer service orientated! Thank you Sharyl!" - John Barnett

"I can always count on Sharyl to help me get the things I need, to support studnents when it's appropriate and to make sure I'm set up with all the tools needed to teach a distance course." - Kate Davis

"Solid as a rock! Dry wit that never fails to deliver. One of our major team anchors. Thanks so very much!" - Mindy Holliday

"For distance, she turned those reimbusements around in no time. I appreciated that...and her kind and patient manner." - Pam Miller

"Consistent, competent, complete in her caring.  She tracks crucial program details that assist all of us in our jobs." - Linda Reilly

"Quick to share a smile, you are generous with your willingness to help me with any distance questions I may have. I appreciate your presence in the School and your wisdom. I miss our bus ride book discussion, but enjoy the times we can talk about non-SSW topics!" - Janet Putnam

"You are a wise and kind soul. I always enjoy connecting with you, even briefly in passing." - Ellen Masterson

"Thanks for your steady presence and many skills. We couldn't do it without you!" - Dean, Kristi Nelson

Want to share kudos or appreciations for someone that you know at the School of Social Work? Check out the "Contact Us" button in the menu above and choose "Share Your Appreciation."

** A special thankyou goes to Erika Nebel who built this page and made it possible!**