Some 625 child support workers chose Indiana’s South Shore area to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the federal child support program this week. The 2016 Indiana Child Support Conference was held June 15-17 at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza.
Two individuals employed by Lake County Prosecutor Bernie Carter were among 12 professionals whose jobs insure that children receive financial support from non-custodial parents honored by their peers Thursday, June 16. The 12 child support professionals represent the offices of elected prosecuting attorneys in 11 Indiana counties.
Gloria Pryor, a caseworker trainer who has worked for Lake County for 36 years, received the prestigious Beatrice Deuel Child Support Superior Service Award. The award was created in 2007 by Indiana prosecutors in honor of Beatrice Deuel who was an employee and supervisor in the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. This award recognizes a retiring child support worker who exemplifies the same level of dedication and commitment to service that characterized Beatrice Deuel’s service throughout her career.
Michael Light of Lake County received the Indiana Prosecutors’ K.I.D. (Kudos for Inspiration and Dedication) Award in recognition of child support enforcement caseworkers who have performed their duties in an exemplary fashion. Michael Light, a 15-year employee with a full list of responsibilities, was honored because he is an individual who will step up and do anything a supervisor or director asks.
Additional honorees K.I.D. award recipients are:
- Christopher Job, Marion County – A leader of the county’s Fath-ers That Work program who has pushed the program into continuing improvement.
- Shelley Knoll, Decatur County – Instrumental in the past and ongoing effectiveness of the Decatur County child support office.
- Linda Reese, Fayette County – Has not let personal adversity stop her from performing her job in her excellent-as-usual fashion.
- Karen Hawkins, Allen County – A paralegal who was promoted to a team leader; exemplifies the true meaning of positive leadership.
- Robin Groomer, Monroe County – A 10-year veteran who has embraced whatever has been asked of her.
- Tammy Ensinger, Tippecanoe County – After 11 years as a caseworker, trains new caseworkers, helps others catch up on their caseloads and assist attorneys with preparation of cases for court.
- Meghan Rans, St. Joseph County – Currently enforcement supervisor, her team focused, approachable, and positive demeanor has contributed to her development into a great leader, trainer and model worker.
- Leann Dommer, Porter County – A 12-year employee who volunteers to take on new challenges and contributes new ideas.
- Diane Davis, Grant County – Views working in the child support office not just as a job but a chance to change even the smallest part of a life.
- Brittany Bruick, Kosci-usko County – Enforcement team lead who has embraced the county’s move towards a report based system and away from a participant complaint system.
An additional 95 child support workers were recognized for years of service to their counties. Jeffrey Nierman, a child support referee for Jackson and Scott Counties, was honored for 45 years.
