WILMINGTON, Del. — This week, during Public Service Recognition Week, the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) proudly celebrates the extraordinary contributions of its staff through both state-level and departmental awards.

“Public service is about people, and our team represents the very best of what it means to serve,” said Steve Yeatman, Secretary of DSCYF. “We are proud to recognize the individuals and teams who consistently go above and beyond to help Delaware’s children and families thrive.”

While we celebrate this year’s honorees at both the state and department levels, we also acknowledge the dedication of every DSCYF team member whose work makes a difference in the lives of Delaware’s children and families every day.

Statewide Recognition: Governor’s Awards

• Kathleen Rees, Sherrie Downs, and Micheala Vanderslice received the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service. This award recognizes employees for their exemplary service and dedication.
  • Kathi Rees, a Family Crisis Therapist Supervisor with the Division of Family Services, leads the second shift in New Castle County and has provided statewide coverage for nearly a year, often working double shifts. Kathi manages the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line, supports her team through high-stress situations, and leads with compassion and dedication, playing a critical role in protecting vulnerable children and maintaining frontline operations statewide.
  • Sherrie Downs and Micheala Vanderslice, Family Crisis Therapists with the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services, were honored for their exceptional teamwork, skillfully balancing authority and therapeutic care to support rehabilitative goals in secure care settings. Drawing on their frontline experience, they advocate for youth, engage families and provide essential guidance. Recently, they secured food, transportation, and educational resources for a distressed youth’s family, going well beyond their job duties.
• The GEAR P3 Innovation and Efficiency Award was presented to DSCYF’s Updated Retention Schedules Team: Jill Hamilton (Project Lead), Varina Marshall, Alexandria Blake, Allia Smith, Lindsey Joslin, and Benedictine Ramos. This award recognizes teams that serve as role models in their application of continuous improvement techniques and achievement of outstanding results. The Updated Retention Schedules Team modernized business record retention practices within DPBHS, identifying over 900 boxes for removal and generating approximately $540,000 in annual savings.

Learn more about the Governor’s Awards.

Departmental Recognition: DSCYF Employee Awards

DSCYF recognized its 2024 internal employee awards, celebrating outstanding service and leadership across the agency.

• Employee of the Year: Kathleen Rees, Division of Family Services, was also honored at the department level for her leadership, support of frontline staff and continued efforts to ensure children receive critical support statewide.
• Team of the Year: Micheala Vanderslice & Sherrie Downs, Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services, were also recognized at the department level for their work as Family Crisis Therapists with justice-involved youth in secure care facilities. They were recognized for helping youth shift their beliefs and actions, allowing them the opportunity to make different choices after they are released from custody. They are fierce advocates for the youth they serve and go beyond their day-to-day duties to support both young people and their families.
• Supervisor of the Year: Amanda Pedicone, Division of Family Services, honored for her strong leadership of the Kent and New Castle Counties Serious Injury and Sex Abuse Units. While often supporting Sussex County, Amanda manages high-stakes cases with urgency and care and always makes time to guide her team. She inspires and leads with excellence.
• Support Staff of the Year: Paige Ott, Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, was recognized for her proactive support. Paige mastered new tools, improved resource management, and strengthened event logistics.
• Rising Star Awards:
  • Jonathon Berrios, Division of Management Support Services/MIS, for outstanding IT support and leadership in onboarding and phone system migration.
  • Halima Bryant, Division of Family Services, for her strength-based, outcomes-focused casework with vulnerable youth and families.
  • Dillon Johnson, Division of Management Support Services/MIS, for innovations in building automation and security systems that enhance efficiency and compliance.
• John E. Stevenson Award: Deidra McNatt, Division of Management Support Services, for exemplifying the values of compassion, leadership, and dedication. As Supervisor of the Criminal History Unit, Deidra has guided colleagues through complex system transitions and policy updates while volunteering her time to support youth programming. Her optimism, initiative, and collaborative spirit reflect the legacy of the award’s namesake.

Watch the DSCYF Employee Awards Presentation

We are proud to celebrate these honorees and all DSCYF staff for their commitment to public service throughout the year.

About Public Service Recognition Week
Public Service Recognition Week is celebrated annually during the first week of May to honor the contributions of government employees across the country. For more information, visit the Partnership for Public Service.

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