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Each quarter we have the honor of recognizing staff whose work strengthens our programs and supports the people we serve. The Winter 2025 Shining Star recipients reflect the thoughtfulness, skill, and heart that families and colleagues see every day.
This quarter’s honorees include team members from Early Intervention, The Vista School, and Adult Services. Their stories are unique, yet they share a steady focus on helping others grow with confidence and dignity.
Shannon Assman Career Developer, Adult Services
Shannon has a knack for breaking down complex skills into achievable steps. A recent example is a backwards-chaining procedure she designed, pairing clear instructions with a visual modeling video that gave staff a tool they could use immediately to support independence. Her background in Occupational Therapy enriches the VASO team, and her practical assessment materials are easy for everyone to use.
Whether she is catching small details during Job Find sessions or offering ideas to simplify a busy moment, Shannon brings clarity and direction to her team. Her steady efforts this year have helped her colleagues feel prepared and the individuals she serves feel more confident.
Aubrey Bornemann Life Skills Instructor, Adult Services
Walking into a room where Aubrey is working, you immediately notice the calm. She connects with clients naturally, knowing exactly when to offer encouragement and when to give someone space to try something on their own. Her creativity shined this fall during a Halloween interactive reading activity that engaged the whole group without forcing participation.
Beyond her work with clients, Aubrey is a stabilizer for her team, keeping paperwork organized and supporting her coworkers whenever the day gets hectic.
Kelsey Fletcher Lead and Supervising RBT, Early Intervention
Stepping into the Lead and Supervising RBT role, Kelsey immediately shifted the room’s energy with her quiet confidence. She has a gift for making the Tiny Turtle room feel like a safe, grounded space where both staff and children feel supported.
Kelsey notices small shifts in a child’s comfort level and adjusts her approach instantly, often without drawing attention to it. Her influence extends to her team, where she communicates clearly and shapes routines that help the day flow comfortably for everyone.
Leigh Master Behavioral Health Technician, The Vista School
Leigh’s consistency has been a game-changer for her classroom, directly contributing to a meaningful reduction in challenging behaviors this year. She takes the time to understand exactly what makes her student feel safe, remaining steady even on difficult days.
Her colleagues rely on her not just for her specific duties, but for the way she supports the entire classroom, stepping in whenever needed to maintain stability. Leigh puts students first with a confidence and focus that helps them move forward.
Haley Smith Special Education Teacher, The Vista School
Haley is constantly looking for fresh, practical ways to make learning meaningful, like the new individual task lists she introduced this year. Using simple image-based prompts, she created a system that allows students to navigate tasks around the room with greater independence.
Her classroom reflects this thoughtful organization, from color-coded materials to clear routines that help staff feel prepared. Haley is also a patient mentor who collaborates easily across disciplines, setting high expectations while keeping her classroom warm and welcoming.
We celebrate each of these Winter 2025 Shining Stars for the care they bring to their work and the difference they make across Vista. Their efforts reflect the spirit of our mission and the promise of what is possible when staff feel supported and valued.
In addition to our winners, we extend heartfelt thanks to every staff member nominated this quarter. Each nomination reflects the positive impact you’ve had on your teams, our clients, and the Vista community. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed.
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