2022 Fall OKACAA Conference Program by okheadstartcollaborationoffice

2022 OKLAHOMA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCIES FALL CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 21-23 EMBASSY SUITES DOWNTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY

COMMUNITY ACTION PROMISE COMMUNITY ACTION CHANGES PEOPLE’S LIVES, EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF HOPE, IMPROVES COMMUNITIES, AND MAKES AMERICA A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE. WE CARE ABOUT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, AND WE ARE DEDICATED TO HELPING PEOPLE HELP THEMSELVES AND EACH OTHER. CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL CONFERENCE GUIDE! SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW!

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OKACAA OKACAA Fall 2022 Conference

Thursday: September 22, 2022 8:00 AM - Registration Opens 8:30-10:00 AM - Session 1 10:00 10:15 AM Break 10:15 AM-12:00 PM - Session 12:00-1:30 PM - On Your 1:30-3:00 PM - Session 3:00 3:15 PM 3:15-4:45 PM - Session

CAP-PAC Lunch or Lunch

Friday: September 23, 2022 8:00 AM - Opens in the Southwest Foyer 8:30-10:00 AM - Session 10:00-10:15 AM - Break 10:15-11:45 AM - Session 12:00-1:30 PM -

Registration

Wednesday: September 21, 2022

Annual Awards Lunch

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Meetings

8:30 AM Opens 10:00AM -12:00 PM - Pre-Conference 12:00-1:30 PM - Lunch On Your 1:30-3:30 - General 3:30 5:00 PM Social Hosted by Schedule

CHECK OUT THE COMMUNITY PARTNER CONFERENCE GAME IN YOUR REGISTRATION BAG FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE! THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE CONFERENCE SPONSORS!

CAP-PAC Lunch this Thursday September 22, 2022 12:00-1:30 PM Located in the Everest Room The Community Action Program-Political Action Committee is the only political action committee dedicated to fighting poverty by supporting the national efforts of the Community Action network! Join us for a lunch to support CAP-PAC! A $25 donation will get you a seat at this luncheon with Guest Speaker, Susan Agel, who recently retired as president of Positive Tomorrows, one of the nation’s few private schools solely for homeless children.

OKACAA BOARD - Everest Ballroom OWHAC - Young Ballroom C HS DIRECTORS - Young Ballroom E HS STAFF - Young Ballroom A RX STAFF - Young Ballroom D IT Directors - Gaylord Room LUNCH ON YOUR OWN Pre Conference Meetings 10:00 AM 12:00 PM OKACAA Fall 2022 Conference Schedule Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Welcome Christie Baldridge, OKACAA President Invocation Carroll Huggins, KI BOIS Executive Director Legislative Update Brent Morey, OKACAA 2nd Vice President Remarks Amanda Ewing, OKACAA Executive Director "Resilience in the Workplace": Recognizing and Responding to Trauma Jenna Morey, Executive Director, ReMerge & Lauren Stover, Interim Executive Director, OK County Crisis Intervention Center and Oklahoma Crisis Recovery Unit Conclusion Amanda Ewing, OKACAA Executive Director 3:30-5:00 Conference Welcome Reception Everest Ballroom and Veranda Join us in the Everest Ballroom and Veranda for Food, Drinks, and a chance to WIN a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Opening Session - 1:30-3:30 PM - Young Ballroom B

We are thankful for our generous Conference Sponsors! Thank you, Mollett-Hunter Insurance!

You're invited! Join us for a Welcome Reception and Social Event on Wednesday afternoon from 3:30-5:00 PM in the Everest Ballroom and Veranda! Join us for heavy hors d'oeuvres and a chance to win prizes! Interested in getting a FREE professional Head Shot done y morning? SCAN THE QR CODE to sign up! Spots are limited!

We are thankful for our generous Conference Sponsors! Thank you, CAPSystems!

OKACAA Fall 2022 Conference Sessions Thursday, September 22, 2022

Community Action Agencies (CAAs) address the unique causes and conditions of poverty in their communities. Community Needs Assessments provide CAA’s rich information from their community to inform agency Community Action Plans which outline how the agency will work with the community to address identified needs. In this session, the National Community Action Partnership will review how to use your Community Needs Assessment, Theory of Change, and Strategic Plan to inform the development of a results-oriented Community Action Plan. In addition, ODOC will review the required Community Action Plan template, due with the CAA annual pre award risk assessment.

Oklahoma State Extension’s Community Nutrition Education Programs provide basic food, nutrition, and physical activity education to limited income Oklahomans. Child care providers and Head Start teachers can go through a series of lessons and earn continuing education credits free of charge. Our programs also reach parents and children and can be a resource for referrals to other agencies and services. This session will describe CNEP, and its benefits and show how reciprocal referrals can bring success to program participants. A food experience will be shared as it's used in a lesson.

Presenter: Andrea Schroer, NASCSP

Presenter: Candy Gabel, OSU Extension

Room: Young Ballroom D/E

Learn how to recognize the psychological and physical impacts of long-term trauma exposure in the field. As WAP workers we can be the front line of many traumatic indicators that accompany low income households. What things can the individual and the agency do to manage compassion fatigue and exposure to trauma? 8:30-10:00

Your Financial Policies and Procedures Say What? Oh My.

Community Action Plans

Presenters: Paula Jennings and Shellie Schlegel, ODOC; Maribeth Schneber-Rhemrev, NCAP

Community Action Agencies have financial policies and procedures that should be reviewed and updated regularly. But what do they include? Do they reference outdated regulations? Do they follow old processes and systems when new ones are in place? Is the organization at risk of receiving a finding because the documented procedures are not followed? This session will explore these questions and more!

Recognizing and Managing Trauma and Burnout for WAP Workers

Room: Young Ballroom A

Room: Young Ballroom C

Room: Young Ballroom B

Teaming up with Community Nutrition Education Programs

Presenter: Courtney Kohler, WIPFLI

AM - Session 1

Presenter: Andrea Schroer, NASCSP

2022

How to Manage Stress when everything is Urgent!

OKACAA Fall 2022 Conference Sessions

Session 2

Effective Staff Onboarding and Training Practices

This interactive session will introduce Community Action Agency staff to the purpose, key concepts, activities, and processes associated with Strategic Planning that is adaptable and calls staff and board members to think about the whole agency truly and not just the collection of programs currently being operated. The session will use the Organizational Standards as a benchmark and the Community Action Standards of Excellence as best-in-class practices that will support adaptable Strategic Plans driven by community needs and strengths, a clear vision, and continuous learning and quality improvement practices. ODOC will also review state guidance for Organizational Standards Category 6.

Presenter: Courtney Kohler, WIPFLI

Room: Young Ballroom D/E

Presenters: Paula Jennings and Shellie Schlegel, ODOC; Maribeth Schneber-Rhemrev, NCAP

Strategic Plans

How staff is onboarded into the agency and developed over time can significantly impact employee experience and tenure. Not only is this a requirement in the CSBG Organizational Standards, but an effective process for onboarding and training can set up the individual and organization for success, as well as contribute to career pathways and employee retention and engagement. Join this session to learn the key elements and examples of how this has been done well in other CAAs.

Room: Young Ballroom B

How to manage, cope and lead in the middle of the urgent epidemic. Learn how to use urgency to motivate rather than burn out your team; break down the trust formula and its relationship to urgency and motivation. Participants will have interactive breakouts and understand how to protect themselves and keep balanced so that urgency is not all-consuming.

Disabilities 101

Thursday, September 22, 10:15-12:00 PM -

Presenters: Paula Brown, Head Start Collaboration Office Mark Sharp, Christi Landis, Nancy Goosen, Kristen Coleman, Oklahoma Department of Education

Room: Young Ballroom C

Room: Young Ballroom A

Disabilities 101 brings together Head Start Performance Standards for children with disabilities, Oklahoma’s Part C (SoonerStart), and 619 regulations and protocols. Hear directly from Oklahoma State Department of Education staff. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

Presenters: Paige Milson and Muska Kamran, NASCSP

Ensuring that Oklahoma’s children and families are well supported as they work to achieve school readiness and other life goals requires a stable, talented workforce committed to effective program and service delivery. In the age of the Great Resignation, competition for top talent is fierce and exacerbating recruitment and retention challenges that seemed daunting prior to the pandemic. This session will provide an overview of contributing factors and challenges along with potential strategies to strengthen your workforce in support of your mission. Attendees will also be able to share their experiences and learn from one another.

The Board's Role in the Financial Health of a CAA

Presenters: Ed Long, MetaFund

Room: Young Ballroom D/E

Understanding and supporting the financial health of a Community Action Agency is an essential responsibility and core duty of a board member. This involves knowing how to read and understand fiscal reports and engaging in dialogue and making sound decisions to contribute to financial health. Join this session to discuss what the board needs to know and how to engage and lead to a more generative approach to fiscal oversight.

Room: Young Ballroom B

Room: Young Ballroom A

Talent Recruitment and Retention: Delivering Quality Services and Results for Oklahoma Children and Families

Presenter: Courtney Kohler, WIPFLI

Part I will lay the foundation for why we collect data in the CSBG Annual Report. We will discuss ways to engage in good data practices and ensure that we have useful information to conduct impact analyses. Whether it is for your targeting for next year or for board reports and newsletters, your data can be a powerful tool to help you communicate your impact and improve agency and client outcomes. In Part II of this session tomorrow, we will go over examples of how you can use your data to enhance and communicate impact.

Using Data for Planning and Reporting Outcomes Part 1

Room: Young Ballroom C

Federal Updates

Presenter: Andrea Schroer, NASCSP

NASCSP will provide weatherization updates on important federal guidance, legislative outlook, advocacy, competitive funding opportunities, NASCSP working group initiatives, and other important topics that impact the WAP. 1:30-3:00 PM - Session

OKACAA Fall 2022 Conference Sessions Thursday, September 22, 2022

Presenters: Amanda Marcott-Thottunkal and Kayla Cornett, ODOC

Straight from DC! Come to listen, examine, discuss, and learn about resources available to guide you in meeting the four OHS Priorities for the coming year.

Presenters: Julie Teska, CAP Systems

Presenters: Tamara Brickey and Robin Bowen, ICF

Room: Young Ballroom B

OKACAA Fall 2022 Conference Sessions Thursday, September 22, 2022

Organizational Standard 4.6 requires an organization-wide, comprehensive risk assessment to be done every two years and reported to the governing board. While the minimum requirement is the assessment and reporting to the board, it requires action and follow-up by the agency to benefit from the assessment. This session will review how CAAs can meet this standard, as well as risk management tools, resources, and promising practices to move beyond compliance.

Community Needs Assessment

ODOC has provided a guide for completing the triennial needs assessment. Though we have detailed directions, it is helpful to periodically remind ourselves of the purposes (yes, plural) of this document other than for compliance. Another session at this same conference will be covering data analysis, so this session will focus more on purpose, process, and methodology.

Introduction to the ODOC WX Operations Manual

Risk Assessment

Room: Young Ballroom D/E

Room: Young Ballroom C

ODOC will introduce the new WX Operations Manual and outline the new policy structure for all weatherization policies and updates starting with the program year 2023. 3:15-4:45 PM -

Presenter: Denise Harlow and Maribeth Schneber-Rhemrev, NCAP

Room: Young Ballroom A

Office of Head Start 2022 2023 Priorities

Session 4

ODOC’s Energy Team will highlight the most important updates and changes in the new WX Operations Manual and review when agencies need to be compliant with which requirements by when. ODOC will also discuss ongoing training opportunities for the manual. 8:30-10:00

Room: Everest Ballroom

Room: Young Ballroom D

Are you a new or seasoned Community Action board member wanting to learn more about your duties and responsibilities? In this session, the National Community Action Partnership will review the history of Community Action and their boards, Community Action board structure and responsibilities, nonprofit board governance, and the fundamental principles and practices Community Action boards need to succeed. Join this session to connect with fellow Community Action board members, engage in deep learning about board governance, and learn and share best practices!

Join this lively, hands-on session to deepen your understanding of the powerful connections between nature, culture, language, and learning. Connect fascinating research on nature-based learning and how it supports development across the domains of the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. Leave this session reconnected to your love of nature and ready to share information, ideas, and resources to inspire programs to get outside!

OKACAA Fall 2022 Conference Sessions Friday, September 23, 2022

Presenters: Paige Milson and Muska Kamran, NASCSP

In Part II of this session, we will go over examples of how you can use your data to enhance and communicate impact.

It's Natural! Encouraging Development and Sustaining Culture

Presenters: ODOC Energy Team

Key Updates to Know in the NEW WX Operations Manual Part I

Presenter: Denise Harlow and Maribeth Schneber-Rhemrev, NCAP

Room: Room E

Room: Gaylord

CAA Board Training Part I

Using Data for Planning and Reporting Outcomes Part II

AM - Session 5

Presenters: Tamara Brickey and Robin Bowen, ICF

Presenters: Julia Teska, Jean Cooper, and Brian Cayer, CAP Systems

Key Updates to Know in the NEW WX Operations Manual Part II

Using Science to Captivate and Motivate Adult Learners

CAPTAIN Update

Room: Gaylord

Room: Room E

OKACAA Fall 2022 Conference Sessions

CAA Board Training Part II

Room: Young Ballroom D

Presenters: ODOC Energy Team

Have you ever wondered, “What makes training stick? What makes an adult learner stick with it?” There is a science to adult learning, and we know a lot about how the brain takes in and uses information! Join us to explore ways to expand your training toolkit by using real-world scenarios to collaborate and reimagine adult learning approaches. Leave with information and resources and be inspired to help program leaders design “sticky” staff training.

Presenters: Tamara Brickey and Robin Bowen, ICF

Room: Everest Ballroom

Friday, September 23, 2022 10:15-11:45 AM - Session 6

Today’s session is an update regarding the Grants Management Database pilot project. This database provides complete and timely information regarding all agency programs and is the vehicle to meet all ROMA cycle requirements for establishing service goals and services, in addition to reporting requirements for Boards of Directors, agency management, and program managers.

Presenter: Denise Harlow and Maribeth Schneber-Rhemrev, NCAP

We are thankful for our generous Conference Sponsors! Thank you, Discount School Supply!

Susan Agel

Tamara Brickey has a BS in Early Childhood Education and a M.Ed in Early Childhood Special Education. Mrs. Brickey has worked in Head Start as an employee as well as part of the Training and Technical Assistance network for Head Start/Early Head Start since 1990 Currently, Mrs Brickey is an Early Childhood Specialist with ICF (Inner City Fund) serving grant recipients in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Brian Cayer is the President of CAP Systems and works with CAAs in several states assisting them in meeting ROMA requirements. He works directly with agencies in these states providing assistance specific to their needs.

Paula Brown

Tamara Brickey

Paula A. Brown, Oklahoma’s Head Start Collaboration Director, has 37 years of experience in Head Start and the world of young children and families She previously completed 23 years as the Disabilities Services Manager for United Community Action Head Start She earned her BS in Psychology from Oklahoma State University in 1985 and her Master’s in Special Education from Ashford University in 2013 and is working on her Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Sciences from Oklahoma State University. She has been a Governor’s appointee to Oklahoma’s Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention (ICC) since 1998, currently serves as the chair of the Infant Mental Health Committee for the ICC, has recently been appointed by the Governor to the GICH, and serves on the Employment (Education/Training) Sub Committee, is on Oklahoma’s Pyramid Model Leadership Team, Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness’s Board of Directors, OSU’s Institute for Building Early Relationships (IBEaR)’s Advisory Board, Autism Foundation of Oklahoma’s Early Childhood committee, and Oklahoma’s Clearinghouse on Early Childhood Success. She is the proud mother of 2 Head Start Alumni. Her oldest, Michael, has developmental disabilities and was one of the first children to be fully included in his school. Her youngest, Daniel, is a Fellow in Pulmonary Critical Care at OU Medical Center. She is also the proud Mee maw of Vivienne, age 2, Harper, 8 months, Jayden age 18 and Gabby age 14 and makes her home in Stillwater, OK with her husband and biggest fan, Bob

Brian Cayer

Robin Bowen

Susan Agel has worked to advance the mission of nonprofit organizations nearly all her professional life She recently retired as president of Positive Tomorrows, one of the nation’s few private schools solely for homeless children. Susan was named the 2016 Woman of the Year by the Journal Record newspaper and has also been named a “Most Admired CEO” for three years (2016, 2014 and 2013). Susan is chair of the Homeless Children & Youth Steering Committee of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth and served as a member of the Governor’s Interagency Council on Homelessness (2016 2022) In 2011, Susan was recognized by the FBI with its Director’s Community Leadership Award for Oklahoma Most recently, Susan was named the 2021 Fellow of the Academé of Achievers of Central Christian College of Kansas, the school’s highest award In 2020, she received the 2020 Buddy Faye Foster Lifetime Achievement Award by Oklahoma Lawyers for Children. She serves as chair of the national board of administration for the Free Methodist Church USA and was a member of Leadership OKC Class XXIV. Susan was a member of the collaborative which created the ReMerge prison diversion program and was one of the founding board members of the Count Me In 4 Kids collaborative, working to improve conditions for children at risk of entering foster care She is married to Elias Agel, a retired high school chemistry teacher Their oldest daughter, Amanda is assistant principal at South Tulsa Academy and the mother of four. She is married to Drew Ward, partner with Ernst & Young. Daughter Kaitlin Agel resides in Plano and is a veterinarian and area medical director for Petco Clinics in Oklahoma and Texas.

Robin Bowen has a BS in Special Education and a M Ed in Curriculum and Instruction Mrs Bowen has been working in Head Start since 1989 as an employee and serving as part of the Training and Technical Assistance network for Head Start/Early Head Start since 2016 Currently, Mrs Bowen is an Early Childhood Specialist with ICF (Inner City Fund) serving grant recipients in Oklahoma and Texas.

2022 Fall Conference Presenter Profiles

Nancy Goosen

Denise Harlow

Denise Harlow, CCAP, is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Community Action Partnership, a national hub that links the nation’s 1,000+ Community Action Agencies to each another and to federal, state, and local leaders looking to connect Americans to greater opportunity. Prior to her tenure at the Partnership, she was the Chief Executive Officer for the New York State Community Action Association where she launched the Association’s annual Symposium on Poverty and Economic Opportunity and its annual Report on Poverty in New York State She has also served as the Sr Vice President for Capacity Building for the New York Council of Nonprofits where she was the project director for the New York State Board Training Consortium Denise has more than 28 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector, has served on several nonprofit boards of directors, and was an appointee to the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council in New York State. She has extensive experience in board governance, strategic planning, public policy/advocacy, leadership development, and organizational development. She is a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP), a certified ResultsOriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Trainer, and a Pathways to Excellence Peer Reviewer. She started her Community Action career as a social worker with the Schenectady Community Action Program She has a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University at Albany where she was also a Fellow on Women and Public Policy at the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society, and holds a Bachelor Degree in Social Work from Valparaiso University.

Jean Cooper

Nancy currently works for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Services, as a Special Education Program Specialist. She has been in the field of education for 36 years. Nancy graduated from Oklahoma State University (OSU) with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development, as well as a Master's of Science degree in Applied Behavioral Studies. Nancy attended the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) to obtain the additional hours for administration and served 22 years as the Director of Special Services for the Edmond Public School District Prior to working for Edmond Schools, Nancy worked for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Regional Education Service Centers (RESC) and the Child Service Demonstration Center (CSDC) as a certified school psychometrist, as well as an administrator of the Oklahoma County RESC. The majority of her career has been in the area of special education policies and procedures at both the local school district and at the state level.

Kayla Cornett

Kayla Cornett has been with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for over a year. Starting out as a programmatic, administrative, and fiscal energy project specialist, Kayla is now the Weatherization annual grant Programs Planner. Previously, Kayla worked as the Community Development Director for the City of Piedmont Kayla holds a Master’s degree in Community Development from Kansas State University

Kristen graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a masters degree in Education. She taught Special Education for 18 years in Oklahoma and Texas. For the last 6 1/2 years she has been a Program Specialist at OSDE in the Office of Special Education Services.

Jean Cooper served as Executive Director for Northeast Oklahoma Community Action Agency in Jay and oversaw the expansion of programs at that agency. She currently consults with CAAs in Oklahoma and works with CAP Systems in expanding its services for those agencies

Candy Gabel

Kristen Coleman

Candance (Candy) Gabel, MS, RD, LD, Associate State Extension Specialist, is the State Coordinator for OSU’s Community Nutrition Education Programs. She made her way back home to Oklahoma four years ago after a long career with the University of Missouri Extension Service and their Family Nutrition Education Programs. Candy is an avid runner and dancer. She lives with two Maltese fur babies and treasures her moments with her four grandchildren

Paula has more than 10 years’ experience as a CSBG monitor for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and over 15 years’ experience working for a non-profit organization in the developmental disabilities field. Her experience includes program management, budgeting and financial management, compliance oversight and monitoring for programs such as CSBG, ESG, DOE and various state funded programs Paula currently serves as the CSBG CARES Project Manager for the Oklahoma Community Services Block Grant Program

Paula Jennings

Ed holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma with specializations in public policy and public management, and completed all coursework for a Ph.D. in political science, with a focus on public administration, public policy and American politics and government. He has co-authored journal articles related to strategic planning and the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993. His experience includes strategic planning, evaluation, public policy, public/nonprofit management, program development, communications, community & consumer engagement and government relations.

Christi Landis is the Professional Development Specialist for SoonerStart on the state team at the State Department of Education. She has been with SoonerStart for 8 years serving in several roles. Christi has also been a SoonerStart parent and grandparent. Prior to her time at SoonerStart, Christi was the Education Director for Special Care, Inc. for many years. Christi was also an adjunct professor at OSU OKC teaching early care professionals about teaching, understanding and celebrating the inclusion of children with differing abilities within their classrooms Christi is proud to work for the SoonerStart program and embraces its mission of helping Oklahoma children develop to their fullest potential while providing individualized, family centered early intervention services to empower families to support and advocate for their children with developmental needs.

Ed brings 20 years of public and nonprofit sector experience to MetaFund. He previously served as Founder and Principal of Cross Sector Innovations where he worked with community and governmental partners to develop enhanced public private partnerships and innovative service models to improve social outcomes In his position as Chief Impact Officer, Ed facilitates the expansion of MetaFund’s financing and community development activities. He is honored to serve as a member of the Program Committee for the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits; member of the Wellness Committee for the Oklahoma City Community Foundation; member of the criminal justice reform grant committee for the Arnall Community Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation; immediate past chair for the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma; member of the steering committee for the Oklahoma Employment and Training Alliance; member of the Oklahoma steering committee for Advancing State Policy Integration for Recovery and Employment (ASPIRE); member of the Epic public charter school board; president of the Oklahoma Association for Infant Mental Health; and, an active member of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.

Courtney Kohler

Courtney Kohler is a consultant at Wipfli on the Strategy & Transition team in the Nonprofit, Government, & Education industry. She has worked directly with individuals in the community, as well as at the state and national levels to develop and deliver training programs, build organizational capacity, facilitate assessment and planning processes, and identify best practices in organizations Prior to Wipfli, she spent 8 years in the Community Action Network at Missouri CAN, then the National Community Action Partnership. She is a Certified Community Action Professional and a Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer. Courtney’s role at Wipfli includes strategic consulting services, training, community/organizational assessments, and business development related to a variety of nonprofits, including Community Action Agencies and Head Start organizations.

Muska Kamran

Ed Long

Christi Landis

Muska Kamran is the Director of Research of the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP). Muska joined NASCSP as the CSBG Project Manager in 2017. She has worked in various project management roles in the nonprofit sector in an effort to help underserved communities. Prior to working with NASCSP, Muska was a program officer for Liberty's Promise where she helped low income, immigrant youth and their families achieve self sufficiency by accessing higher education and stable careers Muska holds a Master's in History and a Bachelor's in History and Political Science from Johns Hopkins University

Jenna Morey currently serves as the Executive Director of ReMerge of Oklahoma County, where she is responsible for leading a team of compassionate doers, ensuring that ReMerge has the resources needed to serve its participants with excellence, telling our community about the promise of diversion versus incarceration, and creating a culture where healing and hope are not only possible, but probable. Prior to ReMerge, she served as the Vice President of Workforce Development for Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma She has also led statewide efforts to expand apprenticeship and work based learning opportunities under the Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development and worked for a decade with international nonprofits in Afghanistan, Switzerland, and Indonesia. Jenna earned her BA in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma in 2007 and in 2011, graduated with a Master of International Affairs from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. She is a member of Rotary Club 29, Leadership OKC Class 40, and was appointed by Governor Stitt to serve as a board member for the Governor’s Council of Workforce and Economic Development Throughout her career, Jenna has found great purpose in driving policies and programs that help others seize opportunities and reach their full potential

Maribeth is the Director of Organizational Capacity at National Community Action Partnership (NCAP) Maribeth has proudly served the Community Action network since 2010 at the local, state, and national levels, including at a local Community Action Agency where she provided direct services, facilitated agency planning and continuous improvement efforts; serving at the state level as Kentucky’s Director of Family Support where she led the state team responsible for administration and implementation of SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CSBG, and LIHEAP; and at the national level as the CSBG State Assistance Director at the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) where she supported CSBG Lead Agencies to effectively administer CSBG and address poverty at the state level Maribeth is a Certified Community Action Professional, certified Results Oriented Management and Accountability Trainer, certified Project Management Professional, and holds a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in law and public policy. Maribeth is an avid animal lover and enjoys hiking and being in nature.

Amanda Marcott Thottunkal has been working with the weatherization assistance program and community action agencies at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for 9 years She started as a monitor (prior to Quality Control Inspection requirements), and has crawled up many attics and setup a few blower doors After 4 years as a monitor, she worked as the Oklahoma Weatherization Program Manager before becoming the Director of Energy and Empowerment programs in 2022. She currently oversees multiple state and federal grants including the Weatherization Assistance Program. Amanda is also a Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

Shellie Schlegel

Shellie has 35+ years experience in various roles related to the administration of State and Federal Programs. Her experience encompasses finance and accounting, procurement, contract development and monitoring for programs such as Maternal and Child Health, Terrorism Preparedness and Response and Workforce Development Shellie currently serves as the Program Planner for the Oklahoma Community Services Block Grant Program.

Paige Milson

Amanda Marcott-Thottunkal

Maribeth Schneber-Rhemrev

Paige Milson is the Senior Policy Analyst of the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) She is committed to building sustainable, equitable avenues for prosperity and has a diverse background in affordable housing, youth advocacy, rural community development, and anti hunger work. She uses her skills in research, data analysis, and data visualization to share stories and improve lives. Paige is an alum of the Emerson National Hunger Fellowship and holds a B.S. in Public Health from the University of Texas at Austin

Jenna Morey

Mark Sharp is the Executive Director for the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program for the State Department of Education. He has served in this role since 1998. He has also served in the roles of Administrator, Regional Coordinator and Resource Coordinator. Mark has served on countless state councils and boards. He served in the role of At Large Member and Treasurer of the Infant and Toddler Coordinator Association. "During my time in SoonerStart we have endured significant change but our amazing families, staff, community partners and mission of the program has kept us moving in a positive direction "

Julia Teska

Lauren Stover

Lauren Stover is a licensed alcohol, drug and mental health counselor (LADC/MH) and serves as the Interim Executive Director for the Oklahoma County Crisis Intervention Center and Oklahoma Crisis Recovery Unit (OCCIC/OCRU), an agency within the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). Lauren has worked in behavioral health for 10 years with passion for serving those with Severe Mental Illness, Trauma, Addiction and Personality Disorders During her time with OCCIC/OCRU, the facility has been recognized as ODMHSAS Facility of the Year in 2019 and 2021, successfully went through a merge of two facilities, was directly involved in the MAPS4 grant for additional crisis centers and is currently leading the way for 23 new Urgent Recovery Centers and crisis service expansion across the state of Oklahoma.

Mark Sharp

Julia Teska is one of Oklahoma’s ROMA trainers and consults with agencies regarding ROMA related topics. She worked at Northeast Oklahoma Community Action Agency in its Job Training program She now works for CAP Systems

We are thankful for our generous Conference Sponsors! Thank you, Mutual of America!

Congratulations to all of the Community Action Longevity Award Recipients! Thank you for your commitment to the lives of the people in Oklahoma! Annual Awards Lunch September 23, 2022 12:00-1:30 PM Young Ballroom B/C Featuring an Address by Denise Harlow, the CEO of NCAP!

Oklahoma Association of Community Action Agencie Annual Awards Luncheon Longevity Award Recipients Charlotte Derryberry 10 Years Kevin Stinson 10 Years Donna McCollum 15 Years Beth Pearce 15 Years Nakia Rhodes 15 Years Dana Turner 15 Years Patty Williams 15 Years Angie Dethloff 20 Years Veronica Hughes 20 Years Donna Marie Hicks 35 Years Linda Holloway 40 Years Big Five Community Services Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma/ Canadian Counties Howard Hodge 10 Years Michael Miller 10 Years Barbara Walden 10 Years Phyllis Wren 10 Years Janette Traylor 10 Years Karen Browner 15 Years Sharron Milligan 15 Years Carla Stanford 15 Years Georgia Wilson 15 Years Judith Arrieta 20 Years Tisha Cleveland 20 Years Nancy Davis 20 Years Barbara Elliott 20 Years Tammy Faerber 20 Years Tia Goode 20 Years Mary Gonzales 20 Years Kristi Haney 20 Years Curtiss Mays 20 Years Sherry Melton 20 Years Haydee Pott 20 Years Tamara Russell 20 Years Diana Blanton 25 Years Jacqueline Crenshaw 25 Years Debbie Evans 25 Years Delores Smith 25 Years Lisa Morris 30 Years Robert Roberson 40 Years

Victor Barajas 10 Year Susan Bass-Dunlap 10 Year James Blackford 10 Year Tracey Fisher 10 Year Melissa Hatton 10 Year Larry Pohlpeter 10 Year Holly Rivera 10 Year Chryiss Seese 10 Year Terry Collom 15 Year Christy Glisson 15 Year Virginia Kimsey 15 Year Summer Lester 15 Year Dean Newville 15 Year Max Clayton 20 Years Tracy Collom 20 Years Shawn Fisher 20 Years Annette McCormick 20 Years Carrie Villarreal 20 Years Juan Cruz 25 Years Ruby Elix 25 Years Judy Ridling 25 Years Pam Ruiz 25 Years Robert Meador 30 Years Mary Smith 35 Years Community Action Development Corporation Community Action Resource and Development Aidee Villegas Corona 10 Years Cindy Crisp 10 Years Stormie Points 10 Years Christine McClain 10 Years Tamara Applegate 15 Years William Ingle 15 Years Ladonna Warren 20 Years Randa Wilkins 20 Years Celestine Hyeche 20 Years Charlotte Kerr 25 Years Sandra Mizer 25 Years Karen Nelson 25 Years Karol May 45 Years Community Development Support Association Diedra Williamson 15 Years Cheri Ezzell 25 Years Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency Howard Scott Baird 10 Years Delta Community Action Foundation, Inc. Landra Stevenson 15 Years Terrell Turman 15 Years Debby Covington 20 Years Rebecca Glover 20 Years Sheresa Patrick 20 Years Jackie Perry 20 Years RuGenia Baxter 25 Years Jamie Tow 30 Years Great Plains Improvement Foundation Mylinda Mack 10 Years Patrick Smith 10 Years Gary Newberry 20 Years Trecia Franklin 25 Years

INCA Community Services, INC. Kimberyly Matthews 10 Years Zachary Motley 10 Years Patti Bell 15 Years LaQuita Thronley 25 Years Sue Ishmael 30 Years KI BOIS Community Action Foundation Carolyn Byrd 10 Years Karen Fish 10 Years Mary Francis 10 Years Jeannette Frazier 10 Years Joyce Harjo 10 Years Beverly Holmes 10 Years Belinda Holmes 10 Years Fred Lovett 10 Years Marvin Sixkiller 10 Years Casey Smith 10 Years Beverly Bain 15 Years Drusilla Dearman 15 Years Patricia Eaton 15 Years Amy Fair 15 Years Manuel Fixico 15 Years Jordan Cheryl 15 Years Daphne Long 15 Years Curistie McGuire 15 Years Sandie Rutherford 15 Years Jamie Stinson 15 Years Venita Williams 15 Years Royce Alverson 20 Years Stephen Basinger 20 Years Tammy Casey 20 Years Nancy Newsom 20 Years Glenda Riggs 20 Years Gena Ward 20 Years Billy Fazekas 25 Years Pamela Harless 25 Years Gwendolyn Walker 25 Years Linda Love 30 Years Sherri Washburn 30 Years KI BOIS Community Action Foundation LIFT Community Action Agency, INC. Vicki Lester 10 Years Tamera Payne 10 Years Sheila Peddy 10 Years Kathy Galvano 10 Years Lisa Watkins 10 Years Kimberlee Weatherford 15 Years Tina Kitson 15 Years Carol Buster 15 Years Cindy Mills 15 Years Cathy Zachry 15 Years Rita Burke 15 Years Kristie Priddy 20 Years Tammie Fewell 25 Years Doris Long 25 Years Elnora Mayes 25 Years Sharon Pennell 30 Years

North East Oklahoma Community Action Agency Penny Andrews 10 Years Elesa Graham 15 Years Kristen Stout 25 Years Opportunities, Inc., CAA Brian Rice 15 Years Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, INC. Silvia Araiza 10 Years Tonya Kelley 10 Years Colleen Holland 15 Years Tammy Lockman 15 Years Becky Hayes 20 Years Claudette Bowen 35 Years Sheila Clark 35 Years Ingrid Gifford 35 Years Mary Mingura 35 Years Ethel High 40 Years Washita Valley Community Action Corporation Liane Howell 15 Years Sharlotte Key 45 Years United Community Action Program Cassandra Rascon Gutierrez 10 Years Sarah Gonzalez Jack 10 Years Dalen Jackson 10 Years Sarah Barnes 10 Years Tabitha Barnes 10 Years Michelle Canfield 10 Years Deborah Green 10 Years Bonnie Beauchamp 10 Years Barbara McCulley 10 Years Penny Nicolet 10 Years Christina Finn 10 Years Timothy Haspany 15 Years Sharilyn Blubaugh 15 Years Michelle Turner 15 Years Charmaine Benedict 15 Years Sandra Martin 15 Years Kerissa Day-Phillips 15 Years Bridget Oliver 15 Years Jennifer Bentley 15 Years Kathryn Griffith 15 Years Misty Stafford 15 Years Jerri Harris 20 Years Crystal Kirkham 20 Years Beverly Johnson 20 Years Donna Graves 20 Years Kim Rice 30 Years Janet Thrasher 40 Years

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