Mon, Apr 28th, 2025
CAPNEMO's Spring All Staff
CAPNEMO held its annual Spring All-Staff event, bringing together employees from all counties for a day of professional development, connection, and celebration. The event was hosted at the Knox County Community Center and featured a variety of engaging sessions, meaningful recognition, and delicious food catered by Colton's.
One of the highlights of the day was a powerful presentation by representatives from the Missouri Community Action Network (MOCAN), who shared the rich history of community action and emphasized the benefits of becoming a MOCAN member. Their inspiring session led to 21 employees signing up as new members, bringing CAPNEMO’s total to an impressive 43 members across the agency!
Dr. Kasi Lacey also joined the event to lead a timely session on burnout, offering practical tools and insights as the agency nears the end of the school year. Staff engaged in a reflective activity, sharing something they were proud of in themselves and something they admired in a coworker - fostering both connection and encouragement.
The day also included a leadership panel discussion, where CAPNEMO leaders addressed questions submitted by staff in the weeks leading up to the event.
A special moment of the day was the Awards ceremony, recognizing employees for their exceptional dedication and hard work.
Awards for Excellence were given to the following outstanding individuals:
Jessica Collis – Pfeiffer Head Start
Kacey Lamma – Wayland Head Start
Kristie Gottman – Glenwood Head Start
Shyannah Bass – Pfeiffer Early Head Start
Corey Montgomery – Central Office (Weatherization)
Joey Waddle – Central Office (Weatherization)
Angie Sullivan – Central Office (Special Projects)
Karen Pearson – Central Office (Administration)
Mary McCarty – Edina Head Start
In addition, Marcia Stewart from the Kahoka Head Start Center was honored for her remarkable contributions ahead of her upcoming retirement at the end of this school year.
Employees recognized for their milestone years of public service with CAPNEMO:
Edna Whitlock – 5 years, Central Office (CSBG)
Debbie Kittle – 5 years, Memphis Head Start
Jennifer Brawner – 15 years, Jamison Head Start
Eric Amini-Rad – 15 years, Central Office (Weatherization)
Karrie Maag – 25 years, currently serving as CAPNEMO’s Human Resources Director
The event was a true reflection of the dedication and passion CAPNEMO employees bring to their work every day, and a celebration of the strong community they continue to build together.
