We are excited to announce our Spring 2025 Team Members of the Quarter – the recipients for our quarterly recognition program! Our Team Members of the Quarter each received a $50 gift card and certificate from their leader to show our gratitude for all their hard work.
Mike Ratliff has been named LifeView Group Team Member of the Quarter
Mike Ratliff, IT systems administrator, is known for his responsiveness, kindness and respect. Mike consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of his colleagues, regardless of their role. He approaches every challenge with patience, a positive attitude and an unwavering commitment to problem-solving, ensuring that no one feels overlooked or unimportant.
His ability to explain complex IT issues in a way that everyone can understand has not only made technology more accessible but has also fostered stronger connections across departments. Even on his busiest days, Mike communicates openly, making sure that every request is acknowledged and prioritized. His dedication has led to informed decision-making, cost savings and a more connected workplace.
Mike’s impact is widely recognized—so much so that multiple departments, including Adult Residential (Lodges, Villas, Hernandez House and Lakeview Place), Short-Term Residential Treatment (SRT), LEAP and Adult Case Management, all came together to nominate him for this honor. Their collective appreciation speaks to the invaluable role he plays in supporting the team. Congratulations, Mike!
Shannon Spann, CHIPS clinical manager, Lakeview Center
Shannon Spann, CHIPS clinical manager, has been named Lakeview Center Team Member of the Quarter. Working in the CHIPS therapeutic foster care program is demanding even in the best of times, but during the holiday season, the challenges multiply. This past December, when multiple team members were out, Shannon stepped up in an extraordinary way, ensuring that every child and foster family continued receiving the care they needed.
With two therapists already scheduled for time off, another team member—who was covering multiple homes—requested PTO to prepare for a critical certification exam. Understanding the importance of professional growth while prioritizing client care, Shannon took it upon herself to cover all necessary therapeutic home visits, even making a visit on New Year’s Day to accommodate a foster family’s schedule. Her unwavering commitment to both her colleagues and the families they serve exemplifies LifeView Group’s mission and values.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Shannon plays a vital role as a supervisor for Bachelor of Social Work and Licensed Clinical Social Worker interns, shaping the next generation of social workers with her leadership and expertise. Her dedication, adaptability and willingness to go above and beyond make her an invaluable part of the CHIPS team and Lakeview Center as a whole. Congratulations, Shannon!
Amy Weeks, child welfare case manager, FamiliesFirst Network
Amy Weeks, child welfare case manager, has been named FamiliesFirst Network Team Member of the Quarter. She exemplifies our values in everything she does. Her journey from family support worker to case manager has been marked by dedication and excellence—evident in her completion of certification in less than the allotted 10 months. Now, as a leader in her field, Amy has achieved the highest number of reunifications on her team, currently at six!
Amy never settles when advocating for children and families. When a client struggled to secure ABA services, she took it upon herself to visit the provider in person, ensuring the children received the care they needed. She went even further by securing a grant to cover the cost of services. Over Thanksgiving, she recognized that a recently reunified parent might struggle to provide a meal, so she arranged for a full Thanksgiving dinner, ensuring the family could celebrate together.
Amy also takes care of her team. Knowing the emotional toll of child welfare work, she created personalized “positivity boxes” filled with uplifting notes from coworkers. Now, on tough days, her teammates have a reminder of their value and the impact of their work. Amy’s compassion, determination and leadership make her an invaluable asset to FamiliesFirst Network. Congratulations, Amy!
Mikala January, project manager, Global Connections to Employment
Mikala January, project manager for Fort Johnson in Louisiana, has been named Team Member of the Quarter for Global Connections to Employment. She consistently exceeds expectations, not only by achieving high scores on her goals but also by stepping up to lead whenever needed.
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Mikala motivated her team by rewarding strong attendance, reducing callouts and improving customer service. She also organized teamwide contests and prize drawings to boost morale. When a cold snap hit Louisiana, she secured heaters for team members in need. She keeps GCE sites inspection-ready and recently led a last-minute cook augmentation effort, hiring 20 cooks and getting them ServeSafe certified in record time—earning high praise from military inspectors.
Beyond her site, Mikala fosters team morale and community engagement, encouraging GCE participation in the Leesville, LA Mardi Gras parade and even helping organize a GCE float. Her ability to inspire, uplift and go the extra mile for her team and organization makes her an invaluable part of GCE and LifeView Group. Congratulations, Mikala!
