Lisa Buckles - January 2015 State Employee of the Month

A registered nurse worked beyond her role with the St. Louis Region Quality Enhancement office with the Department of Mental Health to fulfill two clients' wishes to go to camp.

 Toronto-based Trinidad Drilling Ltd. floorhand Julio Serrato works on the first drilling of the Reveille 1H Chesapeake Energy Corp. natural gas site in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S., Nov. 23, 2009.
Toronto-based Trinidad Drilling Ltd. floorhand Julio Serrato works on the first drilling of the Reveille 1H Chesapeake Energy Corp. natural gas site in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S., Nov. 23, 2009.

Lisa Buckles has worked for more than 15 years serving in consumer health, safety and rights.

"This past summer, she stepped into various other roles," said Debra Walker, director of Public Affairs in the State Employee of the Month nomination.

Through her work as a nurse, Buckles knew these two clients for many years, watching them grow into young adults, Walker said.

"During a community RN visit, Lisa asked if these individuals would like to take a vacation. Both indicated they wanted to attend a camp," Walker said.

On her personal time, Buckles researched camps, completed applications and was able to secure scholarships for the clients, Walker said. And she provided their transportation to and from camp.

More than that, she volunteered as the fill-in nurse for that week of the camp.

"By doing so, she could also watch over the two individuals and encourage their participation in all the fun activities," Walker said.

"Lisa did all of this on her own time; including taking annual leave.

"Although she no longer has these individuals on her caseload in any capacity, Lisa continues to see them and act as a natural support."

Buckles was selected as the State Employee of the Month from other nominees by a six-member committee comprised of Missouri State Training Advisory Council members.