A Department of Social Services Children’s Service Worker from Texas County is Missouri’s State Employee of the Month for October.
Stephanie Cullen, of Cabool, has worked for the Department of Social Services for more than three years.
Cullen’s supervisor, Bobbie Jo Lewis, nominated her for her “extraordinary efforts to help a family cope with a very emotional and difficult situation.”
Lewis said in her nomination letter that Cullen had worked with a family who experienced a tragic loss. When she learned of the loss, Cullen worked with the family and other stakeholders who needed to be involved.
Cullen responded to support the mother in any way she could, Lewis said.
“It was clear the mother was grateful to have her there,” Lewis said, “Stephanie was an invaluable support for mom during this difficult time.”
Lewis recalled the mom repeatedly said she couldn’t have made it without Cullen and that she did everything she could to honor the family’s loss and “went above and beyond for this family in their time of need.”
After the event, Cullen continued support for the mother.
“She answered phone calls and text messages any time of the day or night,” Lewis said. “Stephanie acted like a true professional and demonstrated her care for the children and families the agency serves every day.”
Time after time, Lewis said, Cullen has gone above and beyond what is expected of Children’s Division staff.
“During my life, I have come into contact with many caring people,” Lewis said. “However, I can honestly say that what Stephanie has done over the last couple weeks has touched my life in a special way.”