Cook Children's names 2025 Social Worker of the Year
Cook Children’s experience standards – to connect, collaborate and elevate – and each embodies Cook Children’s core values of kindness, collaboration, imagination, generosity, respect and safety.
This year, the honor of Social Worker of the Year is awarded to Kate DeVore, LCSW, Case Management Social Work Team Lead and Outpatient Pulmonary Clinic Social Worker. Here is an excerpt from her nomination:
“Kate’s contributions to the Case Management department are unparalleled. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that both her colleagues and the patients/families she serves are supported in every possible way. Her professionalism, kindness, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset to the team and the department. Whether she is working alongside other social workers, healthcare professionals, or administrative staff, Kate brings a sense of unity and shared purpose to every task.
In addition to her contributions to team dynamics, Kate dedicates an incredible amount of time and energy to mentoring and supporting her fellow social workers. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, whether that means providing guidance on complex cases, sharing valuable resources, or simply offering words of encouragement. Kate’s mentorship fosters a sense of camaraderie and support within the department, which not only helps her colleagues but also strengthens the overall effectiveness of the team. She consistently ensures that every social worker’s needs are met, from ensuring their well-being to facilitating a smooth workflow in the department.
Kate’s positive impact is not just felt within the department but extends to the broader organization and the individuals she serves. She has a unique ability to make people feel heard and valued, which significantly contributes to the trust and rapport that is essential in social work. Her dedication to her work, her colleagues, and her clients is a true reflection of the qualities that make her an extraordinary social worker.”
Special recognition to all social workers who were nominated by their colleagues:
- Abby Blakely
- Amy Thomas
- Blanca Wiseman
- Brianna Cronin
- Brittany Smith
- Brittney Williams
- Carrie Poley
- Carrington Lee
- Christina Reed
- Clarissa Lopez
- Courtney Englebaum
- Cris Hinojosa
- Daisy Ansley
- David Marsden
- Dayo Jolayemi
- Elena Hampton
- Elizabeth Durham
- Elizabeth Greaves
- Esmeralda Morales
- Hannah Carter
- Heather Armendarez
- Jennifer Duran
- Joana Calderon
- Karli Juarez
- Kate DeVore
- Kelly Rand
- Kelsey Gabler
- Kimberly Anderson
- Kindra Brown
- Lori Whitsett
- Madelyn Hannon
- Maria Espiricueta Cruz
- Matthew Reed
- Meredith Rose
- Nadine Gonzalez
- Rachel Grimes
- Rachel Wetherington
- Rachel Young
- Remington Pohlmeyer
- Riley Mullahy
- Sahvanna Diaz
- Samantha McGlothlin
- Sandra Cobb
- Sarah Mazdra
- Sarah Pitman
- Sarah Ray
- Shallen Fishel
- Shelley Koslan-Joiner
- Veronica Riddell
Congratulations to Kate and thank you to all our social workers!