(From left) Supervisor Natrasha Christian-Beasley, State Senator
Bill Seitz, award-winner Gail Merkle and Section Chief Denise
Orchard celebrate Merkle's award.
Hamilton County Children's Services
worker Gail Merkle was named Child Protection Worker of the Year by
the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) last month.
Merkle, who has been at the agency for four
years, was nominated by supervisor Natrasha Christian-Beasley and
Section Chief Denise Orchard.
"In the time I have supervised Ms. Merkle,
she has demonstrated that she can manage a difficult caseload in a
professional manner," Christian-Beasley said.
The award is given to a caseworker who shows ability to develop
positive relationships with children and families; demonstrates
leadership, initiative, commitment and independency; and serves as
an effective advocate for children and families.
Christian-Beasley and Orchard praised Merkle
for her work with a 2-year-old who suffered serious physical
problems. Merkle visited the youngster every day, sometimes early in
the morning or late in the evening. She researched his conditions
and worked closely with medical professionals.
"He is doing better -- walking, smiling and
talking," Orchard said. "Although he is now blind with the prognosis
of not recovering he definitely knows Gail's voice and lights up
when she enters the room."
Christian-Beasley added: "This is just one
story that epitomizes Ms. Merkle's passion for helping others less
fortunate and more important, and understanding of her role to
advocate on a child's behalf for their well-being."
HCJFS Update conducted a quick
interview with Merkle a few days after she won the award.
Update: How long have you worked
at Hamilton County Children's Services?
Merkle: Since Oct. 5, 2005.
Update: Where did you work before
coming here?
Merkle: I started my career late. I
was a non-traditional student who was fortunate to be able to be a
stay at home mom with two daughters for several years before
graduating from college in 1995. I have worked as a substitute
teacher, worked with teen moms and was a Program Manager and a
Guardian Ad Litem for a CASA program in Great Falls, Montana. I
worked as a treatment coordinator for Pressley Ridge here in
Cincinnati before joining the agency.
Update: Where did you go to
school? What degree(s) to you have?
Merkle: I have a Bachelor of Social
Work from Central Missouri State University, 1995. I am also a
Licensed Social Worker, State of Ohio.
Update: What do you like best
about being a child protection worker?
Merkle: There are many things I like
about my job; there isn't just one thing I like best. Some of the
things I like are being able to advocate for those that cannot speak
for themselves so they receive the services they need; this includes
children as well as adults. I also like meeting and working with
people from all walks of life.
Update:
Anything you would like to say about the
award?
