2024 Values Award Winners

Every employee at Ashley House works daily to ensure that the children and youth in our care live their best life possible. The Annual Ashley House Values Awards recognize staff members who demonstrate the values of Ashley House: Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, and Holistic Care.

Staff members are nominated by their coworkers; those nominations are reviewed by the Senior Leadership Team. We wish we could provide an award to EVERY nominee, as each one had one thing in common: they represented the best of Ashley House.

The 2024 Award Winners are each outstanding staff members, who make a difference in the lives of not just our kids—but their co-workers. The awards were presented January 23rd, 2026 at the Admin Building. We know that many of you could not attend, but we wanted to share some of what was said during the presentation: (NOTE—not everyone was able to attend, so we do not have photos of all winners)

Professionalism: Alyssa Smith Longee

The transition from Children’s Country Home wasn’t easy; but Alyssa stayed positive, supportive and solution focused the whole way. She asked questions to understand, not to blame, and always kept both staff and clients in mind. Alyssa believes that every child in our care should have as many everyday and fun experiences as possible, taking them on outings, and encouraging the kids to play in the bouncy house, vents, oxygen tans and all! These seem like small things but they make a big difference! Her attitude, teamwork, and steady professionalism set the tone for others, and made a real difference during a challenging change! We’re truly grateful for her and proud to recognize her accomplishments!

Integrity: Elizabeth Berquest

Integrity is an uncompromising adherence to values , sincerity, honesty and candor. It requires us to be convicted in our thinking and consistent in our message and actions. And If you pair that with a little old school hip hop and amazing leggings - and a tunic shirt of course—you have Elizabeth. She is a bouncing ball of energy that delivers quality care with a positive attitude, offer solutions when needed, and is the nurse every other nurse wants to follow. And this is just how she rolls – or runs!

Teamwork: Jordyn Brazier

Watching Jordyn’s journey at Ashley House has been an amazing experience: first as a C.N.A, then an LPN and now, an RN, she demonstrates not only her commitment to personal and professional growth but also her deep devotion to the children and families she serves. Jordyn is a true team player. She is always willing to step in, share her knowledge, and lend a hand to colleagues. Even when she doesn’t know what’s best she takes the opinions, knowledge and skills of her coworkers into account. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on both her patients and peers, making her a deserving nominee for recognition in integrity, compassion, and teamwork.

Compassion: Kristen Howard

Leaving your own family to support another's family in need is selfless and true compassion. From her first day with Ashley House, Kristen has done whatever it takes to show up for our kids, families, and staff - during good times and during tough times. She ensures families are comfortable and supported and uses her curiosity to understand the complex family dynamics often at work, all without judgment. The love and care she has for the children, youth and families in all circumstances, shows up in her actions every day. Whether it is supporting a child and their family at end of life or helping a family with the transition from Ashley House to home, Kristen makes a difference each and every day.

Holistic Care: Alexis Johnson and Demri Adams

Alexis Johnston is one of those people who truly gets what holistic care is all about. In our homes, holistic care means knowing that our kids are so much more than vital signs and chart notes. They're people with sass and personalities, favorite songs, favorite shows/movies, families, and important connection to the staff and other kids around them. From driving our kids to therapy, turning on their favorite movie for the 5th time that day, helping achieve their developmental milestones, and "racing" around the house -"Ready, Set, Go!" Alexis shows up for all of that - through patience, compassion, and presence, our kids feel seen, safe, and valued. Thank you for everything you do and for bringing your heart into your work every day.

As a Certified Nursing Assistant at Bridges to Home, Demri Adams provides truly holistic care to every child she touches. She doesn’t just monitor vital signs and assist with cares —she joyfully plays with our kiddos, treating them as children first, then patients. She pays close attention to their comfort, warmth, and emotional needs, she also makes sure they always look good. By caring for the whole child—body, mind, and environment—she creates a sense of safety and love around each patient. Her dedication and tenderness never go unnoticed; families and coworkers alike deeply appreciate the warmth and heart she brings to her work every single day. We are a better team because of having Demir as one of our amazing CNAs

Inclusivity & Impact Award: Teneah McDaniel.

Since she started at Ashley House, Teneah has been working in big and small ways to create systemic inclusivity: not in the way of big brands that show people of color in their ads, but in true inclusion. Her goal in not simply that everyone have a seat at the table—but that everyone feels that they are an important part of that table. She speaks up—even at times when she is the only one speaking up—on actions that may be excluding or judgmental. As one of the staff members who initiated the Employee Resource Group which seeks to implement inclusion into our programs, Teneah has actively sought to help staff access additional resources, drafted policies, planning events and working to educate our staff and community about the power of inclusion.

The Crabb Award: Madeline DeRoche

Madeline is an exceptional pediatric nurse whose dedication and compassion shine through in every aspect of her work. She goes above and beyond here at Bridges to Home, to ensure that each child receives the best possible care, bringing comfort to both our patients and their families. Known for her teamwork, Madeline collaborates seamlessly with her co-workers and our providers, always lending a helping hand, fostering a supportive environment, and assuring the best clinical practice is provided by herself and her teammates. Her positive attitude and dedication to our patients make her a cherished member of our team and a true inspiration to us all. We are a better team because of having Madeline as one of our amazing Nurses.

The Pugsley Award: Co-winners Emily Guffin and Megan Smith

When we opened the Spokane House in 2023 there were growing pains. Megan, the House Social Worker, weathered the storm as our first satellite operation got settled through the bumps of licensing and operations but she needed a strong clinical support - a Nurse Manager who knew Ashley House and our mission. There was already a staff member we thought might fit the position - Emily had previously worked for Ashley House when she lived in Puget Sound, and was now working at the Spokane House. She took on the Nurse Manager position in mid-2024, and partnered with Megan to stabilize and strengthen the program. The transformation has been amazing! They have demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism, and integrity as they lead the Spokane team. The house that was once struggling has turned into a house that demonstrates ALL of our values. Megan and Emily went above and beyond their job descriptions, and moved mountains to benefit our kids, their families and the staff in Spokane.