The 2019 Farris Page Award

Yvette Gaines (left) with Dr. Farris Page (right)

Congratulations to Yvette Gaines, our 2018-19 Farris Page Award recipient!

This honor is presented annually to a Children’s Council staff member who displays exceptional expertise, compassion in their work and in our community, and a commitment to our mission to make quality child care and early education a reality for all children in our city.

The award was created in honor of current board member and past employee, Dr. Farris Page. Farris’ history with Children’s Council spans 30 years, during which time she has championed the inclusion of services for families challenged with mental health issues and those seeking quality educational experiences for their children with special needs.

Farris also serves as chair of the Family Child Care Provider Honoree selection committee, in conjunction with our annual Child Care Champions Luncheon.

Yvette has been a staff member at Children’s Council for 26 years. She has served in numerous positions in the organization, providing critical support and compassion to thousands of families and early educators, many of whom she has built and sustained relationships with for over 20 years.

The nominees (from left to right): Yvette Gaines, Maya Trilessky, Gabby Lopez and Rosie Castillo

This year we had four nominees for the award: Gabby Lopez, Maya Trileskky, Rosie Castillo and Yvette Gaines all serve as pillars of support and knowledge for our community.

Nominees are put forth by their fellow co-workers and are evaluated on four characteristics: being mission driven, being inspirational, demonstrating continuous excellence and exhibiting an optimistic spirit.

Dr. Page attended the ceremony and shared a few words about how grateful she felt to be honored with an award in her name. “I am so happy that my work left an impact and that this award can continue to inspire others.”

Over 70 supportive co-workers and friends came together to congratulate Yvette and her fellow nominees.

Check out the entire photo album on Facebook and a video of the Yvette receiving the award.