March is National Social Work Month and I want to take a moment to both recognize, thank and honor one of our very own MSW professionals.

Ray Fischer our Chief Operating Officer embodies everything Social Work stands for and more.

Ray received his MSW from FGCU (go Eagles) in 1998 and has been serving our community in a helping profession ever since.  Ray also received his Undergrad in Human Services in May of 2000. Ray began working for Camelot Community Care in 2000 and joined the Community Based Care Lead Agency in 2003. Ray has dedicated most of his adult life to serving abused children and their families in many capacities from Therapist to Director and eventually as our COO.

Every interaction between Ray and the families we serve is grounded on the ethical principles of social work, and chief amongst them is service, integrity and dignity. Ray, we celebrate National Social Work month by celebrating your commitment and contributions to improving lives of so many in Southwest Florida.

The theme for Social Work month 2021 is: “ Social Workers Are Essential”

Ray, you and all the other Social Workers at the children’s Network of SWFL are indeed essential to our collective success.

Hello Gabby, I wanted to share a text message I sent to CM Lannie Torres so you may forward this to her Sunshine Folder or personnel record. Sent at 2:04 pm, 03-03-2021:

“Lannie, I want to thank you for all of the hard work you put in on all your cases! I would especially like to highlight the extra attention you gave to Cash and working with the medical provider to ensure Cash’s specific needs for a proper transition were met. What you do as a case manager and a person who cares is no easy task. I appreciate you as does GAL K.D. and (GAL) Cathy (Corey) also let me know early on in the Cash case that you were making very sound assessments as to Cash. Not too many people know what (it) is like to be a case manager and I thank you for your perseverance!”

This message was sent via text message so a little less informal and some text omissions may have occurred.

— Sincerely, Kara Rhoden
Child Advocate Manager 20th Judicial Circuit –
Fort Myers Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Lee Counties Lee County Justice Center
1700 Monroe Street, Suite 600

“After 16 years this seems surreal.  The memories, both professional and personal, are too many to enumerate.  I will forever be grateful for your wisdom, graciousness,  explorative mind, and willingness to share your knowledge with me and other team members; we are so much more talented because of you!   I hope you know that you have inspired us to reach for higher ideals and something greater than themselves.”

— Michelle Farquharson, Quality Management Director

“Once in a blue moon, folks get lucky and find a Gem, and you my friend are our Gem.  I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for us.  Your keen eye for all things Risk related, Quality related and System related, made you a unique member of our team.  Thank you for everything you have done for us, you will be sorely missed.”

— Nadereh Salim, CEO

“I learned and laughed with you. I respect your abilities and wished I possessed more of them.  You are easy to like and that is a skill.  No one deserves it more Bill, to ride off into the sunset and go fishing, because I am pretty sure you will be doing more of that!! Have fun and stay safe my friend.”

— Ray Fischer, COO

“I wanted to take a minute and thank you for the great job you are doing. I really appreciate how you interact with foster parents, staff and stakeholders during Pride graduations. It was a pleasure watching you in action during graduation last night. We are fortunate to have your commitment and skills on our team of professionals.”

— Nadereh Salim, CEO

“I second that! Spence does a fabulous job with our families . Being involved in teaching and also the Senior in placements works perfectly. When the families are contacted for their first placement they speak to the two members of the professional team that have started the journey with them-placements and their licensing counselor. Every family ALWAYS says “ Spence if you think I can do this we will try” “If Spence thinks we are good for this kid we will try”. His commitment to the families in training extend beyond the classes he teaches. He often participates in other training classes as well.”

— Michelle Scott, APD Lutheran Services Florida

“I wanted to take a minute to give Matthew Parkinson a shout out. My unit and I have been going through a pretty tough time over the past few weeks and Matt has really gone above and beyond to not only help me but my unit. He has offered to help in every possible capacity including doing home visits for my girls. I know he has a crazy busy schedule as I am sure you both do, but to go out of his way to complete home visits after hours meant a lot to me and my unit. He recently assisted in a re-shelter that was very traumatic and he was right there the entire way when I couldn’t be. He has checked in daily with me and my unit and it is very much appreciated.

Matt is a great asset to the agency and he does tremendous work for the 0-5 units. I just wanted you both to know that.”

— Nicole Del Rio, Child Welfare Case Manager Supervisor

I agree 100%, Matt is an amazing Director, hands on, intelligent & competent, compassionate & caring and a true leader in our organization. We are all extremely fortunate to have Matt on our team. I’m so proud of the folks we have doing this important work, nothing but the best of the best.”

— Nadereh Salim, CEO

“Honestly, it is my staff that deserve all the recognition because they do all those things on a day in and day out basis, so me jumping in to help is the least of what I can do. Thank you for the kind words.”

— Matt Parkinson, Kinship Director

“Children’s Network is proud to recognize Ann Anjelic for her superb communication, customer service skills and dedication to the agency and staff.  Ann is the first professional you see when you come to our Altamont office as she is one of our Administrative Assistants who runs our reception desk and ensures the office is always stocked, clean and proper.  Ann is always pleasant, professional and helpful to anyone who comes in contact with her.  She is eager to help anyone, even if it means her own work has to be interrupted.  Ann has been with us for 5 years and we are grateful for her excellent service.  We frequently get compliments about Ann on how helpful and pleasant she is to everyone.”

— Nadereh Salim, CEO 

“Children’s Network is so blessed to have Ann Anjelic, Receptionist at the Altamont office.  Ann runs the front office so well, knows where everything is and where it goes too!  Even if she is in the middle of something, she will drop whatever she is doing to assist others who need help.”

— Michelle Leonard, EA and HR Liaison

Ann is always willing to help with Human Resource duties and does it with a smile!

— Jennifer Rossell, AA and HR Liaison