2020 Award Winners!
The Daetwiler Award - Caitlin Kozicki, LPC, CEAP, CAS
This award is given for distinguished service in the EAP field to a professional chapter member. It is named for Dr. Richard Daetwiler, one of our founding members. The winner is determined by previous Daetwiler Award recipients.
“This long-time member has been a tremendous champion of EAP and the local Colorado EAPA chapter for over a decade. She has served Colorado EAPA in several positions including a transformative term as our President. She has excelled in all of her efforts as an EAP professional, with Peer Assistance Services, and in private practice where she specialized in helping women suffering from postpartum depression. As I understand it, she was even able to make her contributions to EAPA a family affair - introducing her spouse to the chapter as a symbol of “Gen X” for a training on generations in the workplace.
Since joining Jeffco Public Schools EAP, she created a resiliency group for Jeffco teachers for support during the pandemic. Her knowledge and technical skills are critical during these challenging times as the workplace demands virtual trainings and counseling. When under pressure or in a time sensitive situation, she confidently rises above with her calm demeanor, showing little or no stress. She goes above and beyond in helping her clients get the services they need. This member has been encouraging of CEAP candidates, and of young professionals wanting to enter the EAP field. She is an outstanding example of an EAP professional and is very deserving of the Daetwiler award.
Nominated by Bryan, Kathleen, and Deb, and selected by the past Daetwiler Award recipients, Dr. Daetwiler proudly present this year’s Daetwiler award to Caitlin Kozicki. “
Community Service Award - Diane Akins, LPC, CAC-III
For an outstanding member of our community
“This person provided extensive services to the EA community over a long professional career (both at Mines & Associates and at the Department of Defense internal EAP program) and it did not seize when she retired, she continued to offer mental health and wellness trainings in the community through her retirement. The affiliations she has had are too numerous to mention but it's worth noting, that as a breast cancer survivor, she's mentored, inspired and nurtured other survivors through workshops, public speaking and leadership, and free support.
Daryl Gedney, who first nominated Diane Akins would like to share a more personal story - ‘For several years after getting my M.A. in Counseling in 1990, I was stuck. I just could not seem to move forward to continue my journey toward becoming a therapist and I hadn't even started my post-graduate supervised hours toward licensure. In 1997, Diane met with me and motivated me to move ahead with my goals. Shortly after meeting with her, I was able to pull my transcripts and other documentation together, then apply for and be accepted as a volunteer Members Assistance counselor at Labor's Community Agency. I began my hours under supervision at LCA which helped pave the way for me to be hired at Employee Assistance Programs, Inc. in 1998.Ii finished my hours at EAP Inc. and took the exam to be licensed as an LPC in 1999. In 2000 I became a CEAP. In reality, if it weren't for Diane, I might not have continued my professional journey. I've been in private practice now since 2005 and am contracted with about 15 different EAP's. Diane's motivating talks with me all those years ago assisted me to reach my goals and now I continue to provide services to clients under the EAP umbrella.
I think Diane's accomplishments go far, far beyond what I wrote. I used my own personal story not because it's unique, but because it represents the kind of caring, giving, inspiring person Diane is within the EAP world and in the community. She's touched so many peoples' lives. I hope my humble submission does justice enough to her achievements. I was surprised to not find her among the list of awardees, in fact, over the years but happy too that I might be the one to shed light on what she has brought to the EAP community as well as the broader community. ‘“
Treatment Provider Award - Diane Sanders
For an outstanding provider of treatment services
In working for several agencies over the years, this person has been a great contributor to EA professionals, helping to place people in treatment. Currently in her work, she is welcoming to anyone calling her and helping to place people in the right place for care. She has been a member of EAPA for many years and has garnered the respect of many in the field for her broad knowledge and willingness to help with complicated patient cases.
Her expertise as a resource in the field of addictions, her support to EAPA, psychotherapists, and clients. She is forward thinking and always trying to improve treatment programs and approaches. She has provided education and training to the community in many relative resources. She is a connector, inclusive, and friendly to all.
I personally can attest after working more closely with her for the past couple of months, that this person does indeed have grand ideas, and they are ideas that she manages to see fully through, despite the mountain of responsibility on her plate.
It’s an honor to present this award to Diane Sanders with Acadia.