UC Davis Human Services Celebrates Outstanding Instructors
Returning to celebrate in-person after four years, UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education happily hosted the biennial Outstanding Service Award reception for CPE instructors on Thursday, Sept. 8. CPE Dean Susan Catron presided over a reception that was well attended by instructors, staff, friends and family who were happy to celebrate the achievements of the past four years.
Due to the cancellation of in-person events in 2020, instructors who received this award two years ago were invited as well. Among the twenty-six award winning instructors recognized at the ceremony, five are instructors for Human Services: Margie Albers, Natalie Newson, Dionne Puckett, Carl Rabun, and Ray Weaver.
Newly appointed Director of Human Services Alison Book presented the awards to the five instructors who teach for both the Northern Academy and Custom Training and Services (CTS).
“It’s difficult to understand the reach and impact these instructors have had in the lives of children and families in California,” Book said. “Their commitment to providing the highest level of training and student engagement despite all the challenges of the past two years speaks volumes. We are so grateful for the dedication, expertise and hard work.”
Outstanding Service Award Recipients
Known as an “SOP Pioneer,” Margie Albers played a crucial role in the implementation of Safety Organized Practices (SOP) in California. In addition to championing SOP, Albers has served as a mentor for new instructors and as a crucial partner with counties.
Natalie Newson, who has been dedicated to reducing barriers to self-sufficiency for the past thirty years, was recognized for her ability to go above and beyond when CTS faced a crisis with its Welfare to Work trainings. In 2021, the primary Welfare to Work instructor left UC Davis and Newson jumped in to train 25 courses using her experience as a director for Welfare to Work to surpass the highest standards and intent set by the previous instructor.
A dedicated and passionate trainer, curriculum developer, coach and facilitator, Dionne Puckett was recognized for her ability to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for students. A leader in anti-racist practice, cultural humility, and implicit bias training programs, Puckett is committed to improving the lives of children and families in California.
Long-time CTS Instructor Carl Rabun is frequently requested by counties due to his engaging, learner-focused style of instruction and his subject matter expertise based in over a decade of experience in government/human service agencies. Rabun has played an instrumental role in planning and presenting the national Tribal TANF Conference.
Ray Weaver is an expert in organizational development and strategic planning who has collaborated with over 50 agencies. He has been a vital ally in the development and strengthening of county and agency partnerships. Weaver is an outstanding instructor who has played a crucial role in the development and delivery of leadership programs in Human Services.
Human Services is deeply grateful to these instructors for their passion, expertise and dedication to delivering life-changing trainings to human services professionals across California.