The Touching Lives Award recognizes non-management staff that provide front line services to a Frederick County nonprofit’s clientele, or that provide administrative support that sustains the operations of the organization, and does not manage any staff members (employees). These nominees have demonstrated outstanding involvement and commitment to touching the lives of others.
Brad Barber
Hood College
Brad has been the head coach for the Men’s Lacrosse Team since 2013. By teaching values such as hard work, focus, teamwork, resilience, and goal setting, the lacrosse teams are instilling crucial life skills that extend far beyond the confines of the playing field. One of Hood College’s core values, “obligation”, is demonstrated through Brad’s leadership and the team’s exceptional dedication and leadership in support of the Hurwitz Foundation Pink Ribbon 5K. By bringing the race to campus and involving hundreds of runners, the lacrosse teams have significantly contributed to raising a substantial amount, supporting the Fund’s mission of providing innovative options in early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Brad counts as one of his greatest accomplishments being able to serve the community where he grew up, and not only nourish great athletes but also great men who will continue to be productive, service-oriented young adults. Involvement in the Local Community Lacrosse Clinics is another example of making a positive impact, showcasing not only prowess in lacrosse but also dedication to nurturing the personal and character development of the next generation. The teams exemplify a profound engagement with the community, earning recognition for his exceptional contribution beyond the workplace.
“Brad has created an environment where his players have become true ambassadors of compassion, dedication, collaboration, and leadership. His contribution extends far beyond lacrosse skills, instilling essential life values in aspiring youth. As the athletic director, I wholeheartedly support and applaud his nomination, acknowledging Brad and the men’s lacrosse team as exemplars of the positive change we strive to create within our community.” -Sue Kolb, Colleague
Erin Crockett
Community Living
Erin works with Community Living, Inc. (CLI) in the support services department where she supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live alone in their own apartments, with roommates or with their families. CLI manages 26 homes in Frederick. In addition to residential services, CLI now provides in-home, vocational, and day program support, helping about 160 people in Frederick. While Erin has only been with CLI for a short time, she is described as having quickly learned the wants and needs of the people she supports and works hard to make sure their preferences are being met.
Erin provides with them, and not just form them, which is critical to empowering people to live their best lives. As she empowers people, she encourages growth and pride in their daily achievements, and provides the support needed to overcome daily struggles as they come up. Erin has a heart of gold and is particularly compassionate, providing extra TLC when someone is sick or injured. She has been a great asset and addition to the Community Living support services team. Her greatest accomplishment thus far is developing relationships with all of her clients. It takes some time to build trust and rapport. She is truly humbled and blessed to be a part of their community.
“Erin has exemplified the qualities Community Living looks for in employees and truly embraces the values of inclusion and empowerment for people with disabilities, which are at the heart of everything we do.” Michael Planz, Executive Director
Visit Community Living’s website
Karen Kalantzis
Maryland Women’s Business Center
Karen has served as the Senior Business Consultant for the Frederick office for three years, exemplifying MWBC’s mission of empowering small businesses and women entrepreneurs to launch and grow through her multifaceted involvement in community initiatives and programs. As a graduate of Leadership Frederick, Karen utilized this platform to develop the Creative Capital Microgrant (CCM) program, leveraging resources and partnerships to bring this initiative to fruition which provides financial microgrants to qualified businesses in creative industries to accelerate short-term returns on investment and foster ongoing growth.
Karen describes being part of the She Pitch competition as among her favorite accomplishments, helping to get the competition off the ground, and being a part of witnessing the women’s hard work and journey. Karen demonstrates her dedication to supporting female entrepreneurs at various stages of business development, contributing not only to programmatic operations, but also valuable technical assistance to participants, embodying traits of compassion, dedication, and collaboration. Fostering community cohesion through networking events, creating spaces for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and thrive, underscores her commitment to building a supportive ecosystem where peers can learn from and inspire one another.
“Karen’s unwavering commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs reflects her dedication to advancing MWBC’s mission. With compassion, dedication, and innovative leadership, she not only transforms the lives of her clients but also inspires her peers and uplifts the entire community. Karen’s impact extends far beyond her professional role, touching hearts and making a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves. She is a true beacon of hope and inspiration, deserving of this esteemed recognition.” -Danette Nguyen, Executive Director
Jasmine Reynolds
Girls on the Run of Mid & Western Maryland
Jasmine is in her sixth year as the Program and 5K Event Director, previously having worked as a volunteer coach at Girls On The Run. Her main draw to Girls on the Run and the work they do is ironically that they are more than just a running program. Girls on the Run is about inspiring girls with life skills she will take with her beyond practice and beyond the program such as positive self talk, how to recognize and manage tough emotions, how to ask and give help, etc. She describes her passion as fueling a world where every girl knows and activates her confidence and resilience no matter what life throws at her. On a day to day this means focusing on the sustainability and growth of the program by recruiting and supporting volunteer coaches who are the heart of the program as well as making connections with the school system to ensure safe and accessible programming for all girls and families.
Jasmine says her greatest accomplishment at Girls on the Run was their expansion into western Maryland. To be able to provide after school programming where it’s often limited, feels like she’s living up to her value of ensuring GOTR is truly accessible for all. And of course the smiles and memories created on 5K day- there’s just magic in the air that always makes pushing through all the behind the scenes work feel so rewarding. They have a saying at GOTR and it’s “The finish line is just the beginning.”, and you really see that come to life as girls cross the finish line and realize they are capable of big things!
“Jasmine embodies the values of Girls on the Run, where dedication, passion, and empowerment converge to uplift and inspire our next generation of leaders. Her unwavering commitment to our mission, coupled with her community leadership and tireless efforts, make her an invaluable asset to Frederick County and an outstanding example of what it means to empower girls and transform communities.” -Rae Gallagher, Executive Director
Visit Girls on the Run’s website