More Than Case Management: The People Making A Difference

In honor of National Case Management Week (October 11–17, 2026), Grafton is recognizing the incredible individuals who work behind the scenes and on the front lines to ensure the people we serve receive the care, resources, and support they need to thrive.

Case Managers play an essential role in connecting individuals, families, staff, and community partners. They are advocates, problem-solvers, collaborators, and often a steady source of support through a person’s challenges and milestones. Their work requires compassion, flexibility, dedication, and a genuine commitment to making a difference.

This week, we’re sharing words of appreciation from across Grafton to celebrate the people who make it all happen!

Winchester Region

“It is very hard to put into words what the Winchester Case Management Team means to the individuals they care for every day.

Our Case Managers have been known to go above and beyond the scope of their job duties. Not only do they advocate for the children they serve, but they also do the same for the families and agencies they have the pleasure of working with.

Day to day, you will always see them helping in the classrooms, group homes, various activities, and field trips. They have a genuine approach to service.

When they say it takes a village, there is no doubt the Winchester Case Management Team is a vital part of that village.”

– Sam Butler, Case Management Administrator

Berryville Region

“Shout-out to our amazing case managers! Not all heroes wear capes. Some carry caseloads!

Your hard work, reliability, and genuine care for your clients don’t go unnoticed. You support each other, pitch in when it’s needed, and truly work as a team.

Thank you for always showing up for the children we serve, their families, and our stakeholders.”

– Denise Clark, Case Management Supervisor

Richmond Region

“During Case Manager Appreciation Week, we are proud to recognize our exceptional Richmond Region Case Management Team: Adult Services Case Managers Kevin Hill and Atrice Williams; Children’s Services Case Managers Ronnika Davis, Sabrina Ford, and Jasmine Minter; and Case Manager Supervisor Delvon Turner.

Collectively, this team brings approximately 70 years of experience in the social services field and more than 30 combined years with Grafton in various roles.

Their diverse backgrounds span Child and Adult Protective Services, foster care, Juvenile Probation, residential treatment, group homes, education, vocational services, behavioral services, quality assurance, program leadership, and more. Their varied educational backgrounds include degrees in Social Work, Psychology, Business, Health Care Administration, English, and Social Science. Their combined education and experience give them a well-rounded understanding of the individuals, families, and systems they serve.

What truly sets this team apart is their willingness to go above and beyond. They advocate, problem-solve, coordinate, encourage, and jump in wherever they are needed.

Whether it’s accompanying someone to an appointment, connecting an individual with resources, celebrating a small victory, or grabbing an Ukeru pad and helping staff work through a behavioral challenge, they show up!

They understand that Case Management is about much more than documentation and meetings—it’s about being a voice for the people they serve and helping create opportunities for growth, independence, and success.

Most importantly, they care about people. They take pride in advocating for the individuals they serve, celebrating their progress, building meaningful relationships, and being part of the moments—big and small—that make a difference.

Thank you, Richmond Region Case Management Team, for your dedication, teamwork, laughs (many laughs), flexibility, and willingness to always go the extra mile. You don’t just manage cases—you make a difference!”

– Delvon Turner, Case Management Supervisor

Minnesota Region

“Cassie Rodriguz joined the Grafton Cold Spring family just over a year ago and has become a valued member of our team. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree, is a Licensed Social Worker, and is currently completing supervision toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her education, experience, and dedication make her well suited to the Case Manager role and to supporting the unique needs of the children we serve.

Cassie is a strong and compassionate advocate for our clients. She meets with them regularly, takes time to answer their questions, and helps ensure their needs and concerns are heard. She also collaborates closely with families and outside agencies to support treatment and discharge planning.

From pre-enrollment and admission through North Star meetings and monthly multidisciplinary team meetings, Cassie provides consistent support and coordination. She helps ensure that client and family goals are represented and that services needed for discharge are identified and documented. Her attention to these details supports continuity of care and thoughtful planning for each child’s next steps.

One of Cassie’s greatest strengths is her communication. She provides weekly updates to families and takes her role as a central point of contact seriously, keeping internal and external team members informed and involved. Her collaborative approach helps build trust with families and strengthens teamwork across those supporting each client.

Cassie’s compassion, professionalism, and commitment reflect Grafton’s core values and mission. We appreciate the care she brings to her work and the meaningful contributions she makes each day. She is an asset to our Cold Spring team, and we are grateful to have her as part of the Grafton family.”

– Dave Alley, Executive Director

Admissions 

“These three individuals do more than manage referrals; they navigate people through some of the most challenging and sensitive moments of their lives.

They meet every parent, agency, and individual with a profound sense of care and unwavering respect. Their commitment goes far beyond duty; they demonstrate a deep, personal investment in ensuring that individuals and their families receive the compassionate support they deserve during their most vulnerable times.

Their work is relentless. It demands constant availability, razor-sharp attention to detail, sound judgment under pressure, and a commitment to accountability that sets the highest standard for all of us.

We are deeply grateful for their journeys with us:

Donnie Lemon, with 28 years of steadfast dedication.

Ingrid Ramos, with 7 years of committed service.

Tiffany Washington, who has made a significant difference in just 2 years.

While their years here differ, what unites them is a powerful, shared commitment to excellence and immense pride in the vital work they do for Grafton.

Admissions Case Management is foundational to everything we achieve here, yet it often operates quietly. It is this quiet, diligent work—managing complex documents, securing authorizations, ensuring compliance, and meeting the deeply personal needs of every family—that allows Grafton to thrive.

Donnie, Ingrid, and Tiffany, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for showing up, day after day, and for doing the exhausting, meaningful work that truly makes the difference.

Your dedication is seen, it is valued, and it inspires us all.”

– Megan Johnson, Director, Revenue Cycle Management

To all of Grafton’s case managers: thank you for the countless ways you make a difference every day. Your advocacy, compassion, and commitment help create meaningful opportunities for the people we serve, and we are grateful to have you as part of Team Grafton.