Mary Baker has worked as a Women’s Intervention Specialist for Operation PAR for the past ten years.  Baker works primarily with expectant mothers who have a history of substance abuse.  She has gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist in finding emergency shelter and detoxification services for expectant mothers.  Her goal is to show the women she assesses that there are other options than substance abuse and that there are people who care enough to help them be a better parent to their children.

Rafael Ramirez, Computer Technology Instructor, has worked for Watson Center for the Blind for eight years.  Ramirez was instrumental in developing the computer classroom at the Watson Center and instructs children as well as adults in computer skills and adaptive software.  His communication skills, patience, and empathy are assets that help him get through to his students.  He gives vision-impaired children the start that they need and provides an example of the success they can achieve.