Facilitator of the Year 2014 - Teen Success, Inc.

Sarah Villa and Tara Riddle Killian

Earlier this month, Teen Success, Inc. held its 2nd annual Stakeholders Conference, bringing together all of our partners to network, learn and share best practices and challenges.
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This year, Teen Success, Inc. awarded the first ever Facilitator of the Year awards to two very special people, Sarah Villa from Fresno Barrios Unidos and Tara Riddle Killian from Brighter Beginnings. ​

Sarah Villa was nominated by Fresno Barrios Unidos'  executive director, Socorro Santillan who said, "Sarah serves the young women with her heart. Facilitating is not a job for Sarah, but an honor. No matter how stressed or overworked Sarah is, the young women only get the best of her. These young women know they can count on Sarah. They trust her, even when they don’t trust anyone else. Sarah’s goal is to change lives. She appreciates and values the opportunity to be part of these young women’s lives. I admire Sarah for how she gives herself to these young women. This kind of passion and love for what she does can’t be faked. Sarah always says she is thankful to God for having a job she loves. She doesn’t realize that I thank God [too] for having Sarah on our team."

Tara Riddle Killian was nominated by her colleague and co-facilitator of the Richmond Teen Success group, Candy Anderson. Candy said, "Tara is Teen Success, Inc. She makes the young ladies engage in a way only she can and has come to enlighten their future plans. Tara is that bright and shining star at night that shines in every group. Tara draws their attention to not only their everyday life but showing what their future picture looks like. Tara is the moment that raises an eye brow so that each individual can see what is beyond the hills into their adult life. Tara is always looking for ways to empower the group so that we all can see the picture that is drawn. Tara makes each member feel much supported, knowledgeable, strong, caring, loving, empowered, and personable. Tara always brings a loving touch to each group and group member. Tara is compassionate, kind, hard-working, and she always cares about the members and encourages them to face their challenges and plug into their power."

Congratulations to Sarah and Tara! You embody the spectrum of opportunities and empowerment Teen Success, Inc. creates for our members.