At UMFS, we are unwavering champions for high-risk children and families, collaborating with communities to help them reach their full potential. Each month, we name an employee as Unwavering Champion of the Month for going above and beyond in upholding our agency’s mission and values.
We’re pleased to announce our Unwavering Champion for February, Mariko Saito, Assistant Director of Clinical Services at the UMFS Child & Family Healing Center (CFHC). Mariko’s been with UMFS for nine years, and during her tenure she’s helped the residential team navigate everything from changes in leadership to implementation of new regulations. Most recently, Mariko’s passion was on full display as she worked tirelessly to help upgrade residential group and family-meeting rooms to modern and sleek spaces that inspire.
Rachelle Butler, Assistant Director of Residential Life at CFHC, praised Mariko for her aspirations of excellence and unwavering support of the children, teens, and families served by UMFS. Mariko works diligently to provide residential staff with tools for success so that the children and teens who reside at UMFS have the best residential experience possible. “She ensures therapists are well trained and that kids and families in our program get the best array of services available,” Rachelle said.
From her thoughtfulness and attention to detail, to the way in which she interacts with families, young people, and staff, it’s evident that Mariko cares deeply about building relationships. “Mariko is truly a clinical mastermind,” Rachelle said. “She is a change agent for our agency, Child and Family Healing Center, and the young people we serve!”