2026 Sarah Duncan Award Nominees Announced

Eight social workers from across Northern California are recognized for their dedication to improving outcomes for children, youth and families.

In celebration of March's National Social Work Month, the Northern Academy annually invites colleagues and community partners across Northern California to nominate an outstanding social worker for the Sarah Duncan Champion for Children and Families Award. The award recognizes professionals whose dedication and compassion make a lasting difference in the lives of children, youth and families.

For those who submitted a nomination, thank you for taking the time to recognize one of your valued colleagues.

This year’s nominees represent counties across Northern California and demonstrate the compassion, persistence and professionalism that define the child welfare workforce.

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 nominees.

And the 2026 nominees are…

• Jennifer Lopez, Yuba County
• Karla McNicholas, Butte County
• Lori Hansen, Nevada County
• Maribel Mendoza, Sacramento County
• Michael Lang Perry, Butte County
• Moana Sessions, Mendocino County
• Ruby DeQuiroz, Nevada County
• Shoua Yang, Yuba County

Jennifer Lopez, Yuba County: Jennifer’s nominating colleague describes her as someone who consistently demonstrates professionalism, confidence and leadership, balancing compassion with accountability while effectively engaging families who may be hesitant or resistant to involvement with child welfare services.

She was recently commended by her county counsel and a judge for how well she testified and articulated her assessment at a recent court hearing, which provided a strong foundation for decision-making.

“Jennifer’s work reflects careful assessment, sound judgment and a deep understanding of policy and practice,” shared her colleague. “She carries herself with professionalism and confidence and serves as a strong role model for her peers.”

Karla McNicholas, Butte County: Karla is commended by her nominating colleague for ensuring families feel heard, valued and meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their lives. Her colleague shared an example of her work with a youth who believed he had no family connections and no one who cared enough to show up for him.

“Through persistent outreach and thoughtful preparation, [Karla] identified extended family members who had lost contact but wanted to maintain familial connection. [She] was able to arrange for several family members to attend the [CFT], some reconnecting for the first time in years.” 

In addition to establishing a plan for ongoing communication and support, the youth left the meeting knowing he was not alone. 

“What had been a story of isolation became one of belonging and hope.”

Lori Hansen, Nevada County: Lori’s nominating colleague cherishes the way she approaches every family with genuine kindness and empathy. Recognizing that behind every referral or court report is a child needing safety and a family navigating an incredibly difficult time, “she listens deeply, validates concerns and ensures those she works with feel heard and respected.”

She is also commended for managing highly demanding caseloads with care, ensuring “administrative responsibilities never overshadow the human side of the work.”

An exceptional team member, Lori is praised for sharing knowledge generously and supporting colleagues with encouragement and respect, exemplifying collaboration, professionalism and compassion.

Maribel Mendoza, Sacramento County: Maribel was nominated for exemplifying exceptional skills in engaging with children, youth and families experiencing overwhelming situations in child welfare. Her nominating colleague noted that youth often open up to her about things they have not shared with anyone else because she creates a space where they feel safe to talk.

As one child welfare division manager stated, “Maribel was able to engage a youth who was struggling in placement to have their needs met. [She] worked with the youth to create a safe space to talk and to work through what the youth wanted and needed. She was able to re-engage a relative and support this youth to a positive transition to the relative while also supporting and ensuring [their specific] needs were met. I can tell by the way Maribel spoke of the experience; she was listening to the youth and was teaming with the youth and family and sharing resources.”

Michael Lang Perry, Butte County: Michael was nominated by his team for “his remarkable ability to connect with children of all ages, building trust through his warmth, authenticity and natural sense of humor.”

Michael’s colleague shared an example capturing his character and dedication. During an adoption hearing for a child he had supported throughout their journey, the child asked Michael if he would wear a funny outfit to court because the entire family planned to wear the same outfit to celebrate the big day. Without hesitation, Michael agreed. Standing beside him on that day was “a beaming child whose joy was unmistakable. That simple yet meaningful gesture demonstrated his willingness to meet children where they are, celebrate their milestones wholeheartedly and ensure they feel supported during life-changing moments.”

Moana Sessions, Mendocino County: Moana’s nominating colleague appreciates her deep commitment to partnering with families to achieve safe and successful reunification.

“She approaches each case with empathy and respect,” her colleague shared, “ensuring families feel heard, supported and empowered. Focusing diligently on connecting parents with resources and services that remove barriers and promote long-term stability, her colleague appreciates how she prioritizes not just compliance but meaningful, sustainable change.”

Described as a steadfast advocate for the children on her caseload, Moana is also a collaborative team member who maintains clear communication with partners and colleagues and regularly steps up to support her team.

Ruby DeQuiroz, Nevada County: Ruby’s nominating colleague describes her as someone who approaches her work with genuine care, empathy and compassion, powered by a tireless commitment to ensuring safety, stability and positive outcomes—even in the most complex and demanding cases.

“She takes the time to truly understand the experiences and challenges of the families she serves,” her colleague noted, “building trust through her authenticity, patience and unwavering advocacy. Her ability to connect with clients while maintaining professionalism and sound judgment makes her an invaluable support to those navigating incredibly difficult circumstances.”

Shoua Yang, Yuba County: Shoua carries a caseload largely comprised of youth participating in extended foster care. Despite the complexity and challenges often associated with these cases, she takes the time to ensure they understand both the process and expectations of the child welfare system, empowering them to actively participate in their case planning.

Her nominating colleague shared an example of how Shoua worked closely with a young adult who had severe mental health and substance use needs, along with limited natural support. Despite ongoing challenges with the case, Shoua “continued engaging the young adult, coordinating services and advocating for appropriate treatment. Ultimately, she was able to secure residential treatment placement. The young adult has now remained in the facility for several months and has worked hard toward stabilization. Shoua’s persistence and steady support played a critical role in that progress.”

And the winner is…

…going to be announced soon!

Stay tuned to our social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn) and our News Blog, where we will announce and feature the 2026 Sarah Duncan Champion for Children and Families Award winners.

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