Honoring Excellence in Child Welfare: 2025 Sarah Duncan Award Recipients Announced
Congratulating this year’s champions: Tiffany Montanez and Norah Sheren!
Presented each spring by the Northern Academy at UC Davis Human Services, the Sarah Duncan Champion for Children and Families Award honors Northern California’s outstanding social workers who reflect Duncan’s passion, skill and tireless commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Now in its fourth year, the award continues to celebrate those making a lasting impact in the field.
This year’s nominees were:
- Jessica Chapman, Yuba County
- Cassandra Davis, Nevada County
- Danielle Maguire, Tuolumne County
- Tiffany Montanez, Mono County
- Teri Polcene, Nevada County
- Adriana Salas Rodriguez, El Dorado County
- Norah Sheren, Sacramento County
We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate a dedicated colleague for this special award. Reading about so many child welfare professionals going above and beyond is both inspiring and energizing.
Two Champions for 2025
For the first time, two recipients have been selected for the annual Sarah Duncan Champion for Children and Families Award. Please join us in congratulating this year’s champions: Tiffany Montanez and Norah Sheren!
Meet the Champions
Tiffany Montanez – Mono County
“When I read Sarah [Duncan]’s story,” a nominating colleague shared, “I was immediately reminded of Tiffany.”
Over the past year, Tiffany handled two challenging cases involving complex family dynamics. In one, she was the only person a suicidal parent would speak to, staying on the phone for hours to support them. In the other, she maintained consistent engagement with parents despite verbal threats directed at her, her family and her agency—always remaining focused on child safety and service continuity.
Tiffany’s ability to look past crises and see potential in families has transformed lives and inspired colleagues.
“Tiffany never gives up on a family,” her colleague shared. “No matter how difficult the situation, she keeps working to engage them and shows them that we are here to support their family’s goals.”
She also volunteers at outreach and prevention events throughout Mono and Inyo Counties and leads quarterly weekend trainings on the Five Protective Factors at Wraparound Parent Cafés.
Norah Sheren – Sacramento County
Norah Sheren received nominations from two separate colleagues—an honor in itself.
One wrote that Norah “spends countless hours tirelessly searching for the right placements for foster youth with some of the most challenging circumstances and backgrounds.” Her gift for instilling hope and joy, even amid adversity, has made her a beacon of support. “Her heart of gold shines through in every phone call, every early morning or late-night effort, and every moment she refuses to give up.”
Another colleague recalled a case involving a youth with multiple mental health disorders. “As the youth navigated the delinquency system,” they shared, “Norah’s expertise and relationships with different partners helped bring a multidisciplinary team together to ensure a safe transition to placement.”
Norah’s ability to build strong partnerships and connect deeply with youth is a testament to her compassion and skill. “She approaches each youth with empathy,” her colleague said, “focusing on their strengths and making sure their voice is heard.”
Please join us in celebrating these extraordinary professionals and their well-earned recognition.
Learn More
To learn more about the Sarah Duncan Award, the social worker it honors and all past and present nominees and winners, please visit our dedicated website.
We'll be sharing additional stories over the coming weeks on the UC Davis Human Services Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Be sure to follow us for more.
Nominations Open Year-Round
Nominations for next year’s award are now being accepted.