The Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies awarded the 2017 Family Champion Award to Robert MacAlpine (Trustee) and Maureen Sand (Therapist/Intake Therapist, a member of our Extended Day Treatment team). The Family Champion Awards are presented annually by the Council to one board member and one staff member from each member agency in recognition of those who go above and beyond to serve families in CT.

Robert MacAlpine was selected for his impressive dedication and commitment to Klingberg Family Centers through his role on the Board of Trustees for nine three-year terms over the last thirty years. During that time he has held multiple leadership roles, including Board Chair and Chair of the Board Management Committee and Executive Committee. He has also served on the Business Affairs Committee, the Advocacy Committee, the Development Committee, and search committees. Robert’s attendance and participation at Board-related meetings during that long tenure has been stellar. He has also participated in innumerable agency events, including volunteering at our Vintage Motor Car Festival consistently since its inception 25 years ago. Of particular note, Robert has brought in significantly more Trustees than any other Board member. His insights, wisdom, intelligence, vast experience, and disarming humor have been a wonderful asset to his colleagues on the Board, to the staff of the organization, and most importantly, to those we serve.

Maureen “Mo” Sand is an avid learner who is empathic, caring, and reliable. She consistently goes above and beyond to join with families and keep them engaged in treatment, allowing for positive outcomes. For example, on numerous occasions Mo has provided in-home family therapy when special challenges have prevented families from coming to the facility. Mo has also assumed responsibility to plan and facilitate the program’s multi-family groups. Mo, a former Klingberg Employee of the Month awardee, is noted for her exemplary teamwork, always volunteering her time, skills, and resources graciously. Mo recently accepted the additional function of conducting intakes for the program, collaborating positively with families, schools, and community providers. Maureen’s skills as a therapist, coupled with her true compassion and caring, have resulted in positive outcomes for the many children and families she has served.

We are honored to have such exemplary staff and trustees and grateful for the opportunity to highlight Robert MacAlpine and Maureen Sand at the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies’ Celebration of Family Champions.