Shining Stars
CaringWorks holds a kick-off breakfast with staff and board members each January to recognize exceptional staff members and set goals for the new year. Congratulations to the following team members who were recently recognized at this year’s event as “Shining Stars” for their commitment to the mission of CaringWorks and the nearly 1,000 people the organization helps each year escape homelessness.
Dexter Baker, MS, CACII, MAC
Certified Addiction Counselor

Dexter Baker (left) is presented a Shining Star award by Behavioral Health Clinical Director Nadine Oldham.
How long have you worked at CaringWorks? 4 years
What was your professional background prior to CaringWorks? I was a chef.
What do you enjoy most about your job? Watching my clients transform into new people.
What inspired you to pursue your career path? I am in recovery and I wish to give back to society.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career? Obtaining my Master’s degree.
What motivates you to come to work every day? Being a service to my clients and my dedication to my job.
How do you unwind after a busy/stressful workday? Exercise
What advice would you give to someone looking to join this field or organization? I would advise them to meet the client where they’re at, rather than trying to bring the client to their level.
Jemma Moses
Senior Care Coordinator, RISE DeKalb

Jemma Moses (right) receives the Shining Star award from Residential Services Director Dominic Johnson.
How long have you worked at CaringWorks? 5 years
What’s your professional background prior to CaringWorks? I was a social Worker with Fulton County DFCS.
What do you enjoy most about your job? Assisting clients to reach their goals and improve their lives.
What’s the most challenging part of your role, and how do you approach it? I would say not having resources to assist my clients with meeting their needs. Sometimes it’s basic essentials they need like personal hygiene items, toilet paper or soap to take a shower. This is why it’s so appreciated when members of our community donate these supplies to help those we serve.
What inspired you to pursue your career path? I was adopted and always wanted to be a social worker because it was a social worker who changed my life for the better. I wanted to give back, helping children at first in the foster care system, and now I am happy assisting adults.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career? Being able to be in this industry for over 20 years and still enjoying it.
What motivates you to come to work every day? Being a service to my clients and being able to obtain knowledge every day.
How do you unwind after a busy/stressful workday? Exercise and listening to music.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join this field or organization? I would advise them to be patient, have empathy and respect for all clients.
Is there anything you’d like to add? I want to thank CaringWorks for the all the housing assists that they are providing to homeless individuals. They are making a difference in people’s lives, one person at a time.
Tifini Rahmaad
Quality Assurance Manager

Tifini Rahmaad (right) is presented a Shining Star award by CEO Carol Collard.
How long have you worked at CaringWorks? 4 years
What’s your professional background prior to CaringWorks? Social Worker
What do you enjoy most about your job? My colleagues
What’s the most challenging part of your role, and how do you approach it? Enforcing requirements from funders. I have built a great working rapport with staff and I’m able to train and provide information to help them understand the different mandates and why they are in place.
What inspired you to pursue your career path? I found a talent and I decided to pursue it.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career? Receiving my license in Social Work.
What motivates you to come to work every day? My kids; providing for them and putting a smile on their faces when they are able to get what they want.
How do you unwind after a busy/stressful workday? I talk and play with my kids.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join this field or organization? Ensure you set appropriate professional boundaries to avoid burn out.
In addition to the team members above, several others below were recognized as “Covenant Keepers” for their years of service with CaringWorks. Program Director Karma Russell was recognized for 10 years of service, and Certified Peer Specialist Kemba Cook, Jemma Moses, and Program Manager Marshall Marrotte were recognized for 5 years of service. Also recognized for 5 years of service but not pictured were Chief Programs Officer Stephanie Burkes and Hope House team member Andrew Midds.

CEO Carol Collard with Program Director Karma Russell.

CEO Carol Collard with Certified Peer Specialist Kemba Cook, Jemma Moses, and Program Manager Marshall Marrotte.
February 2025